Leadership Westmoreland proudly launched its 11th annual cohort last week, bringing together 19 dynamic leaders from across the region for an energizing two-day opening session focused on servant leadership and strength-based leadership. The event was hosted at the Westmoreland Conservation District, offering the perfect backdrop to spark learning, collaboration, and connection.
Participants were engaged and inspired by a powerful lineup of speakers and facilitators, including:
- Bonnie Artman Fox, A Conscious Choice LLC on The Working Genius
- Dale Carnegie Training on Interpersonal Communication
- Iron Lotus Leadership, LLC on The Laws of Growth
- A hands-on Team Building experience at 60 Minute Missions Escape Room
- A Community Connection feature highlighting the mission and impact of the Westmoreland Conservation District
In addition to these impactful sessions, the cohort officially launched their community projects—the signature capstone component of the program designed to drive meaningful change and collaboration across Westmoreland County.
From now until graduation in May 2026, the cohort will meet monthly for in-depth sessions on the Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership:
- Putting People First
- Being a Skilled Communicator
- Being a Compassionate Collaborator
- Having Foresight
- Being a Systems Thinker
- Being a Person of Character
- Leading with Moral Authority
Each session will be hosted at a local establishment in the county, pairing leadership development with a community connection experience. Upcoming visits include the Westmoreland County Courthouse, The Palace Theatre, Live! Casino, The Westmoreland County Community Foundation, Laurel Highlands Workforce & Opportunity Center, and Ebara Elliott Energy.
This year’s program is made possible thanks to the support of our Torchbearer Sponsor, Ebara Elliott Energy, along with generous contributions from the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation.
“Each year, Leadership Westmoreland provides participants with the tools, insights, and experiences to grow as leaders while building stronger connections within our community,” said Lindsay Neary, Director of Leadership & Professional Development. “We’re thrilled to see this new cohort dive in with such energy and commitment.”
The 11th annual Leadership Westmoreland cohort will continue to grow and serve throughout the year, preparing participants to make a lasting impact on their organizations and community.
For more information about Leadership Westmoreland, visit https://westmorelandchamber.com/leadership-academy/leadership-westmoreland/
2025-2026 Leadership Westmoreland Cohort:
| Derrick | Accipiter | Ebara Elliott Energy |
| Lyndsea | Alexander | Redstone Highlands |
| Hank | Bradish | Westmoreland Conservation District |
| Jonathan | Brosh | Private Industry Council |
| Jon | Campbell | Live! Casino |
| Dan | DeBone | Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce |
| Kelli | Gardner | WCCC |
| Bekah | Garland | YWCA Westmoreland County |
| Andrew | Hilton | Commercial Bank & Trust of PA |
| Melissa | Hipple | Laurel Highlands Workforce Op Center |
| Sara | Johns | Pheple Federal Credit Union |
| Kyle | Klimchock | Roechling Industrial |
| Jodi | Knopsnider | Somerset Trust Company |
| Dave | Likar | Ebara Elliott Energy |
| Gabby | Munson | Somerset Trust Company |
| Emma | Reeping | GO Laurel Highlands |
| Matthew | Schropp | Live! Casino |
| Julie | Smith | Redstone Highlands |
| Joanna | Stewart | UPMC East |
