Board administers training of potential community leaders
By Jill Adair | Digital Free Press
The Mesa Leadership Training & Development Program is announcing new leadership within its board of directors to lead the organization in its mission to educate and train potential leaders who are seeking the opportunity to serve in the community and who need exposure to information, organizations and leaders to make that service possible.
Phaedra Earhart, a graduate of Mesa Leadership 2022, will serve as the 2024-25 board chair, succeeding Sandy Dyk. Alison Stoltman will serve as chair elect.
The 10-month program begins with its first monthly class on Friday, Aug. 2. The program also includes a variety of activities, including tours, leader shadowing, ride-alongs, and a class project benefitting a local nonprofit organization. Graduation will be held May 2, 2025.
“Being part of the Mesa Leadership Training and Development program is one of the better decisions I’ve made in my adult life,” Earhart said. “And we are excited to announce the beginning of our 43rd class, Class of 2025! From learning key leadership principles, to behind-the-scenes tours, to connecting with key city figures, those accepted into the class leave the 10-month program with a greater understanding and appreciation for all that the city of Mesa has to offer. As Mayor Giles likes to say, ‘It’s Always Cool in Mesa!’”
The Mesa Leadership Training & Development Program was inaugurated in 1981 and since that time more than 900 alumni have graduated from the Mesa Leadership Training & Development Program. Many of them have pursued public office, served on nonprofit boards or city commissions, and/or donated their time and energies in a variety of ways to benefit the city of Mesa and its residents.
Mesa Leadership Training & Development Program is a 501(c)3 sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and is part of the Mesa Chamber Business in Education Foundation. The program is administered by volunteers who serve as board members.
Serving on the Mesa Leadership Development Program Board of Directors are the following officers:
- Chair: Phaedra Earhart
- Secretary: Jill Adair
- Treasurer: Kim Pickard
- Past Chair: Sandy Dyk
- Alumni/Community Events: Melissa Nelson
- Program Advancement Chair: Michael Campbell
- Tours Chair: Andrea Williams
- Recruitment Co-Chair: Denise Siemen
- Recruitment Co-Chair: Holly Moseley
- Technology Chair: Cheryl Calen
- Communication Chair: Les Kauffman
- Co-Curriculum Chair: Connie Bunyard
- Incoming Chair/Co-Curriculum Chair: Alison Stoltman
- Program Director/Co-Curriculum: Terrie Gardner
- The following are part of the board’s general committee:
- Committee Member: Angela Clark
- Committee Member: Myra O’Ferrall
Mesa Leadership does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age religion or religious creed, disability, sex or gender, according to program directors.
For more information, visit mesaleadership.org
