In December 2025, the second cohort of Leadership MAX – the Class of 2026 – was officially announced to the MAX membership.
The Leadership MAX Class of 2026 is chaired by Jenny Taylor, chief mission officer and vice president of career services, Goodwill of North Georgia, and Kristin Laarhoven, assistant commissioner, Technical College System of Georgia. Class members include:
- Mariska Angall, Fulton County Government, Select Fulton, WorkSource Fulton
- Sheri Blight, CareerRise
- Jumoke DeLoach, Beyond Basic Consulting
- Nickell Durham, Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency
- Tomica Felton, Atlanta Committee for Progress
- April Fresh, Wellspring Living
- Megan Heaphy, Georgia Life Sciences
- LaDonna Huggins, WorkSource Cobb, CobbWorks
- Petra Jeffrey, Year Up United
- Dr. Robert Joseph, Team MindShift
- Nate Marsh, MUST Ministries
- Angela Marshall, Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison
- Nicole McQueen, Technical College System of Georgia, Office of Workforce Development
- Kashara Moorman, Talent Circuit Strategy
- Rudi Pangad, Decide DeKalb Development Authority
- Trey Powers, Inspiritus
- Twana Roots, Cobb Chamber of Commerce
- Antonio Sherrell, Atlanta Technical College
- Natalie Williams, Atlanta Mission
- Sooraya Williams, YWCA Greater Atlanta
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Amazon has long been a highly impactful partner in metro Atlanta and Georgia’s economic development landscape, accounting for an estimated 34,000 jobs in the state according to company records. Amazon, which has built a culture around solving problems, partners with communities across the nation.
PROGRAM SPONSOR
Goodwill of North Georgia has a simple mission: we put people to work. At career centers throughout North nal résumé and cover letter, provides access to employment opportunities, delivers hands-on skill training, and more.
ABOUT LEADERSHIP MAX
Leadership MAX provides an exciting opportunity for workforce developers to grow within the workforce development community and develop into a community of peer leaders who will solve problems together in the years to come. Designed especially for developing leaders in the workforce development field, this cohort-based leadership development program is as an extension and evolution of our commitment to provide high-quality professional development and network-building opportunities for our members. Click here to learn more.
ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP MAX CLASS OF 2026
Grants Administration Manager, Fulton County Government / WorkSource Fulton
Mariska Angall
Together, we’ll translate best practices from my public-sector toolkit into actionable plans that spur innovation, equity, and prosperity across our business community. Developing a community‐centered “shadow project” now—identify a real-world challenge in local workforce development to tackle during the program.
Industry Partnership Manager, CareerRise
Sheri Blight
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to deepen my leadership skills, expand my strategic perspective, and learn innovative approaches to workforce development. I want to gain insight into how other leaders tackle complex challenges, foster collaboration across sectors, and drive systemic change in their organizations. Additionally, I hope to strengthen my network with peers and mentors, exchanging ideas and best practices that can enhance the programs I lead. Ultimately, I aim to translate what I learn into actionable strategies that create more equitable, impactful, and sustainable career pathways for youth and adults alike.
Principal Consultant, Beyond Basic Consulting
Jumoke "Coach Mocha" DeLoach
I hope to deepen my understanding of regional workforce trends, learn innovative approaches from peers, and strengthen connections across the Atlanta ecosystem. This will enable me to scale my contributions beyond individual programs into regional impact.
Workforce Development Manaager, Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency
Nickell Durham
Our field is constantly evolving, and I want to strengthen my ability to lead through change, whether it’s adapting to labor market disruptions, implementing new technologies, or redesigning service delivery models. Leadership MAX offers a space to explore innovative approaches and learn from peers who are driving transformation. I believe in the power of collective wisdom and foresee building a stronger leadership network and peer learning. By engaging with other leaders in the program, I hope to exchange ideas, share best practices, and build lasting relationships that will support my growth and amplify the impact of my work. Ultimately, I see Leadership MAX as a catalyst for elevating my leadership practice and contributing more strategically to the future of workforce development.
Vice President / Program Manager, Workforce Development Initiatives, Atlanta Committee for Progress
Tomica Felton
I'm most excited for the opportunity to explore best practices in workforce development and employer engagement. I look forward to learning practical workforce tools, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections with peers who share the same mission.
Program Director, Wellspring Living
April Fresh
Through Leadership MAX, I hope to grow as a leader in the workforce development field by stretching myself beyond my current role and gaining new tools that will help me lead with more clarity and influence. I want to learn how to better communicate vision in a way that inspires people to take ownership, whether that’s staff, partners, or participants. I’m also excited about the chance to be part of a cohort of other workforce leaders. I know there’s so much I can learn from hearing their experiences, seeing how they approach challenges, and building relationships that will strengthen my work and broaden my perspective. Most of all, I want Leadership MAX to help me step into the next level of leadership with confidence. I want to leave this program more equipped to make an impact, not just within my own organization, but across the larger workforce development field.
Director, Biotech Teacher Training Initiative, Georgia Life Sciences
Megan Heaphy
I hope to broaden my network beyond life sciences and education leadership to include workforce champions across multiple sectors. Many of the challenges we face in life sciences, such as closing awareness gaps, aligning education with industry needs, and building pathways into high-paying careers, are shared by advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and other industries. I want to learn strategies and tools that have worked in these sectors and explore opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. By bringing new approaches into my “workforce toolbox,” I can help ensure students are not only aware of these careers but are prepared to step into them, keeping talent in Georgia and helping our economy continue to grow.
Youth Services Manager, CobbWorks Inc. / WorkSource Cobb
LaDonna Huggins
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how to lead effectively in workforce development and strengthen the impact of the programs I support. I’m looking forward to learning new strategies for building partnerships, solving complex challenges, and creating opportunities that help young adults succeed in meaningful careers. I also hope to expand my network by connecting with other leaders who are passionate about workforce development. Sharing experiences and insights with peers can spark new ideas and approaches that I can bring back to my work. Ultimately, I want to grow as a leader, both in guiding programs and inspiring others, so I can make a stronger, lasting impact on the communities we serve.
Director, Corporate Engagement, Year Up United
Petra Jeffrey
As a growing leader with teams in two locations, I hope to learn how to be a more effective manager, inspiring and empowering my team. I also want a seat at the table to discuss ways to bring about
systemic changes that will improve economic conditions for our communities.
Cofounder & President, Team MindShift
Dr. Robert Joseph
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I want to grow as a leader to better serve my team, community, and company. I hope to strengthen my leadership skills so I can guide my team more effectively, scale our impact, and grow our company’s revenue — allowing us to reach and serve even more people with our workforce development programs. I want to learn best practices and emerging strategies from other leaders in workforce development while sharing my own experiences in a way that adds value to the group and helps shape emerging trends. I plan to grow personally, and help others grow as well. I seek to expand my own capacity as a leader while supporting the growth of others by being a thoughtful listener — empowering colleagues, partners, and participants to reach their full potential.
Director, Workforce Development, MUST Ministries
Nate Marsh
Through Leadership MAX, I hope to learn how to more effectively incorporate onsite training models that meet the real-time needs of both clients and employers. I want to explore innovative funding and revenue strategies that can sustain and grow workforce programs, especially those serving vulnerable populations. I am also eager to gain insight into launching mission-driven businesses that provide immediate employment for clients and create long-term career opportunities. In addition, I want to strengthen my leadership by learning from peers who are addressing similar challenges in other sectors. I believe there is value in expanding my perspective, growing my network, and refining the strategy behind the work we do so we can move faster with greater impact and serve our community with even more intention.
Operations Administrator / Director of Programs, Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison
Angela Marshall
Through Leadership MAX, I hope to deepen my leadership capacity in the workforce development field by engaging with peers who bring diverse perspectives, strategies, and innovations. I want to learn how others are addressing systemic challenges such as employer engagement, access and strategy in building education-to-employment pathways, and sustainable program design. I also seek to strengthen my ability to influence policy, shape collaborative ecosystems, and translate best practices into scalable solutions. Most importantly, I hope to gain a strong professional network of colleagues committed to advancing inclusive workforce opportunities, so together we can build stronger systems that reduce barriers, expand economic mobility, and change lives.
Manager, Data Systems and Customer Support, Technical College System of Georgia, Office of Workforce Development
Nicole McQueen
I’m eager to connect with emerging leaders in workforce development to learn best practices, share ideas, and collaborate on solving real-world challenges. I’m also seeking opportunities to be mentored by experienced professionals in the field to grow both personally and professionally.
Principal Consulant, Talent Circuit Strategy
Kashara Moorman
Through Leadership MAX, I hope to deepen my ability to lead workforce transformation at scale. My background spans roles at Delta, PwC, and across industries where I’ve modernized talent systems, built career pipelines, and aligned workforce planning with business growth. I want to build on that foundation by sharpening my executive presence, expanding my perspective on change leadership, and learning from peers who are navigating similar challenges. I see this program as a chance to grow as a leader who not only drives organizational readiness but also inspires people to reach their full potential.
Workforce Program Manager, Decide DeKalb Development Authority
Rudi Pangad
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to learn how to strengthen and amplify the efforts already happening in workforce development while gaining deeper insight into the factors driving or limiting growth across the region. I want to better understand how to connect these lessons to the unique needs of DeKalb County, especially South DeKalb, so that our community fully benefits from emerging opportunities and collaborative strategies.
Career Pathways Coordinator, Inspiritus
Trey Powers
I’m eager to continue developing my leadership skills so I can be the best leader possible, someone who not only supports their team but also creates space for others to grow and develop professionally. In addition, I hope to build new relationships that can lead to meaningful partnerships for program development and increased opportunities for Inspiritus clients. Expanding our network will allow us to connect more clients with the resources, training, and career pathways they need to thrive.
Director of Workforce Initiatives, Cobb Chamber of Commerce
Twana Roots
Through Leadership MAX, I hope to gain new insights into innovative workforce strategies and strengthen my own skills set. I look forward to expanding my network, peer learning, sharing experiences and best practices, and gaining fresh perspectives.
Career Preparation and Partnerships Manager, Atlanta Technical College
Antonio Sherrell
I hope to strengthen my leadership skills, strengthen my collaborative network and gain the skills to create a stronger impact in my community.
Human Resources Business Partner, Atlanta Mission
Natalie Williams
Through the Leadership MAX program, I hope to deepen my strategic leadership capacity within the workforce development field by engaging with peers, thought leaders, and innovative practices that are shaping the future of work. I’m eager to gain new insights into regional workforce trends, policy alignment, and cross-sector collaboration that can enhance my impact both locally and nationally. I also look forward to expanding my professional network, exchanging ideas, and contributing to a community of leaders committed to advancing equitable and sustainable workforce solutions.
Program Director, Digital Learning, YWCA Greater Atlanta
Sooraya Williams
I want to learn from people who see this work from different angles than I do. I know what it looks like day to day with the women in our programs, but I would like to better understand how policy, business, and philanthropy approach workforce challenges. I want to hear what has worked for them, what has not, and how they think about sustainability when resources change. My hope is that being part of this cohort will give me the chance to grow from those perspectives while also making sure the communities I serve are reflected in the conversation.