Gilbert Leadership Graduates 30th Class

Gilbert Leadership recently celebrated the graduation of Class 30 at a formal ceremony recognizing the 29 participants of this year’s cohort.

Gilbert Leadership, a program of the Gilbert Chamber Foundation, serves to raise up local leadership by promoting and inspiring action on issues that impact the Town of Gilbert. The program influences the community by building leadership capacity, increasing knowledge and awareness of community concerns, and nurturing future leaders.

“Prior to Gilbert Leadership, I never was a part of the communities I lived in and didn’t understand how much I took for granted,” said Joseph Barrientes, Sales Manager at Senergy Petroleum, and graduate of Gilbert Leadership Class 30. “Now, I feel proud to be a part of my community because I know how much work goes into making this one of the best places in the country.”

The following individuals were recognized as graduates of Gilbert Leadership Class 30:

• Jeff Armstrong, Higley Unified School District
• Sandra Ballester, Schooley Mitchell-Why Not Optimize
• Eric Barkyoumb, Dignity Health
• Brendan Barrett, Skynetwest, LLC
• Joe Barrientes, Senergy Petroleum
• Mark Bergerson, The Arizona Group
• Jen Dille, Devscale Software
• Danielle Dodge, Town of Gilbert
• James Dragonette, Gilbert Christian Schools
• Kerri Gideon, Katy Companies (Katy Building & Design)
• Jason Gillette, Guild Health Group
• Tameka Hartman, Town of Gilbert
• Faith Heinrich, Banner|Aetna
• Pam Johnson, PAM JOHNSON INS ACY INC dba STATE FARM INSURANCE
• Mindy Jones, Amy Jones Group
• Teresa Joseph, Higley Unified School District
• Reginald Mason, Hill International
• Chris Melson, FirstBank
• Jessica Nelson, Salt River Project
• Barbara Newman, Gilbert Public Schools
• Ashley O’Brion, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
• Lisa Potter, Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
• Sanketh Sangam, Wells Fargo
• Nikki Schaal, Farm Bureau Financial Services
• Emily Staples, FASTSIGNS of Gilbert
• Tim Troy, Enjoyment Realty
• Jane Vela, Landings Credit Union
• Tanya Wright, Town of Gilbert
• Benjamin Zibers, Park University Gilbert

Class members attended full-day sessions (Learning Days) once each month for nine months; completed a series of local tours; and worked together to select, organize, and execute a community service project. Class 30 partnered with Gilbert Sister Cities on the fundraising and installation of the Friendship Garden located at Gilbert Regional Park.

Gilbert Leadership is currently accepting applications to participate in the program’s 31st class and will begin interviewing applicants in August. Gilbert-area residents and/or employees are eligible to apply.

“Gilbert Leadership is more than a program but a new way to look at being a leader and committing to be intentionally engaged in your community,” said Jenna Kahl, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Chandler/Gilbert Community College, a graduate of Gilbert Leadership Class27, and a member of the Gilbert Leadership steering committee. “I am so grateful for the opportunities that this program and people have provided me, but I don’t take for granted that it takes ongoing work on my part as a leader to remain involved and encourage others to do the same.”

Interested candidates should submit a completed application by July 5th. Program information and application can be found here.