Leadership Montgomery Celebrates 30th Graduating Class!
Published on Friday, May 9th, 2025
Judy Stevens, retired Chamber and Economic Development Director, discovered leadership programs being offered in other counties around North Carolina and wanted to implement a local program to generate awareness of the “Golden Opportunities” that exist in Montgomery County. “Leadership Montgomery” kicked off in the fall of 1994 with 29 participants representing private businesses, municipalities and service providers.
The class of 2025 celebrated its graduation on May 8th, and includes Alyvia Cooke, LFNC Fellow with Montgomery County; Ashley Culler, Montgomery County Public Utilities; Justin Hall, EPP Richmond County; Stacy King, Montgomery County Partnership for Children; Kristy Kissell, Communities in Schools; Madison Lynthacum, Montgomery County Schools; and Tiffany Ward, Montgomery County Department of Health.
Family, friends and sponsors were on hand to commemorate the day. Many area businesses and organizations open their facilities to the group during the year, to give participants an in-depth glimpse at the golden opportunities available here in Montgomery County. This year’s participating companies include Aberdeen Carolina Western Railroad, Biscoe Town Hall, Candor Town Hall, DTE Energy, FirstHealth of the Carolinas and Montgomery Memorial Hospital, Love Joy Church Troy, Montgomery Central High School, Montgomery County Board of Education, Montgomery County Courthouse, Montgomery County Schools – Central Office, Montgomery Partnership for Children, Montgomery Sheep Farm, Mountaire Farms of NC – Candor, Mt. Gilead Historical Museum, Mt. Gilead Town Hall, North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Montgomery County Center, Page Street Elementary School, Parsons Farm LLC, Perdue Farms – Candor Feed Mill, Republic Services®, Sandhills Research Station, Shiloh Church Troy, Star Heritage Association, Star Town Hall, StarWorks of NC, Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site, Troy Roller Mill Museum and Troy Town Hall.
A celebratory dinner was prepared for attendees, compliments of Mr. Francisco Cortes, Culinary Arts Instructor, and his students.
Founder Judy Stevens and long-time supporter (and often driver) Dave Wilkie received commemorative MCC pottery pieces in appreciation for their decades of service and commitment to the organization.
Leadership Montgomery seeks men and women who have achieved, or are working to achieve leadership positions within our community or in their profession. Individuals may choose to enroll themselves or may be sponsored by an employer. Some scholarships are available to cover partial costs for the program, and interested people can learn more by calling Montgomery Community College’s Department of Continuing Education at 910-898-9672.