Today’s episode is about leadership, community, and what can happen when a group of people decides that a real need deserves a real response.

Recently, the 2026 Leadership Putnam Class celebrated graduation at Rock Eagle, marking the end of a program designed to help emerging and established leaders better understand our community, build lasting relationships, and discover new ways to serve. But this class did far more than simply complete the program. They left a lasting mark.

As part of their class project, they took on a major need for Putnam General Hospital: replacing a commercial HVAC unit. Now, that may not sound glamorous at first, but in a hospital, reliable climate control is not a luxury. It is essential for patients, staff, equipment, and care.

What began as a need turned into an extraordinary community effort. This Leadership Putnam class raised more than $140,000 to make that replacement possible. That is not just impressive. That is transformational.

Joining me today are three of the class members behind that successful project: Jackson Embry, Amanda Taylor, and TJ McElhenney. We’ll talk about their Leadership Putnam experience, what they learned, how this project came to be, how the class rallied the community, and why programs like Leadership Putnam matter so much to the future of Putnam County.

This is a story about service, teamwork, and leadership in action; leadership as influence, not position. And in this case, that influence helped bring comfort, support, and critical infrastructure to one of our community’s most important institutions.

Guests:

Amanda Taylor, Jackson Embry, TJ McElhenney

For more information on Leadership Putnam:

Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce

Phone: 706-485-7701

Chamber of Commerce Website: https://eatonton.com/

Sponsors:

Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit

https://loffc.net/

Second Chance Boutique

https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/