The Tennessee Association of Community Leadership (TACL) has named Leadership University, a youth leadership development program of the Greater Jackson Chamber, the recipient of the TACL Outstanding Leadership Program Award. The award recognizes a leadership program that has shown considerable success through the years in impacting the quality of life in the area they serve.

Leadership University is a year-long program that engages forty high school students from public, private, and home schools in the Jackson community. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn about leadership, develop their skills, and serve their community.

“We are honored to receive this award from TACL,” said Lauren Saliba, Director of Leadership Development for the Greater Jackson Chamber. “We believe that leadership development programs are critical to every community, and we are proud to provide our students with the opportunity to learn and grow as leaders.”

The TACL Servant Leadership Award was also presented to Joseph Ross, Board Member and Past Chair of Leadership University and Past Chair of Leadership Jackson Alumni Association. Ross, Vice President, Loan Operations Officer for The Bank of Jackson, received the award for his dedication and service in the Jackson community.

“Joseph is a remarkable servant leader whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our community,” said Saliba. “He epitomizes the principles and values of servant leadership, setting an example for future generations of leaders to emulate.”

“Service to others is one of our greatest callings in life,” said Ross. “I am thankful for the many fellow Leadership Jackson Alumni who serve selflessly every day to make Jackson/Madison County such a wonderful place to live. Receiving this award reminds me of how important local leadership programs can be in helping to mold local community members into more productive and successful citizens.”

TACL Executive Director Judy Renshaw congratulated the Greater Jackson Chamber on creating Leadership University in 1999. “Leadership development programs are critical to every community,” said Renshaw. “We extend our congratulations to the Greater Jackson Chamber for engaging their youth, enhancing their leadership skills, and developing a passion for service to their community.”

The Greater Jackson Chamber has three successful leadership programs:  Leadership Jackson (adults), Leadership University (youth), and Leadership Jackson Alumni Association, an engaged alumni network.

For more information about TACL (Tennessee Association of Community Leadership), a statewide association created to assist community leadership development programs, contact Judy Renshaw, Executive Director, taclresources@gmail.com.