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13 Franklin County Employees Complete Leadership Development Course

County News

December 17, 2025

On Tuesday, the Franklin County Commissioners celebrated 13 employees who completed the county’s 2025 Leadership Development Program.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners and county leadership are celebrating 13 employees who completed the county’s Leadership Development Program in 2025. Those who completed the class this year include:

Sheena Baker, Chambersburg, Communications Coordinator, Commissioners’ Office;

Victoria Ballentine, Greencastle, Senior Center Director, Area Agency on Aging;

William Barton, Fayetteville, Senior Accountant, Fiscal;

Danielle Beaver, Hagerstown, Drug and Alcohol Program Specialist, Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol;

Daphne Blair, St. Thomas, Accounting & Information Systems Manager, Fiscal;

Leslie Bowers, Fiscal Officer II, Fiscal;

Becky Brackbill, Chambersburg, Legal, Records & Office Administrator, Commissioners’ Office;

Jennifer Courtney, Shippensburg, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program/Case Management Specialist, Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol;

Asharee Edwards, Boiling Springs, Adult Probation Officer III, Adult Probation;

Christina Hawkins, Blue Ridge Summit, Casework Supervisor II, Children & Youth Services;

Ashley Misner, Chambersburg, Administrative Officer, Domestic Relations;

Marlies Ries, Carlisle, IT Project Manager, Information Technology Services; and

David Sunderland, Deputy Warden of Inmate Custody, Franklin County Jail

“Franklin County is blessed to have employees who seek ways to better themselves and further their careers through opportunities like the Leadership Development Program,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “By completing this course, they have committed to being the future county leaders we need to continue providing the best possible programs and services to our residents.”

The Franklin County Leadership Development Program is a 12-month course designed to cultivate strong, committed and community-driven leaders within Franklin County government. Ideal candidates for the program are individuals who continuously strive to improve themselves, their coworkers and overall county operations.

Starting in January, the group met monthly to discuss a variety of topics essential to developing leadership skills, including project management, delegation, time management, mental health, teamwork, conflict resolution and supervisor basics. Outside of the classroom, the leadership group participated in a community service project at the Conococheague Institute through United Way of Franklin County’s May of Caring volunteer initiative.

As part of the Leadership Development Program, participants took part in small-group projects to examine potential cost-saving opportunities for county operations. Groups conducted research on each proposal and presented their findings to the commissioners along with recommendations on each initiative.

“The Leadership Development Program is more than just a training initiative or succession plan—it’s instrumental for growth, collaboration and innovation,” said Franklin County Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer. “This program empowers emerging leaders to build confidence, sharpen their skills and connect across departments. Investing in leadership at every level strengthens our culture and ensures we’re prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. This group isn’t just about developing skills—it’s about building a culture where people feel seen, supported and empowered to lead. That kind of growth transforms not just individuals, but the entire workplace.”

Since 2022, 57 employees have graduated from the program. A new group of employees will start the 2026 Franklin County Leadership Development Program in January.