Greenville, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The Greenville Chamber has announced the participants of the 52nd Leadership Greenville class, which will commence a 10-month program focused on leadership and community engagement. This initiative aims to develop committed local leaders who can tackle significant community challenges. With over 2,500 graduates since its start in 1973, the program emphasizes rigorous selection and hands-on projects that positively impact the local area, including notable past initiatives of repairing community facilities and improving shelters.
Greenville Announces New Class for Leadership Development Program
Greenville has revealed the participants for the 52nd Leadership Greenville class, which will kick off a comprehensive 10-month program focused on leadership development and community engagement. The announcement was made by the Greenville Chamber on August 28, marking a significant step in fostering local leaders committed to addressing the area’s challenges.
The Leadership Greenville initiative aims to cultivate knowledgeable and dedicated leaders within Greenville County. Participants will engage in an in-depth exploration of critical issues affecting the community, enabling them to provide effective leadership. Cheryl Garrison, who serves as executive director of the Greenville Chamber Foundation and vice president of talent and leadership, emphasized the exceptional talent and commitment of the new class, as well as the program’s importance in shaping Greenville’s future.
Since its inception in 1973, Leadership Greenville has graduated over 2,500 individuals who have since contributed to various sectors of the community, including government, education, and nonprofit organizations. This long-standing program is known for its rigorous selection process, where candidates must submit essays, professional resumes, and evidence of their community involvement. This ensures that only the most qualified individuals are chosen to participate.
Community Impact and Previous Projects
The Leadership Greenville program is not merely educational; it also plays an active role in supporting community projects and local nonprofits. For instance, the previous Class 51 undertook significant initiatives aimed at improving facilities for local organizations. One notable project involved repairs to the Conestee Nature Preserve’s outdoor learning area, which had been damaged by Hurricane Helene and serves over 6,000 students each year. This project benefited from substantial fundraising efforts, raising over $30,000 from sponsors like TD Bank, Prisma Health, and Fluor.
Additionally, Class 51 made impactful enhancements to United Ministries’ Place of Hope, a shelter dedicated to serving the chronically homeless. This project totaled more than $100,000 in improvements, facilitated by a generous $30,000 donation from the Hathaway Family Foundation along with support from local businesses and organizations. It stands as a testament to the program’s capacity to mobilize resources for community benefit.
Understanding Leadership Greenville
The Leadership Greenville program is structured to inspire and motivate its graduates to take active leadership roles within their communities. Alumni have a proven track record in significant positions across local government and organizations, reflecting the program’s commitment to developing strong leaders for the future. The immersive nature of the curriculum prepares participants to tackle local issues critically and creatively.
As the present class embarks on this journey, they will join the ranks of past graduates, enhancing their skills and expanding their networks to make a positive impact in the Greenville area.
Conclusion
The 52nd Leadership Greenville class represents a continued investment in the future of Greenville’s leadership landscape. By fostering informed and dedicated community leaders, the program aims to address ongoing challenges and strengthen the local community.
FAQ Section
What is Leadership Greenville?
Leadership Greenville is a 10-month leadership development program designed to cultivate informed, committed, and qualified leaders within Greenville County by examining local issues.
How many participants are selected for Leadership Greenville?
The number of participants varies each year, but the program has a history of selecting qualified individuals through a comprehensive application process.
What kinds of projects do Leadership Greenville participants work on?
Participants work on community projects and initiatives that support local nonprofits. Recent projects have included improvements to the Conestee Nature Preserve and United Ministries’ Place of Hope.
Who oversees the Leadership Greenville program?
The program is overseen by the Greenville Chamber Foundation, with support from its vice president of talent and leadership.
Key Features of the Leadership Greenville Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 months |
| Focus | Leadership development and community engagement |
| Participation | Selected based on comprehensive application process |
| Community Impact | Involvement in local nonprofit projects and initiatives |
| Alumni Network | Over 2,500 graduates with notable roles in community leadership |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville County Schools Implement New Alert System for Safety
Greenville County Schools Launches Raptor Badge Alert System
Greenville Schools Implement New Raptor Badge Alert System
Superior Wellness Opens New Distribution Hub in South Carolina
Greenville Sees Rise in Violence Amid Weekend Incidents
Greenville County Schools Implement Free Lunch Program
Consumer Bankers Association Celebrates 74th Executive Banking School
South Carolina Gamecocks Prepare for New Football Season
Mike Waltz Faces Tough Questions at UN Ambassador Hearing
Atlantic Coast Electric Supply Earns Top Workplace Recognition
Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: Greenville Chamber Announces 52nd Leadership Greenville Class
- Greenville Online: 15 Minutes with Cheryl Garrison, Leader of Leadership Greenville
- Greenville Journal: Seven Upstate Residents Graduate from 2025 Sustainability Leadership Initiative Fellows Program
- Google Search: Leadership Greenville
- GSA Business: Greenville Chamber Announces 51st Leadership Greenville Class
- Wikipedia: Leadership

Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.


