Union Township, Clermont County Ohio (August 12, 2025) - LEAD Clermont Community Leadership Program (CLP) has officially welcomed its Class of 2026, a group of 29 professionals representing a wide range of industries, including business, education, healthcare, and government. The new class kicked off its journey with a networking event that brought together dozens of program alumni, setting the stage for a ten-month intensive leadership development experience.

Now in its thirty-ninth year, LEAD Clermont CLP is a premier leadership program of the Clermont Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The program is designed to create a pipeline of committed and ethical leaders dedicated to enhancing Clermont County's economic vitality and quality of life. The curriculum provides participants with an unparalleled view of the county's needs and opportunities, offering high-impact team-building activities, personal development workshops, and direct connections with current community leaders.

"Our goal is to build a strong network of servant leaders who are prepared to meet the demands of the moment," said Kelli Fickle, LEAD Clermont Program Director. "The Class of 2026 is a diverse and talented group, and we're excited to see the impact they'll have on our community, not just during the program, but for years to come."

The program's success is evident in its strong alumni network of over 1,031 graduates. A remarkable 75% of all public and private boards across Clermont County include a LEAD Clermont alumnus. Graduates make a formal "Promise" to give back to the community, and they continue to serve in elected and appointed government positions and volunteer roles that contribute to the county’s growth and well-being.

The 29 members of the 2026 LEAD Clermont CLP class are:

• Lisa Ahr, Union Township
• Megan Bastin, UC Clermont College
• Cody Brooks, American Modern Insurance Group
• Misty Clark, City of Loveland
• Dot Crane, Clermont County Public Library
• Christine Darling, Clermont County Developmental Disabilities
• Josh Drouhard, West Clermont School District
• Tammi Dugger, American Modern Insurance Group
• Frank Farkash, Mercy Health Clermont Hospital
• Zoe Fiscus-Doss, Hope Community Center
• Kristin Flynn, American Modern Insurance
• Jennifer Frith, Great Oaks - Live Oaks Campus
• Benjamin Gunderson, City of Milford
• Nichelle Hamilton, Sharefax Credit Union
• Christopher Harding, Duke Energy
• Bruce Hawk, Loveland-Symmes Fire Department
• Ryan Himes, Miami Township
• Darletta Martinez, Mount Carmel Christian Church
• Katie Messmer, Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Christopher Mester, Crossroads Church (East Side Campus)
• Joseph Mooney, Clermont County Prosecutor's Office
• Amanda Myers, Clermont County Public Health
• Emily Nickolas, HealthSource of Ohio
• Paige Olson, Clermont County Juvenile Court
• Emily Schacht, Clermont Senior Services
• Savannah Taylor, UC Clermont College
• Blake Taylor, Chick-Fil-A Eastgate
• Michael Weigand, Total Quality Logistics
• Kristine West-Kahl, eXp Realty

For more information about the program or to apply for the Class of 2027, please visit clermontchamber.com/lead-clermont.