Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Hosts Leadership Symposium

Each year, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce hosts a one-day conference that serves to bring leadership development and growth to our community. Leadership Symposium, presented by Reinhardt University , features speakers who share thought-provoking insights that can be used both on the job and in life. Businesses of all sizes require quality leadership — and your style of leadership can depend on your personality.

The day's first session will be hosted by Dr. Lori Maldonado . With a gripping and contagious style, Dr. Lori Maldonado routinely addresses a variety of audiences across the country. Whether speaking on leadership or spiritual development, her passion for teaching and inspiring does not disappoint – from retreats to conferences and beyond.

Dr. Lori co-created the Teach One to Lead One program, recognized as educationally sound by the White House. She does not mince words as she challenges people to live with integrity, depth, and joy. The author of seven books and a contributing author for other books and publications, Dr. Lori is a certified Youth Development Professional (YDP) and a Life Coach certified by the International Association of Professions (IAP) Career College. She earned her Masters of Divnity at Fuller Theological Seminary and her Doctorate in Leadership Development at Asbury University. Residents of Atlanta and parents to two sons, Dr. Lori and her husband like to cycle, hike, read, skydive, visit coffee shops, and participate in age-defying activities.

Session II is hosted by Sean Georges, J.D., LL.M. Sean recently retired as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Shoe Carnival, Inc. , a publicly traded national retailer with nearly 400 stores and over 5,500 employees in 35 states and Puerto Rico. A frequent speaker on leadership, employment law, and culture, Sean is co-founder of On Mission Leadership, LLC, a leadership development training and coaching team.

A graduate with Distinction (English Honors) from the United States Naval Academy, Sean accepted a Commission as a Marine Corps Officer and was one of ten Marine Officers selected to attend law school under the Funded Law Education Program. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois and later earned a Master of Laws degree from The Judge Advocate General's School of the Army at the University of Virginia. During 13 years on Active Duty in the Marines, Sean served in numerous positions of responsibility from North Carolina to Okinawa.

As a Judge Advocate, he served as Senior Trial Council and Senior Defense Counsel, Special Assistant United States Attorney, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, and as Senior Judge Advocate for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) in the Western Pacific.

The co-author with Dr. John Buford, Ph.D. of a recently published book on the nature and importance of an authentic leadership journey entitled On Mission: Your Journey to Authentic Leadership, Sean's TEDx Talk on The Essence of Authentic Leadership has been viewed nearly 40,000 times.

After a lunch break with opportunity for networking and engagement, the University of Georgia J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development will lead an engaging Session III.

Facilitators with the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development will present an interactive leadership and personality assessment. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about yourself, better understand others, and help understand others – strengthening your relationships and overall communication! Participants will have an understanding of their strengths and potential weaknesses, which can be used to modify communication with others at work and home.

"The Chamber is excited to partner with Reinhardt University for the seventh consecutive year on this impactful one-day high energy event that provides opportunities for seasoned leaders to refocus while also encouraging emerging leaders to better grasp their leadership potential. Continuous development of Cherokee County’s array of leaders - business, government, civic, cultural, faith based, etc. - is vital as our community works diligently to remain at the top of its game," shared Chamber President & CEO Pam Carnes.?

Leadership Symposium will take place at the Falany Performing Arts Center on the campus of Reinhardt University. Leadership Symposium begins at 8:30 and sessions continue until 3:30. There will be an optional tour of Reinhardt's campus from 3:30-4:30 pm. If you have the time, we encourage you to stay and learn more about Reinhardt's exceptional offerings and tour the beautiful rural campus.

Events like Leadership Symposium could not occur without support from our sponsors. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Reinhardt University .

We'd like to thank our Lunch Sponsor, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, Inc. , our Session Sponsors, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta , Kaiser Permanente , and Lake Arrowhead Georgia , our Breakfast Sponsor Jey Willis - State Farm Insurance Agent , and our Networking/Snack Break Sponsors Live Clean, Inc. , and NORTH GA CPA SERVICES, P.C.

If you are interested in attending Leadership Symposium, you can register on the Chamber's website here: https://cherokeechamber.com/programs-events/chamber-calendar/#id=3508&cid=94&wid=701

Scroll to the bottom of the page to purchase a ticket and reserve your spot!