Breakout Session: The Power of Us - In-House Leadership Development

Strong leadership and inclusive culture are the cornerstones of thriving organizations—but where do you begin? This interactive workshop is designed for teams ready to take the first steps in developing both leadership capacity and a workplace where everyone feels they belong. Participants will assess their current organizational landscape, explore strategies for fostering equity and inclusion, and learn how to align leadership development with real-world capacity and culture goals. Through guided reflection, practical tools, and actionable planning, you’ll leave with a personalized roadmap to grow leaders who lead with purpose, empathy, and impact.  

About the Speakers:
Chief Thomas Huntington has worked in the Fire and EMS industry for over 30 years, including 10 years as the Fire Chief for the City of Richland. He is an Executive Fire Officer Program graduate from the National Fire Academy and holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Services Administration. His career path has included operations, training, hiring and promotional process development and administration, officer development, fleet management, project management, as well as adjunct and guest instruction in various college and university settings. In addition to being the Fire Chief, he served as Interim Assistant City Manager for the City of Richland in 2021. His passion is investing in people to prepare the next generation of leaders.

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Cheri Montee is an accomplished Human Resources Director at Columbia Ability Alliance and an active member of Columbia Basin SHRM. She holds a master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University, which complements her extensive experience leading HR initiatives across agriculture, general industry, and the nonprofit sector.

Cheri brings a proven track record in people management, with specialized expertise in staffing, retention, project management, and leadership development. Known for her strategic mindset and commitment to excellence, she champions the belief that a strong, positive workplace culture is the cornerstone of organizational success. Whether partnering with executive leadership or advocating for employees, Cheri consistently delivers impactful, results-driven solutions that support growth and engagement across all levels of an organization.