Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2026
(published in partnership with MAX, the Metro Atlanta eXchange for Workforce Solutions)
The Leadership MAX Class of 2026 took their learning on the road for Kia Georgia Day, an immersive field experience connecting leadership, workforce development, education, economic development, and the needs of major employers. The day began with a tour and presentation at Kia Georgia featuring President & CEO Stuart Countess, followed by visits to Kia suppliers Hyundai Mobis and Hyundai Transys Georgia Powertrain. At lunch, Jeff Lukken, Director of the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars Program and Assistant Professor of Political Science at LaGrange College, and former Mayor of the City of LaGrange, shared how local leaders worked together to support Kia Georgia’s arrival and offered leadership lessons from his many years of experience serving as mayor of LaGrange.
The experience also placed Kia Georgia within the broader story of community and economic transformation in the region, with conversations arranged by West Point Economic Development Director Meghan Richardson. Leaders from Duracell (Laurie James), Hyundai Transys Georgia Powertrain (Nikki Barradas), and Troup County School System (Dr. Jennifer Pike) joined Andy Camp of Georgia Power for a conversation about how they partner to develop the talent pipeline. The group also heard from the presidents of LaGrange College (Dr. Susanna L. Baxter), Point University (Dr. Stacy Bartlett), and West Georgia Technical College (Dr. Julie Post), who shared how they collaborate to support regional workforce needs. The day concluded with Richardson sharing the West Point transformation story, bringing the experience full circle. Together, the day’s conversations highlighted lessons in leadership, partnership, talent development, and the powerful role cross-sector collaboration can play in transforming communities.
Leadership MAX is a program of the Metro Atlanta eXchange for Workforce Solutions (MAX), a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development.
Category: Academics, Events, Community
Keywords: Manufacturing Engineering Technology
