What is Leadership Harnett?

Harnett County is experiencing many changes and considerable growth. It is vital for our leadership to be progressive in meeting the challenges that face our county today and in the future. The Chambers and other leaders in Harnett County formed a partnership to enhance the leadership of our county. It is the determination of the group that what affects one part of the county effects us all. Thus, Leadership Harnett was formed.

• Learn more about Harnett County
• Meet exciting people
• Gain insight
• Tour and Learn about major Industries in our county
• Gain valuable Resources
• Meet and Talk with Community Leaders
• Learn Fascinating Facts about Harnett County
• Network
• Develop Leadership Skills
• Join a Truly Elite Group
• And It’s Fun!

You’re Invited to Experience Leadership Harnett for yourself!

The goal of Leadership Harnett is to identify potential community leaders and to provide them with the information and encouragement needed to spur action and involvement. Leadership Harnett graduates are challenged to apply their talents throughout the community by becoming an active part of a Chamber, other professional associations, civic clubs, public boards and service organizations.

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What Format Does Leadership Harnett Use?

Leadership Harnett is a seven-month program consisting of seven one-day sessions and a special graduation recognition ceremony. Special speakers will be featured throughout the program. The first session will consist of an orientation and a special team building exercise. Participants absent for more than one of the monthly sessions will be dropped from the program.

Community leaders will offer information and thoughtful analysis of:

• business and economic development
• education
• government and the judicial system
• quality of life
• leadership development
• human needs and health care

Sessions will be designed to stimulate interest and awareness. They will also include related tours of businesses and facilities as well as in-depth development of current issues pertinent to the day's topic. Participants will study the qualities that make a leader, analyze their individual leadership roles and develop their leadership styles and skills. The achievement of these goals is the first step toward the larger goal of encouraging individual involvement in leadership roles within our community.

What Criteria Is Used?

A committee will select a limited number of participants from various sectors of the community. They will represent business, the professions, government and nonprofit organizations that are in the county. Basic criteria for selection of participants will include demonstrated leadership ability; community interest and present involvement; personal accomplishments and recommendations; in addition, the ability and willingness to assume expanded community responsibility. Sessions will be held the fourth Wednesday of each month.

2009 Graduating Class

A dinner and graduation ceremony was held on Monday, October 26th in honor of the 2009 Leadership Harnett graduates. The dinner began at 6:30 p.m. in the Commons Area of the Harnett County Governmental Complex located in Lillington. The graduation was catered by Campbell University. A slide show, presented by Nikkie Rice and Beth Blinson, depicted the past seven months exploring the many avenues of Harnett County. Entertainment was provided by vocalists Rodney Tart and Ashley Wickham. Angie Stewart, gave the class response during the graduation ceremony.

For seven months, participants of the Leadership Harnett program have toured industries, county attractions and government agencies. They have gained knowledge about our county, its needs and the services available. They have developed valuable teambuilding experience, leadership skills and networked with people from all over the county.
Christine Clinton, Chairman of Leadership Harnett 2009 officially turned the leadership of the program over to the 2010 Chairman Jennifer Slusser. She and the other new officers and directors of the program will immediately begin plans for the 2010 program.

Back Row:  Edward Johnson, Jimmy Cook, Bryan Thompson, Scott Daniel, Randy Baker, Billy Addison, Scott Sauer
Front Row:  Susan Chriscoe, Andrew Ruhland, Phyllis Gould, Shanon Moore, Angie Stewart, Samantha Ficzko, Lauren B. Strickland
Not Pictured:  Johanna Barker, Tommy Burns II, Cindy Finch, Bobby Hallman, Jenny Harrop, Susan Villnave