A Program of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jonathon Lewis, Director of Membership & Community Initiatives
Moore County Chamber of Commerce
jlewis@moorecountychamber.com  |  910.434.4794 Sixteen community and business leaders complete ten-month program at ceremony at Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — The Moore County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the graduation of the Moore County Leadership Institute (MCLI) Class of 2026 on Wednesday, November 4, at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities in Southern Pines. Sixteen participants completed the ten-month program, which develops leaders through hands-on exploration of Moore County’s civic, economic, and historical landscape. Family, friends, employers, and community partners joined the graduates for an evening reception, remarks, and the presentation of certificates.
Over the course of the year, the Class of 2026 met monthly across the county, beginning with an Opening Retreat in January. Sessions explored North Moore, County Services, Community Services, Agriculture & Manufacturing, Visitor & Tourism, Government, and Camp Mackall, and the class completed group projects benefiting the community. With this class, the MCLI network continues to grow among a community of leaders who have completed the program since its founding in 1989.
MCLI Class of 2026 Graduates

Anna Begley  ·  First Bank – Southern Pines Lana Bivins  ·  St. Joseph of the Pines Connie Christopher  ·  FirstHealth – Moore Regional Hospital Brooke Edyburn  ·  The Fidelity Bank Not Pictured: Jessica Hale  ·  FirstHealth – Moore Regional Hospital Courtney Heaton  ·  Town of Southern Pines Adam Hinderliter  ·  Pinehurst Resort Jennifer Middleton  ·  Aging Outreach Services

Jason Nelson  ·  Moore County Schools Stephen Neves Stephanie Parsons  ·  Penick Village Mandy Riederer  ·  Pinehurst Resort Susan Sedberry  ·  Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities Dana Spicer  ·  First Bank – Pinehurst Village Julius Stevens  ·  St. Joseph of the Pines Stacey Thompson  ·  FirstHealth – Moore Regional Hospital

Applications Open for the Class of 2027 Applications for the MCLI Class of 2027 are being accepted through Friday, November 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Acceptance notifications will be sent by December 15, and the Opening Retreat is scheduled for January 20–21, 2027. For program details and the application, visit moorecountychamber.com/mcli or contact Jonathon Lewis at jlewis@moorecountychamber.com or 910.434.4794.
About the Moore County Chamber of Commerce The Moore County Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization committed to fostering a thriving business community in Moore County, North Carolina. The Chamber supports economic growth, business development, and community engagement through programming, advocacy, and partnerships. For more information, visit moorecountychamber.com or call 910.692.3926.