Members of the Leadership Cattaraugus Class of 2025.

Photo provided

OLEAN — After 10 months of dedication, 23 business professionals celebrated their graduation from the Leadership Cattaraugus Class of 2025 on Wednesday during a dinner ceremony at The Hall in Allegany.

The participants, representing various businesses and not-for-profits  across Cattaraugus County completed the local leadership development program, which helps professionals strengthen their skills, build community connections, and prepare to serve on nonprofit boards and local initiatives. Over the past 10 months, the cohort has explored opportunities for team building, personal growth, and civic engagement.

Leadership Cattaraugus Program Administrator Kathleen Martel congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue carrying their leadership lessons forward.  “Over the past 10 months, you’ve learned about leadership, community, and yourselves,” Martel said. “You’ve shared ideas, tackled challenges, and built friendships that will last well beyond this program. Now, it’s time to take what you’ve learned and give back—join a board, help with an event, or volunteer your time and talents. That’s where real leadership happens, right here in our own communities. This graduation isn’t an ending—it’s the start of your next chapter as leaders.”

The class also paused to remember Jordan Long, a classmate who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Fellow cohort member Catharyn Campbell reflected on his kindness, teamwork, and the lasting impression he left on the group. She shared that although the class knew Jordan for only a short time, he quickly became a steady and compassionate presence—always encouraging others and leading with quiet strength. His example, she said, reminds the class to “lead with kindness, humility, and heart.”

In a touching tribute, the Leadership Cattaraugus team also presented Jordan’s family with the program’s traditional Flame Award, given to each graduate as a symbol of inspiration and service. His award was inscribed, “Jordan Long — your light continues to shine.”

Members of the 20th class include Karalyn Abdo, St. Bonaventure University; Gloria Bowles, High Point Federal Credit Union; Genny Brockel, St. Bonaventure University; Catharyn Campbell, Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services; Gina Carey, Cutco Corporation; Matt Donohue, Cutco Corporation; Jon Havers, Cutco Corporation; Andrew Hawkes, Siemens Energy; Tiffany Hitchcock, Interfaith Caregivers; Amy Johnston, Cattaraugus County Bank; J.D. Kamery, Intandem Solutions; Jonah-Raye Mattern, Genesis House of Olean; Shanna McClain, Community Bank, N.A.; Kaden Moyer, Fox Financial; Sarah Negron, HomeCare & Hospice; Ethan Peters, Mazza Mechanical; Richelle Radomski, St. Bonaventure University; Stephanie Rice, Total Senior Care; Casey Ryan, Cattaraugus County Bank; Drew Silleman, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office; Kelly Smith, Community Bank, N.A.; and Kassandra Wegner, Jamestown Community College Cattaraugus County Campus.

The 2026 Leadership Cattaraugus program will run from January through October. Applications are currently being accepted online at www.leadershipcattaraugus.org. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants. For more information, please call 716-202-0299.