Our Mission
Leadership Rutherford's mission: To create an annual program that identifies and trains future leaders to use their skills and energy in community service to benefit Rutherford County.
The program begins each year with a mandatory retreat when team building begins and new class members learn what to expect in the coming class year.
Each month, the class meets for a day on the second Tuesday of the month. Each session has a main theme, including critical issues, economic development, education, communication, government, health, agriculture and environment and quality of life and diversity.
During the year, class members travel throughout the county, visiting a number of businesses and facilities. As many as 70 county leaders participate as speakers and presenters during the course of the program. In addition, specific leadership training is provided.
"There are many reasons for Leadership Rutherford," said Brown. "First, each class because a network of trusted friends for the class members. Then, we encourage each class to step out into the community and help build Rutherford County in some form or fashion."
"We also hoped that the program would provide a path to community involvement for graduates. We hope to increase the number of committed community leaders through Leadership Rutherford."
"I always felt some people believed they couldn't crack the 'inner circle', when in fact, the people you always see involved in community projects were looking for help."
"Leadership Rutherford wants to provide that help. It's nice now that I get calls from civic groups and boards asking if a Leadership Rutherford graduate would like to serve on that group or board. That's great."
The program has graduated a total of 160 participants, including the 19 who will graduate in May as the class of 2007-2008.