2026 Watauga Leadership Institute Week 6: CommUNITY
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 6 programming on Thursday, April 2, building on the momentum from week 5, strategic planning and conflict resolution.
Watauga Leadership Challenge
The Challenge cohort began with a The Strength of We: Unity As a Leadership Practice session led by Dr. Jim Street. The cohort level set the day’s topic through guidance getting their minds ready to think, act, think some more, and reflect.
STOP 1 - FROM SERVICE TO SERVICE
Lindsey Sullivan MSW, Health Strategist - AppHealthCare
Lindsey spent considerable years in the service industry, and that experience propelled her career as a community leader. As lead facilitator for STABLE Workplaces, she is bridging gaps between sectors and mobilizing them toward a common goal of improved business efficiency and community well-being.
STOP 2 - LUNCH & A CONVERSATION AT F.A.R.M. CAFE
Pete Herbert, Director of Operations, F.A.R.M. Cafe
The cohort enjoyed lunch provided by F.A.R.M. Cafe while hearing about the cafe's mission to Feed All Regardless of Means and their Full Circle food recovery program.
STOP 3 - GROWING TOGETHER: BLUE RIDGE WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
Sydney Blume, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture
The cohort kept the food conversation going by diving into the agriculture and local farming side of the High Country. BRWIA has numerous programs that help scores of people and keep our local economy going.
STOP 3 - CONSERVING OUR LAND, CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY
David Ray, Executive Director - Blue Ridge Conservancy
The BRC Team embodies the two things that make the High Country what it is; inspiring outdoors and
wonderful people. We will hear about their many projects and their incredible success in preserving our surrounding scenery.
Watauga Leadership Development
Back at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce office, the Watauga Leadership Institute cohort gathered for a full day centered on Building Relationships Among People with Diverse Perspectives. The day opened with the group's signature "What's Different" reflection before recapping key lessons from the previous session on coaching, then welcomed back a familiar face: Reggie Hunt, Pastor at Cornerstone Summit Church and Executive Director of the Boone Area Sports Commission.
The session dove into one of leadership's most important and often overlooked skills: building relationships across difference. Reggie led the cohort through what that looks like in practice right here in the High Country, exploring how great leaders intentionally close the gap between themselves and those who see the world differently. Cohort members enjoyed lunch provided by Chamber member Over Yonder before wrapping up with a personal action planning session focused on translating awareness into next steps.
Thank you to F.A.R.M. Cafe and Over Yonder for providing lunches.
The Watauga Leadership Institute is a program of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, reinforcing a commitment to workforce developme and long-term community impact. The Institute is made possible through its sponsors: SkyLine/SkyBest, LifeStore Bank and Insurance, and Carolina West Wireless.
PREVIOUS RECAPS: