The Moore County Leadership Institute kicked off its 34th year of training with a two-day retreat on Aug. 3-4. The retreat featured a simulated society exercise facilitated by Well Said Public Relations, as well as a dynamic second day with a DiSC leadership assessment and team building with Forth Heffner, executive leadership team guide for The Facility Resource. President and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce Linda Parsons and Matt Chriscoe, director of lodging for Pinehurst Resort and the Chamber’s chairman of the Board of Directors welcomed 17 new participants from around the Moore County region.

In January 2023, additional participants may be chosen to begin their year-long journey with the same retreat experience. The Chamber’s Director of Operations Jana Walding said, “By expanding enrollment opportunities, our employers now have options to send talented individuals through this unique leadership experience but have the flexibility to explore which time frame works best for their organization and budget.”

MCLI offers participants the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally
through programs with community leaders and experts. The Moore County Leadership Institute was initially created in 1989 to develop effective local leaders.

As of today,  over 600 individuals have graduated from the Moore County Chamber of Commerce leadership program. Participants gain knowledge about local history, business challenges, civic issues, and the considerable diversity within our unique community. Following their completion of the program, they are encouraged to volunteer in the community and to inspire others in their respective workplaces.  

The 34th Fall MCLI Class includes:
Stephanie Blue, Aging Outreach Services
Jennifer Campbell, Pinehurst Medical Clinic, Inc.
Leah Danak, Keller Williams Realty
Robin Duff, Sandhills Children's Center
Robert  Frick, Pinehurst, LLC
Anna Holloway, Penick Village
April Ikner, Sandhills Community College
Jared Little, Sandhills Community College
Donna Outen, Keller Williams Realty
Lynnette RauvolaBouta, St. Joseph of the Pines
Gale Thurman, Certainty Home Loans
Vincent Ward, Pinehurst, LLC
Savannah Johnson, Towering Pines Real Estate
Chris Beasley, FirstHealth - Moore Regional Hospital
Joshua Allen, Veteran with Donovan & Bank Foundation
Rich Culp, Centurion Project Network
Jeremy Shoell, Veteran with Donovan & Bank Foundation

“Effective leaders are open-minded and willing to strive to move forward for a brighter future. These individuals are leaping into the program to take the time to not only understand our community, but the dynamics of effective leadership and decision making,” said Linda Parsons.

Anyone interested in participating in MCLI should visit www.moorecountychamber.com, or contact the Chamber to obtain a copy of the application.