GroundedBeginnings TheLeadershipGeorgiaClassof2026officiallylaunched itsstatewidejourneyatBrasstownValleyResortinYoung Harris,Georgia,comingtogetherforanopeningprogram groundedinconnection,reflection,andleadership development.
SetintheNorthGeorgiamountains,theBrasstown programintroducedparticipantstothe2026classtheme —Resilient,Resourceful,andRisingHigher—areflection ofGeorgialeadershipatitsbest:resilientinthefaceof challenge,resourcefulinaction,andcommittedtorising together.
Fromtheoutset,participantswereremindedthat LeadershipGeorgiaisbothanopportunityanda responsibility.TheBrasstownprogramestablishedthe foundationfortheyearahead,emphasizingleadership rootedinself-awareness,character,andadeep understandingofGeorgia’speople,communities,and challenges.
Thisopeningexperiencesetthetoneforayearof learningthatwillstretchacrossthestateandacross sectors,bringingtogetherleaderscommittedto thoughtfuldialogue,meaningfulrelationships,and collectiveprogress.
“Webeginthisjourney inBrasstownwith GroundedLeadership. Groundedleaders knowwhotheyare. Theyleadwith integrity,selfawareness,andadeep understandingoftheir values.Intimesof uncertainty,grounding providesstability.This foundationwillanchor everythingthat follows.”
LeadershipGeorgia Classof2026
ACHARGETOLEADWITH PURPOSE TheprogrambeganThursday,wheretheClassof2026wasgreetedwiththoughtful, intentionaltouchesthatsetthetonefortheexperienceahead,includinga champagnetoastandwarmlavenderhandtowelsuponarrival.
LeadershipGeorgiaChairmanCamilaKnowlesopenedtheWelcomeReceptionwith aclearandpowerfulchargetobeintentionalwithtimespentintheclass, underscoringthatselectionintoLeadershipGeorgiaisbothanhonorearnedanda responsibilitytobefullyembraced.
LeadershipGeorgiaPresidentChandraHarrisbuiltonthatchargebyframingthe yearasbothadeclarationandacalltoaction.Acknowledgingthecomplexityofthe momentleadersarenavigating,sheencouragedparticipantstocelebrateandenjoy thegreatprogrammingaheadwhilealsopreparingforthedeeperworkrequiredof principledleadership.SheintroducedLeadershipGeorgia’sinterconnectedpillarsand emphasizedthatthejourneybeginswithGroundedLeadership.
ProgramChairsShanandChansidyDanielsreinforcedthismessage,remindingthe classthatwitheveryopportunitycomesresponsibility—toshowupfully,remain curious,andengagethoughtfullythroughouttheyear.
THERESPONSIBILITYOF LEADERSHIP The evening’s keynote address was delivered by former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, who offered candid reflections on leadership in a noisy and divided world. Emphasizing that true leadership is anchored in character the courage to speak truth and reject what is false Governor Deal’s remarks resonated deeply with the audience. His message was met with a standing ovation, and long after his speech concluded, attendees waited patiently in an extended receiving line, eager to personally thank him for his wisdom and service.
“Ifyouwanttobeleaders,takeadvantageofthe opportunitiesLeadershipGeorgiaprovides. Expandyourmindandpeelofftheprovincial cataractsthatcloudyourviewoftheworld!Open yourheartssothatcompassion,love,and empathycanexpand.Andthisaboveall:ToThine OwnSelfBeTrue!Forweknowwhatwillfollow!”
Duringthedinnerprogram,LeadershipGeorgia’shistory andenduringimpacttookcenterstage.LGAdvisorand formerPresidentBarbaraHamptonreflectedonthe organization’slegacyasanetworkofGeorgianscommitted topushingthestateforwardtogether.Shereminded participantsthattimeisfinite. Herremarksencouragedclassmemberstokeeptheir commitmentandsitfullyinthecherishedseattheynow occupy,onemanyothershopedtofill.Shealsooffereda reminderfamiliartoLeadershipGeorgiaalumni:the experiencecannotbefullyexplained,itmustbelived.
Thespiritofconnectioncontinuedlong afterthekeynoteaddressconcluded. TheTitans(2026ProgramChairteam)didn’tjustdesignthisexperience—theyshowed upforit.LedbyPresident,ChandraHarris,thisteamwasintentionalabouteverydetail, ensuringtheenergystayedhigh,theconnectionsweremeaningful,andtheexperience reflectedtheexcellenceofthisclass.Simplyput,theywerecommittedtocreatingan environmentwhereyoucouldgrow,connect,andbeginthisjourneywithpurpose.
ThatenergycarriedintothelateeveningastheclassgatheredforaFiresideMixer, whereduelingpianossetthesoundtrackforconnectionandcamaraderie.Theinformal settingcreatedspaceforconversation,laughter,andrelationship-building,allowing participantstodeepenbondsandbeginformingthetrustthatwillanchortheyear ahead.
BUILDINGSELF-AWARENESS ANDLEADERSHIPCAPACITY Fridayfocusedondeepeningself-awarenessandstrengtheningleadership effectivenessthroughanimmersiveEmergenetics®experienceledbyMarieUnger andBillZubekofEmergeneticsInternational.
Across four interactive sessions, participants explored their thinking preferences, behavioral attributes, and communication styles, gaining insight into how selfawareness enhances collaboration, decision-making, and leadership impact. Breakout sessions and small-group discussions allowed class members to apply theseinsightsinrealtime,strengtheningtrustandconnectionwithinthecohort.
LOOKINGAHEAD TheBrasstownValleyprogramlaidastrong foundationfortheLeadershipGeorgiaClassof 2026;groundingparticipantsinpurpose, strengtheningrelationships,andsettingthetonefor ayearofinformeddialogueandmeaningful leadershipacrossGeorgia.
Whiletheopeningsessionconcludedearlierthan plannedduetowinterweather,italsomodeledthe veryresiliencewestrivetocultivateasleaders, bringingthestatewidetheme“Resilient, Resourceful,RisingHigher”tolifeinrealtime. ThoselessonswillcarryforwardinDublin,where theclasswillpickuprightwhereitleftoffand co
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