Leadership Union County (ULead)'s 12th class began this week with a reception, followed the next day by the class's first session.
ULead is a 10-month professional development course, geared toward community development in Union County and leadership development among participants. Those who take the course will have the opportunity to learn about government, health, charity and more in Union County.
Class 12 is made up of professionals from a variety of local companies and institutions, ranging from nonprofit and public sector organizations to businesses large and small.
On Tuesday, members of the class met one another and learned what ULead is all about. The next day, they gathered for team-building exercises, including "ULead Bingo," an El Dorado-themed game of trivia and a treasure hunt.
"I am really looking forward to seeing how this class will work together and build their relationships over the next 10 months," said ULead Class Director Kaitlyn Rigdon, who serves as project manager at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.
This year's class includes Rose Ables, of the Barton Library; Codi Anthony; David Anthony; Missy Blakely, of Southern Realty Group; JJ Cook of Noalmark Broadcasting; George Cotterman, of the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado; Richard Dunlap, of the Murphy Arts District; Jessica Kearns, of Murphy USA; Jubilee Langston, of First Financial Bank; Cristina Lee, of The Eagle Foundation; David Lee, of Lee's Sales; Tiffany McDaniel, of Nexans Amercable Inc.; Vinayak Oza, of LANXESS; Jennifer Schroeder, of South Arkansas Community College; Eli Vinson, of Medical Center of South Arkansas; Micah Wall, of LANXESS; Karley Whittington, of Evers, Cox & Gober; Netasha Wolfe Williamson, of Jan's Realty; and Chris Willis, of Ideal Construction Co.
Wyatt Winkenwerder, who graduated with ULead Class 11 in February, serves as chairman for Class 12 along with Faye Brown, communications and finance coordinator at the Chamber.
"I truly believe this class has the potential to do great things for El Dorado and Union County and I'm excited to see them all on this journey together," Rigdon added.
Rigdon said earlier this month that Class 12 will hold sessions on leadership, local and state government, community development, quality of life, education, workforce, health care and more over the next year.
"We plan to tour several local medical facilities, schools, nonprofits, industries, plus travel to the state Capitol," she said.
ULead Class 12 met for the first time on Tuesday evening at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce. (Contributed)