Leadership Rockwall Class of 2015 graduates; applications open for 2016

(ROCKWALL, TX – May 27, 2015) The Leadership Rockwall Class of 2015 ended their special year with a graduation luncheon on Wednesday, May 20th at 11:30AM in Liberty Hall at the Rockwall County Courthouse.

The luncheon was a culmination of a nine-month program intended to educate and train up future leaders for Rockwall County. This year’s luncheon speaker Major General James L. Williams, USMC (retired), a highly decorated veteran, spoke on leadership.

This Leadership Rockwall Class began their nine month journey last September with a three-day retreat, including an outdoor adventure challenge course in Commerce. The class met for a full weekday each month, learning about different areas in the community, such as social services, local non-profit organizations, the history of Rockwall County, healthcare, education, economic development and visits with each of the cities in the county and county government. Another key component for each year’s class is participation in Rockwall County days in Austin, with opportunities to visit not only with our local representatives to state government, but various state agencies as well.

Each Leadership Rockwall Class is required to complete a community project of their choosing, after approval by the Leadership Rockwall Advisory Committee and participating organizations. This year’s class chose as their project recipient Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County. Their project, entitled “Meals on Wheels: Building for the Future,” was a complete renovation of the office space and building occupied by the Meals on Wheels program. Including cash donations and in-kind contributions, the class raised approximately $50,000 for the project, which was unveiled April 9th with a Grand Reopening reception.

The following is a list of the 2015 Leadership Rockwall graduates and the companies they represent: Kirk Aldridge, City of Rockwall; Scott Baker, American National Bank of Texas; Jim Bess, David Billings, AT&T; April English, English Insurance Group; Lance Holmes, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital – Rockwall; Jayson Killough, GMR Protection Resources; Chris Kosterman, Rockwall ISD; Richard Krause, City of Heath; Holly Lyons, Lyons Air Conditioning/Heating; Katy Miller, Lake Pointe Health Network; Kathleen Moreno, sponsored by City of Rockwall; Sheri Nerren, Tim Nichols, Nichols Wealth Management; Will Rugeley, City of Fate; Mark Russo, Justice of the Peace; Margie Verhagen; Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County; and David White, City of Rockwall.

“Every Leadership Rockwall class has claimed to have been the BEST class. The Leadership Rockwall Class of 2015 can proudly boast the same title!”said Cindy Tayem, who served as the 2015 Class Advisor.

Submitted by the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce.