JDForwardis Jeff Davis County’s premier leadership development program for career professionals. Hosted by the Chamber, the program provides participants with a comprehensive overview of the Jeff Davis County community and its leadership.
Participants learn more about themselves and our hometown through immersive, hands-on leadership trainings, tours, sessions, and projects. The purpose of JDForward is to address the leadership deficit in Hazlehurst by encouraging early- and mid-career professionals to take a step forward and serve their community today and in the future.
The program focuses on developing awareness of community resources and challenges, enhancing leadership skills, networking with local leaders, and fostering greater community involvement through volunteerism.
Highlights include atrip to the state capitolduring the legislative session to advocate for Jeff Davis County, along with other engaging field trips.
Eligibility
Open to all Chamber member employees who live or work in Jeff Davis County. Participants must be willing to attend the 10-month program, engage in sessions, and participate in project work.
Applications open in May!
Timeline
May 1
Applications Open
May 31
Deadline to Apply
July
Announcement of New JDForward Class
May
(following year)
Graduation from the Program
Class of 2026
Mary Susan Arnold Special Education Director, Jeff Davis County Schools
Renee Causey Operations Support Specialist, Bank of Hazlehurst
Jayme Crosby County Administrator, Jeff Davis County Board of Commissioners
Josh Horton Director, Jeff Davis County Recreation Department
Brandy Miller Admin Assistant & EMA Clerk, Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Fire and Rescue
Mandy Powell Branch Manager, Renasant Bank
Candice Reynolds Administrative Coordinator, Development Authority of Jeff Davis County
Bonnie Saunders Director of Quality & Accreditation, Jeff Davis Hospital
Chris Stone Vice President, Stone’s Machine Shop, Inc.
Thanks to Our Sponsor
This year’s program would not be possible without sponsorship from Manna Café & Eatery!
