The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the graduation of the Leadership Lompoc Valley Class of 2024 and the honoring of Tim Harrington with the annual Dick DeWees Leadership Award.

The purpose of the Leadership Lompoc Valley Class (LLV) was to identify and develop a diverse group of leaders with a special understanding of the Lompoc Valley and a solid foundation of leadership skills, the chamber said.

The program aims to educate future leaders about a broad range of community needs and concerns; encourage informed individuals to serve the community in leadership roles of their choice; enhance leadership and management skills; create a spirit of cooperation for the resolution of future community challenges; ensure a continuing emergence of an improved quality of life in the community; and develop a working network and support group of established and emerging leaders.

“We were thrilled to celebrate the Leadership Lompoc Valley Class of 2024,” said DeVika Stalling, CEO of the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce. “This program is truly one of the most important chamber purposes in that it directly effects how our developing leaders view and function in our community.

“This program is a cornerstone of our efforts to foster strong, informed and proactive leaders, who are committed to making a lasting impact on our community.”

The Class of 2024 consisted of 10 graduates from different sectors, including government, agriculture, healthcare and nonprofits.

Class members had the opportunity to network with local leaders, participate in community service projects, and develop their leadership skills.

As part of their community project, the class donated to the nonprofit organization Future for Lompoc Youth, which is dedicated to improving the lives and futures of young people in the Lompoc Valley.

In addition, each year the Leadership Lompoc Valley Board of Trustees selects an individual who sets an example of the community leader that the program develops. This year’s Dick DeWees Leadership Award recipient was Tim Harrington.

Harrington’s journey of leadership and service has left an indelible mark on Santa Barbara County, the chamber said.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo, and his MBA in management from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, Harrington embarked on a career that has spanned various roles and responsibilities in the community.

“With a career dedicated to leadership, education, and community service, Harrington is a deserving recipient of this year’s Dick DeWees Leadership Award, embodying the spirit of commitment and community enrichment that Dick DeWees himself championed,” said Shelby Wild, LLV Board president.

Due to a family emergency, Harrington was not present to receive the award, but he will be formally recognized at the Lompoc Valley Chamber’s Annual Community Awards Banquet in September.

For more about Leadership Lompoc Valley and how to get involved, visit lompoc.com.