Moore County Leadership Institute celebrates 36th graduating class

By Staff Report, posted Nov 19, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Photo courtesy of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce

The Moore County Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the graduation of the 36th class of the Moore County Leadership Institute (MCLI). This signature leadership program, facilitated by the Chamber, has prepared more than 630 leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to strengthen Moore County’s economic and civic vitality.

MCLI provides participants with in-depth experience designed to enhance personal and professional growth. Through interactive sessions with community leaders and industry experts, participants explore Moore County’s history, business landscape, civic challenges and opportunities for community involvement. They also engage in targeted leadership development focused on communication, decision-making and strategic thinking.

Graduates complete the program as well-rounded, informed leaders with a deeper understanding of civic responsibility. They are encouraged to serve the community through volunteerism and to apply transformational leadership practices within their workplaces and organizations.

The 36th Graduating Class Includes:

Teresa Dew Kelly, Director of Regional Development, Food Bank of Central and Eastern
NC – Sandhills Branch
Sarah Anderson, ASCENT Program Director, ASCENT
Kathryn Galloway, Assistant Director of Marketing, Pinehurst Resort
Christine Roach, Assistant Director of Catering, Pinehurst Resort
Susan Ralston, Habitat Board of Director, Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills
Zach Black, Director of Recruitment, Aging Outreach Services
Phil Gant, Fort Bragg Director, The Honor Foundation
Taylor McCaskill, Senior Director, Workforce Strategy & Partnership Innovation,
Sandhills Community College
Josiah Garges, Branch Manager, First Bank – Vass
Emily Tucker, District Manager, Government & Community Relations, Duke Energy
Progress
Tannelaine Wilson, Special Populations – Work Based Learning Coordinator, Moore
County Schools
Tanner Hood, Deputy District Director, Congressman Richard Hudson – 9th District
Nicole Benbow, Program Coordinator, Parks & Recreation, Village of Pinehurst
Ashlee Lambert, Funeral Director, Fry & Prickett Funeral Home
Aysa Walden, Administrative Manager, Southern Pines Land & Housing Trust
Trey Kramer, Design Associate, Unite Advisers Firm
David Botnick, Administrative Director, FirstHealth – Moore Regional Hospital
Matt Bernosky, Director of Human Resources, Pinehurst Medical Clinic

“Effective leaders embrace open-mindedness and a forward-focused mindset. This class committed significant time to understanding the fundamentals of leadership and thoughtful decision-making,” said Linda Parsons, president & CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, in a press release. “Over the course of 11 months, participants studied our community infrastructure, explored their individual leadership styles, and strengthened their communication skills. We are incredibly proud of this class and their achievements.”

Individuals interested in applying for the next MCLI class can learn more at: https://www.moorecountychamber.com/mcli/

The 2026 MCLI cohort is accepting applications through Dec.15, 2025.

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