Leadership Academy
Educating Emerging Leaders at SML
The Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy is a 12-month leadership program designed to develop a diversified corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals who will assume leadership roles for Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania county organizations, both public and private, to meet the needs of the future.
The Class of 2023 is full. Please contact us for details on participating in 2024.
Class of 2023

Ronnie Altice
Carilion Clinic

Sarah Bowman
Ferrum College

Desmone Cobbs
Drifters

Michelle Crumpaker
Bedford County

Stacy Dawson
Casago SML

Shelby Devericks
State Farm - Susan Balderson

Steve Furrow
Mountain to Lake Realty

Leo George
Bedford County

Whitney Greenway
Bedford County

Brad Harmon
Mariners Landing

Tyler Lee
Ridge View Bank

Tina McConnell
American National Bank

Dana Montgomery
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services SML

Mark Redden
Holley Insurance

Logan Morris
Farm Credit of the Virginias

Holley Scheffel
Bedford County

Trevor Stanley
Franklin County

Bill Raney
Franklin County

Trevor Smith
Anchor Title SML
About the Leadership Academy
Objectives
- To identify and develop potential and existing leaders in business, government, and the community and to help them better prepare for responsibility in the community.
- To provide these leaders with a practical, clear and simple understanding of major problems and opportunities facing our community.
- To facilitate access between emerging leaders and current leadership of the community.
- To improve the communications network among leaders from diverse backgrounds and interests.
- To create an avenue for persons of demonstrated commitment to the community to meet and exchange ideas.
- To stimulate increased participation in and commitment to the community.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy is to develop local leaders by equipping them with leadership skills, to provide information on community issues so that the community can progress, and to evoke community action based on the presentation of these issues.
Overview
Each year, participants are selected through an application process. Orientation begins in early January and class days are the first Wednesday of each month with graduation in early December.
In its first year, the Chamber will accept 10 participants from a diverse group of local professionals, representing various local industries and entities. Applications are being accepted until Nov. 20. For those selected, the tuition will be $750, which includes orientation, classes, networking mixers and graduation.
2023 Schedule
This is a tentative schedule. More details will be distributed to the class at orientation. Most classes will be in session noon-4:30 p.m.
Orientation
Wednesday, January 11
History & Culture
Wednesday, February 1
Regional Leadership
Wednesday, March 1
Economic Development
Wednesday, April 5
Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality
Wednesday, May 3
Health & Human Services/Poverty Awareness
Wednesday, June 7
Protective Services
Wednesday, July 5
Government Affairs
Wednesday, August 2
Education
Wednesday, September 6
Agri-Business/Natural Resources
Wednesday, October 4
Manufacturing
Wednesday, November 1
Graduation
December Evening Dinner (TBA)
In order to successfully complete the Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy program, attendance is expected at all scheduled sessions. Failure to attend all sessions may result in participant's ineligibility to graduate from the program. The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber realizes that unexpected situations may arise that result in participant's inability to attend. In such instances the Chamber’s Education Committee will evaluate the absence on a case-by-case basis.