The High Country's Next Class of Leaders: 2026 Watauga Leadership Institute in Review
The Watauga Leadership Institute (WLI) wrapped up its Spring 2026 cohort on April 16, closing out seven weeks of programming that brought 29 Boone area professionals together to deepen their leadership practice and their connection to this community.
The two cohorts, the Watauga Leadership Challenge and Watauga Leadership Development, moved through the program in parallel, each following a distinct curriculum while sharing the same core commitment: show up, do the work, and bring it back to the High Country.
7 weeks of programming
29 graduates
31 Chamber member visits
45 Member businesses involved
109 pots of coffee consumed
203 local meals shared
WATAUGA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE SHOP
Are you a recent or seasoned WLI graduate or friend of the program? Get your gear through Monday, May 11!
Congratulations, Spring 2026 Graduates!
The below professionals completed WLI programming this spring, joining 300+ program alumni. This cohort represented a wide cross-section of industries, from hospitality to education, agriculture and nonprofits.
Watauga Leadership Challenge Cohort
| Dezi | Beltran | Hampton Inn & Suites of Boone | Creative Marketing Coordinator/ Guest Service Representative |
| Joe | Bentley | Mast General Store | General Manager Annex |
| Joslyn | Brown | Blue Flowers | Owner |
| Cori | Ernhart | Nordic IT Solutions | Team Lead |
| Bobby | Hamby | Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute | Psychology Instructor/ Faculty Senate President |
| Parker | Lawrence | LifeStore Bank | Portfolio Manager |
| Angela | Loos | Quiet Givers | Executive Director |
| Madison | Marcinkowski | Appalachian State University | Leadership Annual Gift Officer |
| Rev. Mitch | Marlowe | Boone Advent Christian Church | Pastor |
| Dave | Shableski | VPC Builders | Director of Home Projects |
| Christian | Smith | Panoramic Hospitality | Director of Sales |
| Samantha | Stahl | Mast General Store | HR Coordinator |
| Adam | Warren | Appalachian State University | Director, On Ramp Appalachia / Assistant Director, GEAR UP Appalachia |
Watauga Leadership Development Cohort
| Ken | Bell | Over Yonder Restaurant, Boone | Head Chef/ Co-Owner |
| Jackson | Buser | Samaritan’s Purse | Finance Analyst / Operation Christmas Child |
| Peden | Council | Over Yonder Restaurant, Boone | General Manager |
| Diana | Fay | Hampton Inn & Suites of Boone | Director of Sales & Operations |
| Debra | Foxx | High Country Council of Governments | Operations & Compliance Manager/ High Country Workforce Development Board |
| Nathan | Godwin | Watauga County Habitat for Humanity | Director of Development |
| Josie | Gordon | The Gamekeeper Restaurant | Server Assistant / Host |
| Jonathan | Holley | The Gamekeeper Restaurant | Maitre D' |
| Brad | Kelley | The Beacon Restaurant / Reid's Catering Co. | Front of House Manager |
| Lily | Lipford | Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture | Communications & Development Manager |
| Joseph | Lynch | The Speckled Trout Outfitters | Store Manager |
| Matty | McDaniels | The Beacon Restaurant | Bar Manager |
| Lane | Moody | Town of Boone/ DBDA | Downtown Development Coordinator |
| Andres | Rosado | Pearl’s Kitchen & Tiny Market | General Manager/ Executive Chef |
| Erin | Still | Consolidated Planning, Inc. | Financial Professional |
| Donald | Traub | Nordic IT Solutions | IT System Administrator/ Team Lead |
Watauga Leadership Challenge
The Watauga Leadership Challenge is designed for emerging leaders ready to broaden their understanding of what leadership looks like in practice. Over seven sessions, the Challenge cohort explored topics from self-awareness and team dynamics to strategic thinking and community engagement, visiting local organizations along the way.
"The Leadership Challenge was an amazing experience. The environment was so comfortable and fun which made it easy to stay fully immersed in the learning process," said Dezi Beltran, Creative Marketing Coordinator/ Guest Service Representative, Hampton Inn & Suites of Boone, WLC Class of 2026. "From our time with Jim in the classroom to the meaningful stops throughout the community, each component helped bridge the gap between what we learned and real-world experience, truly bringing the concepts to life. I would highly recommend this experience to any professional interested in becoming more involved in the community while also developing their leadership skills."
Watauga Leadership Development
The Watauga Leadership Development course goes deeper. Designed for professionals ready to examine their leadership with more rigor, the Development cohort worked through authentic leadership, coaching, conflict navigation, and relationship-building across difference. Guest contributors included Scott Elliott of the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina and Reggie Hunt of the Boone Area Sports Commission, whose sessions grounded the curriculum in real-world application.
"I recommend the Watauga Leadership Institute to other professionals who would like to deepen their local network and gain practical skills and leadership knowledge. The small-group cohort is a perfect place to see how other local leaders have been able to grow and refine successful businesses," said Nathan Godwin, Director of Development, Watauga County Habitat for Humanity, WLD Class of 2026. "The guest panelists were prominent community figures with valuable insight and experience. WLI is a valuable resource and incredible experience that will enhance any local professional's ability to better execute their organization's strategic mission."
Both cohorts are facilitated by Dr. Jim Street of Ridgeline Leadership, whose approach centers the belief that lasting leadership comes from knowing yourself, others, and the broader community.
From the Speakers
"Programs like Watauga Leadership are invaluable because they bring together passionate leaders committed to making a difference. Investing in professional development not only supports individual growth but also strengthens our organizations and the broader community.”
- Nathan Nipper, President/CEO, UNC Health Appalachian
"We’re grateful for the opportunity to host the Watauga Leadership Institute Cohort through the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and to contribute to a program that invests in the people shaping our region. It was especially meaningful to speak on strategic thinking and planning, and to engage with participants who are deeply committed to strengthening Boone and its surrounding communities. At STITCH Design Shop, we value the role of connected, forward-thinking leadership in building a resilient and collaborative future, and we’re excited to see the impact this cohort will continue to make in our community."
- Chelsea Helms, Commercial Architecture Project Manager, STITCH Design Shop
Now Under The Foundation
Spring 2026 marked the first year of the WLI operating under the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a move that formalizes the program's role in the region's long-term workforce development priorities and connects it to a broader Foundation mission of community impact.
"Having the Watauga Leadership Institute be a part of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has been an important move to underscore our priority of Workforce Development," said Ethan Dodson, Director of Development. "We are seeing Watauga Leadership alumni emerge as leaders in so many areas of the High Country, and it is exciting to think about everything our two cohorts will accomplish in their leadership journeys."
What's Next
Watauga Leadership's Encore, Fall 2026
Encore is a cohort-style continuing education course for WLI alumni and working professionals who want to keep the work going. Each two-hour session examines a specialty leadership topic. Mark your calendar, registration opens in August!
Spring 2027 Cohorts, Registration Opens in October
Applications for the Watauga Leadership Challenge and Watauga Leadership Development Spring 2027 cohorts will open in October. If you've been considering WLI, that's the time to take the step.
The Watauga Leadership Institute is a program of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, reinforcing a commitment to workforce development and long-term community impact. The Institute is made possible through its sponsors: SkyLine/SkyBest, LifeStore Bank and Insurance.
2026 WEEKLY RECAPS:
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7
CURRICULUM