From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE – Leadership Trussville conferred 27 certificates of completion as it graduated adult members of the inaugural class on May 11, 2023. The certificates bestowed recognized each class member’s fulfillment of one full class day each month from September to May, and the successful development of a sustainable project that would benefit the community of Trussville.
“Many in this class are already leaders in their professions but desired to be more informed about our great city and become better advocates or volunteers for Trussville, which helps move our city forward,” Mayor Buddy Choat said.
Leadership Trussville, a 501(c)(3), launched in January 2022, by seating a Board of Directors to govern the nonprofit’s mission of developing highly motivated individuals who are interested in expanding their leadership skills, deepening their sense of civic responsibility, and becoming more involved in helping their community as a whole.
“Through this experience, we have seen many Leadership Trussville class members apply for, and receive appointments to, local Boards and committees,” said Dr. Kristi Bradford, Leadership Trussville’s Executive Director. “They are excited to hone their leadership skills and serve in a variety of ways to support Trussville’s momentum.”
Through the nine-month commitment, participants gained perspective and information about specific issues, needs, and successes within the vivacious community of Trussville. Relationships were acquired through specific access to affluential people in the community, and beyond. Class members utilized their leadership skills, knowledge, and insight to develop sustainable projects that benefit an entity or residents in Trussville.
“The class presented five amazing projects that will strengthen and improve the schools, businesses, and residents of Trussville,” said Mike Ennis, President of the Leadership Trussville Board of Directors. “The class participants were incredible leaders and the projects presented reflected their leadership and experience.”
Leadership Trussville applications for the 2023-24 class year may be submitted from June 1-30 on the Leadership Trussville website – www.leadershiptrussville.org. Class members will be selected in July.
“Leadership Trussville was a great opportunity to bring our first class together with people of different backgrounds who have a genuine appreciation of living or working in Trussville,” said Mayor Buddy Choat. “This first year exceeded my expectations in many ways. I am looking forward to extending this opportunity to many more in our community as we look for a new class to begin in September.”
Leadership Trussville Class of 2023:
Fran Aldridge, Keller Williams
Leslie Armstrong, Trussville City Schools Foundation
Ryan Benson, Daniel Iron
Lisa Bright, Trussville City Council/Will Bright Foundation
Greg Carroll, Carroll Pharmacy
Cody Clark, Intermark Group
LaShanda Crenshaw, Curry Law LLC
Mike Ennis, Faith Community Fellowship
Tommy Gay, Southeastern Refrigeration, Inc.
Logan Johnson, Valent Group
Jim Kirkland, Trussville City Schools
Ian Maddox, Hitchcock Maddox Financial Partners
Jim Meads, Sain Associated, Inc.
Shelly Mitchell-Talley, Trussville YMCA
Sarah Moss, Regions Bank
Cass Ridley, Bristol Myers Squibb
Tony Riley, Trussville Gas & Water
Tim Shotts, Trussville Fire Department
Cherie Smith, Landmark PLC
Alan Taylor, First Baptist Church Trussville
Adam Trammell, Hemphill Services, Inc.
Jeremy Tuggle, Bryant Bank
Ryan Vernon, Lathan Architects
Brandi Vines, Gridco, Inc.
Ty Williams, Restoration Academy
Josh Wooten, Cory Watson Attorneys
Chase Wright, Spire