Every year since 1987, the Temple Chamber of Commerce has asked the Temple area business community to submit candidates for consideration to Leadership Temple.

Leadership Temple is a professional development and education program designed to help current and emerging leaders understand the dynamics of the community and the role leadership plays in its long-term success. It is a 10-month program where graduates emerge with an unprecedented level of community awareness as well as insights they can apply in the workplace.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Leadership Temple Advisory Council are proud to introduce the Leadership Temple Class of 2024.

​2023-24 Class President - David Shine
David Shine is a Associate Vice President – Investment Officer, partner, and financial advisor at Shine Richardson Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. At Shine Richardson Investment Group David is committed to offering clients a wide array of wealth management services. He currently holds Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations, is licensed in 37 states and holds licenses in life and health insurance as well. He is a Baylor University graduate and has experience in politics, banking, new-venture coaching, and construction. David was born and raised in Temple, Texas and is focused on serving clients locally and throughout the country. In his free time David and his wife Morgan enjoy spending their time outdoors fishing, hunting, and hiking with their Malinois Ivy.

2023-24 Curriculum Chair - Tanner Johnson
Tanner Johnson was born and raised in Temple, TX. Tanner graduated from Salado High School with honors in 2007 and Texas A&M University with a degree in Finance in 2011. After graduation, he went to work for Goldman Sachs in Dallas as a commercial real estate loan officer until he moved back to Temple to join Central National Bank as Senior Vice President. He is happily married to his wife, Brittany Johnson, and has two small girls (Tess: 4 & Thea: 2).
 
Leadership Temple Class of 2023-24
Jennifer Avery
A Central Texas native, Jennifer Avery joined Temple EDC in June 2014. As Director of Operations, she oversees the administrative and financial responsibilities in cooperation with executive staff, and she helps manage projects. Jennifer also oversees the Santa Fe Business Center, which houses the Temple EDC, Temple Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Solutions of Central Texas.  Jennifer loves listening to live music, dancing, and hopes to run a marathon someday.

Shane Brooks
Shane Brooks is a Waco native and graduate of Austin College in Sherman, TX where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. At Austin College, Shane was a 4-year letterman of the Kangaroo football team. After graduation, Shane worked for First Financial Bank as Vice President, Commercial Lender in Fort Worth. He has received his Credit Risk Certification and is also a graduate of the Texas Tech University School of Banking. Shane returned to Central Texas in September 2022 when he joined Alliance Bank Central Texas as Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager in Temple. In his free time, Shane and his wife Kylie enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, and playing pickleball.

Sydney Cable, MBA
Sydney Cable, MBA, born in College Station, TX, and raised in The Colony. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she progressed from electronics maintenance tech to Maintenance Manager. During her service, she earned an AA from Central TX College, a BS in Business Management from Park University, and recently, an MBA in Project Management. With her husband and children, Harlee (5) and Jasper (2), she relocated to Temple after her military tenure. Currently Warranty Manager at Kiella Homebuilders since 2021, she's elevating safety and quality, aspiring to a Project Management role after Leadership Temple.
 
Rachel Clemons, LMSW
Rachel is a Belton native and has lived in Central Texas for most of her life. She attended Belton High School and received a BA in Psychology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She is a Licensed Social Worker and obtained her Master’s in Social Work from Baylor University. After living in Waco for a few years, she decided to return to the Temple/Belton area and invest in the community that raised her. When not at work, she enjoys frequenting local coffee shops and spending time with friends and family.

William Dabney
Before living in Temple, William resided in Salado, TX. He attended Salado High School and earned his degree from Texas A&M University. Following graduation, he worked in the oil & gas industry in west TX. Hie returned to Temple with his role as a Risk Consultant at BKCW Insurance, focusing on risk management and commercial insurance for local and regional businesses. William looks forward to contributing to Temple's growth and community, aiming to support local businesses through initiatives like Leadership Temple.

Tom Elmore
Born in Washington DC in 1959, Tom relocated to Texas in 1965 due to his military parents. He completed his high school education in Waco and pursued studies at McLennan Community College and the University of North Texas. Tom is married to Marcy and has two daughters along with two grandchildren. With 21 years of service at Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, he has spent the last 14 years as a Center Manager, a role he has held since 2002.

Mac Fairey
McNeill (Mac) Fairey presently serves as the Patrol Bureau Deputy Chief at the Temple Police Department. With a tenure dating back to 2002, McNeill has engaged in remarkable special roles, including Traffic, COPS unit, K-9, and Narcotics. Currently, McNeill's responsibilities encompass overseeing the patrol division, a vital role involving the safeguarding of Temple's streets and the welfare of its 80,000+ residents.

Taylor Fitzner, JD
Taylor Fitzner is an associate attorney at Baird, Crews, Schiller & Whitaker, PC. Taylor graduated from Belton High School in 2010 and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance. Shortly thereafter, Taylor married another Belton native, Kori. Taylor graduated from Baylor University School of Law in 2019 and after a short time in East Texas, returned to Bell County in 2020 where he currently resides with his wife and son.

Lindsay Francis
Lindsay Francis hails from a small town near San Antonio. She embraced her Texan identity by pursuing an agricultural communications degree at Texas Tech University. As Communications Director for the Texas Peanut Producers Board, she excelled in the agricultural industry. Lindsay's marketing prowess extended beyond peanuts, promoting various agricultural facets before finding her role in Temple, TX. Joining the City of Temple in 2019, Lindsay, now Marketing & Digital Media Division Director, actively engages with local and state organizations, including the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers. Enrolled in Texas Christian University's Certified Public Communicators program, she's committed to impacting Temple's future positively. 
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Ben Hammonds, MBA
Ben Hammonds serves the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor as the Director of Fundraising. Ben and his wife, Kendall, are both graduates of UMHB and moved back to Temple in 2020 after living and working in Austin upon graduation in 2015. They have a dog named Rosie and are expecting their first child in October. Ben enjoys playing golf, running, and traveling in his free time.

Hudson Kennedy
Hudson Kennedy, a commercial lender at Extraco Banks, embarked on his journey as a CPA in public accounting before transitioning to banking 2 years ago. A Belton native, he earned a BBA from Abilene Christian University. After 8 years in Houston, he and his wife returned to Central Texas, drawn by the ideal community to raise their 3 children. Now residing in Salado, they engage with Grace Community Church and are dedicated to keeping up with their energetic children. 

Chase Kern
Chase Kern serves as the General Manager of Paramount Wastewater Solutions, LLC. A native of Temple, TX, he has resided in Belton, College Station, and San Antonio before returning to his hometown in 2020. Chase's wife, Erin, hails from Holland, TX, and they welcomed their first child last year. When not engaged in work or spending time with their son, the couple enjoys trips to the mountains, hunting, and fishing.
 
Erin Kiella, Ph.D.
Dr. Erin M. Kiella is an executive VP and consultant at Real Property Analytics, Inc., specializing in real estate value impact analysis. Her skills encompass complex valuation methods, statistical modeling, and econometrics. Formerly, she was a Research Economist at Texas A&M's Real Estate Research Center. Erin holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M and a BBA in Finance and Economics from Loyola University. She resides in Temple with husband Chris and their two children, George (2) and Jude (5 months).
 
Clarissa Martinez
Clarissa Martinez is a recent resident of Temple. She completed a BS in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix and went on to New Mexico State University to complete a MA in Educational Administration. Clarissa has over 24 years of experience in higher education. She currently serves as the Director of the Circle of Support and Alumni Relations at Temple College. Her most recent community involvements include the Pilot Club of Baytown and service on the Habitat for Humanity, and Lifeline boards.

Logan McClinton
Logan McClinton was born and raised an hour northeast of Temple in the small town of Hubbard, TX. He attended Texas Tech University where he graduated with a BBA in Energy Commerce in 2018. He continued to live and work in Lubbock until February of 2022 when he moved to Temple for the job at CentraLand.

Joe Rela
Joseph Rela, an Operations Director at Materials Transportation Company (MTC), boasts 17 years of expertise in engineering, technical service, and management positions. A summa cum laude graduate from Texas A&M University Central Texas, Joseph obtained a bachelor's degree in software engineering, maintaining a remarkable 3.9 GPA throughout.

Rob Schilling
Robert Schilling, aged 36, is a local native. He's married to Mary and is a proud parent of two children: Bentley (12) and Miley (14). Robert graduated from Holland High School and pursued further education at Temple College, earning a certificate in applications specialist. More recently, he attained Supply Chain certification from the University of Tennessee. For the past three years, Robert has held the position of Operations Manager at Walmart DC6083, marking a 12-year journey with the company in August 2023.

Bobbie Jo Young
Bobbie Jo Young is the Director of Membership Development at the Temple Chamber of Commerce. Before joining the staff, she served as a Chamber Ambassador and has a background in marketing and newspaper advertising sales. Bobbie Jo serves on the Main Street Advisory Board and is Vice-Chair of the Promotions Committee. Though she grew up in a small town, she moved here 23 years ago and is now a firm advocate for the bright future of Temple. 

​The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will accept applications for the esteemed Leadership Temple program for the Class of 2024 through Friday, June 16, 2023.
 
Leadership Temple stands as a premier professional development and education initiative, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and workings of Temple and Central Texas. The program caters to both established and emerging leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of the community and to foster its long-term success through effective leadership.
 
Spanning a duration of nine months, the Leadership Temple program offers a series of monthly class sessions, serving as an immersive learning experience. Participants will delve into a diverse range of topics that hold great significance in the region, including City, County, and State Government, Fort Cavazos, Economic Development, and Social Services. Through these in-depth sessions, individuals will gain a profound understanding of the inner workings of various sectors that contribute to the growth and development of Temple and Central Texas.
 
Prospective applicants can find comprehensive details about the program, as well as the application itself, on the official website of the Temple Chamber of Commerce at www.templechamber.com/leadershiptemple. Interested individuals are encouraged to carefully review the application requirements and submit their applications no later than Friday, June 16, 2023.
 
Participating in the Leadership Temple program offers a unique opportunity for leaders to enhance their professional skills, expand their networks, and deepen their understanding of the community they serve. By joining this prestigious program, individuals will be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact and contribute to the long-term success of Temple and Central Texas.
 
For any further inquiries or clarifications, please reach out to the Temple Chamber of Commerce directly. We look forward to welcoming the exceptional individuals who will comprise the Class of 2024 and witnessing their journey of growth and leadership development within the community.

​The Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet held on May 23, 2023, at the Hilton Garden Inn-Temple was filled with celebration and recognition. Business and community leaders gathered to honor the achievements of both the esteemed Leadership Temple Class of 2023 and the recipient of the 2023 Leadership Temple Distinguished Alumni award, Gary Schmidt.

The fifteen professionals comprising the Leadership Temple Class of 2023 were commended for their unwavering commitment and dedication throughout the intensive nine-month program. Their remarkable journey of community leadership, professional development, and personal growth was a testament to their passion and drive. Led by the capable leadership of Camryn Bintz, Class President, and David Shine, Curriculum Chair, these graduates have emerged as future leaders poised to make a lasting impact in their respective fields. The graduates of the Class of 2023 are:

Amanda Alvarado | First Community Title
Brooke Barron | Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier
Jodi Brazeal | Magnolia Realty Temple-Belton
Amanda Carlson | Temple Economic Development Corp.
Jeffrey Clark | City of Temple – Police Department
Kevin Craven | Baylor Scott & White Health
Jentry Davis | Temple Area Builders Association
Annette Farmer | Boys & Girls Club of Central Texas
Tanner Johnson | Central National Bank
Christine Leal | City of Temple – Performance Excellence
Ben Lopez | Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
Megan Mondrik | Garcia Architects
Cassidy Revis | Wildflower Country Club
Caleb Smith | First United Bank & Trust
Bryson Soden | Walmart Distribution Center #6083

The banquet provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to network and engage with the Class of 2023. Guests were also presented with a report on the Class's Action Team project, highlighting the practical application of their newfound skills and knowledge in addressing real-world challenges.

Amidst the festivities, the event reached a pinnacle as Gary Schmidt, an exceptional alumnus of the Leadership Temple program, was honored as the 2023 Leadership Temple Distinguished Alumni. This esteemed recognition celebrates Schmidt's outstanding professional accomplishments, remarkable service to the community, extraordinary leadership qualities, and enduring impact on Temple.

Schmidt's distinguished career began in 1978 as a Banker in Temple, and he has since risen to the position of President at Central National Bank, where he has demonstrated exemplary leadership since 2000. Beyond his professional achievements, Schmidt has been actively engaged in numerous community organizations and boards, leaving an indelible mark on the growth and development of Temple. His contributions to the Temple Economic Development Corporation, Temple Tax Reinvestment Zone #1, Temple Chamber of Commerce, Temple College Foundation, United Way of Central Texas, the Central Texas Housing Consortium, Temple Business League, and the Texas A&M Central Texas President's Advisory Council have been instrumental in shaping the city's success.

To honor Schmidt's accomplishments and his commitment to making a positive difference, a donation will be made to Altrusa International of Temple's Summer Fan Drive, benefiting the United Way of Central Texas. This contribution reflects Schmidt's dedication to serving the community and ensuring the well-being of its residents.

As the Leadership Temple Alumni and the Class of 2023 were commemorated, it was evident that they represent a vibrant force of leaders poised to create a lasting impact on Temple and beyond. Their graduation not only marks the end of an intensive program but also signifies the beginning of a lifelong journey to lead with excellence, inspire others, and continue making a positive difference in the greater Temple community.