Third Class of Leadership North Texas University Selected

North Texas Commission Initiative is the only Regional, Professional Development Program

North Texas – The North Texas Commission, a regional, public-private partnership, has selected the third class of Leadership North Texas University (LNT U). This program is an outgrowth of Leadership North Texas, the graduate-level, regional leadership program that recruits, develops and supports stewards of the region. LNT U is aimed at the young professionals of North Texas, providing professional development through regional understanding.

“LNT U helps ensure these young leaders have the tools necessary to be the next generation of regional leaders,” said James D. Spaniolo, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission. “This program is unlike any other in that it brings together young leaders from across North Texas, informs them on the critical issues and assets and provides them with professional development skills.”

Through the course of four program days, the class of 30 will learn about the changing demographics of the region, the history of North Texas, how the region is preparing for the next 1 million in population growth and how Millennials can make an impact. In addition to learning about and discussing key regional issues, the class participants will discuss leadership, conflict management, take part in a simulated society exercise and how to work cross-generationally in today’s workforce. The program is open to young professionals between the ages of 23-35.

The members of LNT U Class 3 are:
Cody Ainsworth, Senior Developer, Project Manager, Sewell Automotive Companies
Stephen Altman, Manager, Information Security, Sewell Automotive Companies
Noel Bernal, Deputy City Manager, City of Coppell
Sarah Bibelhausen, Assistant Director, Development and Alumni Relations, Jonsson School, The University of Texas at Dallas
Andy Buffington, Business Marketing and Research Manager, Cedar Hill EDC
Krystal Bybee, Business Manager, The Rios Group
Rebecca Cowle, Outreach Manager, Texas Central Partners, LLC
Will Daniel, Assistant Project Manager, Key Construction
Samantha Delmotte, Professional Engineer, Kimley-Horn
Michelle Ebanks, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, City of Cedar Hill
Mariya Gavrilova Aguilar, HR Generalist, City of Corinth
Zoe Halfmann, Legislative Manager, City of Dallas
Sarah Hensley, Management Assistant in Administration, City of Keller
Kapreta Johnson, Coordinator, Alumni & Donor Relations, Dallas County Community College District Foundation
Taylor A. Jones, Account Executive, Alliance Operating Services
Taylor Lough, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Richardson
Catherine McMains, Program Manager, Texas Health Resources
Danny Mignano, Preconstruction Manager, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
Holland Morris, Vice President – Leadership & Culture, The Real Estate Council
James Norwine, Assistant Project Manager, Key Construction
Alison Ream, Director of Communications, City of Cedar Hill
Abbey Reece, Management Analyst, City of Justin
Emily Riggs, Public Engagement Manager, K Strategies Group
Claire Skillestad, Communications Specialist, Atmos Energy
Zachary Snavely, Project Assistant Superintendent, McCarthy Building Companies
Sharnese Thompson, Public Affairs Specialist, Fidelity Investments
Nicole Vleck, Senior Public Involvement Representative, HNTB
Christopher Walker, Account Executive, Alliance Operating Services
Matthew Whitehead, Manager, Airline Relations and Analytics, DFW International Airport
Ryan Wilhelm, Project Manager, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

Leadership North Texas (LNT), launched in 2009, is a graduate-level, regional leadership program that recruits, develops and supports stewards of the North Texas region. During a nine-month program year, participants focus on issues and challenges facing the region.

Established in 1971, the North Texas Commission is a public-private partnership of businesses, cities, counties, chambers of commerce, economic development entities and higher education institutions in the North Texas Region. The North Texas Commission convenes stakeholders, educates and advocates in support of regional priorities that advance the vibrancy of North Texas.

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