Congratulations are in order for twelve members of the inaugural Ashland Citizen Leadership Academy that graduated April 21. A reception was held at town hall in their honor before each was formally recognized at a meeting of the town council.
The Ashland Citizen Leadership Academy was approved by the town council in September to grow the public interest in local issues, provide transparency into town operations, provide another avenue for residents to share their feedback and ideas, connect residents that want to be involved, and develop future leaders for town boards, commissions, committees and neighborhoods. The Academy met monthly at various town facilities to discuss leadership principles, town operations and future plans for the community.
Graduates of the Academy attended at least six of eight monthly seminars, performed ten hours of community service, spent time riding along with local police officers or public works staff, and attended meetings of the Ashland Town Council and Ashland Planning Commission. Many of the graduates went above and beyond the requirements donating their time, supplies and expertise to community projects. Two of the graduates have recently been appointed to the Ashland Economic Development Authority.
The graduates of the Ashland Citizen Leadership Academy Class of 2015 are:
Penny Boyd
Chopper Dawson
Denise Hayes
Ross Herring
Charlie Martin
Clark Mercer
Mike Molino
Elizabeth Pezold
Rhonda Toussaint
Jayme Watkins
Gregg Wiggin
Jack Zemp
Citizens that are interested in participating in a future session of the Ashland Citizen Leadership Academy are encouraged to review the link below for more information. Recruitment for the Class of 2015-16 is expected to begin later this spring.