Darke County Economic Development is proud to announce the participants selected for the 2025 Class of Leadership Darke County. This prestigious program is a ten-month leadership initiative designed to develop and enhance the skills of individuals dedicated to driving progress and innovation in Darke County.
Leadership Darke County serves as a platform to identify and empower emerging leaders from diverse sectors of the community. The program provides participants with an opportunity to deepen their leadership abilities, foster collaboration, and make meaningful contributions to their organizations and the broader community.
“We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of individuals to the 2025 Leadership Darke County program,” said Denise Elsas, Workforce Specialist with Darke County Economic Development. “Their enthusiasm and dedication to learning will undoubtedly inspire fresh ideas and strengthen the future of leadership in our community.”
The 2025 Class of Leadership Darke County includes:
Arielle Heitkamp – Wayne HealthCare
Bradley Maxson – Midmark Corporation
Brandey Brubaker – JAFE Decorating, Inc
Cynthia Staley – Whirlpool
Damien Richard – Phelan Insurance Agency
Dylan Schenck – Park National Bank
Erin Hillberg – Beauty Systems Group
Laura Ahrens – Darke County Agricultural Society
Mary Combs – Wayne HealthCare
Melissa Wical – WAJ Management DBA H&R Block
Michael Hackler – Cooper Farms Inc, Village of Ansonia (Council)
Rajni Acharya – KitchenAid/Whirlpool
Scott Naas – Darke County Board of Commissioners
Steven Woolf – Woolf Business Services
Taylor Brubaker – JAFE Decorating
Tonya Clark – Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Darke DD)
Trevor Brumbaugh – Brumbaugh Construction
Over the next ten months, these individuals will engage in monthly sessions covering critical leadership topics such as Leadership Assessment, Career Management and Mentorship, Team Building and Communication. Each session will also include site visits to local organizations, offering participants unique insights into the leadership strategies employed within different industries.
The program will culminate in a graduation ceremony held at Darke County Economic Development’s Fall Mixer, where participants’ accomplishments will be celebrated by their peers, mentors, and community leaders.
Leadership Darke County is committed to increasing the quality and quantity of leaders who are ready to accept key roles within various organizations. By participating in the program, members of the 2025 class will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to make a lasting impact in their professional and personal endeavors.
For more information about Leadership Darke County, please visit: https://www.darkecounty.com/leadership-dc. For additional questions, please contact Denise Elsas at delsas@darkecounty.com or 937.548.3250.