By Liz Moomey
liz.moomey@salisburypost.com

CABARRUS COUNTY —The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its 2019 Leadership Cabarrus Class. The 38 participants will take part in the civic leadership program, which allows business, nonprofit and community leaders to learn about Cabarrus County region’s need, resources, assets and challenges.

Starting in later this month, the participants will learn how leader can work together to help advance Cabarrus County and its residents.

“Leadership Cabarrus is a pillar of the chamber since 1989, and we couldn’t be prouder of the program, the wonderful alumni that pilot the steering committee, and the class participants,” said Barbi Jones, Cabarrus Regional Chamber executive director. “Our graduates are always amazed at the depth of community knowledge they amass, along with professional and personal connections. Through the years, the classes’ legacy projects have added quality of life benefits ranging from recreational opportunities, nonprofit program enhancements and educational support.”

Duke Energy is a sponsor of Leadership Cabarrus.

“Duke is proud of the communities we serve, and we are happy to invest in the Cabarrus Regional Chamber and this meaningful program that develops our communities’ and businesses’ future leaders,” Randy Welch, the Duke Energy district manage of government and community relations, said.

The Leadership Cabarrus Class of 2019 participants include:

• Laura Bagnasco, Corporate Social Responsibility manager, S&D Coffee and Tea

• Justin Brines, assistant director — EMS, Cabarrus County Government

• Crystal Byers, branch manager, Wells Fargo

• Page Castrodale, director of marketing and communications, Better Business Bureau

• Dr. Stephen Cathcart, director of diversity and compliance training, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

• Jeff Corley, deputy water resources director, City of Concord

• Tina Dadio, public records director/legal specialist, UNC Charlotte

• Dina Delgado, support coordinator,  InReach

• Brian Francis, owner, Francis Consulting Services

• Lily Gismondi-Crook, language services manager, Atrium Health

• Stephanie Guido, controller, Hilbish Ford

• Haley Hassler, senior project manager, Barton Malow Company

• Perry Hines, associate pastor, Central United Methodist Church

• Jennifer Hyatt, criminal investigation division, Kannapolis Police Department

• Avalin Inman, digital marketing manager, Perry Productions

• Kimberly Jones, resource development director, Habitat Cabarrus

• Amanda Lambert, Realtor, Team Honeycutt — Allen Tate Realtors

• Logan Lover, communications manager, Town of Harrisburg

• John Lewensten, vice president, Jimmie Johnson Racing

• MaryEllen MacDonald, senior loan officer, TowneBank Mortgage

• Michael Mackin, accounting technician, UNC Chapel Hill

• Stuart McNichols, sales manager, Ben Mynatt Family of Dealerships

• Emery Ortiz, library director, Cabarrus County Government

• Alison Paladino, events and marketing director, Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Rolanda Patrick, program manager and program adviser, Cabarrus Health Alliance

• Jack Puckett, financial sales manager, First Citizens Bank

• Connie Rheinecker, area director — Cabarrus Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas

• Lynn Rhymer, deputy superintendent, Cabarrus County Schools

• Stevi Rosenthal, manager, Restaurant 46

• Josh Smith, assistant city manager, City of Concord

• Kedrick Smith, president/business coach, The Growth Coach

• Liz Snyder, Principal — Hickory Ridge Middle School, Cabarrus County Schools

• Kim Soryz, director of human resources, Kannapolis City Schools

• Candace Thompson, internet/BDC manager, Hilbish Ford

• Sandra Torres, program coordinator, Cabarrus Health Alliance

• Kim Towery, leisure and travel sales manager, Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Michelle Wilson, behavioral health clinician, Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers

• Sue Yates, chief financial officer, Cabarrus Health Alliance

The program will kick off with a team-building retreat this month and have classes from September to May. The program is celebrating its 30th year. 

For more information about Leadership Cabarrus, contact Barbi Jones at 704-782-4200, extension 108 or bjones@cabarrus.biz.