January 23, 2023
By:
The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber has announced that Leigh Fuson has accepted the position of Leadership DeKalb Director.
Fuson is a 2019 graduate of Leadership DeKalb. She valued learning the “ins and outs” of the county. Leigh grew up in neighboring White County and moved to Smithville in 2011 after marrying her husband Zach. She quickly fell in love with DeKalb County and the people. Leigh has always had a passion for volunteer work and soon got busy getting involved in her church, Indian Creek Baptist, DeKalb Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers, the DeKalb County Fair, and the Smithville Jamboree. She also served on the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. As a 4-H Extension Agent for over ten years, Leigh had the privilege of educating youth in grades 4 to 12. She now works with USDA’s Farm Service Agency helping local farmers and landowners. Her Ag education volunteer work continues by serving as a 4-H volunteer and as the school program “Farm Day” coordinator.
Leigh Fuson enjoys event planning and seeing things come together. She is excited to begin working with county leaders, local businesses and organizations, and program participants in the Leadership DeKalb program. It will be a team effort! She wants to see DeKalb County thrive, grow, and succeed. Zach and Leigh live on their family farm in Alexandria with their two children, Landon and Callie Ruth.
Leadership DeKalb and the Chamber thank Beth and Darrell Gill for their four years at the helm from 2016-2020. Jen Sherwood, former Leadership DeKalb Director, states, “They are true servant-leaders. We are so grateful for their efforts and leadership during those years.”
The Leadership DeKalb program is an adult training program consisting of nine sessions over as many months. It covers local and state current issues in government affairs and economic development, challenges in education and health care, and an exploration of resources and opportunities for DeKalb County and its citizens. Discussions with current local, regional and state leaders and leadership skill-building topics such as team-building, leadership styles, group dynamics, problem-solving, and community service are also fundamental training elements for the class. Leadership DeKalb participants must live or work in DeKalb County. The next class will begin in September of 2023. Applications for the Class of 2023-24 will be available soon. For more information, contact the Chamber at 615-597-4163.