Leadership Champaign County (LCC) celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 21, at the Champaign County Community Building Auditorium.
The event marked the culmination of the leadership development program hosted through the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, designed to strengthen leadership skills, civic engagement, and professional growth throughout Champaign County.
Brett Spriggs of STRiV Clothing Co., who serves as Leadership Champaign County Committee Chair, welcomed graduates and guests before members of the Class of 2026 presented their final projects.
Breakfast for the ceremony was prepared by In Good Taste Catering.
Spriggs delivered opening remarks, while Don Flowers of Sunshine Book Nook gave the Class of 2026 Address. Champaign County Commissioner Tim Cassady also addressed graduates during the ceremony before the recognition of graduates and closing remarks.
The Class of 2026 includes:
- Brittany Anderson, Parker Trutec
- Nathaniel Bope, V-Teck Communications
- Courtney Canter, Community Health & Wellness
- Don Flowers, Sunshine Book Nook
- Valerie Henthorne, Champaign County Auditor’s Office
- Emma Keely, Weidmann Electrical Technology
- Zachary Liggett, Mary Rutan Health
- Brooke Martinez, Mercy Health Urbana Hospital
- Andrew Stoner, Parker Trutec
- Hayden Suchland, Champaign Family YMCA
The program is supported by the Leadership Champaign County Steering Committee and Support Team, who coordinate and guide the monthly leadership sessions throughout the year.
The 2026 Steering Committee and Support Team included:
- Brett Spriggs, Chair – STRiV Clothing Co.
- Aaron Brown – Koenig Equipment
- Cheryl Ogden – Champaign County Historical Society
- Toni Kite – Champaign County Auditor
- Chris Flowers – Madison-Champaign ESC
- Tonya West – Mercy Health Urbana Hospital
- Ryan Berry – Berry Digital Solutions
- Sara Neer – Champaign County Chamber
- Staci Wisma – Berry Digital Solutions
- Rachel Casey – Champaign County Chamber
- Greg Hower – Champaign Family YMCA
Leadership Champaign County is a leadership development initiative of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce that brings together participants from businesses, nonprofits, healthcare, education, and government agencies across the county.
Throughout the program, participants explore key community sectors while developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills through presentations, discussions, tours, and collaborative projects.
The program aims to prepare participants to become more engaged and informed leaders within their workplaces and communities.
