Class of 2017, Seabeck Conference Center
The Leadership Kitsap Class of 2017 began their leadership journey with a two-day retreat at the Seabeck Conference Center on September 9 and 10, 2016. Day one focused on leadership development and day two on becoming a team.
Kol Medina, Executive Director of the Kitsap Community Foundation, kicked off the retreat with his personal reflection on servant leadership. Dora Summers Ewing (LK12) introduced Positive Leadership as Leadership Kitsap’s core curriculum. Prior to the Challenge Day, class members took the Strengths Finders 2.0 assessment and identified their top five strengths.
Leadership Panel
The morning included debriefing the assessment results led by Tom Jacobs (LK12). Cindy Ross (LK14) led the class in a series of fun team building activities. The class enjoyed hearing from an inspiring panel of leaders including Chris Rieland, CEO-Pacific Northwest Title Company; Dave Fergus, Rice Fergus Miller; Kellie Le Texier, COO Kitsap Credit Union, and Bruce MacDonald, former CEO ATS & retired United States Navy Vice Admiral. All shared their valuable leadership insights. Dora Summers-Ewing debriefed the class’ Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessments, designed to measure how people perceive the world and make decisions. The debrief was followed by a team activity to help define team core values. The evening was capped off with a “fireside chat” to learn more about each other.
Community Partners Panel
On the second day of the retreat, Jennifer Yeaman (LK11), PSNS & IMF Diversity Program Manager, engaged the class in a meaningful discussion around leveraging diversity and inclusion. Audrey Barbakoff (LK16) and John Hurley (LK16), this year’s Project Co-Chairs, reviewed project guidelines, processes, and expectations. Several past projects were highlighted. As part of the projects discussion, the class enjoyed a panel discussion of community leaders who benefited from previous Leadership Kitsap projects. Vicki Collins, Founder and Vice President of OurGEMS shared the benefits of working with a Leadership Kitsap team last year to make the dream of a Brilliance Award Banquet a reality. Dave Frederick, Executive Director Coffee Oasis shared how a 2014 project lead to the recent ground breaking of a new Coffee Oasis in Kingston. Kitsap County Undersheriff John Gese (LK04) shared how the 2013 Pills Kill project benefited the community and the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Department. The panel gave great tips and insight into working with community partners. The teams then were given the opportunity to brainstorm project ideas and use board members in attendance as sounding boards. Everyone left the retreat feeling inspired, energized, and ready to serve!
Executive Sponsors:
Challenge Day Sponsors:
