Leadership Augusta

We were proud to celebrate the Adult Class of 2026 and the recipients of our alumni awards at Celebration of Leadership, held at Edgar's Above Broad. The Service Award was presented to Lauren Dallas and the Leadership Award was awarded to Dr. Jackson Drumgoole II. Leadership Augusta Board of Director's Chair, Ashley Strong-Green, presented Chair Awards to Kate Channell and Stephen King.

A special thank you to our Special Events Partner, Augusta University.

Photo credit for capturing these special moments goes to lovely Rhian Swain with Redwolf Photography

Update: registration closed as of 4pm Friday.
Alumni, don't forget to register for this new class day!
🎟️ Register your event ticket here: https://www.leadershipaugustaga.com/events/community-development-da

🚔⚖️ The Leadership Augusta Class of 2026 recently stepped behind the scenes of Augusta’s public safety and justice systems during an impactful Public Safety & Criminal Justice Day, chaired by Alexia Payne Davis.

The day began at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center with breakfast sponsored by Sheriff Brantley, followed by a tour led by Major Chester Huffman that offered class members a first-hand look into the realities and responsibilities within the detention system. Throughout the day, participants heard directly from prosecutors, defenders, judges, investigators, and community advocates — gaining a broader understanding of how the many parts of the justice system work together in service of Augusta.

Highlights included:
• Touring the detention center with Major Chester Huffman
• Hearing from speakers Deputy Chief Assistant DA Falin Syms and Chief Assistant DA Kevin Davis, Kari Viola Brooke and Chief Judge Tianna Bias
• A leadership moment with H. Lee Prescott Jr. and a tour of the Public Defender’s Office
• A Criminal Investigations Division tour led by Investigator Sergeant Shawn Newsome
• Closing remarks and insight from Coroner Mark Bowen

Thank you to all of the speakers, hosts, and organizations who made this meaningful experience possible and helped our class better understand the complex, interconnected work of public safety and justice in Augusta.