Leadership Putnam 2021

On April 1st, the Chamber graduated its 26th Leadership Putnam Class. This year there were 18 graduates from all areas of the community with very different backgrounds, ideas and passions that went through the program.

It is always an interesting process, to watch the participants learn about their community, themselves as individuals and as leaders. This year’s class is no different. Many of their concerns and ideas relate to their age, what season of life they are in, their economic background and what is currently happening in society. This was an active and lively group full of informative and passionate individuals. They have all emerged as strong leaders and the entire group has become a family of their own.

This is the fourth Leadership Class that has been through the Clifton Strengths 34 Strong Assessment. This individualized process helps to discover natural strengths in their leadership abilities and builds on their strongest, most relevant strengths. It has been amazing to see some of the ‘ah-ha’ moments when they discover the reasoning behind why they do the things they do, or think the way they think.

Due to COVID-19, the traditional Leadership Putnam schedule was altered to accommodate social distancing requirements. Many host member businesses and some traditional programming had to be scrapped altogether. Regardless of any changes in the schedule, the participants still received comprehensive coursework that educated and informed about our community. We are very thankful to everyone that helped us maintain a semblance of normalcy for the leadership program this year.

To date, the Chamber has graduated 569 Leadership Putnam participants and will begin searching for 2022 Leadership Putnam participants this fall!

Our leadership group has tweaked the fine art of combining hard work with fun and laughter. As senior member of our group, I have often thought of this quote by one of my favorite children’s book authors, A.A. Milne…”Tis the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense and have her nonsense respected.” My heart is full of gratitude to have these new friends that have become my family. - Pam Atkinson, Retired Educator

This class has helped me become a stronger leader in my professional life, as well as personal. It has helped me establish trust and communicate with different members of my community. I LOVED this experience! - Maria Baltazar,

Lender, Farmers & Merchants Bank

Leadership 2021 began as a group of people that quickly gelled as a TEAM. As the class comes to an end, the result is a network of friendships that will last a lifetime. -Heidi King,

Realtor, Wallace & King

I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had in Leadership Putnam. I really enjoyed meeting new friends and learning more about our great community. - Libby

Copelan, Orthodontic Assistant, Sanchez & Craig Orthodontics

Leadership has taught me more about myself than I thought it would. I have accepted and acknowledge all of the personalities that I was not aware of that plays a huge factor in my everyday life. - Reeshemah Ellison,

Accounts Payable, City of Eatonton

Being new to the area, I was not familiar with Eatonton-Putnam County before Leadership. I now know firsthand the quality of life, and even more so, the quality of the people here. Simply put, it’s been an honor.

- Dave Zimmerman, Attorney, J.V. Dell, P.C. Attorneys at Law

I have learned a lot of things and met some really special people. I am so thankful to be a part of something so valuable and I’m hoping that this was only the beginning! - Kanesha Lowe, Parapro, Putnam County BOE

I love my hometown and I love the people even more! I absolutely enjoyed everyone in my leadership class: so much talent and so many ideas! I am excited about Putnam’s possibilities! - Tracy Stickley, Director of

Development, Gatewood Schools

This leadership class has been nothing short of amazing. To be able to learn from and grow with such a great group of people, is everything that I ever imagined this class would be. - DJ Waller, Tourism

Coordinator, City of Covington

I knew I would have the best understanding of our community and its culture if I went through the Leadership Program offered by the Chamber. It has far exceeded my expectations and I have happily connected with a fantastic group of leaders who, without a doubt, I will continue to work with for years to come. - Lisa Tubbs, Executive

Director, Putnam General Hospital

Leadership Putnam is about building relationships and a devotion for love of community. It is getting to know people and their stories...its loving people for who they are, complementing each other’s strengths, and being better because we are together... ...and it is knowing that everything in this community is somehow related to Pearidge Road. - Christina Hinz, CTAE Director,

Putnam County BOE

Leadership Putnam is a great introduction to how our county operates and provided a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends. - Melissa Swindell, Executive

Director, Georgia Writers Museum

If we want to move forward successfully as a community we have to set goals and work to reach those goals. We cannot set back and wait on someone else to take us there.

- Tommy McClain, Fire Chief, Putnam County

Putnam Leadership 2021 was nothing short of amazing. I learned valuable knowledge on what makes me a leader in my community and how to continue to develop my strengths. I can truly say I’ve gained lasting connections with some amazing individuals! - Shazett

Bullard, Chief Deputy Clerk, Putnam County Clerk’s Office

I am honored to have been a part of the 2021 Putnam Leadership Class. As a result of this class I better understand my personal leadership style and abilities. I’ve been able to identify my personal strengths and weaknesses as a leader and prioritize best strategies for becoming a better leader and advocate for my community.

- Christel Nelson, Headstart Program Director, Putnam County BOE

As I look back on my experience with the Leadership Putnam a few things stand out that have made a great impact on me. First and foremost is the preparation and qualifications of the chamber team and the presenters that were put before us. It was not only very informative about the community but the professional development that I gained out of this was very beneficial and something that I could take into my everyday activities. Another take away is the professional and personal relationships that were built with not only the team but with Maggie and Mike as well. I feel that these working relationships have rounded me out and will help grow the community as well as future leadership classes. Thanks for creating an experience that has truly made an impact on me! - John Wojtas, President, Paxis Group

Let us appreciate family and friends, because our time together is very short.

- Lisa Wooten, CSR, FMB

Leaders create more leaders.

- Brad Murphey, EMS Director, Putnam County

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