- Foundation
- Programs
- Leadership Hanover
Leadership Hanover is the Hanover Chamber Foundation's premier certificate program. Beginning in September, a class of engaged professionals, seeking to better lead and serve their organizations and our community, gathers monthly.
Sessions focus on leadership philosophy, self-awareness, effective communication, delegation and teamwork, long-range planning, efficient networking, and community and civic engagement. The program includes presenters, panels, workshops, homework, networking activities and more. The LH class learns from an accomplished and diverse faculty of 25+ established leaders from across Hanover and the RVA region. LH is directed by a Steering Team comprised of area business owners and program alumni.
Example of Curriculum
Orientation (September)
Session #1 Self-Awareness & DiSC Assessments
Session #2 Leadership Philosophy
Session #3 Effective Communication
Session #4 Community & Civic Engagement
Session #5 Day at the VA Capitol
Session #6 Delegation, Accountability & Time Management
Session #7 Visioning & Long-Range Planning
Session #8 Final Presentations & Leadership Plans
Graduation Celebration (May)
LH GRADUATES BY YEAR
The Foundation is exceptionally proud of the graduates of the LH program across the years! Participants spend many hours committed to furthering their personal and professional development. Below, is a listing of graduates by year/class. Please note company affiliations were current at the time of graduation.
Class of 2025
Audrey Biringer, Hanover Chamber of Commerce
Grant Bonistalli, Ashland Police Department
Courtney Caldwell, Ashland Theatre
Shahnaz Deyette, Mended Sparrow Inc
Diane Gallegos, The Arc of Hanover
Joanie Griffiths, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
Lindsay Hart, Luck Companies
Madison Kidd, Soccer Post
Rebecca Martinez, River Pools of Virginia
Matt Phillips, Hanover County Government
Avery Pope, TSI Promotionals
Kimberly Thurston, Mechanics of Faith
Shelby Walker, Hanover County Government
Class of 2024
Bernadette A. Cornelius, Town of Ashland
Chad D. Foster, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
Daricka D. Jones, Hanover County Government
Hallie R. Pierandozzi, S & S Painting
Janet L. Nowlin, NextHome Integrity Realty
Jonathan S. Gibson, The Branch
Kristin Parrish, RCI Builders
Laura M. Maxey-Nay
Lauren H. Fox, GHT Insurance
Lynnse L. Davis
Nichole Norman, Schooley Mitchell
Weston E. Stoneman, PawsCienda Pet Resort
William I. Sydnor, Hanover Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
Robert G. Yesbeck, Richweb Inc
Class of 2023
Grant Grindstaff, Hanover County Treasurer's Office
Nathena Haddrill, Rogers-Chenault, Inc.
Michael Helbig, Ashland Police Department
Jacob Hollingsworth, Journey Business Solutions
Josh Kegel, R-CI Builders
Todd Kilduff, Hanover County Deputy Administrator
Danielle Kollman, RBI Services
John Krug, Oasis Senior Advisors
Adrienne Long, Ortho Virginia
Tricia Reagan, Syncroz Language Solutions
Jesse Smith, Chick-Fil-A
Deanna Turner, Anton Paar
Emily White, Shipp & Wilson Landscaping
Amelia Wright, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
2023 Graduate Testimonials
"I thoroughly enjoyed the Leadership Hanover program and would encourage anyone to participate in it. The classes were well thought out, the activities were fun and engaging, and I met several other Hanover professionals that I will have a lifelong friendship with." - Todd Kilduff, Hanover County
"Leadership Hanover is an exceptional, engaging program that gives its participants on opportunity to not only learn from the facilitators and speakers but from your fellow participants. I take any opportunity I can to learn something new and develop my leadership skills. LH was an excellent opportunity to do so. My main take-a-ways from the program was learning what type of leader I am and how to best use that to help others develop their own leadership skills and the relationships I built with everyone involved." - Amelia Wright, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
"I joined the leadership team with my company, Journey Business Solutions in April. I joined the chamber a few short months later and saw the opportunity to sharpen my leadership skills with Leadership Hanover. The structure of LH encourages group and individual thinking, introducing several leaders within the community, and fosters a synergy with professionals across many fields and experience levels. I highly recommend this course for those who lead or have set a goal to be better within their profession." - Jacob Hollingsworth, Journey Business Solutions
"The best takeaway from the Leadership Class is that it challenged me to think differently. As a new small business owner it was healthy to think differently from the day-to-day operations. I would recommend the class to anyone to gain altitude in their planning processes vs. being grounded in the routine operation of a business. 5 stars!" - John Krug, Oasis Senior Advisors
LH Class of 2022
Jason Babin - Cobb Technologies
Bobby Broyles - Blazer Heating & Air
Julia Clark - Wings of Hope Ranch
Brian Copeland - Timmons Group
Niki DeSantis - Pixel Factory
Mary Kay Hacker - Edward Jones Financial
Brittany King - CodeBlue Technology
Grady Larsen - Richweb, Inc.
Octavia Marsh - Hanover Cares
Matt Nuckols - VA Farm Bureau Federation
Brian Peay - R-CI Builders
James Shelhorse - Ashland Police Department
Catherine Sydnor - Kimley-Horn
Troy Szalay - R-CI Builders
Brittani Vickers - Connects Federal Credit Union
2022 Graduate Testimonials
"I am so grateful to have been a part of Leadership Hanover! The program was extremely well organized from start to finish and session topics were relevant and applicable to my career. I made great connections with students, steering committee and speakers that I look forward to continuing even when the program is over." - Catherine Sydnor; Kimley-Horn
"I had a wonderful experience with Leadership Hanover! The program was very well put together by the hardworking Hanover Chamber Foundation staff who were truly invested in each of our careers and eager to assist us with our leadership skills. The guest speakers brought in were strategically thought-out and brought a great balance to the curriculum. I highly encourage anyone in Hanover who is looking to improve their leadership qualities and invest more in themselves to partake in this excellent program!" - Bobby Broyles; Blazer Heating and Air
"As a growing professional, Leadership Hanover provided a vast amount of skills, techniques, thought provoking opportunities and personal connections. It was an honor to learn among a strong group of classmates/professionals and be taught by some of the most accomplished business personnel from the local area. It has been enlightening to apply the strategies learned, not just in my career, but also in my personal life. LH is a great building opportunity all around." - Niki DeSantis; Pixel Factory