GALVESTON, TX – September 21, 2021 – The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2022 class of Leadership Galveston.
Founded in 1984, Leadership Galveston is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues.
“I am excited about this year’s Leadership Galveston class”, said Lorraine Grubbs, director of the Leadership Galveston program. “We have a record number of 42 participants, attesting to the value our community finds in this program. We look forward to working with our community partners to educate Galveston leaders throughout this experience.”
Over the next nine months, the class will meet monthly in various locations around the island to learn about every facet of the community, enhance their community leadership skills and develop strong relationships to encourage innovative, collaborative solutions to the challenges facing our region. The participants will also receive their Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) through the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Leadership Galveston gives participants the opportunity to better understand our city and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting with and learning from today’s leaders”, said Gina M. Spagnola, president and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It is our hope that each graduate will use the knowledge and enhanced leadership skills gained through the program to bring positive change to Galveston.”
More than 600 graduates have completed the program, learning all about what makes Galveston go—from its unique economy to its largesse of educational institutions to its diverse culture and attractive lifestyle. All major local businesses, most smaller companies and non-profit organizations embrace Leadership Galveston as a staple for any managerial or executive-level employee who is new to our area.
The members of the Leadership Galveston class of 2022 include:
- Tony Alves, The Bryan Museum
- Kevin Bell, Bell Realtors
- Renae Bentley, Classic Auto Group of Galveston
- Ellie Byrom, Port of Galveston
- Kyle Clark, T. Baker Smith LLC
- Dr. Peter Cram, UTMB
- Marika Dapron, Moody Bank
- Lisa Dill, GISD
- Synethia Dorsey, GISD
- Dr. Norman “Miles” Farr, UTMB
- Elizabeth Fingado, UTMB
- Emily Goertz, UTMB
- Jozette Green, Coastal Community Federal Credit Union
- Bobbie Guyton, UTMB
- David Harris, Coastal Outdoors Group and Bolivar Peninsula Tourism & Visitors Center
- Michele Hay, City of Galveston
- Brenda Hernandez, GISD
- Schel Heydenburg, Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees
- Dr. Dietrich Jehle, UTMB
- Susan Keeble, Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees
- Jennifer Kelso, Oleander Marketing
- Richard LeJeune, Coastal Community Federal Credit Union
- Michael Lerner, Moody Bank
- Jenny Ligon, Galveston Career Connect
- Dr. Cissy Matthews, Galveston College
- Susanna Mayberry, Remax
- Rey Medellin, Island Resilience Center
- Joseph Miano, BSN, RN, Memorial Hermann
- Mike Miller, Rosenberg Library
- Johanna Murton, GISD
- Kristi Neal, Galveston County Daily News
- Tracey Nowlin, Ryson Real Estate and Vacation Rentals
- Jeffery Ossenkop, The Tremont House
- Liz Overton, Ryson Real Estate and Vacation Rentals
- Dakota Patrick, Galveston Insurance Associates
- Patti Polensky, Guild Mortgage
- Chris Pruitt, Channel 39
- Carly Rowland, VACASA
- Gregg Truex, Texas Tail Distillery
- Kevin Venable, AMOCO Federal Credit Union
- Dena Walker, Odyssey Academy
- Lani Wilson, Texas Tail Distillery
The Leadership Galveston class of 2022 officially kicks off on Friday, September 24 with a welcome reception and overnight retreat at The Tremont House.
For more information about Leadership Galveston, visit galvestonchamber.com/leadership-galveston and follow their journey on Facebook at Leadership Galveston.
