Leadership Holmes County graduates record class

Another year, another group of sharp and eager minds has graduated from Leadership Holmes County.

On June 2, the newest crop of 25 members graduated from the class designed under the umbrella of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau to develop leadership skills while introducing those investing in the class to the values and business economics that shape Holmes County.

“We had 25 graduates, which is a record-breaking number,” said Tiffany Gerber, Holmes County Chamber & Tourism Bureau executive director.

Gerber said the process is underway to create a leadership committee within the chamber made up of graduates of the class. She said the goal of the committee will be twofold.

“We want to engage the classes and connect them with nonprofits, and we want to create really active alumni,” Gerber said. “It’s going to start with asking questions.”

She said the hope is to survey this year’s graduating class and get feedback from them to help create a construct that will enable long-lasting interaction for LHC graduates that will help them build meaningful networking, especially for those who are newer to the area.

“We want them to take their experience to the next level and have their leadership training be a core they can return to that extends beyond the life of the class,” Gerber said.

She went on to explain that the chamber wants to properly serve them and give them opportunities to expand and grow their understanding of the community and their leadership capabilities, whether in a social setting, in the business world or tackling leadership roles in their own companies.

Gerber said seeing Tuscarawas County’s leadership program develop both a community farmers market and a literacy program has inspired them to think bigger picture.

“We want to see a legacy come out of this class, and the key is alumni engagement,” Gerber said.

This is the second year the class is under the leadership of Shasta Mast, who took over for Leah Miller.

Mast said the group brought together a mix of backgrounds, professions and personalities, making it enjoyable to teach and interact with members on a regular basis.

“It was so fun to watch them go from strangers into a team,” Mast said. “This has been such an engaging, energetic and insightful group. It’s been a joy to associate with them as they grew throughout the class.”

She said while the class does have a curriculum, her favorite part is when the individuals are simply sharing their thoughts and ideas, their leadership struggles and questions and issues of the day, and they help each other solve them.

“They learn so much from each other,” Mast said.

A big part of the class each year is introducing its members to various businesses, organizations and tourism spots in the county.

“We always start the first class with a visit to the Amish Mennonite & Heritage Center, the Victorian House, Killbuck Valley Museum and the German Culture Museum,” Mast said. “It really presents some insight into the culture and history of the county.”

Other monthly stops include manufacturing, education and health care facilities to give them a well-rounded balance of the county. This year even included a tour of the Holmes County Jail.

“It’s about learning to network with the people of Holmes County, its resources and leaders,” Mast said. “It helps them build their own network and connections.”

The graduating class includes name and company: Abigail Frazee, The Killbuck Savings Bank; Alex Star, R&J Car Care Inc.; Blaine Hager, Buckeye Lawns; Bobbie Curry, village of Millersburg; Cale Ogi, Rea Wealth Management; Carrie Ruegsegger, First Federal Community Bank; Daniel Coblentz, Paint Valley Parts; Eric Dummermuth, Walnut Creek Cheese & Market; Jennifer Feucht, Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau; Jeremiah Snyder, Walnut Creek Foods; Jessica Smith, Wayne Door Sales & Service; Katie Stokey, Commercial & Savings Bank; Kenton Troyer, The Killbuck Savings Bank; Kristen Mickley, Pomerene Hospital; Landon Beachy, Hummel Group; Laura McCartney, Holmes County Habitat for Humanity; Mark Yoder, Viola Startzman Clinic; Mary Baker-Shoup, Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston; Michael DeWitt, Holmes County Dog Warden’s Office; Michael Moreno III, Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative; Nicole Williams, Mental Health & Recovery Board of Wayne & Holmes Counties; Ryan Kauffman, Kauffman Lawn Furniture; Sarah Ecker, Sacred Ground; Sharon Allison, Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities; and Whitney Miller, Paint Valley Equipment.

Mast said while this may be a graduation celebration, the growth and knowledge that took place will continue in the graduates' lives, and the connections they make will help them throughout their lives.

“Our main hope is that they develop confidence as leaders,” Mast said. “Sometimes I feel like people are afraid to lead because they don’t know everything. I hope this class helps them build confidence and knowledge that they don’t have to know all the answers. They just must want to make a difference. This group did that.”

Applications for the 2026-27 Leadership Holmes County classes are available now, with registration beginning June 15.