Two Johnsonville natives graduate leadership course

MYRTLE BEACH - Gregory Ackerman and Kenneth Generette were among the Class of XXIX that graduated recently from Leadership Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach.

The goal of the program, which is sponsored by the Leadership Grand Strand in conjunction with the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, is to develop a corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for the Grand Strand area.

Requirements for graduation are to complete a nine-month program and a minimum of 100 hours of community service. This year, participants assisted more than ten nonprofit organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs, the March of Dimes, The American Red Cross and the MBACC’S Youth Leadership Academy project.

Ackerman, 34, the son of the Reverend Lloyd Ackerman of Columbia and the late Barbara Ackerman, graduated from Johnsonville High School in 1993, while his father served as pastor of Johnsonville Pentecostal Holiness Church. Greg attended Coastal Carolina University with an academic scholarship and earned a bachelors degree in Business. He is a certified public accountant with Smith, Sapp, Bookhout, Crumpler & Callahan of Myrtle Beach. He is married and has two children.

His father, who spoke with The Observer last week, said “Greg began working between his junior and senior years at CCU. When he graduated he was already in place in the business world. He has been employed with Smith, Sapp, Bookhout, Crumpler & Callahan, who sponsored him, ever since. He has never known what it is like to seek employment. Greg is married and has two children.”

Kenny Generette, Staff Attorney for Horry County Schools, is a native of Johnsonville, the son of Herman and Blossom Generette of Hemingway. He graduated from Johnsonville High School in 1992 where he ran track and served as student body president.  He attended Furman University on academic and athletic scholarships. He also graduated USC School of Law. As a member of the Leadership Class he was selected to the Board of Regents.

Kenny was guest speaker for the Beta Club Installation Ceremony at JMS last year.

Tuition for the class is $890 per person. The course is limited to 30 applicants with selection reflecting the demographic, geographic and professional diversity of the Grand Strand.

Applicants must possess leadership abilities, potential to provide leadership to the Grand Strand, interest in community affairs, desire to expand volunteer involvement and commitment to become more involved in the Grand Strand. Participants and must invest required time for a two-day retreat in September, a full day of classes the first Thursday of each month and 100 hours of community y service.

The course explores such topics as historical aspects of the Grand Strand, tourism and economic development, government and politics, education, law enforcement, human services and the arts. Alumni serve on community boards and commissions and in key decision-making posit ions t throughout t he Grand Strand.

Generette said, “The volunteering aspect definitely appealed to me. I appreciate being able to make a difference where a realistic need is perceived, such as with Habitat for Humanity and Grand Strand Disabilities and Special Needs. I like to think I can contribute in a positive way.”