Leadership Lafayette

Chamber of Commerce Opens Applications for 2024 Class of Leadership Lafayette

More about Leadership Lafayette

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce presents the 35th annual Leadership Lafayette program.  Leadership Lafayette welcomes applicants from all levels of community involvement, from established corporate level leaders, executives, emerging leaders, community leaders, and new-to-Oxford/Lafayette County leaders, who are interested in learning more about Oxford/Lafayette County and the issues that impact our community.  Our goal is to develop and maintain a network of invested citizens committed to improving the quality of life in our community.  Ideal candidates are those who are passionate not only about their personal leadership but about their community and its success.

What is Leadership Lafayette?  It is an eight-month program, running annually from January through August, that features a series of monthly training sessions and activities, designed for establishing active and engaged community leaders.  The Leadership Lafayette program introduces participants to a wide variety of assets within our Lafayette County area, exposes them to current community needs, and strategic leadership skills training.  The class will meet for an all day session once a month, typically the first Thursday of the month, from 8am-5pm. In addition to the monthly sessions, class members participate in a community based team project that aims to solve a current community problem and leaves a lasting impact on the LOU community. 

How are the Leadership Lafayette participants chosen?  Participation in Leadership Lafayette is determined by a competitive application process with the number of applicants far exceeding the number of available openings. A selection committee will carefully review all Leadership Lafayette applications.  Program participation is limited to 25.  Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to their potential for leadership, would contribute to the overall diversity and strength of the class and have available time to commit to the program and future community service.  Leadership Lafayette seeks to have class diversity among all ethnic groups, ages, genders, professions, and backgrounds.

Tentative schedule for 2024:

January 18 – Orientation I – Mandatory
January 25 – Orientation II – Mandatory
February 8 – Community Service/Project Management
March 7 – Community and Economic Development
April 4 – University of Mississippi
May 2 – Government and Criminal Justice
June 6 – Education
July 11 – Business and Industry
August 1 – Healthcare
August 29 – Graduation Banquet – Mandatory

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Photography by Photos by Joey Brent.

2022 Leadership Award recipient Shanika Ward pictured with Leadership Lafayette Chairman Quentin Brewer (left) and Leadership Lafayette Steering Committee member Chief Jeff McCutchen (right)

Leadership Lafayette Class Members

Rebecca Alexander

Oxford Newsmedia LLC 

Publisher 

Zach Bonner

Tannehill Carmean, PLLC 

Attorney 

Mike Burks

Oxford Police Department 

Detective 

Courtney Carlton

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation 

Alumni Engagement Director  

Mason Chapin

Thompson Machinery  

Inside Sales Representative

Ambry Coleman

Trustmark National Bank 

Relationship Banker II  

Avery Davis

Daisy Gift Company 

Manager

Matthew DeLoach

University of Mississippi - Division of Outreach 

Program Manager - Pre-College Programs

Cassie DiMauro

Class Member

Class Member

Detric Doolittle

North Mississippi Regional Center

Director of Lafayette Industries 

Josh Ferguson

City of Oxford Fire Department 

Fire Inspector/Public Education Officer 

Allison Ferris 

Office Manager for Development Services -

Engineering Department 

Sydney Fields

Service Specialists, ltd 

Recruiter 

Rachel Isbell

RE/MAX Legacy 

Realtor 

Nyterica Jenkins

The Unviersity of Mississippi  

Academic Advisor  

Don Jones

Northwest MS Community College 

Dean

Kaela King

Olin-Winchester 

Administrative Assistant 

Jason List

The Firm 

Associate Vice President 

Taylor Main

Thrivent 

Financial Advisor 

Elizabeth Mason

University of Mississippi 

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs 

Briana Murphree

University of Mississippi Division of Outreach 

Associate Director of Academic Outreach  

Amelia Ott

Oxford Newsmedia  

Director of Sales/Associate Editor  

Eliot Parker

University of Mississippi 

Instructor of Writing

Eathen Rainey

BankPlus 

Loan Officer 

Nate Rios

Wellspring Community Church 

Pastor