Leadership Metrocrest Class 35 announced

The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the members of Leadership Metrocrest Class 35, a select group of emerging and established leaders who will spend the next nine months learning, collaborating and building connections to make a lasting impact on the Metrocrest region.

Leadership Metrocrest is the Chamber’s premier leadership development program, designed to give participants a behind-the-scenes understanding of the inner workings of the communities of Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch and the surrounding region. Through in-depth monthly sessions, participants explore topics such as economic development, education, healthcare, public safety, local government and regional infrastructure. The program also emphasizes personal leadership growth, relationship building and civic engagement.

This year’s program is presented with the support of Headline Sponsor Nationwide Overspray, whose commitment to developing strong community leaders helps make Leadership Metrocrest possible.

“Leadership Metrocrest isn’t just about learning — it’s about empowering leaders to step forward and shape the future of our region,” Michael Gallops, President/CEO of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, said. “Class 35 brings together an outstanding group of professionals who are committed to making a difference, and I can’t wait to see the impact they will have both during and after the program.”

Class 35 will also collaborate on a signature class project benefiting a local nonprofit, further demonstrating their commitment to giving back and strengthening the communities they serve.

The members of Leadership Metrocrest Class 35 are:

Jessica Alvarado, City of Farmers Branch

Schnell Blanton, Nielsen Media

William Brewer, Dallas College - Brookhaven

Mark Bryant, United Way of Denton County

Wendy Eldredge, CFB-ISD

Darren Harris, City of Farmers Branch

Scott Hunt, Retired

Terry Lynne, City of Farmers Branch

Calvin Moore, Metrocrest Services

Ryan Owusu-Ansah, City of Carrollton

Annette Reese, City of Carrollton

Ileana Rojas, CFB-ISD

Larissa Roman, Envision Dallas

Heidi Smith, City of Farmers Branch

Starla Triggs, Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce

Elizabeth Villafranca, City of Farmers Branch

Rowena Watters, City of Carrollton

Since its inception in 1989, Leadership Metrocrest has graduated more than 500 alumni, many of whom now serve in key leadership roles across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Alumni often credit the program with expanding their networks, deepening their understanding of the region, and inspiring them to take on greater leadership responsibilities.

For more information about Leadership Metrocrest or to learn how to apply for next year’s class, visit https://www.metrocrestchamber.com/leadership-metrocrest or contact Mary Ann Burns at maryann@metrocrestchamber.com or 972-745-5768.