GALVESTON, TX – September 4, 2019 – The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2020 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. This is the second class that will be overseen by the Galveston Chamber since assuming the responsibility from Galveston College.
“I am excited about this year’s Leadership Galveston class”, said Lorraine Grubbs, director of the Leadership Galveston program. “Not only do we have a record number of 30 participants, we are also launching our “Alumni Connection” program to pair each participant with a past alumni of Leadership Galveston. We look forward to working with our community partners to educate Galveston leaders throughout this valuable experience.”
Over the next eight months, the class will meet monthly in various locations around Galveston 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) and the coveted Leadership Challenge certification from UTMB Health.
“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.”
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.
More than 500 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 2020 include:
1. Betty Avery, Manager Revenue Cycle Ops, UTMB Health
2. Gary Barnes, Business and Physical Education Teacher, Odyssey Academy
3. Dr. David Brown, Dean, School of Health Professions, UTMB Health
4. Laura Camcioglu, Director of Administration, Port of Galveston
5. Tilly Clark, Assistant Director, Special Use Facilities, UTMB Heath
6. Nick Droege, Owner, Texas Tail Distillery
7. Michelle Foster, Investment Accountant, Moody Bank
8. Joanie Gill, Executive Director, Galveston Symphony Orchestra
9. Andrew Herndon, Sr. Business Manager, Community and Population Health, UTMB Health
10. John Hines, Assistant Manager, Moody Gardens
11. Jan Inlow-Collier, Comptroller/Human Resources/Public Relations Manager, Vargas Postoffice Group, LLC
12. Javian Jackson, Business Development, AMOCO Federal Credit Union
13. Ginger Kieckbusch, Dean of Elementary Education, Odyssey Academy
14. Robert Kline, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
15. Marjorie Kovacevich, Associate Vice President, UTMB Health
The Leadership Galveston class of 2020 officially kicks off on Friday, September 6 with a welcome reception and overnight retreat at Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Conference Center. For more information about Leadership Galveston, visit galvestonchamber.com/leadership-galveston and follow their journey on Facebook at Leadership Galveston.
About the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the champion of education and community development in the Galveston Region. We work with over 700 member businesses to strengthen our business community by advocating for pro-growth public policies, promoting business, improving our educational system, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Our goal is to make Galveston Island the best place to live, work, and do business.
