Leadership MAX (L-MAX) is a competitively selected, cohort-based leadership development program designed especially for developing leaders in the workforce development field. L-MAX is comprised of a combination of retreat-style, full day, field trip, and service-learning opportunities over the course of a year.
2025 Leadership MAX Chairs John Helton, CEO, CareerRise, and Breezy Straton, Vice President, Elevate Douglas, excitedly announced the inaugural Leadership MAX Class of 2025, presented by Amazon, at our MAX Annual Meeting in December 2024.
“One of the greatest benefits of MAX is the networking and getting to know who’s who in the state and region, especially the decision-makers,” says Jenny Taylor, Chair, MAX Board of Directors, and Vice President and Chief Mission Officer, Goodwill of North Georgia, noting how because of MAX, we advance our collective mission and operate at the ‘Speed of Trust’. Says Taylor: “I am confident that Leadership MAX will be an accelerant, both for the emerging and experienced leaders in the cohort AND for the workforce development ecosystem. I am so proud of the participants in the inaugural class for stepping forward, and of each member of the board and leadership who is volunteering their precious time to pour into their development.”

PRESENTING SPONSOR OF LEADERSHIP MAX CLASS OF 2025

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.
SILVER SPONSOR

Goodwill of North Georgia has a simple mission: we put people to work. At career centers throughout North Georgia, Goodwill offers job-search resources, helps with writing a professional résumé and cover letter, provides access to employment opportunities, delivers hands-on skill training, and so much more.

Workforce Development Manager, Gwinnett County Government
Autumn Andrews
I am so excited to learn from other workforce leaders and exchange ideas and best practices. I know this will be a great opportunity to expand my network and develop relationships that I will continue to leverage even after the program. I am hopeful that connections made during Leadership MAX will lead to collaboration and partnership opportunities across the region. I am also interested in learning how to leverage workforce policy on the local level and creative ways to fund workforce development initiatives.

Business Retention, Expansion & Workforce Project Manager, Elevate Douglas
Rachel Ash
I am looking forward to getting a better understanding of the "workforce ecosystem". I am interested to know who all the players and decision makers are, and how do they work with one another. Where are the gaps or shortcomings within those, and what works well that I can utilize. As an "emerging leader" in the workforce space, I am excited to learn from those more experienced than me, learn about initiatives that have worked well from others to implement in Douglas.

Executive Director, Saving Our Sons & Sisters International (SOSSI)
Dr. Chuck Barlow Jr.
Through participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to gain several key skills and insights that will not only enhance my personal leadership capabilities but also strengthen the work we do at SOSSI. I aim to develop strategic leadership skills that will help me navigate complex organizational challenges, lead diverse teams effectively, and drive long-term impact in our workforce development programs. By learning how to create and implement strategic plans, I can ensure that SOSSI continues to scale its efforts sustainably. I also want to gain deeper insights into collaborative leadership, particularly in how to foster partnerships across sectors. In workforce development, collaboration with employers, educational institutions, and community stakeholders is key.

Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources, Georgia Department of Human Services
Ann Burris
Through participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to gain valuable leadership skills, enhanced communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, personal development with self-awareness, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, industry specific knowledge understanding current trends in our field and awareness of emerging technologies relevant to my role and organization, change management strategies, project management methodologies, and ethical leadership.

Founder & President, STEM Atlanta Women, Inc.
Dr. Maxine Cain
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to expand my leadership skills and knowledge specifically within the workforce development field, enabling me to make a greater impact in the communities I serve. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to engage with a cohort of diverse professionals, sharing insights and collaborating on innovative solutions to workforce challenges statewide. From a professional development perspective, I am eager to learn about key topics such as data-driven decision-making, policy and lawmaking, resource development, and employer engagement.

Program and Performance Manager/Signature Programs, City of Atlanta
Chanell Davis
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I wish to accelerate my professional growth through individual leadership development, while building new skills to lead others. I wish to learn how to drive change and accountability. I wish to develop as an emerging leader for my organization to take on new responsibilities, implement new initiatives and programming.

Project Administrator/Special Projects Manager, Atlanta Regional Commission +WorkSource Atlanta Regional
Lisa Davis
While participating in Leadership MAX I hope to continue to develop and refine my leadership skills to lead and inspire a team, allowing me to experience personal growth and increased confidence in my ability to lead and make a difference. I hope to build a network of like-minded individuals in the workforce development field while expanding my skills in designing and implementing effective workforce development programs.

Director of Professional Development and Family Literacy, Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG)
Carla DeBose
I want to sharpen my skills and expand my knowledge of workforce development so that I can better serve the various audiences that I support. I recently wrote and won a $250,000.00 Reentry grant. It allows our adult education programs to take high equivalency courses and technical training to the prisons. When I witness the power of this program, and the impact that it is making on the participants and their families, I want to do more. I want to learn more, so that I can be of greater service.

Talent Development Partner, Grady Health Systems
Tiffany Francis
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to gain valuable insights and skills that will enhance my ability to lead effectively within the workforce development field. Specifically, I am looking forward to learning innovative strategies for tackling complex challenges, such as bridging the skills gap and supporting underserved communities. I hope to deepen my understanding of best practices in leadership, program management, and stakeholder collaboration, which will allow me to drive greater impact in my current role. Additionally, I aim to connect with a diverse network of leaders and peers who share a passion for workforce development.

Industry Partnerships Director, CareerRise
Nate Futrell
I hope to sharpen my skills so that I can guide my team to produce excellent results for our region. This will require a further shift in my mindset from "doer" to "leader". While I do have leadership experience in the corporate space, I hope to learn more about those aspects that are specific to the workforce development space, such as nonprofit management, budgeting, program design, and relevant policies. I also hope to gain stronger relationships to other leaders in my field so we can be more effective in serving our communities.

Advisor - Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Sergio Galeano
From my participation in Leadership MAX, I envision being able to grow as an emerging leader by learning from and collaborating with my peers. I wholeheartedly look forward to the opportunity to spend meaningful time with my colleagues, learn from them, and in turn learn their priorities and how I can best help them and the workers we ultimately serve. I recognize that my team at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is not directly involved in engaging with workers as many members in the upcoming cohort likely are. Yet, I believe we can complement their efforts and offer much value through partnership, strategy, convening, and expertise.

CEO, The Collaborative Training Company
Brenda Johnson
I am eager to participate in Leadership MAX to further my commitment to advancing workforce development, expanding opportunities for job seekers and ensuring businesses have access to the skilled talent they need to thrive. As a workforce training provider, participating in Leadership MAX will expand my ability to create meaningful connections between job seekers and employers, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth. Leadership MAX will offer a unique opportunity to conduct a comprehensive deep dive into the various stakeholders involved in workforce development, providing insight into the policies, funding mechanisms, and regulatory developments necessary for crafting impactful, sustainable solutions.

Principal, ThrivalED
Jason Martin
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to gain new connections in Georgia's workforce development eco system that are strengthened by going through a shared experience like this Fellowship. I would also like a better understanding on how Georgia is growing and innovating in the workforce development space to establish a clear game plan on what is needed over the next decade to eliminate inequities.

Civil Engineering Program Coordinator, Atlanta Technical College
Dr. Ubani Ogbonnaya
I look forward to learning and improving effective communication, team building, strategic thinking, collaborations, and emotional intelligence through my participation in Leadership MAX class of 2025. I hope to understand different leadership styles and adopt a style that is consistent with my strengths. I anticipate developing strong decision-making skills, especially in high-pressure environments where strategic thinking is crucial. Ultimately, I want to gain skills necessary to drive meaningful change and make a lasting impact in my organization.

Connect to Work GA Talent Acquisition Coordinator, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Angelia O’Neal
Through my participation in Leadership MAX I hope to expand my professional network in workforce development, and gather insights into the current perspectives of others in the field. I want to collaborate with Georgia's thought leaders and workforce experts to develop strategies that strengthen and energize the workforce, aiming to reduce poverty and promote social change.

Senior Director, Retention Services, First Step Staffing
Ashlee Phillips
By participating in Leadership Max, I aim to acquire valuable industry insights through expert-led workshops focused on current trends and challenges in workforce development. I also look forward to networking with industry professionals and peers. Furthermore, I hope to enhance my teamwork and problem-solving skills, empowering me to lead effectively in any workplace. Overall, the academy will provide me with the essential tools and connections needed for career success.

Student Advocate for Tech Programs, City of Refuge
Anggie Pope
By participating in Leadership MAX I would like to explore what it truly means to be a leader in Workforce Development. This involves actively engaging in a group that addresses key challenges in the field, while working collaboratively to identify potential solutions. Leadership in this context means not only contributing to discussions but also helping to develop actionable strategies to tackle these issues. One possibility is to create a plan focused on solving a specific workforce development challenge, paving the way for meaningful and sustainable change.

Founder & CEO, Americans Thrive, LLC
Dr. Susan Simmons-Stevenson
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to gain deeper insights into effective leadership strategies and techniques that can drive impactful changes within organizations and communities. Additionally, I aim to learn from other leaders' experiences, expanding my network and enhancing my ability to foster collaboration and innovation in workforce development.

CEO, NPursuit Career Partners
Jahari Soward
I am eager to embrace the Leadership MAX (L-MAX) program's offerings, especially its concentration on pioneering leadership strategies. My aspiration is to absorb and implement innovative solutions and avant garde methodologies that can be a blueprint for other communities to follow. The program's promise of solution-driven learning, networking and collaborative problem solving excites me, as it aligns perfectly with my commitment to addressing industry challenges with practical, impactful actions that focus advancing economic opportunities for the community in which we serve. I'm looking forward to acquiring new hands-on tools and strategies that can enhance my ability to devise and execute effective workforce development initiatives while keeping people first.

Founder/President, Georgia LEARNS Now, LLC
Paul Terlemezian
I hope to broaden my perspective by developing and strengthening relationships and trust with leaders who are different from me and ideally who disagree with me on the way to solve important workforce development issues. I then hope to experience how our disagreement allows us to respect each other as we identify weaknesses and combine our strengths to achieve better outcomes for everyone by demonstrating our willingness to stay in relationship and solve problems as we celebrate the true joy of being respected amongst diverse perspectives.

College and Career Specialist-Workforce Lead, Newton County School System
Jordan Troutman
Through my participation in Leadership MAX, I hope to gain some great relationships, lifelong, that can extend to partnerships and possible mentorships. I hope to learn about key factors impacting workforce development and possible solutions to overcome barriers. I look forward to expanding my current skill set and learning new ones to assist in my work. Lastly, it is my hope that my participation in L-MAX will propel my career and build a successful trajectory, both personally and professionally. I consider it an honor to be selected for the inaugural L-MAX cohort and intend to take full advantage of all the opportunities this experience affords.

Program Manager, WorkSoruce Fulton
Michelle Vialet
I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and I am hoping to continue to sharpen my skills, collaborations, and partnerships. I am interested in sharing best practices, learning what is working for others and how we can cohesively work together to implement new strategies, new programs, new services across the board regionally and statewide.

Business Relations Specialist / Management Analyst II, Decide DeKalb Development Authority; WorkSource DeKalb
Joshua Williams
I hope to gain additional resources to help me build exceptional economic and workforce communities, while making connections with other workforce developers that aid me in my collaborative efforts and workforce goals. I hope to learn best practices in workforce development and be exposed to factors contributing to successful workforce development. I want to connect to opportunities for further growth and development, allowing me to better empathize with workforce challenges I learn about.

Program Director, STRIVE Atlanta
Toya Williams
I hope to gain additional resources to help me build exceptional economic and workforce communities, while making connections with other workforce developers that aid me in my collaborative efforts and workforce goals. I hope to learn best practices in workforce development and be exposed to factors contributing to successful workforce development. I want to connect to opportunities for further growth and development, allowing me to better empathize with workforce challenges I learn about.

Literacy | Strategic Partnership Coordinator, CobbWorks Inc.+ Worksource Cobb
Olivia Wilson
Through Leadership MAX, I hope to learn practical leadership strategies and have honest discussions with other managers about what really works. I want to build stronger relationships, collaborate more effectively, and broaden my relationships across different industries. Most importantly, I want to grow my confidence as a leader in every setting. By connecting with other leaders, I aim to be more open to understanding other perspectives, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches that can make a real impact on my work at CobbWorks. Ultimately, I want to strengthen my leadership skills, grow, learn from others with more expertise and contribute even more effectively to the community and my staff.