DULUTH, Ga. (July 14, 2026) – Leadership Gwinnett selected 48 accomplished leaders to join its Class of 2027, bringing together professionals from business, government, education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector who share a commitment to strengthening Gwinnett County. Beginning in August, these leaders will spend nine months exploring the people, institutions, opportunities, and challenges shaping one of Georgia’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving communities while building the relationships needed to create lasting impact.
Leadership Gwinnett offers an experience few people ever have. Class members go behind the scenes of the county’s schools, courts, healthcare systems, businesses, and local governments, engaging directly with the leaders making decisions every day. Along the way, they challenge assumptions, broaden their perspectives, and build trusted relationships across sectors. These are the connections that continue long after graduation and strengthen the future of Gwinnett.
“These 48 leaders already make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Jennifer Hibbard, Leadership Gwinnett Foundation Board Chair. “Members of the 2027 class will gain a deeper understanding of Gwinnett, build relationships across every sector, and leave better equipped to lead meaningful change for years to come.”
“By joining the Class of 2027, I hope to deepen my understanding of Gwinnett’s history, emerging challenges, and long-term opportunities so I can better support the community’s growth,” said Jill Pennamon, Energy Efficiency Education Coordinator Sr. at Georgia Power. “I look forward to collaborating with leaders across the county to gain broader perspectives and address the issues impacting our residents.”
The Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2027
| Amira Abdulhafid, Program Director – GUIDE, Inc. |
| Aysha Abdullatif, Chief Marketing Officer/Co-Owner – N & A Management |
| Hamidah Ajani, Chief Strategy Officer – Amazing Energy Solutions |
| Ceaneh Alexis, Founder & CEO – Catapaultt |
| Cleo Atwater, Chief – Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office |
| Cameron Barnhill, Business Development Manager – Jackson EMC |
| Christina Bridger, Associate Judge – Gwinnett County Juvenile Court |
| Shaun Carter, Director, Public Safety – PCOM Georgia |
| Terance Clement, Manager, National Sales Operations – Comcast NBCUniversal |
| Katie Deutschler, CPA, Audit Partner – Aprio |
| Raechell Dickinson, HR Deputy Director – Gwinnett County Government |
| Lauren Dodson, Vice President, Economic Development – Gwinnett Technical College |
| Justin Edge, Attorney – Andersen, Tate & Carr, P.C. |
| Keith Farmer, Judge – Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court |
| Joshua Fricks, CPA, Partner – Rhodes, Young, Black, & Duncan, LLC |
| Jason Grady, System Manager, Emergency Cardiac Care – Northside Hospital Gwinnett |
| Andrew Hajduk, President & CEO – Voxpopuli |
| Dr. Ashley Harris, VP Therapeutic Services – Partnership Against Domestic Violence |
| Bryant Harris, Major, Training Director – Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and Lawrenceville City Council Member |
| Ben Hefner, PE, Project Manager – Goodwyn Mills Cawood |
| Dr. Candis Hunter, Commander (USPHS)/Scientific Program Official (CDC) – US Public Health Service (USPHS)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
| Jay Jenkins, Operations Manager – VHB |
| Greg Johnson II, CPA, Executive Director of Budget, Strategy, & Risk Management – Gwinnett County Public Schools |
| Shenée Johnson-Cummings, Family Engagement Coordinator – Gwinnett County Public Schools and Duluth City Council Member |
| Nikkie Kimble, RN, Director of Inpatient Services – Piedmont Eastside |
| Michelle Lara, VP, Acquisitions & Development – Willow Bridge Property Company |
| Katie Leverett, Business Development – Northeast Georgia Health System |
| Eric Miller, Executive Director – Gwinnett Walton Habitat for Humanity |
| Antonio Molina, Founder – Molina Law |
| Ria Nancoo, President – Network Handlers, LLC |
| Kyle Norton, Convocation Center Director – Georgia Gwinnett College |
| Maurice Odoms, Director of Leisure Sales & Training – Explore Gwinnett |
| Jamie Palmer, City Manager – City of Mulberry |
| David Park, Partner – Alston & Bird, LLP |
| Jenny Payne-Simpkins, City Manager – City of Lilburn |
| Jill Pennamon, Energy Efficiency Education Coordinator Sr. – Georgia Power |
| Britt Ramroop, CEO – Gwinnett County Police Foundation |
| Karen Ramsey, Deputy Director – Gwinnett Housing Corporation |
| Pam Reid, Senior Funding Strategist – Convergent Nonprofit Solutions |
| Brett Russell, President & COO – Atlanta Landscape Group |
| Dr. Adrienne Simmons, District IV Vice Chair – Gwinnett County Board of Education |
| Patricia Sledge, SVP, Accounting & Finance – Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce |
| Madison Smith, Stormwater Coordinator – City of Lawrenceville |
| Dr. Markita Spikes, Interim Executive Director, School Operations & Support – Gwinnett County Public Schools |
| Adrienne Tedesco, Principal, Meadowcreek Elementary – Gwinnett County Public Schools |
| Dwight Williams, Partner – Kessler & Solomiany, LLC |
| Chris Williams-Lopez, Attorney – Williams Lopez Legal |
| Patty Wong, Senior Account Executive – Westin Atlanta Gwinnett |
The Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2027 begins in August 2026 and graduates in May 2027.
Leadership Gwinnett is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2028. Community members are encouraged to nominate leaders who are passionate about serving Gwinnett and ready to deepen their impact through one of the region’s premier civic leadership programs. Applications open in January 2027.
Those interested in experiencing Leadership Gwinnett before applying can register for Glance Gwinnett®, the organization’s immersive 2½-day community leadership experience, taking place October 28–30, 2026.
About Leadership Gwinnett
Leadership Gwinnett (EDUCATE. EQUIP. ENGAGE.®) educates, equips, and engages diverse leaders who want to make a meaningful impact in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Through its flagship nine-month program, the 2.5-day Glance Gwinnett® experience, and The Network membership for graduates, Leadership Gwinnett develops, connects, and empowers leaders who shape the community’s future. Since 1985, more than 2,400 leaders have graduated from its programs. Leadership Gwinnett is the Gwinnett Glue® that holds the community together, fostering collaboration, unity, and shared purpose. The organization is honored to have received the IMPACT Regional Business Award, Nonprofit Sector, and the Outstanding Organization Moxie Award from the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at leadershipgwinnett.com.
Media Contact: Ken Jackson, Marketing & Communications Manager · kjackson@leadershipgwinnett.com · leadershipgwinnett.com
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