The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce recently announced the Jefferson Leadership Institute Class of 2009.

Graduates of the program, established in 1991, spend 10 months studying community issues that "provide opportunities for students to develop their leadership capabilities, build relationships and encourage involvement in effecting positive change in our communities," the Chamber says.

Among other activities, participants take part in an overnight retreat, role playing, discussions with recognized leaders, and analyses of a variety of economic issues. The program has more than 330 alumni, according to a release.

The program is sponsored by the Development Authority of the North Country, Samaritan Medical Center and Stebbins Engineering. Interested parties may call the Chamber at 788-4400 for more information.

The recent graduates include:

Sarah Barker, Mediation Program Director, Resolution Center of Jefferson/Lewis Counties, Inc.

Kenneth Bibbins, Civil Engineer, New York State Department of Transportation.

Cindy Chaltain, Contract Administrator, New York Air Brake Corporation.

Patrick Currier, Vice President, Aubertine and Currier Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors, PLLC.

Mark DeCilles, Member Relationship Advisor, AmeriCu Credit Union.

Matthew Greene, 4-H Animal Science Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Nagamanikandan Kesavan Nair, Senior Supplier Quality Engineer, New York Air Brake Corporation.

Tina LaRocca-Marcellus, Planning & Development Director/Compliance Officer, Community Action Planning Council/Jefferson Co. Inc.

Tracy Leonard, Research Organizational Data Specialist, NNY Rural Health Care Alliance, Inc.

Stephen McElwain, Operations Supervisor, Development Authority of the North Country.

Kelly Malone-Eveleth, County Director, Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

Nellie Mathous, Director of Events & Activities, Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce.

Anna Patterson, RN/Nurse Manager/Administrator Jefferson County Adult Home, Samaritan Keep Home.

Corey Reid, Engineer, Bernier, Carr & Associates.

JoAnne Rhubart, Grants Officer, Jefferson Community College.

Jesse Roshia, Director of Case Work and Intake, The Children's Home of Jefferson County.

Jeffrey Sands, Postmaster, U.S. Postal Service

John Smith, Food Service Director, Samaritan Medical Center.

Jeremy Snyder, Plant Manager, Black River Generation LLC.

Sherry Wilson, Day Treatment/Day Habilitation Administrator, Jefferson Rehabilitation Center.