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Leadership Geauga Celebrates Graduation of Signature Adult Program Class of 2026

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Leadership Geauga proudly celebrated the graduation of its Signature Adult Program Class of 2026 on Friday, June 5, 2026, welcoming 39 new graduates into the Leadership Geauga alumni community.

Over the course of the 10-month program, participants explored the people, places, organizations, and issues that shape Geauga County. The Class of 2026 traveled 437 miles throughout the county, visited 64 businesses and organizations, and met with 110 community and business leaders representing a wide range of industries and perspectives.

In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of Geauga County, class members participated in an extensive exploration of DiSC behavioral styles and emotional intelligence, learning more about their own leadership strengths, how to communicate effectively with others, and how to collaborate with individuals who have different leadership and communication styles.

The Signature Adult Program is designed to develop informed, engaged leaders by providing firsthand experiences and meaningful connections throughout Geauga County. Through program days focused on education, human services, health and safety, government, business, agriculture, and arts and leisure, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the community and opportunities to make a positive impact.

“Graduation is always one of my favorite days of the year because it celebrates everything this class has accomplished over the past 10 months,” said Meredith Ashkettle, Executive Director of Leadership Geauga. “They showed up ready to learn, build relationships, and connect with our community. We’re excited to welcome them into our alumni network and can’t wait to see what they do next.”

The Leadership Geauga Signature Adult Program Class of 2026 graduates are:

  • Lori Babik, Geauga Family First Council
  • Brian Beaumier, Russell Township Police Department
  • Nancy Benincasa, West Geauga Local Schools
  • Christina Binion, Great Lakes Cheese
  • Elizabeth Bolander, Fairmount Center for the Arts
  • Robert Broadwater, Hemly Tool Supply Inc.
  • Blake Burns, Roediger Chiropractic
  • Mike Butt, City of Chardon
  • Phil Caris, In Step With Horses
  • Cole Crea, Payne and Tompkins Design-Renovations
  • Renee Delafranconi, Temple Emanu El
  • PJ Gabriel, Junction Auto
  • De’Shawn Gibson, Company 119
  • Jimmy Gibson, Hungry Bee
  • Bonnie Glavic, Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court
  • Kelli Hanley, Cleveland Field Kitchen
  • Neil Harrison, Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Keli Havlin, Arms Trucking Co
  • Samantha Jackson, Ravenwood Health
  • Amanda Jonovich, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office
  • Tracy Jordan, Geauga County LOSS Team
  • Katie Kafarakis, Millstone Management Group
  • Tiffany Kiphart, Kent State University Geauga Campus
  • Tim McCaskey, McCaskey Landscape and Design
  • Kristy Mowry, Red Tulip Project of Geauga
  • Stephanie Nader, Kinetico
  • Angela North, NAMI Geauga County
  • Dianne Piunno, Sisters of Notre Dame
  • Jon Pyle, Ryan Insurance Agency
  • Natalie Ray, Geauga County Auditor’s Office
  • Alex Richardson, Camp Ho Mita Koda Foundation
  • Jonathan Sague, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center
  • Glenn Smith, World Synergy
  • Max Stoddard, The Middlefield Banking Company
  • Kenzie Tobin, VanBoxel Building Supply
  • Yelena Tselenchuk, Fulfilled Life
  • Colleen Welder, Hopewell
  • Karie Wheaton, Geauga Park District
  • Tim Woodcock, Geauga County Engineer’s Office

Leadership Geauga is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing informed, connected, and engaged leaders who are committed to strengthening Geauga County through leadership, service, and community involvement. Applications for the Signature Adult Program Class of 2027 are open until July 20, 2026. More information can be found at leadershipgeauga.org.

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