| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information Chris Scharrer, Executive Director Leadership Oakland www.leadershipoakland.com Phone: (248) 952-6880 ext 2 [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Leadership Oakland Recognizes Leaders of Leaders Leadership Oakland recognized exemplary leaders at the 10th Annual Taste of Leadership Oakland held last week at the Marriott Hotel in Troy, MI. The year-long Cornerstone program promotes leadership on three levels: personal, professional and public. "Our graduates make significant leadership contributions and it is time we recognize some of the best of the best" stated Chris Scharrer, Leadership Oakland Executive Director. "Those that received a Leader of Leaders award were chosen because of their exemplary leadership and contribution to the region. They are an inspiration to all of us!" This year's award winners are: Henry Tanaka for his Personal Leadership. Henry is an artist, optimist, advocate, educator, and leader. Henry's life story is fascinating and his path is varied and triumphant. He is considered a bridge builder in the community, in his work as Academic Dean of Art, Design and Humanities at Oakland Community College, and as a member of the Governor's Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission as well as numerous other organizations. His life experiences provide him a level of wisdom that translates well into the populations he serves. Annie Van Gelderen for her Professional Leadership. As President and CEO of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center-or BBAC-Annie VanGelderen has blazed a trail that takes art and leadership to new levels in our region. In addition to building the BBAC into a fiscally healthy and well respected art gallery, gift shop and educational center, Annie's Leadership has expanded the BBAC to serve the public school systems in Detroit, Pontiac and Southfield with visual arts classes. They also offer a program for those with Alzheimer's and dementia, and other art making sessions for a wide variety of those with distinct needs such as Children's Village and children with cancer. Kirsten Elliott for her Public Leadership. It is hard to tell where Kirsten Elliott's professional and public life are different. Kirsten's passion for serving people with disabilities and those faced with homelessness have driven her to work tirelessly on behalf of those with life challenges. She has led the redevelopment of the Unity Park neighborhood in Pontiac, is a Vice President at the Community Housing Network, and served for 11 years as the co-chair of the Oakland County Continuum of Care. She and her son Maxwell who has a disability, are a dynamic team of presenters for those wishing to gain perspective on the challenges and victories of families living with a disability or with one who is disabled. Other Honorees for exemplary leadership include:
- President of Litpac, Inc., Gregory Capler
- Corporate Gifts Officer, American Red Cross, Judy Muhn
### Established in 1990, Leadership Oakland is a 501 (c)(3) organization focused on business and community leadership development. Leadership Oakland is a member of The Community Leadership Association. The organization provides a nine-month community leadership Cornerstone Program to participants from businesses, organizations and governmental agencies that are selected based on an application process. The organization continues to provide educational and networking opportunities to alumni after graduation from the Cornerstone Program. Leadership Oakland graduates are key business and community leaders serving as catalysts on boards of various organizations throughout the region. |
