McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Chamber of Commerce announced today that the Leadership McPherson Class of 2026 has officially completed its nine-week leadership development program, celebrating the milestone with a luncheon at the McPherson Opera House. The longstanding program is built on the principle that leadership is an activity accessible to everyone, empowering participants to take initiative and inspire positive change throughout the community.
This year’s class included 17 participants who show leadership in action across a wide range of local organizations:
- Colton Arnold (McPherson Center for Health)
- Amy Bennett (The Cedars)
- Brian Bowman (Bethany Village)
- Dara Dix (McPherson College)
- Addison Haiden (Bethany Village)
- Kelsi Hilger (McPherson Center for Health)
- Suzie Hill (Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance)
- Jamie Hubin (Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance)
- Evan Kelsey (Emprise Bank)
- Carlyn Lemon (Peoples Bank & Trust)
- Christin McHenry (We Wash Windows)
- Bethany Odell (City of McPherson – Police Dept.)
- Lauren Przymus (City of McPherson – Park Dept.)
- Austin Russell (The Cedars)
- Emily Sanner (City of McPherson – Animal Shelter)
- Jenny Schroeder (Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance)
- Bonnie Smith (Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance)
Participants completed a series of intensive leadership sessions, including the Kansas Leadership Center’s When Everyone Leads, supported by local facilitators who brought practical experience and community insight to the curriculum. The Chamber extends its appreciation to Abigayle Morgan, Chet Buchman, Tami Field, LaMonte Rothrock, Logan Schrag, Camille Scott, Amy Beckman, and Debbie Hawkinson for their contributions to this year’s program.
Although the formal coursework has concluded, the Class of 2026 continues to collaborate on its community project, Suds & Smiles, an initiative designed to reduce barriers for families by providing free laundry services. The class is partnering with McPherson Express Laundry Center and local service organizations to bring the project to life.
Community projects have been a defining element of Leadership McPherson since 2000, benefiting youth and families across McPherson County for more than 26 years. Suds & Smiles continues this tradition of service driven leadership.
“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026,” said the McPherson Chamber of Commerce. “Their commitment to learning, collaboration, and community impact reflects the very heart of Leadership McPherson.”
Leadership McPherson, established in 1982, is a McPherson Chamber of Commerce program dedicated to building leadership capacity and inspiring positive, forward-thinking action in the community.
