Leadership Otsego County Celebrates Class of 2025–2026 Graduates
GAYLORD, MI. — The Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the graduation of the Leadership Otsego County Class of 2025–2026. This year’s cohort successfully completed the nine-month leadership development program designed to cultivate emerging and established leaders while providing a deeper understanding of the industries, organizations, and issues that shape Otsego County. Leadership Otsego County prepares participants to take active roles in civic, professional, and community leadership throughout the region.
The 2025–2026 graduating class includes:
- AnnMarie Kuziel-State Savings Bank
- Clarice Johnson-McNamara Insurance
- Hayden Lalone-Diesel Freak
- Kimber Pierzchalski-Otsego County
- Liz Thick-Treetops Resort
- Penny Banaszak-Awakon Federal Credit Union
- Tracy Hoffman-Family Plumbing and Heating
- Jimmy Robb – M32 Enterprises
Engaged in immersive educational sessions focused on local government, economic development, healthcare, education, nonprofit organizations, public safety, and community leadership. Through these experiences, graduates gained valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Otsego County while building meaningful relationships with fellow leaders across multiple sectors.
The Chamber also extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses and organizations that supported the program during the 2025–2026 year. Program sponsors included Gaylord Community Schools, State Savings Bank, Treetops Resort, Jay’s Sporting Goods, Awakon Federal Credit Union, Otsego County Commission on Aging, McNamara Insurance Agency, E-Free Church, Great Lakes Energy, Horizon Bank, Otsego Community Foundation, and the Leadership Otsego County Alumni Association. Their investment helps ensure the continued success and sustainability of leadership development opportunities in Otsego County
Applications for the 2026–2027 Leadership Otsego County class are currently being accepted through July 31, 2026. The program is open to individuals seeking to expand their leadership skills, strengthen community.
For more information about Leadership Otsego County or to apply for the upcoming class, visit: Leadership Otsego County Program Information
About Leadership Otsego County
Leadership Otsego County is a program of the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce that is designed to identify emerging leaders in Otsego County who might participate in future civic leadership roles. It will provide them with the essential leadership skills to plan for and respond to future Otsego County challenges, while helping them to gain an understanding of the various sectors of the community and the needs within each sector.
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