The 2026 class of Leadership Gillespie County graduated May 15, marking the completion of a 10 month program focused on community leadership, civic engagement, and service to Gillespie County.
The class began its journey with the traditional Alumni Mixer in August 2025, followed by a planning retreat. From September through May, participants attended monthly sessions covering a broad range of topics critical to the community, including city—county government, nonprofit organizations, business, economic development, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, media, emergency services, human services, history, culture, and state government.
A cornerstone of Leadership Gillespie County is the annual class project. The Class of 2026 selected Caritas Family Assistance Network as its beneficiary and organized a fundraising effort that generated more than $35,000 for the organization. In addition to fundraising, class members contributed more than 260 volunteer hours to local charitable organizations throughout the year.
Caritas Family Assistance Network works to provide comprehensive support services for students and families, including mental health intervention, family guidance, and assistance with basic life needs. Through partnerships with local schools, Caritas connects families to community resources and support systems designed to address challenges such as poverty, substance abuse, behavioral health concerns, and family crises. The organization’s mission is to help create safe, healthy, and stable environments for students both at school and at home.
Leadership Gillespie County traces its roots back to 1994. Since that first class, more than 630 alumni have completed the program and continue to play active leadership roles across the community. Graduates have gone on to serve as elected officials, municipal staff members, nonprofit board members, business leaders, and volunteers dedicated to strengthening Gillespie County.
The 2026 class officers were:
• President — Josh Leamons, Searchers Surveyors | Consultants
• Vice President — Andrea Price, City of Fredericksburg/ Gillespie County Health Department • Secretary — Grace Igler Self-employed
• Treasurer — Rebecca Treiber, Capital Farm Credit
• Sergeant at Arms — Jody Miller, Heath Family Brands Class members included: Fernando Albiter, CTEC; John Cedillo, Be Hospitable; Elsa Crenwelge, Fischer & Wieser; Jessica Dionne, Pioneer Museum; Lance Eaker, Eaker Barbecue; Valerie Elkins, William Chris Vineyards; Shelby Freitag, Texas Regional Bank; Jeanette Hesker, The Grace Center; Keidel Hughes, Albert Hotel; Haley Hull, Admiral Nimitz Foundation; Lauren Itz, Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau; Shad Pellizzari, Methodist Hospital Hill Country; Peggy Reichenau, Happy State Bank; Linda Rodriguez, State Security Bank & Trust; Raul Sanchez, Methodist Hospital Hill Country; Jason Tennison, Grand Central at Milam; and Shawn Vinklarek, Guido Construction.
Class mentors for the year were Teri Schepens of PARS and Heather McCarver of the Pioneer Museum.
The continued success of Leadership Gillespie County reflects the community’s long-standing commitment to developing informed, engaged, and service-oriented leaders who will help shape the future of Gillespie County for years to come.
LGS Class of 2027 applications will be available on the chamber website Monday June 1.
Jim Mikula, President/CEO Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce
