Karen Fetzer and J.T Ferstl, co-chairs of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXIX.
Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR) is a fantastic program where the best and brightest of our community come together with a common goal to learn and become better community servants. This could not be truer of the members of Class XXIX. No doubt these men and women were leaders in their own right as they began the program last September. What they gained these past 10 months are invaluable tools and connections to engage their skills at a higher level. The program allows us to explore, in depth, the challenges our community faces and the opportunities to be part of the solutions to those challenges.
Class XXIX will be engaged in finding and implementing solutions. There is no challenge too big for this group! From raising a record-breaking amount for future LGLR scholarships to quickly changing focus to another record-breaking goal around volunteerism — this class is definitely original in thought and deed. This became apparent following our recent Criminal Justice session. The session included a very eye-opening segment on our juvenile court system, and the ending comments for the day came from the class discussing ways they could become involved and begin to effect change. The conversation continues with more members weighing in with opportunities. In spite of what they’ve already accomplished, this group does not want to rest on its laurels. They are poised and ready to spring into action!
To the many, many alumni who gave feely and openly to our sessions this year, as facilitators, speakers, and panelists, we extend our heartfelt thanks. You are a big part of the success that is Leadership Greater Little Rock. To our community leaders who willingly participate with open and frank conversation — you impassion the fellows to put their time and talents to work for the good of Little Rock and surrounding communities. To the employers who support and encourage their best and brightest to be a part of this experience, you are the backbone of the program, ensuring quality and success. To our generous sponsors, your financial contributions are crucial to providing a quality experience, but more than that, your public support tells the community you value the results of this program. And finally, to the leadership of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, thank you for making this program possible for the past 29 years. Because of it we have a group of educated, passionate, engaged community volunteers.
As a graduate of Class XVIII, I am so proud to have been given the incredible opportunity to remain involved in the program. I have been given such a gift and owe a debt of gratitude to those who have made this the best experience. First, to say thank you to Judy Love seems so inadequate. You are the heart of Leadership Greater Little Rock and special to all its graduates. Thank you for your tireless work to ensure the success of the program … and we extend that thanks to the program’s many chairs. It has been an honor to work beside J.T Ferstl, this year’s co-chair. J.T. has provided such great counsel and insight and I truly appreciate all that he has contributed. I also want to extend a thank you to Gary Parrish who served as co-chair of Class XXVIII. Gary was an excellent mentor and prepared me well to serve as chairman this year.
Class XXIX, “The Originals,” it has been my privilege to get to know each one of you and it has been a humbling experience to have served as your chair. I will treasure our time together.
Karen Fetzer, Class XXIX Chairman
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