The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce and Riverland Community College announced the 2014-15 class of Leadership Austin.

Twenty-six participants were selected for the nine-month program, which provides participants with an in-depth look at major aspects of our community, including business and industry, agriculture, government, education, quality of life, health care and public safety.

The program is designed as an educational opportunity that enables participants to learn about this area’s resources, values, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges.

The intent is to motivate and connect emerging leaders while developing skills and relationships that will help them be more successful.

This marks the ninth year of Leadership Austin. Since established in 2006, 176 residents have graduated from the program.

The program begins Thursday, Aug. 21, with an introductory social event at the Ike’s Cabin. The first full day session is Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Austin Country Club.

This year’s Leadership Austin class includes:

• Rebecca Bassett, assistant vice president, First Farmers and Merchants Bank,

• Ann Christianson, finance manager for Austin Utilities,

• Todd Clennon, detective, Austin Police Department,

• Stephen Cost, senior industrial engineer, Hormel Foods Corporation,

• Shannon Ferch, job placement coordinator, Cedar Valley Services,

• Graham Frie, physician recruiter, Mayo Clinic Health System -Albert Lea and Austin,

• Elizabeth Goskesen, career counselor at Workforce Development, Inc.,

• Maria Hackenmiller, recruiting and hiring specialist at Quality Pork Processors, Inc.,

• Ann Hokanson, director, Austin Public Library,

• Karen Irwin, Human resources director for Bellishio Foods,

• Holly Johnson, executive director at the Hormel Historic Home,

• Lori Johnson, education specialist for MCHS-Albert Lea and Austin,

• Mark Johnson, supervisor, Cooperative Center Inc.,

• Wade Kolander, financial advisor, AdvisorNet Financial,

• Dan Marmsoler, general manager of Tom’s Heating and Air Conditioning,

• Kristen Olson, community concierge, Austin Area Chamber of Commerce,

• Joel Reiman, senior food scientist, Hormel Foods Corporation,

• Dewey Schara, principal at Neveln, Austin Public Schools,

• Sherry Schied, registered client associate, US Bank,

• Nancy Schnable, executive director, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau,

• Chris Schulz, executive director at St. Mark’s Living,

• Penny Skauge, community outreach at KSMQ Public Television,

• Susanne Stark, human resource specialist, Austin Pubic Schools,

• Gary Weaver, director of taxes for Hormel Foods Corporation,

• Teri Wermager, community education coordinator for Austin Public Schools.