What is Leadership Anderson County?
Founded in 1990, Leadership Anderson County is a prestigious program of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce designed to develop emerging leaders, while simultaneously promoting the importance and strengths of our community. This program promotes leadership development, facilitates networking with other professionals in the community, and allows an opportunity for community service throughout the year. Local business leaders, public officials, and individuals in the Anderson County community are all invited to apply to the program.
To be added to the wait list for the Class of 2026 please email [email protected]
What is the selection process?
Limited to Twenty-five, participants are selected based on the following criteria: Demonstrated commitment to serving the Anderson County community, current or potential leadership role within their organization or business, interest in pursuing a community leadership role, and commitment to attend the scheduled sessions. Businesses, organizations, or individuals may nominate and sponsor candidates for the program. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to sponsor a candidate from the community through our scholarship fund.
What is the time commitment and cost?
Program Days are typically held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. (some exceptions apply)
Time Commitment: Sessions are held from July – April
- Participants attend 12 program days, including an overnight trip to Nashville.
- Program days are held monthly, all day beginning at the Chamber Office, from as early as 7:00 am or as late as 8:30 am and the latest the day would end is 5:00 pm.
- Orientation Day 1: Tues., July 15, 2025
- Orientation Day 2: Wed., July 16, 2025
- Arts/Tourism: Tues., Aug. 12, 2025
- Health/Community: Tues., Sept. 9, 2025
- City Government: Tues., Oct. 14, 2025
- County Government: Tues. Nov. 11, 2025
- Industry/ Econ Dev.: Tues., Dec. 2, 2025
- Technology Tues., Jan. 13, 2026
- Education: Tues., Feb. 10, 2026
- State Government** Mon., Feb. 23, 2026
- Media: Tueday, March 17, 2026
- Agriculture: Thurs. April 9, 2026
- Graduation Evening Event: Tues. April 28, 2026
Participants are expected to commit to full-day attendance and travel on the transportation provided.
Participants are held to a strict attendance policy upon acceptance into the program.
Tuition: Non-refundable full tuition is $1,750.00 (includes meals, travel & lodging)
- Participants will have the opportunity to engage with public officials and participate in tours of key locations throughout Anderson County.
LEADERSHIP ANDERSON COUNTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Committee Chair – Kristen Otto, Emory Valley Center
Past-Chair – Scott Page, SL Tennessee
Chair-Elect – Tammy Wilson, PCUD
Member-at-large – Christy Davis, Y-12 Credit Union
Secretary, Chrystal Freyre, Tjoapack
Angela Syvester, City of Clinton
Chance Houck, City of Clinton
Ashley Harris, CNS / Y-12 National Security Complex
Nikki Adkisson, CNS / Y-12 National Security Complex
Jennifer Allen, SL Tennessee
Brock Kennedy, GEON Performance Solutions
Regina Copeland, Anderson Co. Trustee
Sara Knight, Y-12 Credit Union
Seth Whitehouse, UT Ag Extension
Candace Watson, Clinton High School
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Rick Meredith, President, Anderson County Chamber of Commerce
Marsha Stapleton, Program Director for Leadership Anderson County / Chamber Coordinator, Anderson County Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Anderson County alumni are available for questions about the program. For more information please call the Chamber office at (865) 457-2559 or email: [email protected].