Leadership Holmes County tabs Mast as new leader

For more than two decades, Leah Miller has been a shining star in leading the annual Leadership Holmes County program.

With her retirement the LHC board needed to find someone they felt could carry on the tradition of success Miller had helped build in the program.

After searching, the committee believes it has found that person by tabbing a very familiar name connected to Holmes County education.

Leadership Holmes County, a program of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, has entered a new era with the retirement Miller by selecting Shasta Mast, former chamber executive director and current executive director of Holmes County Education & Community Foundation, as its new leader.

“Our board of directors reviewed the program and recognized that to keep the momentum and quality content, we would need a director with experience, ties to the community and a deep understanding of what makes Holmes County unique,” said Tiffany Gerber, chamber director. “That led us to a very familiar face in Shasta Mast, former chamber director and current director of the Holmes County Education and Community Foundation.”

Mast’s knowledge of the chamber, tourism world and Leadership Holmes County, which she went through as one of its first students, made perfect sense to the board.

“This is an opportunity to explore growth for Leadership through new initiatives and Shasta’s vision,” Gerber said.

Mast, who will continue to serve in her role as HCECF director for the time being, is eager to take on the new role.

“This was an easy decision for me because I’ve experienced the importance of this class and the impact it has had,” Mast said.

Mast graduated from the program in its infancy years ago, and that experience is a valuable tool in helping her step into the role as the leader of the program.

She said going through the class opened the door to important relationships she has relished over the years.

She said the most important figure in preparing her for her new role is Miller, who has served as a mentor for decades to Mast.

“Being able to continue what Leah began and further the impact she has made on our leadership capacity is very exciting to me, and Leah has been such an incredible example for me to follow,” Mast said. “I appreciate her so much and look forward to upholding the reputation and standard of excellence she has created in the program.”

Mast said as she steps into this new role, continuing her role with the HCECF remains important, but she said even when she took on that role, it was always intended to be a transitional one until the county could find the perfect fit to take the reins of the HCECF.

“For the time being, I will continue to serve in both capacities, but a time will come when I step away from my role as director at the education foundation,” Mast said. “Right now I am eager to begin this new chapter in my life and commit to carrying on the incredible work that Leah has done.”

With the new director now in place, it’s time to enter into a new season of Leadership Holmes County, and applications are still being accepted for the remaining spots in the 2024-25 Leadership Holmes County class.

The enrollment deadline is Aug. 23. Leadership is a yearly program that seeks to increase the number of leaders in Holmes County through leadership training and skills development. Every business or organization needs leaders to help them grow and meet the demands of the future.

Sponsoring employees gives them the confidence to take on new challenges in their careers and community. Leadership provides long-term benefits to the entire community through developing leaders who understand the complexities and challenges of the county’s infrastructure.

Potential class members can find the 2024-25 application by visiting www.holmescountychamber.com/leadership-holmes-county. Application also can be sent by request or picked up at the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce, 6 W. Jackson St., Suite A, Millersburg, OH 44654.

Due to size limitations, the class roster may fill prior to the deadline. Tuition is $1,200 for chamber members and $1,500 for nonmembers.

Leadership applications may be returned to Leadership Holmes County, Holmes County Chamber of Commerce, 6 W. Jackson St., Suite A, Millersburg, OH 44654; faxed to 330-674-3976; or emailed to Samantha@holmescountychamber.com.