MANSFIELD — Ohio Air National Guard members welcomed Richland County Commissioner Marilyn S. John as the keynote speaker at a LEAD360 event on Wednesday night.
The event was held in the aircrew briefing room of the 164th Airlift Squadron at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield. LEAD360 is a leadership development group of the 179th Airlift Wing which seeks to educate, engage and energize airmen seeking leadership roles building upon their existing skills.
John spoke of her path to leadership and overcoming adversity along the way.
“As we celebrate the 39th Women’s History Month, I can tell you that creating a career in politics has not always been easy for me,” she said.
John spoke of her time as the Mayor of Shelby and the things that she felt helped develop her leadership skills. She attributed much of her leadership development to her family, faith and life experience.
“Our team did a great job organizing this event coordinating with Commissioner John,” Senior Master Sgt. Amber Slone, President of LEAD360, said. “We really appreciate her taking the time to come out and share her leadership experience with us.”
Slone became President of LEAD360 in January. The newly formed leadership group combined the previous Leadership Development Seminar and the 179th Mentorship program to form LEAD360. The commander seeks to develop young airmen and connect them with senior leadership passing on valuable knowledge, skills and experience.
The group seeks to take what they are learning and share it with the community, reaching out to other leadership development programs.
“Our hope is that we make a difference,” Slone said. “I would like to see development in our young airmen and watch them take it out into their community. We would also like to strengthen the connection between the unit and civilian leadership.
“We do so much to develop military leadership and the exposure to local leadership will only make our future leaders well rounded.”
Slone is also seeking further development opportunity within the community to enhance the program. Anyone interested in getting involved with the LEAD360 group should contact the 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office at 419-520-6875 or email at joseph.d.harwood2.mil@mail.mil.
