May_June 2016 Chamber Magazine
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FROM THE COVER:<br />
Proven successful, Leadership Fredericksburg alumni<br />
give back<br />
Feature<br />
By Dawn Haun<br />
The keys to successful leadership are presented in a<br />
simplified and unforgettable way. It may be by a beautiful<br />
photograph, a success story, an inspirational movie, or<br />
a motivational quote. Leadership Fredericksburg Alumni are<br />
shaped through these lessons, instilling the characteristics and<br />
responsibilities of a leader.<br />
Leaders help others grow<br />
When Janel Donohue, LF’08, was approached by her<br />
supervisor to apply for Leadership Fredericksburg in 2007,<br />
she came up with excuses not to. “I couldn’t afford the<br />
time and energy to participate,” she said. She was juggling<br />
work, two children, and running a business with her husband<br />
Michael. Her boss’ response made her think again: “Janel,<br />
you can’t afford NOT to. Just do it.” Her supervisor knew she<br />
showed the characteristics of a leader, but needed to learn<br />
more for her position as Director of Resource Development at<br />
Rappahannock United Way.<br />
So Janel stretched her schedule, decided to apply, and was<br />
accepted in the inaugural Leadership Fredericksburg class. The<br />
Mentor Program was the component which helped her the<br />
most. “We were a perfect match,” said Janel. “He saw my<br />
weaknesses, excuses and my blind spots. He taught me to<br />
think and act differently, and to be more effective personally<br />
and professionally. The diverse leaders who contribute to<br />
Leadership Fredericksburg community are unique.”<br />
Since graduating, Janel’s career immediately advanced to Vice<br />
President of Resource Development and later, to President<br />
of Rappahannock United Way. “I am stronger and better<br />
equipped as a leader,” said Janel. “My career growth has<br />
aided me to support the community.”<br />
Earning Respect Is a Leadership Skill<br />
Rose Heyward, LF’09, is the human resource director for<br />
Spotsylvania County. She has a wide range of duties overseeing<br />
the administrative tasks that revolve around personnel<br />
functions, such as recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training.<br />
As a fellow in the program, she was challenged to be her<br />
best and become an authentic leader. “It’s not prescriptive,”<br />
she said. “ You are not taught how to be a leader based on<br />
a set of characteristics; but how to be your best so you can<br />
effectively lead.”<br />
Since Leadership Fredericksburg, Rose has received a<br />
professional certification in coaching, advanced her career to<br />
a director level, and started a small business. “I attribute my<br />
recent accomplishments to my skills refined and connections<br />
made through Leadership Fredericksburg,” said Rose.<br />
Pave Your Way to the Top with Leadership<br />
Skills Training<br />
When you’re ready to hone your leadership skills, it makes<br />
sense to learn from a proven leader.<br />
Ben Keddie’s experience in the program opened his eyes<br />
to strengthen his effectiveness as a leader. Ben, LF’10, Vice<br />
President of Commercial Division at Coldwell Banker Elite,<br />
was impacted by the high-caliber of community leaders<br />
who helped mentor and share their leadership talents with<br />
the class. Since graduating from the class, Ben mentors and<br />
shares his own career experiences to the new classes.<br />
“Exercising leadership is what increases your effectiveness<br />
as a leader,” said Ben. “Selfishly, I found a personal and<br />
Continued to page 25<br />
Rose Heyward, Tom Schoedel, Janel Donohue, and Ben Keddie.<br />
MAY/JUNE <strong>2016</strong> Fredericksburg Regional Business 7