Leadership Barrow

Today was an exciting session as the Class of 2027 delved into the world of law enforcement! From a tour of our correctional facility by Sheriff Jud Smith (a proud Leadership Barrow graduate) to getting to go behind the scenes at the Barrow County SWAT training grounds. Watching how much training, forethought, and reason go into every aspect of keeping our community safe is a remarkable experience. Leadership Barrow would like to extend a special thank you to those at the Barrow County Sheriff's Office who assisted in making today’s session possible. Hearing about everything our first responders do is one thing, but being able to visualize and experience the training behind it is another! You are one of the major reasons Barrow is a BIG DEAL🧡

Welcome to the Class of 2027!

🔦 Leadership Barrow Spotlight 🔦

The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Rebecca Bronnum from Haymon-Morris Middle School of the Barrow County School System for being chosen as a member of the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027! Rebecca was born in Florida, but grew up in South Georgia near the coast before heading north to Macon for her undergraduate degree at Mercer University. Throughout her 30-year career in education, she has remained passionate about supporting students, empowering teachers, and creating opportunities for success in and out of the classroom! As Rebecca enters her fourth year as Principal at Haymon-Morris, she is more grateful than ever before for the support and engagement of our Barrow County community. When she is not working to further strengthen partnerships between families, faculty, and local partners, Rebecca can be found spending time with Peter, her husband of 26 years, and her two kids, both students at the University of Georgia!

Our second session is next week, and we will continue to spotlight members of the Class of 2027, so stay tuned to see all of the incredible leaders we have in this year's class🧡

Thank you to our partner, Piedmont Athens Regional, for helping make this program possible for changemakers like Rebecca Bronnum!

Congratulations to Class of 2025 graduate turned Leadership Barrow Board member, Lt Chad Norris! Thank you for all you do for Barrow County!

The Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize and congratulate Lt. Chad Norris on his 25 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Barrow County and our surrounding communities. Lt. Norris has been a dedicated and loyal member of our office and served with honor. Please help us congratulate Lt. Norris on this milestone and achievement.

Watch out alumni, we may have a new best class📢

Session #1 is in the books for the Class of 2027!! We enjoyed a fantastic day at Camp Twin Lakes as we got to know one another and braved the high ropes course🧡

To the Class of 2027 and our esteemed alumni, what was your favorite part of your very first day?

Welcome to the Class of 2027!

🔦 Leadership Barrow Spotlight 🔦

The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Joe Leach from Amazing Friends Club for being chosen as a member of the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027! Originally from Northwest Indiana, Joe and his family have lived in (and braved) the Georgia pollen for over ten years now. Prior to founding the Amazing Friends Club in September of 2024, Joe spent nearly two decades in the school system serving in a variety of roles from teaching to educational leadership. His passion was always centered around helping others, with a special interest in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A true changemaker, Joe and his family saw a need here in Barrow County and met it! When he's not hanging out with the Amazing Friends as they volunteer, learn, and sing the occasional karaoke, Joe enjoys hiking, taveling, and spending time with his wife Gina, four children, and six grandchildren.

Our very first session is tomorrow, but we will continuing to spotlight members of the Class of 2027, so stay tuned to see all of the incredible leaders we have in this year's class🧡

Thank you to our partner, Piedmont Athens Regional, for helping make this program possible for changemakers like Joe Leach!

Welcome to the Class of 2027!

🔦 Leadership Barrow Spotlight 🔦

The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Kristin Shedd from Bank OZK for being chosen as a member of the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027! Originally a South Florida girl, Kristin and her family relocated to Barrow about 8 years ago. Her husband grew up here, and they were looking for the perfect community to raise their children while forming strong community bonds! Through her career at Bank OZK, Kristin enjoys being able to support local businesses and the faces behind them while serving others through volunteering and giving back. Outside of work, she can frequently be found in the kitchen whipping up delicious food and treats. She also enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, and cheering on the Braves!

As we prepare for our first session in August, we will be spotlighting a member of the Class of 2027 each day, so stay tuned to see all of the incredible leaders we have in this year's class🧡

Thank you to our partner, Piedmont Athens Regional, for helping make this program possible for changemakers like Kristin Shedd!

Last night, the Chamber was honored to gather with so many inspiring community changemakers at our Leadership Barrow Alumni Social🧡 From the very first Leadership Barrow Class of 2000 to the soon to be Class of 2027, the room was filled with laughter, stories, and connection! Our upcoming class mingled with graduates and heard of tales of past classes while old classmates reunited. It is truly a BIG DEAL to be able to have such a strong local network of business leaders, first responders, and non-profit trailblazers! We look forward to continuing the strong tradition of Leadership Barrow as the Class of 2027 begins their first session next week. To the graduates, what’s your favorite Leadership Barrow story?