Leadership Vicksburg

Congratulations to the Leadership Vicksburg Class of 2024! We had a packed house as we celebrated your accomplishments on completing the program. We are so proud of the projects you developed for the youth of our community. The two groups developed a Mentorship Training Handbook in partnership with the Youth Development Center and an Adulting 101 fair for High School students. Thank you to Col. Christopher Klein for your moving (to tears) address about being an effective leader. It was engaging and informative.

What an incredible experience! The Leadership Vicksburg team had the privilege of visiting the Vicksburg District and taking a fascinating tour of the Mat Sinking Unit. It was truly eye-opening to see firsthand the vital role the Vicksburg District plays in maintaining the flow of the Mississippi River, ensuring it remains open and navigable for the countless businesses that rely on it for transporting goods. A huge thank you to Christi Killroy, Josh Bower, Chris Johnson, and Helen Ashley for generously showing us around and sharing their expertise!

Leadership Vicksburg participants had an insightful visit to River Region Merit Health! We had the pleasure of meeting the dynamic new CEO, David Fox, who’s spearheading a cultural transformation at the hospital with boundless energy.

Dr. Stanley, Director of the Emergency Department, enlightened us on the evolution of emergency care, emphasizing the shift from “Emergency Room” to a versatile setup with 19 rooms catering to diverse needs, staffed by trauma and critical care-trained nurses.

Did you know? River Region Merit Health boasts two doctors with Olympic affiliations! Dr. Hagerty, a general surgeon and 1984 Olympian from Ireland, adds a unique touch to the team. Any guesses on his sport?

And let’s not forget Dr. Tipton, the orthopedist extraordinaire, who honed his skills with the US Ski team in Colorado before bringing his expertise to Vicksburg. Shoulders are his specialty, and he’s here to keep us moving!

Our visit wasn’t just about medical marvels; we also savored a delicious lunch at the revamped cafeteria and grill, now managed by Morrisons.

A big shoutout to Mr. Fox and the entire team for their hospitality and dedication to fostering a vibrant workplace culture. It was truly an enlightening experience!

What an incredible Education Day for Leadership Vicksburg participants!

Our journey took us to Bowmar Elementary School, where we were warmly welcomed by our amazing tour guides, Raegan Dean and Audie Evans. They graciously showed us around, allowing us to visit classrooms and share the joy of reading with kindergarten students.

A huge shoutout to the Hinds CC Culinary Department for treating us to a delectable lunch – every bite was a delight! Special thanks to William Furlong and Dr. Apryl Trimble-Washington for enlightening us about the educational opportunities available at the Vicksburg campus.

We’re also immensely grateful to Mr. Jason Bennett, Principal of Bowmar Elementary, for shedding light on the impactful Leader in Me program sponsored by the Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce. Hearing about the program’s success was truly inspiring!

Our day concluded with a tour of River City Early College, where Jordan Powell, Mina Kaur, Abby Mandarino, and Erion Wilson left us in awe with their enthusiasm and insights into their educational experiences. Their passion for learning was contagious!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made Education Day an unforgettable experience. Together, we’re shaping brighter futures for our community!

Leadership Vicksburg participants visited the Capitol!

In addition to touring the Capitol, they were introduced by Senator Hopson to the Senate (that was really cool btw), they also spoke with Senator Briggs Hopson and Representatives Oscar Denton, Kevin Ford, and Jeffery Harness.

Lunch was at @salandmookies where we heard from Gwen Howard, Executive Director of MEDC and Gabby Nuzzo, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at Greater Jackson Alliance. Both shared the various resources they provide to make a positive impact on economic development in Warren County.

We also had a guest for lunch, do you spot him?

Our Leadership Vicksburg participants had the incredible opportunity to visit Nick Jones, the passionate Franchisee owner of Chick-fil-A Vicksburg!

Nick shared his insights on the principles that drive the success of Chick-fil-A, emphasizing how he selects and hires his team based on these principles, fit, and shared values. It’s not just about a job; it’s about creating a cohesive and thriving work environment!

During our visit, Nick generously shared some of his favorite books on hospitality, leadership, and other essential tools that have played a pivotal role in effectively managing his team and cultivating a positive workplace culture.

The experience was truly inspiring, shedding light on the power of leadership and the impact it can have on building a successful and values-driven business. A huge thank you to Nick Jones for opening up his world to us and imparting valuable knowledge and for the wonderful lunch!!

Leadership Vicksburg participants met again and discussed Stephen Covey’s Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind. They also met with their community project sponsors.

Our visit with Mary Margaret Edney, Kelly Erin of the DIVE Center, and Dr. Robert Moser at the  U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) was very informative and fun.

Leadership Vicksburg participants had their first class! Dr. Regina O’Leary discussed the first habit, Be Proactive, from Stephen Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”

Team T.A.C.O (Team Advancing Community & Organizations)  Key City Movers, and Ppace’m chose their community projects and discussed their roles and responsibilities within each group.

We visited with representatives from the city and county governments, along with Warren County’s Economic Developer, Pablo Diaz. We even toured MCITy (Mississippi Center for Innovation & Technology) and heard from representatives from MSU, USM, and Hinds Community College. Lunch was provided from Main Street Market Cafe who prepared delicious sandwiches, their famous fruit salad with homemade ginger dressing, and cake with fresh strawberries on top. All in all a wonderful day!

How well do you work in a team?

Leadership Vicksburg went on a retreat to Farmer’s Table in Livingston. They donned on their aprons, and made a three course meal working together in teams. Thank you to Chef Jordan, Bridget Engle, and her husband for showing us an amazing good time!

Please welcome the members of our Leadership Vicksburg 2023-2024 cohort!

We met for Orientation and after the Chamber hosted a Meet & Greet reception for the participants and their supervisors. They were welcomed by representatives of the city, county and a board member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Group Photo credit: Larry Asap Walker