The Moore County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the graduation of the Moore County Leadership Institute (MCLI) class of 2026 on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities in Southern Pines. Sixteen participants completed the 10-month program, which develops leaders through hands-on exploration of Moore County’s civic, economic, and historical landscape. Family, friends, employers, and community partners joined the graduates for an evening reception, remarks, and the presentation of certificates.
Over the course of the year, the class of 2026 met monthly across the county, beginning with an opening retreat in January. Sessions explored North Moore, County Services, Community Services, Agriculture & Manufacturing, Visitor & Tourism, Government, and Camp Mackall. The class also completed group projects benefiting the community.
“Moore County’s story is still being written, and your chapter matters,” said Linda M. Parsons, president and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, addressing the graduates. “You have been equipped, you have been connected, and you have been challenged in ways that will stay with you for years.”
With this class, the MCLI network continues to grow among a community of leaders who have completed the program since its founding in 1989.
MCLI Class of 2026 Graduates
– Anna Begley — First Bank, Southern Pines
– Lana Bivins — St. Joseph of the Pines
– Connie Christopher — FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital
– Brooke Edyburn — The Fidelity Bank
– Jessica Hale — FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital
– Courtney Heaton — Town of Southern Pines
– Adam Hinderliter — Pinehurst Resort
– Jennifer Middleton — Aging Outreach Services
– Jason Nelson — Moore County Schools
– Stephen Neves
– Stephanie Parsons — Penick Village
– Mandy Riederer — Pinehurst Resort
– Susan Sedberry — Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities
– Dana Spicer — First Bank, Pinehurst Village
– Julius Stevens — St. Joseph of the Pines
– Stacey Thompson — FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital
Applications for the MCLI Class of 2027 are being accepted through Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at 5 p.m. Acceptance notifications will be sent by Dec. 15, and the opening retreat is scheduled for Jan. 20-21, 2027.
For program details and the application, visit moorecountychamber.com/mcli or contact Jonathon Lewis at [email protected] or 910-434-4794.
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Contributed.
