The idea for a community leadership program came from Athens Foundation Director Susan Urano, local business leader Jack Bortle, and Chamber of Commerce CEO Jennifer Simon. In the fall of 2005, they gathered together a group of prominent community leaders to form an advisory committee which included Gary North, President, The Athens Foundation; Jack Bortle, Chair, Athens County Port Authority; Claire Ping, Founder of the Athens Foundation and Community Scope; Carol Kuhre, past director of Rural Action and Athens Foundation board member; and Mike Brooks, CEO of Rocky Boots.

Having set the goals and directions for the program, a Planning Committee was formed to put the program into action. Tanya Conrath was hired in the Spring of 2006 as Director and shortly thereafter the first class was selected.

In the fall of 2007, Mark Weinberg, Director of Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, saw an opportunity for collaboration with Leadership Athens County. Recognizing the value of the program, he has provided financial support, including wonderful office space up at the Ridges.

Now in our second year, Leadership Athens County continues to grow and evolve, providing education and networking to those looking to make positive community change.

The Athens Foundation

Larry Payne and Joe McGowan reminisce about their school days