The Leadership Butler County Class of 2011 began its yearlong program with a kickoff event Sept. 16 and 17 at Conley Resort, Penn Township.

The class is made up of 23 business and nonprofit professionals who will participate in the nine-month program focusing on countywide programs and services.

Each month the class takes part in a daylong program based on a single issue such as government, health care, education, human services, volunteerism, quality of life and tourism.

Class members are:

Carmen Bianco, Armstrong; Jennifer Bindernagel, the Blind Association; Robert Birkes, Butler County Community College; Judy Brinkman, BASF; Dino Capestrani, Concordia Visiting Nurses; Diane Carlantonio, Butler Health System; Debra Dunn, Butler Health System; Jeffrey Francona, Mars National Bank; Susan Hilliard, Brady Hills/Hilliard FLP; Janine Kennedy, Butler County Community Action; Ann McKee, VA Butler Healthcare; Kristen McKivigan, The Atrium; Janice Rodgers, LIFE Butler County; Jerome Savoroski, Northwest Savings Bank.

Also, Tammy Schuey, Butler Eagle; Maria Slaugenhoup, Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Center; Kristina Smith, Regional Learning Alliance/SRU; Scott Snyder, American Red Cross; Brian Steighner, Butler County Children's Center; Paul Sybert, Calumet Penreco; John Trant Jr., Cranberry Township; Tera Warnock, Quality Life Services; and Katie Yates, Maher Duessel, CPAs.

The program is affiliated with the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.