Leadership group looks forward to future

Editor's note: Leadership Erie County, a nonprofit, represents a service-oriented organization that prepares civic-minded individuals through training to serve their communities. They often take on projects benefiting the community. SANDUSKY — Leadership Erie County is stepping boldly into the future. Since the announcement of Joe Hayberger's retirement with the graduation of the 2024 25 class, the program's board of directors has been hard at work, making sure the program continues to support established and emerging leaders across Erie County. During the past year and with guidance from survey responses from more than 50 graduates and supporters of Leadership Erie County, we are pleased to announce a new website and refreshed brand identity, mission and vision statement to set up our organization for continued success. A proud tradition Since 1985, Leadership Erie County has been an integral part of shaping professionals throughout our communities. Our vision is to support a diverse community by empowering passionate leaders working together to propel our region forward. With more than 850 alumni and counting, each class learns from current leaders in our community, enhances area knowledge with behind-the-scenes tours of local businesses and civic institutions and collaborates on community projects. These projects have supported local nonprofits, school districts and a wide range of community needs through hands-on service, meaningful partnerships and impactful initiatives. Some past community projects Leadership Erie County classes have undertaken are: • 1995 — Adopt-A-Highway • 2003 — Showers for Victory Kitchen • 1996 to 2006 — Teen LEADS programming • 2022 — Hoop house for Back to the Wild • 2023 — Renovation of adoption room at the Erie County Humane Society • 2025 — Updates to the holiday Cookie House in downtown Sandusky Looking toward the future After 12 years of dedicated leadership from Joe Hayberger, Leadership Erie County is beginning a new chapter with program coordinator Elizabeth Moots. Moots has 17-plus years of nursing experience and 16 years in education to her role with Leadership Erie County. A Sandusky High School graduate, she earned her bachelor of science in nursing degree from Bowling Green State University and her master of science in nursing degree, in nursing education, from Lourdes University. She brings valuable expertise to continue strengthening our future leaders in our community. Moots is supported by an engaged board, including: • Board president Alley Patterson, founder and CEO of Fast Track Merchant Solutions • Vice president Emily Faust, communications coordinator at Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio • Treasurer Derek Callin, assistant vice president and information technology project manager at VacationLand Federal Credit Union • Secretary Pamela Shirtz, teacher at Perkins Schools • At-large member Robert Fitzgerald, director of the Erie County Senior Center • At-large member Nichole Wade, assistant destination enhancement director at Shores & Islands Ohio and owner of Violet Pineapple Balloons • At-large member Arin Blair, chief planner for Sandusky's government and 2025 Leadership Ohio Fellow. Former board members Kay Kay Pou, marketing communications specialist for Sandusky Schools, and Mark Harrington, a retired human resource manager at Sandusky International Inc., were also integral to the continued success of the program. In July, we will welcome a new board member, Erica Taylor, human resources specialist for Sandusky's government. Want to join? We're excited to broaden our enrollment to include businesses from across all of Erie County, expanding beyond our current network. This would include local companies, such as Firelands Health, MetalTek, JBT, Civista Bank, the school districts of Perkins and Sandusky, VacationLand Federal Credit Union and many other business owners and employees. Graduates of our program gain access to the Leadership Erie County network, which includes connections to fellow alumni, past speakers — including Kitty Brandal, Tony Legando, police chiefs and sheriffs from the area — and an ever-growing list of new speakers and exclusive tour/host locations. This network opens the door to even greater collaboration, exposure and leadership development across our communities and beyond. Leadership Erie County's mission is to provide individuals with the knowledge, relationships and leadership skills necessary to support our thriving community. Are you an established or emerging leader looking to develop your leadership skills and make a lasting difference in your community? Leadership Erie County is now accepting applications for its 2025-26 class, starting this September. Please visit leadershiperieco.org or email Elizabeth Moot atcoordinator@leadershiperieco.org to learn more and apply today.