The chair for the class of 2001 was Sharon Faircloth, vice president of strategic planning at Medical College of Georgia, and a 1998 graduate of the program.

Leadership Augusta was established in 1980 as an affiliate of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, to enhance the civic participation of emerging leaders within the region. Every year since, Leadership Augusta has selected approximately 30 of the best and brightest individuals in the region to participate in the ten-month program designed to develop leadership skills, foster an understanding of the major issues facing the region, improve the communications network among leaders of disparate backgrounds and interests, and most importantly, motivate these leaders to contribute through voluntary participation in civic activities.

Since its inception, over 600 individuals have completed the Leadership Augusta program, acquiring the skills, knowledge, and passion necessary to participate fully in the life of this community. Moreover, the program has brought together individuals ranging from corporate executives, and entrepreneurs to educators, non-profit managers, and public servants. These individuals have created lasting networks that have proved essential to creating a vital, positive community for current and future generations. Leadership Augusta continues to be a vital part of the overall effort to ensure that the pool of talent from which the community will draw its future leaders is continually renewed.