(Pontiac, MI) Leadership Oakland announces its 36th Cornerstone Class, a group of 50 emerging leaders dedicated to driving innovation and civic change across Metro Detroit.
Leadership Oakland, Metro Detroit’s premier collaborative leadership experience, is proud to announce the induction of its new class of members, designated LOXXXVI, for the 2025-2026 program year. This marks the 36th year of welcoming exceptional individuals into its mission-driven community. This year’s cohort includes 50 new members selected for their outstanding contributions to civic engagement, business innovation, and social impact.
The LOXXXVI class represents a wide range of backgrounds – from educators and entrepreneurs to public servants and scientists – each committed to advancing the nonprofit’s commitment to fostering diverse, dynamic leadership. This year’s class includes:
- Greg Allen, Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac
- Dennis Andrews, City of Rochester Hills
- Sheila Barrett, Oakland Community Health Network
- Donna Bauer, Oakland Thrive
- Shikira Cantrell, Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac
- Steve Carey, Oswald Companies
- Jonathan deSanctis, Oakland Thrive
- Jennifer Dubie, New Day Foundation for Families
- Ian Duncanson, MSU Federal Credit Union
- Garrett Ebbeling, Oakland County Parks
- Ervis Fama, Corewell Health
- Claire Fitzgerald, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (HAP)
- Megan Frazho, City of Rochester
- Victor Garcia, Easterseals | MORC
- Sairy Garcia-Hinojos, Oakland Thrive
- Jillian Geyman, Gesher Human Services
- Tyler Gregory, Plante Moran
- Everest Guerra, Stitchi
- Charles Hayden IV, Dawda PLC
- Tonya Jennings, Baker College
- Miesha Joassin, Oakland County
- Olga Kovtun, HRPro/BenePro
- Michele Lake
- Sydney Lawson, Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
- Carrie LeZotte, Bloomfield Township
- Pashke Ljuljgjuraj, Flagstar Bank
- Julie Lyons Bricker, Oakland County
- Rudy Makupson, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Audry McDonald-Moore, Northwestern Mutual
- Amanda McKay, Oakland Schools
- Rachel McLean, Health Alliance Plan (HAP)
- Michelle Morasso, Corewell Health
- Amber Neher, Detroit Regional Chamber
- Steven Nosakowski, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Hillary Nusbaum, Oakland Community Health Network
- Lizz Parkinson, Cranbrook Institute of Science
- Mara Phillips, Oakland Community College
- Gisele Poole, Community Housing Network, Inc.
- Erica Schlenker, DTE Energy
- Olga Schmidt, Creative Society
- Paige Snyder, Chief Financial Credit Union
- Kim Staudacher, Dutton Farm
- Shelby Tankersley, PACE Southeast Michigan
- Dre Thompson, Talent Solutions Now
- Endrit Topalli, Oakland County
- Lannie Williams, Oakland County
- Shelly Wisnowski, Easterseals | MORC
- Andi Wright, CTP Solutions, LLC
- Crystal Young, Corewell Health
- Jennifer Zanoni, Henry Ford Health
“This dynamic group of leaders represents the strength, diversity, and potential of our region. As they embark on this transformative journey, we are excited to witness the impact they will make—not only within their own organizations, but across the entire community,” said Susan Hollady, Executive Director of Leadership Oakland. “LOXXXVI stands ready to lead, and the future is brighter because of them.”
The LOXXXVI Cornerstone Program kicked off with a 2 ½ day retreat, where the group of 50 professionals met and began the nine-month leadership experience. During their program, the class will participate in monthly sessions on topics facing this region: economy & government, nonprofits & human services, diversity, equity & inclusion, health, the justice system, education & workforce development, arts & culture and environment. Experts in each subject area will lead informative and interactive discussions. Additionally, the group will collaborate on a day of service project benefitting a nonprofit in Oakland County.
About Leadership Oakland
Established in 1990, Leadership Oakland is a 501 (c)(3) organization focused on business and community leadership development. The organization provides a nine-month Cornerstone Program to participants from businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies that are selected based on an application process. Leadership Oakland graduates are key business and community leaders serving as catalysts on boards of various organizations throughout the region.
Media Contact: Susan Hollady, Executive Director, Leadership Oakland