Leadership Plano selects Class 43

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          

MEDIA CONTACT: Charmaine Solomon

PHONE: 972-424-7547

EMAIL: Leadershipplano@planochamber.org

LEADERSHIP PLANO SELECTS CLASS 43

Plano, TX – August 5, 2026 – The Plano Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Plano Board of Directors are pleased to announce the members of Leadership Plano Class 43. The roster of community leaders includes business, civic and community-focused, forward-thinking individuals who are committed to the continued growth and improvement of Plano. Leadership Plano has helped to develop the leadership skills of many civic and business leaders who have served our community through more than three decades of growth and change.

“Leadership Plano has made a tremendously positive impact on the Plano community and beyond,” said Program Director Charmaine Solomon. “Its graduates serve in numerous elected positions and on non-profit boards throughout North Texas. This program provides a solid foundation for service and significantly affects the lives and careers of the participants.”

Spanning nine months from September through May, the program is designed to increase community awareness and leadership skills. The opening retreat, a two-day orientation begins August 29, 2026, at 7 AM at the Plano Chamber. It focuses on individual leadership styles and techniques. From October through May, the class spends one day a month examining specific aspects of the community such as education, government, local business and economic development, health and human services, criminal justice system, the arts, and more.

Gaining a broad perspective of the Plano community equips participants to become well-rounded leaders ready to apply their skills in a variety of ways. Leadership Plano provides a foundation for long-term involvement in Plano and assists in launching a supportive community network of colleagues and friends.

Leadership Plano Class 43 List with Affiliations

Ayo Adeyemo, Zelos IT Solutions LLC

Jenny Avis, Plano Chamber of Commerce

Shehz Batliwala, Visionary Eye Surgery

Jamie Bowers, VLK

Tamika Brunetti, ASCENT SOCIAL CAPITAL

Shari Childers, UNT at Frisco

Bee Dao, Hancock Whitney Bank

 Sondra Davis, Medical City Plano

Darby DeBusk, Chase Oaks Church

 Rocio Gosewehr Hernandez, Rocio at Law PC

Kim Hils, The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation

Tanner Hobbs, BeLocal Southwest Collin County

Hansford S Johnson, USAA

Madeline Knecht, Olsson

Kristen Kolb, Hope Spring Community

AnneMarie Krupa, Downs Fischer Financial

Maria Krystofik, My Possibilities

Mark Letterer, Plano Independent School District

Lariza Liner, Plano Independent School District

Lindsay Malhotra, Cornerstone Counseling Center

Michelle McMullen, MGM Etiquette

Amanda McNew, City of Plano

Rahman Mohammed, Dallas Muslim Medical Alliance

Ravi Narayan, Microsoft

Jeremy Neilson, Haynes and Boone, LLP

Alicia Nors, Plano Police Department

Monica Payne, UBS Financial Services Inc.

Rosey Perez, TLC Realty with Keller Williams Allen

Jaime Reyes, Plano Fire-Rescue

Denise Rodewald-Bates, Children’s Health

Chris Sims, C3 Consulting Engineers

Erica Stanley, Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County

Jake Tanel, Texas Health Presbyterian Plano Hospital

Carson Underwood, Capitalist

Kyle Willey, Whitley Penn

Matt Winser, The University of Texas at Dallas

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About Leadership Plano:

Leadership Plano began in 1983 and is dedicated to educating, developing and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable and business organizations. For more information, contact the Plano Chamber of Commerce at 972-424-7547 or visit www.leadershipplano.org.

About the Plano Works Leadership Foundation:

The Plano Works Leadership Foundation, founded in 2021, is the philanthropic arm of the Plano Chamber of Commerce. It provides a structured platform for individuals, businesses of all sizes, corporate partners, and foundations to support the leadership programs and initiatives of the Plano Chamber, fostering strong leadership and ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of Plano and the North Texas region.

About the Plano Chamber of Commerce:

Established in 1946, the Plano Chamber represents over 800 businesses and community organizations in Plano and the surrounding area. Accredited as a 5-Star Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and awarded 2018 Chamber of the Year, the Plano Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing business development and economic growth of the community through advocacy, education, innovation, and collaboration.