Leadership DeKalb will hold its annual Open Houses for prospective members on February 2 at the DeKalb Medical Women’s Center and February 9 at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale. Nominations for the Class of 2011 are being accepted now. Candidates must live or work in DeKalb County.

DeKalb District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming who is a graduate of the Class of 1999, and who serves on the Board of Directors, will moderate the graduate panels at the Open Houses.

“Each year, approximately 50 established and emerging leaders are accepted from the many applications we receive for our intensive ten-month training program,” says Eric Greenwood ‘06, chair of the selection committee. “Our Open Houses allow individuals interested in Leadership DeKalb an opportunity to meet distinguished graduates, ask questions about the program and learn about eligibility requirements.” A limited number of scholarships are available.

Leadership DeKalb is celebrating its 24^th year of leadership training, community connectivity and development of social capital for individuals and organizations committed to improvement of the quality of life in DeKalb County. The organization has graduated more than 890 individuals, many of whom are CEOs of top public and private companies, government officials, educators, judges, entrepreneurs, community volunteers and nonprofit organization leaders. Graduates join Leadership DeKalb as members and continue the organization’s activities in roles as board or committee members and program or special event volunteers with the adult and Youth Leadership DeKalb programs.

Class membership is only the first step, according to Sara Fountain, Executive Director. She says the experience leads to becoming part of Leadership DeKalb’s vast network of alumni members, which is designed to further develop leadership skills, provide a broader understanding of community issues and establish connections with other leaders.

The free Open Houses will begin with a Networking Reception at 5:30 p.m. and the program will last from 6 – 7 p.m. on February 2 at the DeKalb Medical Women’s Center, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033; and on February 9 at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale, 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia, GA 30058. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations can be made by e-mailing info@leadershipdekalb.org or by phone at 404-373-2491. For more information on Leadership DeKalb membership or directions to Open House locations, visit www.leadershipdekalb.org.