The final Leadership Kenosha session of 2025 brought participants together for a day focused on local government, community engagement, and navigating change.
The day began with a deep dive into Kenosha County government led by Joe Potente. Joe provided an informative overview of how local government functions, helping participants better understand the structure, responsibilities, and impact of county leadership. This foundation set the stage for a panel discussion with local elected officials Kenny Harper, Mark Nordigian, Daniel Gaschke, and Susan Crane. They shared candid perspectives on public service, collaboration across jurisdictions, and the importance of relationship-building to effectively serve all residents of Kenosha County. Participants also had the opportunity to connect with County Executive Samantha Kerkman, who shared valuable insight into her own servant leadership journey.
Building on the topic of civic and community engagement, Leadership Kenosha participants enjoyed a presentation from Jackie Hartley and Debra Karp on nonprofit board service. Participants explored what it truly means to serve effectively and responsibly on a board, including fiduciary duties, governance best practices, and the importance of values-driven leadership. The session encouraged participants to think intentionally about how their skills, experiences, and passions can support organizations in their community.
The December session concluded with an energizing workshop on change management led by Ed Egan of Double E Workplace Solutions. Drawing from his professional experience and Leadership Kenosha journey, he helped participants reflect on how they lead and communicate effectively in times of uncertainty. LK applied their learning to team projects as well as personal challenges they may be navigating, strengthening their ability to lead with clarity and purpose.
Posted on
January 6, 2026