Leadership Vicksburg graduates 20 Community Leaders

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN)— The Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce honored 20 emerging leaders at its May luncheon as part of the 2024 graduating class of Leadership Vicksburg, a nine-month program focused on leadership development and community service.

Participants were divided into four teams, each tasked with developing and completing a unique community project. In addition to their service work, members completed in-depth training in Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and project management strategies.

Leadership Vicksburg began with a retreat where team members met and began planning their projects. Each month thereafter, participants gathered to collaborate, receive leadership training, and work toward project milestones.

“This year’s teams each chose a path that speaks to the diverse needs of our community,” said a Chamber spokesperson. “From youth education to economic development, they’ve truly made a difference.”

Team Atomic Crushers developed a traveling coding camp for students aged 10 to 18. In partnership with the Vicksburg Warren School District, the camp will offer technology training and volunteer opportunities, operating out of the Vicksburg Warren Youth Development Center.

Team Beautiful Horizons partnered with the City of Vicksburg to launch an “Adopt-a-Street” beautification program, encouraging residents to keep high-traffic streets clean and welcoming for visitors.

Team Running with the Bull Market focused on economic growth, producing a step-by-step guide to help aspiring entrepreneurs open small businesses in downtown Vicksburg.

Team Weak Matches is developing a mobile app that will provide information on local events, volunteer opportunities, and a community directory.

The luncheon concluded with a keynote address from Col. Jeremiah Gipson, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. Gipson spoke about leadership and communication, emphasizing that “leadership isn’t about how loud you speak—it’s about how clearly you communicate.”

Graduates of Leadership Vicksburg include:

Team Atomic Crushers
Airrion Galloway – Ameristar Casino
Charlos Clark – WaterView Casino
Kayla Kivett – VWSD Career and Technical Education Center
Marlena Walker Bolls – VWSD, Warren Central Junior High
Michelle Fisackerly – VWSD, River City Early College
Chris Williams – WaterView Casino

Team Beautiful Horizons
Laura Price – Grace Christian Counseling
Blake Bell – The Vicksburg Post
Jay Lindsay – USACE Research and Development Center, Environmental Lab
Kristy Moon- Grace Christian Counseling Center

Team Running with the Bull Market
Caleb Tillotson- Entergy Grand Gulf
Margaret Wilkinson- May & Co.
Marissa Trapani- Electrolux Professional Group
Mitchell Johnson- Entergy
Wendy Knight- Mutual Credit Union

Team Weak Matches
Austin Crabtree- Porters Chapel Academy
JaLisa Wilson- City of Vicksburg
Jeremy Jones- International Paper
Madalyn Mouton- US Army Engineer Research and Development Center- Coastal Hydraulics Lab
Samantha Weist- US Army Engineer Research and Development Center- Environmental Lab

For more information on Leadership Vicksburg, contact the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce at 601-636-1012 or by email at crials@vicksburgchamber.org