Leadership Big Canoe

Board members John Farris and Ellis Mills working on program plans for the new year.

History
The idea for Leadership Big Canoe originated in 2004 during the transition work with a recommendation from the Governance Subcommittee, which recognized the need to develop emerging community leaders.

At its January 2005 meeting, the POA Board of Directors endorsed that recommendation and requested that Linda Allen head the effort to develop a Leadership Big Canoe program. Charlotte McCloskey, Fred Omundson, Bill Saling and Bennett Whipple joined Linda as members of a Steering Committee that worked closely with a variety of other community leaders to develop the inaugural 2005-2006 program. This first year program was extremely successful and counted 21 graduates in May, 2006. The committee sought input from a variety of community leaders in developing a curriculum and program guidelines.

Among the 114 graduates of the past five years' programs have been community leaders such as Board members of the Property Owners Association (POA) and Homeowners Association (HOA) and committee members from a variety of Big Canoe organizations, as well as individuals interested in becoming community leaders. Many of the emerging leaders in the program have already assumed leadership positions in the community.

Leadership Big Canoe's sixth year will begin on September 10, 2010, with over 30 participants. 

Independence
To maintain the necessary independence from any existing Big Canoe organization, Leadership Big Canoe operates as an independent non-profit corporation registered with the State of Georgia. Overall direction of the program is provided by a Board of Directors.

The nature and purpose of Leadership Big Canoe is further detailed in the By-Laws as amended in June 2009.