Josh Smith, Tiho Trichkov, Jen LaRue, April Getz, Amanda Wasco Brown, Devon Allio, Bonnie Bell, Jose Vivers, Mick Mayer, Nikki Sloop.
Leadership Highlands, a signature community engagement program of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, proudly announces the graduation of its Class of 2025.
Graduates include Devon Allio, Bonnie Bell, Amanda Wasco Brown, April Getz, Jen LaRue, Mick Mayer, Nikki Sloop, Josh Smith, Tiho Trichkov, and Jose Vives.
Over the course of eight months – from March through October – the participants completed an immersive program designed to deepen civic understanding, enhance leadership skills, and expand professional networks. The curriculum featured a retreat, monthly day-long sessions, and concluded with a formal graduation ceremony.
At the graduation ceremonies at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, the Class of 2025 presented the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC with a Giant Jenga set as a token of appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the program. The gift was chosen intentionally for its symbolism, representing the many businesses, organizations, and individuals that, like the blocks of the game, come together to build a strong, balanced, and resilient community. Each block has meaning on its own, but together they form something greater, reflecting how Highlands thrives through connection, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Each class member signed the 2025 brick to commemorate their graduating year, with the hope that future classes will continue the tradition, adding their own piece to the ongoing story of Leadership Highlands. Over time, the Jenga set will serve not just as a game, but as a living record of the generations of leaders who have built and continue to build Highlands together.
“We are incredibly proud of our 2025 Leadership Highlands graduates,” said Johanna Fein, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “Their dedication to personal and professional growth will have a lasting impact on their businesses, nonprofits, and the Highlands community as a whole.”
Each year, Leadership Highlands offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with local experts and peers while exploring topics such as Highlands’ history, cultural resources, economic development, government and public safety, health and human services, education, the arts, and outdoor recreation. The program also focuses on personal leadership development through principle-based decision making and team building exercises.
Participant selection is based on civic involvement, leadership potential, diversity of perspective, and a demonstrated commitment to both the program and the Highlands community.
Applications for the 2026 Leadership Highlands program will be available online beginning Friday, October 31, at www.highlandschamber.org/chamber/leadership-highlands. The deadline to apply is noon, Friday, December 5.
For more information about Leadership Highlands or the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, call 828-526-5841 or visit highlandschamber.org.
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