33 Graduate From Leadership Sandy Springs

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Thirty-three stakeholders in the Sandy Springs community recently graduated from Leadership Sandy Springs, an organization that develops, educates and connects community and business leaders in the Sandy Springs and central perimeter area.

Preceding the organization's 29th annual graduation ceremony held at Temple Sinai, LSS alumni convened to rekindle relationships and later joined the graduates to honor special members for their contributions.

The class members met with leaders from various industry sectors from the metro area, engaging in discussions, listening to speakers and exploring many aspects of leadership in the 21st century. 

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From nonprofit service organizations to businesses to government, LSS class members interacted with decision makers while learning about issues facing the changing community and volunteering in community-building projects. 

Awards were given to three LSS alumni to acknowledge their contributions. This year, Howard Austin (class of 2011), Paula Owens (class of 2009) and Karen Trylovich (class of 2011) were given the Carolyn Axt Leadership Sandy Springs Alumni Recognition Award for their outstanding community service. 

The LSS Board of Trustees, who saw the need for tracking the influence of individual alumni, established this recognition in 2002. It works to build relationships between members of different class years and showcases the diversity of leadership roles they have taken since their own graduation from the class.

Many laughs were enjoyed during the humorous address given by 2016 graduate Capt. Mike Lindstrom of the Sandy Springs Police Department. Capt. Lindstrom was elected by his classmates to speak and he didn’t disappoint.

Several of the graduates had this to say about what the program did for them:

• Dr. Robert Shaw, principal of Riverwood International Charter School: “Leadership Sandy Springs really gave me an insight into the community I serve. I was able to not only learn more about the community from which my students come, but I now have contacts in Sandy Springs to assist me be a better school leader.”
• Mike Bivone, client manager for Juice Analytics: "The leadership program opened my eyes to the great people and organizations we have working hard to make the community better for everyone. It makes me proud to call Sandy Springs my home." 
• Stephanie Graham, Dekalb County solicitor general: “Now when I attend county meetings for my job outside
  of Fulton County, I am quick to state, 'Let's do it like Sandy Springs!' Regardless of what 'it' is, we do it better in SS."
• Sandra Jewell, community Volunteer: “LSS provided so much information about the community and the
  region, the many ways to volunteer, and an opportunity to make new friends. What a fun and valuable year.”
• Kathy Ellis, founder and CEO, Intercultural English Services: “Through Leadership Sandy Springs, I grew
  to better appreciate this special community where I reside, work, and frequent the many fine establishments. Gracias! Obrigada! Merci! Xiexie! Danke! Spasibo!”

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Image via Leadership Sandy Springs