VALDOSTA — South Georgia LEADS is accepting applications through July 10 for its 2026-2027 Regional Leadership Initiative.
Release:
VALDOSTA, GA – South Georgia LEADS is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 class of its Regional Leadership Initiative (RLI), a premier leadership development program dedicated to cultivating informed, connected, and engaged leaders across South Georgia.
The Regional Leadership Initiative brings together professionals from business, education, government, healthcare, agriculture, economic development, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen regional collaboration and build leadership capacity throughout South Georgia. Through a series of immersive learning experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the region while developing relationships with fellow leaders who share a commitment to South Georgia’s future.
The 2026-2027 program will include sessions in Americus, Ashburn, Albany, Blakely, Moultrie, Bainbridge, and Atlanta, exposing participants to a wide range of industries, communities, and leadership perspectives from across the state. Participants will engage with influential leaders, tour key industries and organizations, and explore the issues shaping South Georgia’s economic and community development landscape.
“South Georgia’s future depends on strong leaders who are willing to work together across county lines and organizational boundaries,” said Jason Dunn, Vice-Chair of South Georgia LEADS. “The Regional Leadership Initiative creates an environment where participants can expand their perspectives, strengthen their leadership skills, and build relationships that will benefit their communities and our region for years to come.”
Since its inception, South Georgia LEADS has developed a growing network of leaders who continue to serve their communities and advance initiatives that support economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life throughout the region.
“The Regional Leadership Initiative provides participants with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the issues and opportunities impacting South Georgia,” said Mary Beth Brownlee, Chair of South Georgia LEADS. “Our graduates consistently tell us that the relationships they build and the experiences they gain through the program have a lasting impact on both their personal and professional leadership journeys.”
Applications are open to individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities and the broader South Georgia region. South Georgia LEADS seeks a diverse cohort representing various industries, professions, and geographic areas.
“One of the greatest strengths of the Regional Leadership Initiative is its ability to bring together leaders from different sectors who share a common vision for South Georgia’s future,” said Michael Williams, Executive Vice President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and South Georgia LEADS Board Member. “The challenges and opportunities facing our region require collaboration, innovation, and strong leadership. RLI helps develop those qualities while creating lasting partnerships that strengthen communities, organizations, and the workforce across South Georgia.”
The impact of the program is perhaps best reflected through the experiences of its graduates. “I am honored to have completed the 2025-2026 South Georgia LEADS program, an experience that deepened my understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our region and reinforced my commitment to servant leadership and community development,” said Tim Craig, Director of Business Development for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and a 2025-2026 RLI graduate. “
South Georgia LEADS brought together emerging and established leaders from across the region and demonstrated the power of collaboration, regionalism, and collective action. The relationships formed through the program will continue to drive innovation, economic development, and stronger communities across South Georgia. I left the program encouraged by the caliber of leaders in our region and inspired by what we can accomplish when we work together to create opportunities that benefit future generations.”
Craig noted that the program strengthened his belief that sustainable growth occurs when leaders work
beyond organizational boundaries to serve the common good and that the lessons learned through South
Georgia LEADS will continue to inform his efforts to advance entrepreneurship, strengthen community
partnerships, and support economic prosperity throughout the region.
The cost to participate in the 2026-2027 Regional Leadership Initiative is $1,500 per participant. South
Georgia LEADS is committed to ensuring broad participation and may offer partial, needs-based
scholarships in select circumstances.
Applications are currently being accepted, and the final application deadline is Friday, July 10, 2026, at
5:00 p.m. Class size is limited, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.
For more information or to submit an application, visit www.southgeorgialeads.org.
About South Georgia LEADS
South Georgia LEADS is a regional leadership organization dedicated to developing informed, engaged,
and collaborative leaders who are committed to advancing the economic vitality and quality of life
throughout South Georgia. Through leadership development programs, networking opportunities, and
regional engagement initiatives, South Georgia LEADS fosters the next generation of leaders who will
help shape the future of the region.
