Leadership Napa Valley has launched Class 39, welcoming 29 community leaders into its 11-month leadership development program focused on civic leadership, community engagement and collaboration.

Representing a broad cross-section of Napa Valley's business, nonprofit, education, healthcare, agriculture, hospitality and public sectors, Class 39 was selected through a competitive application process and will spend the next year exploring the issues, opportunities and organizations that shape Napa County.

Throughout the program year, participants will take part in immersive program days focused on topics including sustainability, agriculture, health and human services, criminal justice, local government, tourism, education, arts and culture, business and economic development, and land use planning. Participants will also work together to complete a community-based practicum project designed to create a lasting positive impact in Napa County.

"Leadership Napa Valley is about more than developing individual leaders — it's about building stronger connections across our community," said Holly Dawson, President of the Leadership Napa Valley Board of Directors. "Class 39 brings together an impressive group of individuals who are curious, engaged and committed to making Napa Valley an even better place to live, work and do business. We are excited to see the relationships they build and the impact they will create over the coming year."

Mary Rezek, Program Director for Leadership Napa Valley, said the program's greatest strength is its ability to bring together people with different experiences and perspectives.

"One of the most powerful aspects of Leadership Napa Valley is the opportunity to learn from one another while gaining a deeper understanding of our community," Rezek said. "Over the next 10 months, Class 39 will challenge assumptions, build meaningful relationships and discover new ways to lead and serve. I look forward to seeing how they grow both individually and collectively throughout the program year."

Leadership Napa Valley Class 39 includes:

• Alicia Mora, COO, Ai / Ed Tech
• Allison Wilson, Director of Vineyard Operations, Domaine Carneros
• Amanda Griffis, Supervising Environmental Resource Specialist, Napa County
• Amanda Perrone, Executive Director, Alternatives for Better Living
• Amy Little, Director of Development, Napa Valley Education Foundation
• Chris Pacheco, Police Captain, Napa Police Department
• Chris Valenzuela, Senior Director of Philanthropy & Engagement, Aldea
• Christine Turner, Founding Partner, Justera Global Strategies
• Courtney Cline, Development Associate, ParentsCAN
• Cristine Tapia, Manager of Educational Partnerships and Early College, Napa Valley College
• Dan Evans, Editor & Publisher, Napa Valley Publishing
• Danielly Ludwig, Community Volunteer & Ambassador, Napa Valley College & Napa Valley Hispanic Chamber
• Desiree Lindemann, Director of Sales, Black Diamond Equipment
• Erin First, Account Director, The James Collective
• Gary Glenn, AVP of Retail Branch Banking, Travis Credit Union
• Georgia Mueller-Schubert, CFO & COO, WSI Next Gen Marketing
• Jessica Thomason, Executive Director, Napa Valley College Foundation
• Jill Barnes, Director of Mental Health & Professional Learning, Napa County Office of Education
• Jill Souza, Chief Mission Officer, Providence Queen of the Valley
• Julie Lucido, Assistant City Manager, City of Napa
• Juliet Cheung, Realtor, Corcoran Icon Properties
• Kim Breznikar, Director, Inventory Planning, The Duckhorn Portfolio
• Linda Acevedo Benson, Health Services Manager, Community Health Initiative
• Mike Nunez, General Manager, Nunez Vineyard Management
• Nik Inalsingh, Community & Business Partnership Officer, Workforce Alliance of the North Bay
• Rocío Escobedo, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation
• Sara Sitch, Director of Community Programs, Napa County Office of Education
• Stacy Vogel, Director of Winemaking, Plata Wine Partners / Nuveen Natural Capital
• Whitney Haskin, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Festival Napa Valley

Since 1987, Leadership Napa Valley has developed informed, engaged and connected leaders committed to strengthening Napa County through civic participation, volunteerism and community service. Graduates serve throughout the community as nonprofit board members, business leaders, educators, public servants, elected officials and volunteers.

Applications for Leadership Napa Valley Class 40 will open in spring 2027. Individuals interested in expanding their leadership skills, strengthening their understanding of the community and building lasting relationships across Napa County are encouraged to apply.