The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce has announced the participants for the 2025 Leadership Augusta Executive Forum. The program, taking place from October 1 to October 4, is intended to introduce chief executives—especially those new to the area—to life in Augusta and facilitate open discussions about regional challenges and opportunities.
This year’s class includes a range of leaders from local businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations. Participants are Shaun Andrews, Executive Director of Accelerate Augusta; Briana Griggs, Senior Solutions Consultant with Unum Group; Andrew Bedi, COO of Doctors Hospital, along with Kristin Bedi; Ashlee Duren, Editor of Augusta Magazine; Thomas Fairley, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of East Central Georgia; Lisa Hopper, Area Manager at Georgia Power and Rick Hopper, Co-owner of Wood Valley Timber; Dr. David Jacobsen, President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta; Lt. Colonel Kraig Kline from the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence; Dr. Lester McCorn and Charlene McCorn from Paine College; Nikki McLain, Interim CFO at Piedmont Augusta; Marc Neidhart, SCM Director at Aurubis; Jeff Snow from Augusta University with Dr. Mia Alexander-Snow; Austin Stacy from the Development Authority of Burke County; Dr. Maggy Tomova and Dr. Teresa Waters from Augusta University; Denise Tucker from the Greater Augusta Arts Council with Baruti Tucker from Paine College and Humanitree House; and Ronic West from the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce.
According to the Chamber’s announcement: “The 2025 Leadership Augusta Executive Forum program…represents a small group of participants from Augusta area businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations. The program presents an overview of life in the Augusta area and encourages frank and open discussion of important problems and issues.” The forum aims to help these executives find ways to use their leadership skills for community benefit.
The Augusta Metro Chamber describes itself as the largest business membership organization in the CSRA region. Its mission focuses on economic growth by supporting businesses and educational initiatives that strengthen the region.
For more information about membership or upcoming programs, interested parties can contact Brooke Willis at brooke.willis@augustametrochamber.com or call 762-333-3199.
