Twenty-two of Louisa County’s emerging and established leaders have completed a six-month journey of professional growth, community engagement, and leadership development through the Leadership Louisa Class of 2026.

Graduating on June 16, the class represents a diverse cross-section of Louisa County, including leaders from business, manufacturing, education, financial institutions, local government, public safety, and nonprofit organizations. Together, they invested one day each month to strengthen their leadership capabilities while gaining a deeper understanding of the people, partnerships, and opportunities that shape the community they serve.

Presented by the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Louisa Forward Foundation, Leadership Louisa is the community’s premier leadership development program. Through a partnership with InnerWill Leadership Institute, participants completed an intensive Values-Based Leadership curriculum focused on selfawareness, communication, trust, collaboration, and leading others with purpose and integrity.

“It has been an honor to watch the Leadership Louisa Class of 2026 grow as leaders, build lasting relationships, and develop a deeper connection to our community,” said Alex Stanley, 2025 Class President and 2026 Program Chair. “The knowledge, skills, and experiences gained through this program have prepared these graduates to continue making a difference in Louisa County and beyond. While their Leadership Louisa journey may be complete, their leadership story is just beginning.”

Throughout the program, participants explored topics including Insights Discovery, giving and receiving feedback, building trust, leading through conflict, and applying valuesbased leadership in everyday situations. Beyond the classroom, they met with community leaders, toured businesses and industries, explored local government and education, and experienced firsthand the organizations and initiatives that contribute to Louisa County’s continued success.

Class of 2026 President Cindy King summed it up nicely.

“Better understanding ourselves and better understanding others is a constant evolution and is key for true personal and professional success. While you can only get out of something what you’re willing to put in, this course positioned us to not only take a look at ourselves but to also learn from amazing people in this community. We learned together as a large group, and we learned together in the smaller Community Action Project groups. Key words … WE LEARNED TOGETHER.”

The program concluded with the annual Community Action Project, providing participants with an opportunity to apply the leadership principles developed throughout the program. Working in intentionally diverse teams, participants partnered with local nonprofit organizations to strengthen communication, build trust, leverage individual strengths, and develop thoughtful recommendations addressing real community opportunities.

The 2026 Community Action Project teams included: The Dream Team — Louisa County Resource Council (Top Dog Award Winner) The Artistic Alliance — Louisa Arts Center Six in the Stix — Bracketts Farm Tiara Taskforce — Miss Louisa Organization Community Action Project presentations were evaluated by Terri Bevers, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative; Ryan Corrigan, Flywheel Creative Nonprofit Consulting; and Mitchell Sasser, The Central Virginian and Leadership Louisa Class of 2025.

“The Chamber exists to strengthen the business community, and leadership is one of the most valuable investments we can make,” said Tracy Hale Clark, Executive Director of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Louisa Forward Foundation. “Leadership Louisa develops leaders who return to their organizations with stronger skills, broader perspectives, and lasting relationships that benefit their employers and our entire community.”

Leadership Louisa is made possible through the commitment of businesses and organizations that believe in developing strong leaders for a strong community. The Chamber and Foundation extend sincere appreciation to InnerWill Leadership Institute for serving as the program’s instructional partner and to presenting sponsors Clark Technologies, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Amazon, Dominion Energy, and Walmart Distribution, along with the many host locations, guest speakers, employers, and volunteers whose support created an exceptional experience for the Class of 2026.

Leadership Louisa Class of 2026

Ashley Michael, Town of Louisa Brandon Mills, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Caroline Mack, United Bank Chris Gentry, Amazon Chuck Miller, JCM Arbitration Cindy King, County of Louisa Crystal Hill, Lloyd’s Real Estate, LLC Crystal Robinson, MANN+HUMMEL Dana Poe, Clark Technologies Daniel Persaud, Busada Manufacturing, LLC Eliza Wheeler, Piedmont Virginia Community College Elizabeth Breon, Emerson: Rigid Tool Erika Rogers, Abide Village Felicia Berry, Blue Ridge Bank James Fabiano, Louisa County Fire and EMS Jeffrey Bowles, Walmart Distribution Joseph Voss, Clark Technologies Keli Hughes, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Melissa Oyler, Louisa County Public Schools Sarah Lasater, Shenandoah Crossing Resort Sheridan Grime, Southern Revere Cellars Tiffany Edwards, TME Coaching & Consulting, LLC