Leadership Pickens

Leadership Pickens is a program of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, which seeks out existing and emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds and offers them an educational experience to expose them to various aspects of the community and work for solutions.

Class of 2023 - 2024 Application Now Available, CLICK HERE.

Completed applications must be returned to the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce by July 14, 2023 at 4:00 pm. These can be returned in person, by mail, or by email:

  • Mail:  500 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Jasper, GA 30143
  • Email: executive@pickenschamber.com

Purpose

In order for Pickens County to achieve its potential, the people must be aware of the social, economic, educational, and governmental needs of the community.

The participants profit from getting to know each other and from the formal and informal exchange of ideas and experience. They gain knowledge from the overall program, preparing them for a more active leadership role in the community.

Participants

This program consists of nine regularly scheduled sessions from September to May. Most sessions will be held the third Thursday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, with one weekend retreat included. The class program will focus on team building and enhancing the quality of life by better understanding local issues such as education, government, healthcare, economic development, and community service.

Eligibilty

The Leadership Pickens Steering Committee desires to include a diversified group in terms of race, sex, and occupation. Individuals from business, social services, government, cultural, and educational organizations will comprise the class. Class members must live and/or be employed in Pickens County.

Acceptance

The individual interested in participating in the program must complete a detailed application and it must be returned to the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce no later than Friday, July 14, 2023. The information contained in the application will be used in the enrollment process. Class size will be limited to twenty five participants.  

Leadership Makes a Difference

“When I went through Leadership Pickens, I was new to the community. Leadership provided me a great forum to not only meet new people, but to also learn about the inner-workings of how a city and county are run politically, legislatively, and judiciously. It deepened my appreciation for those that serve their communities and I gained an added appreciation for the place I have called home for the last 10 years.”

Parish Lowrie, State Farm Insurance Agent

“The ability for an adult to participate in an activity to further their knowledge of their local government will follow them through their personal and professional lives.”

Rob Jones, Commission Chair

"Gaining a deeper understanding of one's community is absolutely necessary if a serious attempt to overcome its challenges is to be made."

Jason Segers, Amicalola EMC

"Am I a better citizen, employee and volunteer because of Leadership Pickens? Yes! Would I encourage someone to MAKE the time to get involved?  YES!”

Michelle Roberson, Episcopal Church of the Holy Family

Thank you to Our Sponsors