(JOHNSON CITY, TENN.) The Chamber of Commerce, serving Johnson City, Jonesborough and Washington County, has announced the members of its next Leadership Johnson City class. The Leadership Class of 2025 commences this month and runs through May 2025.
Leadership Johnson City, a program of the Chamber foundation, serves to expose business leaders to the overall needs and operations of the community and region, while also promoting individual and group leadership development. During monthly, day-long programs, participants engage in hands-on tours, presentations and learning experiences with Johnson City’s important industries.
“We have been running this program for over 25 years,” said Chamber Director of Leadership & Engagement Elisa Britt. “It’s, truly, one of the best ways for our local business leaders to understand what’s happening in our fields of government, healthcare, manufacturing and others areas that are making an impact in Johnson City.”
This year’s class includes 27 leaders from multiple industries.
The Class of 2025 consists of:
Cristi Blalock: Coordinator of Credentialing and Contracting, Frontier Health
Suzy Bomgardner: Assistant Director of Children’s Services, Johnson City Public Library
Wendy Day: Librarian/User Services Manager, Johnson City Public Library
John DeVusser: Downblending Unit Manager, Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc.
Dewayne Dickens: CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities
Crystal Fink: Vice President, Tennessee College of Applied Technologies
Chasity Hale: Senior Vice President, Citi
Kelly Hixson: Owner/Broker, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Tyler Hughis: Security NRC Compliance Unit Manager, Nuclear Fuel Services
Julianne Hurst: Director of Enrollment and Advancement, Ashley Academy
Kevin Jones: Chief, Center for Development and Civic Engagement, VA Medical Center
Sara Jones: Director of Programs, Appalachian Mountain Project Access
Don E. Kieffer: Market Executive/Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, Regions Bank
Jenny Lockmiller: Director of University Career Services, East Tennessee State University|
Carolina Morrell: Group Manager/Senior Vice President, Citi
Morgan Morrell: Strategic Communications Advisor, Ballad Health
Shane O’Hare: Affiliate Broker, Re/Max Checkmate Realtors, Inc.
Kristina R. Peters: Caring Workplaces Program Manager, First Tennessee Development District
Cooper Reaves: Director of Marketing & Communications, Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
Sara Scott: Director of Community Impact, Appalachian Mountain Project Access
Celeste Smedley: Business Manager, Johnson City Public Library
Andrianah Sweeny: Marketing Coordinator, Talley Financial
Bo Tatum: Construction Manager, Brightridge
Nikki Vanburen: Chief Nursing Officer, Ballad Health
Andrea Brady Verzi: Executive Director, Appalachian Mountain Project Access
Don Wallingford: Client Service Manager, IT, Blackburn, Childers & Steagall
“This program has long welcomed Johnson City’s most dedicated business leaders, and this year is no different,” said Chamber President/CEO Bob Cantler. “The individuals accepted into this class are overwhelmingly passionate for the community and incredibly talented at what they do. I have no doubt they will graduate from this program wanting to improve Johnson City more than they already are.”
For more information on Leadership Johnson City and its application process, visit johnsoncitytnchamber.com/leadershipjc.
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About the Chamber
The Chamber of Commerce, serving Johnson City, Jonesborough and Washington County, is a 501-C6 organized to promote business, enhance economic and community development, and serve as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in the community and region. It is also supported by the Chamber Foundation, a 501-C3 dedicated to promoting education, leadership and business development programs. Through strategic programming, advocation and resources, we position our members to achieve their greatest business and community potential. For more information, visit www.johnsoncitytnchamber.com.
