ABOUT LAC

Leadership Aiken County (LAC) is a program designed to identify, develop, and motivate new leadership for the Aiken County community.

Established in 1981, LAC seeks to develop a group of informed, committed, and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic community leadership for Aiken County.

Program objectives are accomplished through a competitive selection process, intensive team-building activities, and exposure to local issues, regional resources, and various city, county, state, and federal leaders. Participants learn more about the critical issues of the community than many lifelong residents.

LAC offers an intensive and up-close look at various sectors/areas of the community, from the larger cities of North Augusta and Aiken to the rural towns and unincorporated areas. Participants in LAC have the opportunity to explore and analyze issues that impact their county, while focusing on fundamental leadership principles.

In addition to examining leadership roles in political, social and economic affairs, participants will get the chance to interact with a variety of community leaders. LAC guarantees increased understanding and change within each participant.

Leadership graduates join a growing network of alumni who are valued participants in the community and in the governmental activities that will determine the future of Aiken County.

OBJECTIVES

  • Identify and select highly motivated community leaders to participate in the program.
  • Challenge participants to become aware of, to examine, and to respond to the societal and economic needs of our community.
  • Develop an esprit de corps among participants that will provide a common ground for working together on present and future community needs.
  • Create a dialogue and sense of teamwork between participants and other community leaders.

LAC 2026-27 UNDERWAY; CHECK BACK IN JULY FOR 2027-28 APPLICATION

The  LAC Class of 2026-27 launched in mid-September 2026 with a two-part retreat, including an overnight portion at Camp Gravatt where members began getting to know one another, studied leadership principles, and challenged themselves with numerous ropes course activities.  Listen out as the members announce their Class Project, likely in January or February.  If you’d like to be part of the Leadership Aiken County Class of 2027-28, applications should become available approximately July 1, 2027.  We’d love to see you apply!

JUNIOR LEADERSHIP AIKEN COUNTY (JLAC)

The Junior Leadership Aiken County program began in 1995, as a way to reach out to identify, cultivate, and challenge Aiken County’s future leaders.

Consisting of partnerships with public, private, and home schools throughout the county, JLAC consists of approximately 22 10th graders who complete a shorter version of the LAC curriculum.

Session dates for JLAC typically (but not always) coincide with dates when Aiken County Public School District is closed.

The program kicks off with an opening reception in late fall, followed by a one-day retreat/ropes course at Camp Gravatt and four class sessions.

Volunteer/service opportunities typically take place during class sessions.  The year concludes with a graduation ceremony in April or early May.

Applications for the 2027 class closed on September 4.  Students who are selected will be notified soon of their acceptance.

CLASS PROJECTS OVER THE YEARS

A hallmark of LAC is the project completed by each class – a capstone effort that seeks to both encapsulate the entire year-long experience into a hands-on experience while also making a difference in a significant way in the Aiken County community.

Class members investigate community needs, propose and vote on project ideas, then implement the plan to execute the selected project.  Fund-raising is often involved, but is not required.  The LAC Board of Directors and the class coordinators offer general advice and oversight, but project decisions are up to the individual classes to determine and execute.

Here are some examples of recent projects our classes have completed:

  • 2026: supported Salvation Army of Aiken via lobbying for yearly local government budget line item, raised $33,000 for new bus initiative, and completed renovations to overnight emergency shelter
  • 2025: installed bus shelter at Clyburn Center (Rural Health Services) and provided bus vouchers to multiple social service agencies, donated EKG machine plus $8,000 to Community Medical Center of Aiken County
  • 2024: provided student scholarships for Aiken County Career & Technology Center; assisted Helping Hands with needed renovations
  • 2020: built “serenity garden” at the Child Advocacy Center (ribbon cutting pictured)
  • 2017: built and furnished “The Cottage at Nurture Home” (stand-alone transitional housing)
  • 2016: created public art campaign that was installed throughout downtown (“Aiken Through Art”)
  • 2013: “Safe Routes to School” project built trails from Crosland Park to North Aiken Elementary)
  • 2011: raised $40,000 for the “Stuff the Bus to Stop Hunger” backpack program for Golden Harvest Food Bank
  • 2010: raised $23,000 in support of “All Play, Every Day” barrier-free adaptive playground in downtown Aiken
  • 2008: assisted w/building of a library at the Cancer Care Institute of Carolina as well as renovations at Helping Hands
  • 2007: creation of a “suspension camp” in conjunction w/Aiken County Public Schools & Aiken Dept. of Public Safety
  • 2005: raised $13,000 via Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala to support the Child Advocacy Center
  • 2004: raised $15,000 via charity polo match to support Aiken County Free Medical Clinic
  • 2000: successfully lobbied SC legislature to upgrade misdemeanor child abuse law to felony status

LAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A minimum of 15 members comprise the all-volunteer LAC Board, each serving a three-year term.  Most Board members are alumni of LAC, but it is not required.  They represent businesses, industry, educational organizations, and public services across Aiken County.

The Board holds quarterly meetings to conduct the business of the organization, including managing the budget/reporting, selecting/supporting the LAC and JLAC class coordinators, recruiting new Board members, and more.

Current Board members include:

Charles Barranco
Lee Bodie
Brie Campbell
Amanda Dyer
Shayne Farrell, past president
Rasheka Gaines
Kelci Avery Green
Andrew Hendrix
Robert Holmes, vice president
LJ Jones
Amanda Kaminski
Daniele Ligons
Martha Messick
Michele O’Shaughnassey
Helga Ouzts
Kim Rayfield
Nicole Regan, president
Martha Ruthven
Claudia Adams (ex officio)
Jim Tunison (ex officio, Aiken Chamber President)

Email: info@leadershipaikencounty.com

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