The Leadership Tri-State program recently honored 22 graduating members in the Class of 2009 in a ceremony held at Bellefonte Country Club.

“We are so proud of these graduates. Each participant demonstrated leadership abilities and dedication to the progress of our river cities communities,” said Kevin Wall, LTS chairman.

“Every person who lives in our multi-state area has a stake in developing the region, solving its problems, and making it a good place to live, work and raise a family. For those things to happen, leadership is essential. These folks definitely hold those attributes.”

The class members were:

Tim Bailey

Neuro Physical Therapist

Cabell Huntington Hospital

Huntington, WV 25701

Lisa Bell

Families and Health Program Assistant

WVU Extension Service

Wayne, WV 25570

Sarah Diamond Burroway

Director, Grants and Contracts

Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC)

Ashland, KY 41101

Ron Canfield

Distribution Projects Coordinator

Kentucky Power Co.

Ashland, KY 41102

Miki Crawford

Associate Professor

Ohio University-Southern

Ironton, OH 45638

Catherine Nicole Davis

Systems & Process Analyst

King’s Daughters Medical Center

Ashland, KY 41101

Craig Dunker

Vice President, Physician Services

Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital

Bellefonte Physician Services, Inc.

Ashland, KY 41105-0789

Geoff Griffith

Senior Manager

Kelley, Galloway & Company, PSC

Ashland, KY 41105-0990

Ashley Layman

Purchasing Agent

Ashland Fabricating

Ashland, KY 41101

Heather Marrs

Director of Finance

Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area, Inc.

Huntington, WV 25701

D. J. Martin

Supervisor

Bellefonte Country Club

Ashland, KY 41101

Kimberly McClanahan

Executive Director/CEO

Pathways, Inc.

Ashland, KY 41105-0790

Kelli Mease

Emergency Services Coordinator

American Red Cross

Huntington, WV 25701

Sara Mullen

Director of Development

Marshall University

Huntington, WV 25755

Hannah Murrell

Geologist

Natural Resource Partners

Huntington, WV 25705-3247

Amy Jo Poteet

Professor & Division Chair of Humanities

Ashland Community & Technical College

Ashland, KY 41101

Sara Ramezani

Reference & Extension Librarian

Cabell County Public Library

Huntington, WV 25701

Lisa Sparks Galloway

Account Representative

The Gallaher Group

Ashland, KY 41105-0910

John Spears

Account, CPA

Smith, Goolsby, Artis & Reams

Ashland, KY 41105-0551

Bill Willan

Dean

Ohio University-Southern

Ironton, OH 45638

Nick Williams

Sales & Marketing Associate

Spriggs Distributing

Ironton, OH 45638

Debra Wright

Public Relations & Community Outreach Coordinator

Safe Harbor of Northeast KY, Inc

Ashland, KY 41102

Leadership Tri-State consists of eight monthly sessions from April through November. The format is similar to those of leadership programs that have been successful in states and communities across the nation.

Each session is organized around a theme and is explored through speakers, discussions, field trips and other activities.

Holding sessions at different locations throughout the Tri-State is a key component of the program.

Men and women who have leadership potential and a record of community involvement through their work, civic or volunteer activities are encouraged to apply.

LTS does not discriminate on the basis of gender, disability, age, race, national origin, religion, veteran status or sexual orientation.

It encourages applications from members of all of the diverse communities that are part of the Tri-State.

“Those who fill our Tri-State’s leadership positions — in government, education, business and industry, the arts, and in the non-profit sector — must understand what leadership requires and the responsibilities it entails,” explained Wall.

“They must have the ability to find and foster ties that will inspire change and growth. Leadership Tri-State is dedicated to the development of such leaders for our community.”

By the end of the LTS class experience, graduates often develop a network of relationships with a cross-section of leaders from throughout the region.

They will have deeper insights and a broader knowledge of the issues facing our multi-state region.

Through their experiences, they will bring fresh and informed perspectives to local communities. Most importantly, they will be ready to participate in a unified effort to shape our region’s future, Wall said.

LTS is currently accepting applications for Class of 2010.

The LTS Class of 2010 will begin sessions in April of this year. To receive an application or for more information, please contact Sharon Walker, Leadership Tri-State Executive Director, at 606-324-1787, or by e-mail at lsts_rcchc@windstream.net.

“Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to grow as a professional, meet leaders from across the tri-state and learn more about our region,” Walker said.