Leadership program seeks ‘surge’ in Spartanburg

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The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce has launched Surge, a leadership program designed “to create high-impact change in Spartanburg.”

The inaugural class will begin in August with 12 community partners selected by the chamber’s executive board. The group will study issues that aren’t unique to Spartanburg but will be a challenge to the community and the success of its people, according to a news release. The issues include economics, education, equity, health and civil discourse. Surge participants will examine each subject before picking one to tackle collectively.

“We needed to create a program that wasn’t necessarily for the individual but was absolutely necessary for Spartanburg,” Kathy Dunleavy, former Mary Black Foundation CEO, said in the release. “Surge partners will have the influence and resources necessary to drive dialogue, convene the right players and lead positive change in our community.”

Eleven of the 12 participants in the inaugural Surge cohort have been confirmed, with the final participant pending, the release said. Participants include:

• Brendan Kelly, USC Upstate chancellor
• Russell Booker, Spartanburg School District 7 superintendent
• Cole Alverson, Spartanburg County administrator
• Chris Story, Spartanburg city manager
• Geordy Johnson, Johnson Development Associate Inc. CEO
• Katherine O’Neill, The Palladian Group COO
• Jamie Wall, WJ Partners managing director
• Rev. Keith McDaniel, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
• Jennifer Evins, Chapman Cultural Center president and CEO
• Cornelius Huff, Inman mayor
• Molly Talbot-Metz, Mary Black Foundation CEO

Participants will use their expertise and the knowledge of experts and thought leaders from across the country to facilitate discussions during Surge.

Economics discussions will be facilitated by former Mayor Bill Barnet. Education discussions will be facilitated by John Stockwell, Spartanburg Academic Movement executive director. Equity discussions will be facilitated by Russell Booker. Health and wellness discussions will be facilitated by Dunleavy and former Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Vice President of Community Health Policy and Strategy Renee Romberger. Civil Discourse discussions will be facilitated by Brendan Kelly, according to the release

After each session, partners will examine potential opportunities for action based on information shared. At the final session, the group will collectively set a single goal for measurable, high-impact change in Spartanburg. They will then organize the appropriate partners and leverage their influence to accomplish that goal.

“Communities either rise or fall on leadership, which is why we want to bring best-in-class, data-driven approaches to Spartanburg. The true crux of Surge is driving positive community change. That’s the goal of this program,” Allen Smith, Spartanburg Chamber president and CEO, said in the release. “While the experience will be like no other, the commitment required will be higher than no other. Provocative, bold, well-versed and honest dialogue is expected, which we believe will lead to a transformative community outcome.”