The Frisco Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Leadership Frisco Class XXVII members. The 25 members were selected from a large and competitive pool of applicants. The program year kicked off on Friday, September 8, 2023, with a team-building session led by Human Dynamics, Inc. and a dinner featuring a fireside chat with Frisco City Manager Wes Pierson. On Saturday, September 9, 2023, the class met at a ropes course for team-building exercises facilitated by “Leadership on the Move.”
Baylor Scott & White has been named the presenting sponsor for the 2023-24 program year. “Baylor Scott & White Health is honored to support Leadership Frisco. We are committed to supporting leadership development and we recognize it takes a village to serve Frisco well – to invest in Frisco leaders further supports our mission and helps our community live well!” shared Ryan Gebhart, SVP, President, Baylor Scott & White Health – Frisco Market.
What is Leadership Frisco?
Leadership Frisco is a nine-month community leadership program of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and led by a volunteer group of past graduates known as the Leadership Frisco Advisory Council. The purpose of the Leadership Frisco program is to develop a pool of qualified, highly motivated individuals interested in expanding their leadership skills, deepening their sense of civic responsibility, and becoming more involved in the Frisco community.
During the program year, a full day each month is dedicated to exploring the inner workings of Frisco’s government, educational system, economic development, service organizations, regional issues, leisure and culture, health services, and public safety. Class members have the opportunity to learn about and practice skills critical to working with volunteers and groups in the community.
Class Project
Tim Payne, a graduate of Class 20, is serving as Chair of the Leadership Frisco Advisory Council this year. As the program is planned each year, the advisory council recognizes that the first two days of the program are critical and are arranged to allow the class members to build a sense of trust and to learn each other’s leadership styles. “The kick-off is also designed to set the class up for success as they begin to plan and implement a class project,” Payne shared. “Team-building early on sets the stage to overcome any challenges created during the project planning process.” Detailed information on the past Leadership Frisco class projects can be found at LeadershipFrisco.com.
Graduate "Into" Leadership
Leadership Frisco class members will have a graduation ceremony after completing the program in May 2024 and will graduate “INTO” Leadership. The program has been a successful way to encourage involvement in the community and bring up the next generation of leaders. Former Leadership Frisco graduates currently sit on various Boards and Commissions throughout the city, have become elected officials, or volunteer to serve Frisco in continuing to build an outstanding community.
Meet the Class
Class XXVII members for the 2023 program year include:
Andrea Abramowitz-Kayla Cares 4 Kids
Lisa Allison-Rainbow Corner Preschool at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church
Jason Blair-The Neiman Marcus Group LLC
Mark Bryant-Credit Union of Texas
Katie Choy-Baylor Scott & White Health
LaChelle Evans-Visit Frisco
Jason Ford-Frisco Economic Development Corporation
Matt Freimuth-Truist
Jay Howard-Flywheel Search Group
Christal Howard-Frisco Chamber of Commerce
Kelton Jeffery-Children’s Health
Jenny Katlein-CoServ
David Lipe-Collin College
Tiffany Mershae-IKEA
Callie Miller-High Profile, Inc.
Laura Murphy
Michelle Norris-Play Frisco
Kimberly Ridout-Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation Frisco (Select Medical)
Erin Sargent-PGA of America
Kelly Schwartz-Meow Wolf
Kela Shepherd-TIAA
Tracie Shipman-Many Voices
Ben Sparks-New York Life
Jodi Streff-Cheney Group | Monument Realty
Christin Timmons-Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial
Many Thanks!
I also want to take a quick moment to thank our sponsors, advisory council, participants, and in many cases their employers that allow them to step away one day per month to become emersed into the community!
This just might be the #bestclassever!
