1st row (left to right): Morgan Hoffman, Carol Hunt, Gabrielle Lanich, Chelsea Peyman, Melissa Stein, Barbara O’Rourke, Daniel Calkins, Jaden Ohlson, Lauren Becht
2nd row: Gail Tenney, Roger Caldwell, Jessica Patnode, Staci Williams, Jacob Cone, Sarah Jarkiewicz, John Jondle, Melissa Kasmarek, Kaitlyn Krna, Josh Dykstra, Doug Curella Jr., Kathy Riggs-Allen
3rd row: Josh Graham, Terry Thompson, Levi Olsen, Laurie Watson, Kyle Sentiff
Press Release:
Leadership Genesee (LG) presented awards honoring the 26 members of the Class of 2023 at the Annual Graduation Celebration at Terry Hills on Nov. 30.
Class members from the private sector include Alleghany Farm Services, Genesee Patrons Cooperative Insurance Co., Hunt Real Estate ERA, Lizzie’s Ice Cream Camper, RRH United Memorial Hospital, Liberty Pumps, Porter Farms, Tompkins Financial, Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, Freed, Maxick CPAs, P.C., Tonawanda Valley Federal Union and UConnectCare (GCASA).
Also included from the public sector were members from Batavia Housing Authority, Byron Bergen Central School, City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Department of Social Services, Health Department, and Office for the Aging, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee Community College, Mercy Flight/ Mercy EMS, and NYS Unified Court
System.Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone said at graduation, “As a group, you have shared so much quiet courage for what life throws your way, it’s the kind of courage that’s inspiring to everyone you meet, whether they know about it or not. It’s the way you hold yourselves and show the world the grit and backbone you have and without even knowing it, you
become a lesson for someone who might not know they need it, but they do… we all do. You have a collective character that will stay with me for a long time.”Leadership Genesee is a year-long community education committed to exploring Genesee County and encouraging the leader within all of us. We aim to provide well-prepared servant leaders for Genesee County ready to accept responsibility for our community’s shared concerns.
One participant said, “The experience exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I have gained a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the community I work in. I gained a better understanding of my leadership style and how to adjust to others’ styles to better serve and support them.”
The Class of 2024 will begin their journey in January. Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about Leadership Genesee, please visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee.
