Leadership Sandy Springs Announces Class Of 2019

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Leadership Sandy Springs introduced its Class of 2019 members to LSS alumni at its annual kick-off fiesta held last month at Heritage Sandy Springs. This celebratory event launches the start of each new class year and this year, Sandy Springs resident Lars Minns, head of human resources for Mercedes-Benz, was the featured keynote speaker at the fiesta.

Introduced by Harvey Gilbert, vice president of First Landmark Bank, Minns shared his story of being recruited to join Mercedes-Benz, and eight of his personal leadership touchstones. One of them, he said, stipulates there is "no replacement for hard work, despite all the leadership books written."

"Your work ethic sets the pace," he said.

Minns also encouraged class members to take advantage of this opportunity by absorbing they learn and using that information to make a difference in the Sandy Springs community.

“You have permission to work on yourself," he added. "This is a great time to be a citizen of Sandy Springs."

Catherine Lautenbacher, LSS program director, introduced the 36 new class members selected for the 10-month leadership development program.

Following last month's opening retreat at Unicoi State Park in Helen, class members will attend program days and special events through May 2019, exploring industry sectors such as nonprofits, business and government, and engaging in discussions and interactions with decision makers. The class will also learn about many aspects of leadership, studying issues facing Sandy Springs and participate in community-building projects.

“Thank you, Lars, for your inspirational comments, and thank you Class of 2019 for your energy and enthusiasm,” Leadership Sandy Springs Executive Director Jan Paul told the class in her closing remarks. “We look forward to helping you develop your leadership skills and connecting you to the community. In his remarks Lars mentioned the importance of “the why” in leadership. The why for us is to educate leaders who will help build a thriving Sandy Springs and Central Perimeter area, and we’re excited to have you join us.”

Leadership Sandy Springs Class of 2019 members are: Cindy Abel, Liv2BGirl; Jaimee Boettcher, Temple Sinai; Ashley Brodkin, BB&T; Ben Cohen, Excel Chiropractic; Christine Dial, Caldwell, Propst & DeLoach, LLP; Doug Edwards, city of Sandy Springs; Corey Elias, North Georgia School of Ballet; Franchise Captain, LLC; Lindsay Fluke, Pinnacle Search Partners, LLC; Sarah Galambos, Unique Wellness Studios; Tashauna Gayle, Chef Rob's Caribbean Cafe; Stacey Howell, Every Woman Works; Brandi Hoyos, Mount Vernon Presbyterian School; Linda Johnson, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts; Nathan Kongthum, Wholesome Wave Georgia; Gretchen Lehane, community volunteer; David Lester, Lester & Associates; Harris Lowe, Capital Investment Advisors; Samantha Marks, Visit Sandy Springs; Craig Miceli, Sandy Springs Fire and Rescue; Nicole Morris, Emory University Law School; Larren Odom, Chastain Wealth Management; Micah Patrick, Sandy Springs Police Department; Erin Powell, Northside Hospital; Judy Roseman, community volunteer; Paul Scheinberg, community volunteer; Kirk Shrum, Fulton County Schools; Jason Smith, Cingo Pest Protection; Clarissa Sparks, The She Sparks Agency; Ansley Thompson, Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital; Lisa Thompson, Weddington Realty; Ed Ukaonu, Indoor Billboard Network - Georgia; Leslie Walden, It's Time to Get Organized; Lori Westphal, New Notion, LLC; Jeremy Wilson, Draffin & Tucker, LLP; James Wyche, Kaiser Permanente; and Mindy Zatto, Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc.

Photo: The LSS Class of 2019: L-R seated: Ansley Thompson, Lisa Thompson, Clarissa Sparks, Ashley Brodkin, Brandi Hoyos, Sarah Galambos front row: Mindy Zatto, Judy Roseman,Erin Powell, Dr. Paul Scheinberg, Lori Westphal, Nicole Morris, Grethen Lehane, Corey Elias, Jaimee Boettcher, Christine Dial, Linda Johnson, Stacey Howell, Lindsay Fluke, Leslie Walden, Micah Patrick,Jason Smith back row: Ed Ukaonu, Jeremy Wilson, Nathan Kongthum, Harris Lowe, Craig Miceli, Doug Edwards, Tashauna Gayle, Larren Odom,James Wyche, David Lester, Samantha Marks, and Kurt Shrum, missing: Cindy Abel, Ben Cohen. Image via Leadership Sandy Springs