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The Covington County Program of Leadership recently honored its inaugural class with a graduation ceremony and reception at the historic Opp Depot.

The nine-month program, organized through the Opp Chamber of Commerce, includes sessions on local history, technology and cultural arts, local and county government, state government, public safety, health and human services, education and diversity, agriculture and forestry and economic development. The program’s goal is to build leaders and create ambassadors for Covington County.

Applications are accepted in December, and the class meets monthly.

The program’s inaugural graduates include Will Bumpers, Southeast Gas; Allen Burgess, CCB Community Bank; Marilyn Chivetta, Paparazzi Jewelry and Accessories; James “Red” Coleman, Crossover Ministry; April Cox, All In Credit Union; Shannon Levitzke, LBW Community College; Tommy McGaha, Covington County Commission; Pam Potter, City of Opp; and Wanda Woods, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

Members of the Leadership steering committee include Kelly Brandin, Ben Bowden, Melinda Hall, David Harrell, Jay Mikel, Greg White, and Michele Gerlach.

The 2022 class of the Covington County Program of Leadership began its work on Thursday, Jan. 27.