Leadership Johnston salutes Class of 2025

SMITHFIELD — The Johnston County Coalition of Chambers and Johnston Community College recently celebrated the Leadership Johnston Class of 2025, honoring graduates who spent the past nine months developing their leadership skills and strengthening connections across the county.

The class includes a diverse group of professionals, ranging from bankers and educators to attorneys, healthcare providers, developers, business owners and managers. Participants dedicated themselves to expanding their knowledge of Johnston County while pursuing personal and professional growth, reflecting the program’s emphasis on leadership, collaboration and community service.

The graduation ceremony featured a keynote address by Judge Addie Rawls, the first elected African American District Court Judge for North Carolina’s Eleventh Judicial District. A jurist, minister and community leader, Rawls shared her leadership framework, known as the Three P’s: Purpose, Power and Passion — drawing on her experiences guided by faith, resilience and service.

Leadership Johnston congratulates the Class of 2025 and looks forward to seeing graduates continue to grow, connect and contribute to the community.

KS Bank, Inc. served as the presenting sponsor for Leadership Johnston, supporting both the program and the graduation event. Organizers also acknowledged the coalition of Johnston County Chambers — including the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce, Kenly Chamber of Commerce, and Triangle East Chamber of Commerce — as well as Johnston Community College for their ongoing partnership.

Leadership Johnston Class of 2025 Graduates:

• Dr. Choya Boykin, Choice Plus Academy

• Helen Caloz, HomeMasters Pest Control

• Alisha Coley, KS Bank, Inc.

• Lisa Cooper, Johnston Community College

• Maggie Crandall, Johnston Community College

• Katlyn Creech, UNC Health Johnston

• Charlie Crews, The Insurance Shoppe of North Carolina, Inc.

• Andrew Harris, Town of Smithfield

• Carter Jones, Narron Wenzel, P.A.

• Ryan Jordan, Flowers Plantation Info & Sales

• Joelina Landa, United Community

• Shatisha McLaurin, Rainbow Childcare and Learning Center LLC

• Zeke Powell, First Citizens Bank

• Shannon Sellers, Showing My Roots

• Erin Smith, Johnston County Public Health Department

• Lynne Sullivan, Gorman Group Insurance

• Courtney Tanner, Town of Clayton

• Amanda Thompson, KS Bank, Inc.

• Alicia Whitehurst, Wintergreen Hospitality

• Dana Wooten, Clayton Chamber of Commerce