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Rowan Chamber Announces 34th Leadership Rowan Class

July 28, 2026

The Rowan Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its 34th Class of Leadership Rowan. Since 1992, the Rowan Chamber and Leadership Rowan have been dedicated to ensuring that the community’s most influential and esteemed leaders are well-informed about local issues, highly networked, and passionate about the community's success.

These talented leaders will engage in a ten-month program that includes exclusive tours and hands-on experiences, working closely with area leaders who daily tackle the community’s biggest challenges.

Armed with new knowledge, connections, and perspectives, Leadership Rowan graduates are well-prepared to take their places as effective community leaders.

“Leadership Rowan has a proud history of shaping our community’s leaders, with more than 800 graduates to date,” said Nick Means of F&M Bank, Chair of the Leadership Rowan Steering Committee. “Its continued success reflects Rowan’s commitment to developing informed, engaged leaders who work together to move our community forward.”

The 32 members of the 2026-27 Class are:

  • Abraham Sagaon-Lozada, Catawba College
  • Ashley Webb, City of Salisbury
  • Bonnie Harrell, Rowan County Literacy Council
  • Crystal Tucker, Atrium Health
  • Damita Wilder, Hood Theological Seminary
  • Donna Owens, NC Transportation Museum
  • Grace Knight, Families First NC Inc
  • Hannah Addair, Catawba College
  • Jalen Kemp, Walser Technology Group
  • Jared Mathis, City of Salisbury
  • Jenn Harrison, Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
  • Jessica Panzica, Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers
  • Karyn Smith, Novant Health Foundation Rowan Medical Center
  • Kate Schell, American Red Cross
  • Kelly Natoli, Rowan County Government
  • Leslie Cabagnot, Rowan Helping Ministries
  • Libby Anderson, Rowan Public Library
  • Lisa Cartner, Rowan County United Way
  • Mark Shropshire, NC Community College Small Business Center Network
  • Marsha Key, Carolina Caring
  • Megan McIntyre, Partners in Learning
  • Michael Lanning, Town of Spencer Fire Department
  • Misty Ratcliff, New Sarum Brewing
  • Noah Swing, Trinity Oaks
  • Rob Myers, Livingstone College
  • Robbie Newton Rodriguez, F&M Bank
  • Romar Morris, Next Generation Academy
  • Scott Ross, Lutheran Services Carolinas
  • Shanikka Gadson-Harris, East Spencer Housing Authority
  • Skylar Plumley, Power Curbers Companies
  • Victoria Patterson Chrismon, Patterson Farm Market & Tours
  • Yolanda Martinez, F&M Bank

Class members participate in a two-day retreat August 6-7 where they will engage in a Simulated Society (SIMSOC) exercise and get to know their fellow classmates. After the retreat, participants will attend a full-day session each month from September through May to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge of Rowan County. The class will attend sessions in the categories of history and power, criminal justice, public education, human needs, government, communications, business and the economy, and quality of life.

Each year, Leadership Rowan is diligently planned by the Leadership Steering Committee and Co-Chairs from last year’s leadership class. The Steering Committee includes Chairman Nick Means, F&M Bank; Deborah Johnson, Livingstone College; Alisha-Byrd Clark, Gemstones and COMPASS Leadership Academy; Erik Lipscomb, Global Contact Services; Shawn P. Edman, Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center; Kaisha Brown, City of Salisbury; Lorie Aldridge, Trinity Oaks; Tracy Alewine, Walser Technology Group; Peter Franzese, Town of Spencer; Leigh Ellington, Catawba College; David Beasley, Novant Health Rowan; Dillon Brewer, Town of Rockwell; Cinthia Rodriguez, Smart Start Rowan; Jason Hord, Town of Granite Quarry; Beth Ann Stowe, Patterson Farm Market & Tours; Dr. Christine Lynn, incoming Rowan Chamber President; and Sydney T. Murphy, Rowan Chamber.

The Rowan Chamber of Commerce is confident that the 2026-27 Leadership Rowan Class will continue the program’s legacy of excellence. By fostering collaboration, understanding, and innovation, these leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Rowan County.