Rowan Chamber honors 28 graduates of Leadership Rowan program
SALISBURY - The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce recognized 28 community leaders recently as graduates of the 2025-26 Leadership Rowan program during the Chamber's Power in Partnership breakfast.
The nine-month leadership development program is designed to give participants a deeper understanding of Rowan County's opportunities and challenges while helping them develop skills for leadership roles in their organizations and throughout the community.
"We are extremely proud of these individuals who have completed this prestigious nine-month program," said Nick Means of F&M Bank, chairman of the Leadership Rowan Steering Committee. "Leadership Rowan has a strong legacy, with more than 800 graduates over the past 33 years."
The Leadership Rowan Class No. 33 included participants representing businesses, local governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and healthcare providers throughout Rowan County.
The graduates
Graduates of the 2025-26 class are Dr. Kristen Bowers of Moose Pharmacy, Kendra Bowman of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, Michael Brooks of the city of Salisbury, Dana Burris of F&M Bank, Maddie Capel of Catawba College, Mandy Earnhardt of Main Street Marketplace, Allie Elstermann of the city of Salisbury, Chelsea Franzese of the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, Mary Glidewell of Lutheran Services Carolinas, Mitchell Gober of Southern Power Plant Rowan, Heather Haaland of Nazareth Child & Family Connection, Jason Hord of the town of Granite Quarry, Betsy Jones of F&M Bank, Heather Kann of the town of Spencer, Tyler Kent of the N.C. Transportation Museum, Heather Kincel of Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, Cory Kluttz of F&M Bank, Jose Martinez of Walser Technology Group, Jennifer Payne of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, Chanel Quick of Livingstone College, Katelin Rice of Partners in Learning Child Development & Family Resource Center, Daniela Salazar of Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers, Jill Sellers of the town of China Grove, Sydney Smith Hamrick of Rowan Public Library, Beth Ann Stowe of Patterson Farm Market & Tours, Jordan Thompson of Hotwire Communications, Dr. Jennifer Yurchisin of Catawba College and Eric Shepherd of Rowan-Salisbury Schools and Eric Shepherd Photography, who was recognized as an honorary graduate.
Throughout the program, participants met monthly for interactive sessions focused on topics including economic development, education, healthcare and other issues affecting Rowan County. The program aims to provide emerging and established leaders with greater insight into community assets and challenges while encouraging civic engagement and professional growth.
Leadership Rowan has graduated more than 800 participants since its inception 33 years ago, creating a network of leaders serving businesses, nonprofits and public agencies across the county.
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