Christine's Page

How do you spend your day? (aka what's your job?)

Running a community leadership program call Leadership Lynchburg. But, every day, I look for "divine appointments" where God places someone in my path to help in some way. My days are basically spent accomlishing my vision statement of "Living a life that models Christ, inspires others and leaves a legacy."

What's your hometown?

Bedford

Favorite activities?

God moments, spending time with people who challenge me and push me, watching reality tv, horseback riding.

Spirituality?

Saved and redeemed by Jesus Christ

What's your long-term goal? If you don't know yet, that's OK!

Helping people live out their destiny

Achieving our long-term goals involves a lot of baby steps. What goal are you working toward right now?

Moving truth that I know in my head to my heart and actually allowing it to change my behavior.

How would you like KF community members help you achieve this goal?

Advice

We ask that each member makes a pledge to the community: What help can you offer to your fellow members?

I can provide a straight forward (no sugar coating) opinion, that hopefully helps cut through the masks and walls that are put up to "fake" it in life.

If you had to put your personal philosophy on a bumper sticker, what would it be?

Speaking to inspire

If you have an official bio, post it here.

Professional Highlights:
Christine Kennedy is the Vice President of Advocacy & Workforce Development for the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she works on projects and issues that affect workforce and economic development and growth in the region.

Under her leadership, the Chamber assisted the Lynchburg Regional Airport in securing jet service and Delta has recognized her as a valuable partner in the success of that service.

One of her major responsibilities is directing the Leadership Lynchburg program as well as designing and scheduling all training and development opportunities offered by the Chamber including the popular women’s series and Business at Breakfast.

In her spare time she conducts on-site training and keynote presentations in the areas of strategic planning, leadership, change management, communication and attitude.

She is a founding member and the past chair of the Virginia Leadership Association, which looks to provide best practices and assistance for Leadership programs around the Commonwealth.

Awards and Honors
· Preceptor Award by the Community Leadership Association for her work with Leadership Lynchburg, April 2008
· Leadership Achievement Award by Chamber Voices Toastmasters, May 2007
· “20 under 40” by the Blue Ridge Business Journal, 2006
· Vice-Mayor’s Award of Excellence for her work in the region, February 2005
· Emerging Leader by the Blue Ridge Business Journal in December 2003
· Area Outstanding Point Production, First Citizens Bank, 1998
· Best Attitude Award, First Citizens Bank, July 1997

Christine is passionate about leadership and helping others achieve their potential. Her core values of faith, integrity and humor are incorporated in everything she does.

Education: She is a graduate of Liberty University where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She is also a graduate of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Executives Institute and the Dale Carnegie Course.

Prior to coming on board with the Chamber, she was a Financial Services Representative for First Citizens Bank with several offices in Central Virginia.

Volunteer Service:
Christine is past chair of the Young Professionals of Central Virginia and board member of the Workforce Investment Board and the Avenel Foundation. She has served as a graduate coach for Dale Carnegie of Central Virginia, and is a previous board member of Sister Cities of Lynchburg.

Aside from professional leadership responsibilities she also finds time to serve in local and international ministry where she serves as youth leader at Brookhill Wesleyan Church, District Director of World Missions for the Wesleyan Church in Virginia and West Virginia and board member of the Shenandoah District of the Wesleyan Church.

She has a love for Africa and has been twice. Last summer she returned to the Congo to dedicate a primary school that was named in her honor.

Her hobbies include teaching others, reading, traveling and spending time with her family.