The Abilene Chamber is excited to announce the selection of 34 community leaders who will participate in the Leadership Abilene Class of 2026. This class represents a diverse group of companies and industries and were selected through a rigorous, competitive application process based on their proven leadership potential within their organization and community.
The Leadership Abilene program is truly one-of-a-kind, gathering a committed group of leaders each year to participate in an intense nine-month professional leadership training focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the region with the goal of improving the quality of life for all people.
Leadership Abilene curriculum is designed to help class members foster a greater understanding of issues most important to the Big Country through class days focused on education and workforce, public policy, economic mobility, health care, and more.
The members of the Leadership Abilene Class of 2026 are:
Will Beasley, Abilene Christian University
Cole Carpenter, Jacob & Martin, LLC
JT Cary, Cary Services
Heather Champion, BCFS Health and Human Services
Brilyn Daniels, West Texas Rehabilitation Center
Ned Davis, Mettler Toledo
Emily Fisher, Eide Bailly, LLP
Lindsay Flores, Lytle Land & Cattle
Max Gilbert, Stifel Investment Services – Gilbert Wealth Management Group
Hayley Gildersleeve, Center for Contemporary Arts
Ron Holder, Hendrick Clinic and Hendrick Anesthesia Network
Brooks Hutchinson, First Financial Trust
Alana Jeter, Noah Project, Inc.
Jake Johnson, First Financial Bank
Baylee Kindrick, McMurry University
Manny Lamson, Dyess USAF
Addison Magee, Wisteria Place Skilled Nursing and Rehab
Mateo Martinez, My Mechanic of Abilene
Amber McKinney, Junior Achievement of Abilene
Victoria Mordente, Atmos Energy
Stephanie Munshower, Cisco College
Matthew Petersen, New Horizon
Sunshine Petrus, Abilene Websites Etc.
Ashley Pfannenstiel, Betty Hardwick Center
Emily Ritchey, Hardin-Simmons University
Alex Rodriguez, Datroo Technologies
Bella Segovia, Silver Spring Health & Rehabilitation
Leslie Sepeda, Abilene Auto Spa
David Spence, Dyess USAF
Kendal Subia, Abilene Chamber of Commerce
Trey Underwood, Atmos Energy
Hope Wegrzynowicz, Condley and Company, LLP
Lacey Wunderlich, Abilene Housing Authority
Peter Zeller, Batjer Heating and Cooling