ANNOUNCING THE CLASS OF 2024

This September, the Hanover Chamber Foundation will begin its premier certificate program – Leadership Hanover! A class of engaged professionals, seeking to better lead and serve their organizations and our community, will gather across 9-months before graduating in May 2024.

Sessions will focus on leadership philosophy, self-awareness, effective communication, delegation and teamwork, long-range planning, efficient networking, and community and civic engagement. The Leadership Hanover class will learn from an accomplished and diverse faculty of 25+ established leaders from across Hanover and the RVA region.

The Hanover Chamber Foundation is proud to announce the following rising leaders, listed alphabetically, accepted into the 2023-24 Leadership Hanover program:

Bernadette A. Cornelius, Town of Ashland

Chad D. Foster, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Daricka D. Jones, Hanover County Government

Hallie R. Pierandozzi, S & S Painting

Janet L. Nowlin, NextHome Integrity Realty

Jonathan S. Gibson, The Branch

Kristin Parrish, RCI Builders

Laura M. Maxey-Nay, Hanover Virginia Cooperative Extension

Lauren H. Fox, GHT Insurance

Lynnse  L. Caler, RCI Builders

Nichole Norman, Schooley Mitchell

Weston E. Stoneman, PawsCienda Pet Resort

William I. Sydnor, Hanover Circuit Court Clerk’s Office

Robert G. Yesbeck, Richweb Inc

“We are thrilled to see the third year of this program include such a dynamic and diverse group of participants,” says Kenny Janes, Foundation Board Chair. “Congratulations and welcome, leaders!”

Our Foundation is also grateful for a new partnership with Downtown Ashland Association. The DAA furthered accessibility of the program by awarding full LH tuition scholarships to three small or minority-owned business participants in the Class of 2024.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Sponsorship Opportunities Partners of Leadership Hanover receive promotion throughout the 9-month program. Opportunities range from $50-5,000. Click to download our sponsor packet; please send any inquiries to Melissa Haley. *Your donation to this program, hosted by our 501c3 organization, may be tax deductible!

2023 Graduate Testimonials

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Leadership Hanover program and would encourage anyone to participate in it. The classes were well thought out, the activities were fun and engaging, and I met several other Hanover professionals that I will have a lifelong friendship with." - Todd Kilduff, Hanover County

"Leadership Hanover is an exceptional, engaging program that gives its participants on opportunity to not only learn from the facilitators and speakers but from your fellow participants. I take any opportunity I can to learn something new and develop my leadership skills. LH was an excellent opportunity to do so. My main take-a-ways from the program was learning what type of leader I am and how to best use that to help others develop their own leadership skills and the relationships I built with everyone involved." - Amelia Wright, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

"I joined the leadership team with my company, Journey Business Solutions in April. I joined the chamber a few short months later and saw the opportunity to sharpen my leadership skills with Leadership Hanover. The structure of LH encourages group and individual thinking, introducing several leaders within the community, and fosters a synergy with professionals across many fields and experience levels. I highly recommend this course for those who lead or have set a goal to be better within their profession." - Jacob Hollingsworth, Journey Business Solutions

"The best takeaway from the Leadership Class is that it challenged me to think differently. As a new small business owner it was healthy to think differently from the day-to-day operations. I would recommend the class to anyone to gain altitude in their planning processes vs. being grounded in the routine operation of a business. 5 stars!" - John Krug, Oasis Senior Advisors

Class of 2023 Graduation Celebration

The Hanover Chamber Foundation is proud to share news of our Leadership Hanover graduation on May 11, 2023! Food and fellowship at our Graduation Celebration accompanied an overview of the 8 sessions, appreciation to sponsors, recognition of our outstanding faculty and thanks to the employers and family who supported the graduates along the way.

Congratulations, LH Class of 2023 graduates!

Grant Grindstaff, Hanover County Treasurer's Office 

Nathena Haddrill, Rogers-Chenault, Inc.

Michael Helbig, Ashland Police Department

Jacob Hollingsworth, Journey Business Solutions

Josh Kegel, R-CI Builders

Todd Kilduff, Hanover County Deputy Administrator

Danielle Kollman, RBI Services

John Krug, Oasis Senior Advisors

Adrienne Long, Ortho Virginia

Tricia Reagan, Syncroz Language Solutions

Jesse Smith, Chick-Fil-A

Deanna Turner, Anton Paar

Emily White, Shipp & Wilson Landscaping

Amelia Wright, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Click Here to See the full Gallery of Graduation Photos!

Leadership Hanover Class of 2023 

Great leaders are always learning – which is a key value for the 15 participants in Hanover Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 9-month “Leadership Hanover” program. The second annual class kicked-off with a joyful orientation in September and launched into its first 4-hour monthly session on October 11^th.

            Session 1, entitled “Self-Awareness and Personal Growth,” featured Dr. Stewart Roberson, Chairman and President/CEO of Moseley Architects, who presented “Ten Lessons Learned About Effective Leadership.” His discussion opened the conversation about characteristics that prove true leadership. A workshop focused on DiSC followed, hosted by Todd Bradberry, CEO/Founder of Parallel Management, and Troy Forehand of AdviCoach. DiSC is an acronym that stands for the four main personality profiles described in the DiSC model: (D)ominance, (i)nfluence, (S)teadiness and  (C)onscientiousness. Students had time to consider how their traits inform their decisions, how to adapt to others needs and how to resolve conflict.

            Dr. Jamelle Wilson, Dean of the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies, led session 2 on November 8^th entitled “Leadership Philosophy.” She coached participants to live into their values (given and sought) and how authentic leaders will always bring out the best in themselves and their teams. A dynamic panel followed, where John Budesky, Hanover County Administrator, and Leigh Sewell, President for Bon Secours’ Memorial Regional Medical Center and Rappahannock General Hospital, joined Dr. Wilson in sharing candid experiences that have built their careers.

            With six sessions remaining, excitement and engagement are high! Leadership Hanover is made possible by the Hanover Chamber Foundation and the generous donations of program sponsors AdviCoach, Atlantic Union Bank, Hanover County Economic Development, McCandlish Holton PC, RCI Builders and partners Covenant Woods and the Hanover Tavern.  

2022 Graduate Testimonials

"I am so grateful to have been a part of Leadership Hanover! The program was extremely well organized from start to finish and session topics were relevant and applicable to my career. I made great connections with students, steering committee and speakers that I look forward to continuing even when the program is over." - Catherine Sydnor; Kimley-Horn

"I had a wonderful experience with Leadership Hanover! The program was very well put together by the hardworking Hanover Chamber Foundation staff who were truly invested in each of our careers and eager to assist us with our leadership skills. The guest speakers brought in were strategically thought-out and brought a great balance to the curriculum. I highly encourage anyone in Hanover who is looking to improve their leadership qualities and invest more in themselves to partake in this excellent program!" - Bobby Broyles; Blazer Heating and Air

"As a growing professional, Leadership Hanover provided a vast amount of skills, techniques, thought provoking opportunities and personal connections. It was an honor to learn among a strong group of classmates/professionals and be taught by some of the most accomplished business personnel from the local area. It has been enlightening to apply the strategies learned, not just in my career, but also in my personal life. LH is a great building opportunity all around." - Niki DeSantis; Pixel Factory