RUSTBURG, VA - Campbell County continues its strong tradition of investing in employee growth and leadership development with the graduation of the 2025 CORE Employee Development Program cohort.
The Campbell County CORE Employee Development Program is an internal development initiative. Comparable to its award-winning predecessor, the Campbell County LEADS program, CORE focuses on mastering the skills that make the Campbell County organization exceptional by equipping employees in key functions with the tools, knowledge, and perspective needed to deliver high-quality public service. CORE stands for Culture, Objectives, Relationships, and Engagement, reflecting the foundational values and operating principles that guide Campbell County’s work.
The 2025 CORE cohort represents a diverse cross-section of County departments. Over the course of the year, participants engaged in training centered on customer service, communication, budgeting, ethics in local government, emotional intelligence, team building, and innovation in daily operations. Participants also worked in small teams to research organizational and community needs and present practical recommendations to County leadership. As a joint community service project, the group conducted a food and toiletry drive throughout the fall of 2025, working collectively with multiple departments and agencies to make a direct impact to those in need.
“The CORE Development Program was intentionally designed to reinforce the values that drive how we serve our community every day,” said Sherry F. Harding, co-developer of the program and Director of Public and Employee Relations. “By focusing on culture, relationships, and engagement, CORE helps employees strengthen their leadership and service capacity while seeking new and innovative approaches to their daily work.”
Co-developer Jordan Welborn, Director of Campbell County Community Engagement and Quality of Life/Library emphasized the practical, people-focused nature of the program. “CORE is about developing skills that employees can immediately apply in their work—whether that’s communication, ethical decision-making, or collaboration across departments,” said Welborn. “Our goal was to create a meaningful learning experience that supports both individual growth and long-term organizational excellence.”
Campbell County is proud to recognize the following employees selected for—and graduating from—the 2025 CORE Development Program:
- Kristi Hodges – Library
- Susanne Karnes – Management Services
- Taylor Kerr – Information Technology
- Miranda Lawhorn – Library
- Crystal Machhi – Community Development
- Drew Patsell – Parks and Recreation
- Emily Powers – Public Safety
- JB Tannehill – Public Works
- Benjamin “Tre” Williams – Public Works
- Tammy Williamson – Management Services
- Karen Wydner – Economic Development
Through CORE, Campbell County continues to demonstrate its commitment to professional development, ethical governance, and a culture where leadership is defined by service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
For more information, contact Campbell County Public and Employee Relations at 434-332-9818 or per@campbellcountyva.gov.