Leadership Alamance graduates 33 local leaders in Burlington ceremony

At Impact Alamance in Burlington, 33 members of the Leadership Alamance Class of 2026 closed out a nine-month run that the Alamance Chamber says is meant to shape who helps steer the county next. The ceremony was followed by a reception at Burlington Beer Works, and the class’s graduation added another layer to a leadership network that now includes more than 650 alumni.

The Chamber describes Leadership Alamance as a program for current and emerging leaders from civic, business, nonprofit and public-sector organizations across Alamance County. Its purpose goes beyond networking. The program is built to deepen participants’ understanding of the county’s people, resources, infrastructure and challenges, while also strengthening ties among people who may not otherwise work together but will still end up influencing county and city decisions.

That matters in Alamance County, where leadership pipelines often shape who gets heard in conversations about growth, public education, institutional cooperation and quality of life. Chamber president and CEO Reagan Gural said the graduating class reflected a thoughtful vision for the county’s future, including planning for growth, support for public education, sharing resources across institutions and protecting what makes Alamance County distinct. Logan Garrison Savits, who directs Leadership Development and Education Partnerships for the Chamber, said the class completed a journey of growth and discovery and left with a deeper appreciation for the community.

The Chamber’s selection committee says it looks for applicants most likely to apply their leadership capacities for the long-term benefit of Alamance County, a standard that helps explain why the program has remained a fixture for 32 years. The alumni association says its goals include continuing education, leadership skills, community service opportunities and networking, backed by a pool of more than 650 graduates.

This year’s class also spent time in the county’s education and civic infrastructure. Elon University hosted the Leadership Alamance Class of 2026 on Feb. 19 for a day focused on higher education and community partnership, and the Chamber issued Community Learning Projects requests for proposals for the class, with decision notifications dated Jan. 16, suggesting the program year included service-oriented work beyond classroom-style sessions.

Speaking for the class, Jensen Roll of Roll Construction urged graduates to stay involved and to carry forward the curiosity they built in the program. He framed leadership as a responsibility to open doors for others rather than simply advancing oneself, a message that fits the Chamber’s broader effort to cultivate a bench of leaders who can serve Alamance County over the long term.

Applications are now open for the Leadership Alamance Class of 2027, and tuition-assistance requests are due with applications by June 26, 2026.