CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County officials recognized 13 county employees who completed the 2025 Leadership Development Program, a yearlong initiative focused on building leadership skills across county government.
The county created the program to prepare employees for future leadership roles and to strengthen collaboration between departments.
Program goals and structure
The Human Resources Department coordinated the program and brought together employees from multiple county offices. Participants attended monthly sessions that focused on communication, teamwork, decision-making and leadership development.
County officials said the program helps employees better understand how county departments work together while strengthening internal leadership.
2025 program graduates
Graduates of the 2025 class included Sheena Baker, communications coordinator, Commissioners’ Office; Victoria Ballentine, senior center director, Area Agency on Aging; William Barton, senior accountant, Fiscal; Danielle Beaver, drug and alcohol program specialist, Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol; Daphne Blair, accounting and information systems manager, Fiscal; Leslie Bowers, fiscal officer II, Fiscal; Becky Brackbill, legal, records and office administrator, Commissioners’ Office; Jennifer Courtney, drug and alcohol prevention program and case management specialist, Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol; Asharee Edwards, adult probation officer III, Adult Probation; Christina Hawkins, casework supervisor II, Children and Youth Services; Ashley Misner, administrative officer, Domestic Relations; Marlies Ries, IT project manager, Information Technology Services; and David Sunderland, deputy warden of inmate custody, Franklin County Jail.
Training topics and community service
Participants began the program in January and met monthly. Sessions covered project management, delegation, time management, conflict resolution, teamwork and mental health awareness.
The group also completed a community service project at the Conococheague Institute through United Way of Franklin County’s May of Caring initiative.
Participants later worked in small groups to evaluate cost-saving opportunities for county operations. Each group researched its proposal and presented recommendations to the county commissioners.
County officials praise participants
“Franklin County is blessed to have employees who seek ways to better themselves and further their careers,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “This program helps develop the future leaders we need to continue providing quality services to residents.”
Program continues in 2026
Since 2022, 57 county employees have completed the Leadership Development Program. County officials said a new group of employees will begin the 2026 program in January.
