Harnett County proudly recognized 18 employees on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, for successfully completing the inaugural Harnett Management Academy — a transformative, nine-month leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of County leaders.

The cohort academy, launched in August 2024, was led by the County’s Human Resources and Risk Management Department. The program offers an in-depth curriculum focused on strengthening the leadership and management skills of current and aspiring supervisors and managers. Through monthly sessions with an experienced leadership coach, participants engaged in comprehensive training covering a wide range of topics, including the qualities of effective leaders, conflict resolution, leadership styles and communication skills.

“This program will contribute to the professional growth of our staff and the overall success of Harnett County,” said Human Resources and Risk Management Director Janice Lane in a press release. “By nurturing our employees and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to grow professionally, we are building a stronger organization to better serve our community.”

The graduates included Angela McLamb, Bryan Matthews, Chance Torain, Elizabeth Edwards, Greg Jackson, James Rambeau, Jamie Turlington, Johnny Stone, Josh Christensen, Kenneth Snipes, Kimberly VanBeck, Kristen Arnott, Larry Smith, Jr., Marvin Tawney, Sara Tyree, Sharon Booker, Tim Adamaszek, and Victoria Hall.

Snipes has been with Harnett County for 12 years and is the Director of the Facilities Department. He shared that the program was an empowering journey that left him more confident and better prepared to lead.

"Taking part in the Management Academy was a rewarding experience that pushed me to grow both professionally and personally. It provided practical tools and real-world scenarios that strengthened leadership skills and gave me new insights into effective team management,” said Snipes in a press release.

Hall has been with Harnett County for over four years and serves as the Administrator for Emergency Services. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity and highly recommends the program to fellow employees.

“I enjoyed getting to work with people from other departments who I might not have otherwise met. Getting together with people who have such different experiences and work environments provided me valuable insights to use in my own department,” said Hall in a press release.

The Harnett Management Academy will continue as an ongoing initiative, reflecting the County’s commitment to employee development, organizational excellence, and leadership sustainability.