The future of Northwest Florida looks brighter as 17 distinguished leaders from across the region recently completed an intensive seven-month educational journey designed to foster regional collaboration and development. Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation honored these graduates during a closing retreat and graduation ceremony on May 9, in Sandestin.
Background: Leadership Northwest Florida isn’t your typical leadership program. Participants in Class III experienced a holistic view of the region’s diverse landscape, challenges, and opportunities through an immersive curriculum focused on five key areas:
- Business Vitality
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Infrastructure
- Talent
- Quality of Place
This comprehensive approach gives participants unique insights into the interconnected nature of regional development, preparing them to become more effective leaders within their communities.
Class III President Ruthie Noel, Executive Director of Achieve Escambia, reflected on her transformative experience in the program: “Growing up in rural Northwest Florida, I didn’t fully realize the depth and diversity of our region. Participating in this program has allowed me to get reacquainted with the unique communities we visited and gain a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities we all face together.”
The program’s impact extends beyond professional development, as Noel explained, “Recognizing our shared goals and interdependence isn’t just a take-away from the program; it’s a lens through which I now view my daily life and work.”
Brent Hargett, Vice President of Compliance & Public Policy at Navy Federal Credit Union, shared similar sentiments about his experience: “Gratitude is the first word that comes to mind when I reflect on my Leadership Northwest Florida experience. I’m grateful for the dedication of Florida’s Great Northwest team, all the organizations that hosted our class sessions, the opportunity to develop lasting friendships, and the wisdom that so many talented speakers imparted.”
Class III Graduates
The 17 graduates of Class III represent diverse industries and organizations across Northwest Florida:
– Tracy Andrews, Florida Power & Light
– Ivan Beach, Bay District Schools
– AJ Brown, Wharton-Smith, Inc.
– Rhonda Byrd-Lee, West Florida Electric Cooperative
– Bill Conder, The Highland Group
– Branden Crosby, Warren Averett, LLC
– Brandon Elkins, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton
– Darwin Gilmore, Jackson County Economic Development Committee
– Brent Hargett, Navy Federal Credit Union
– Ildi Hosman, Landrum ***
– Kristie Kelley, Central Gulf Industrial Alliance
– Brent Melvin, David H. Melvin, Inc.
– Ruthie Noel, Achieve Escambia ***
– Hong Potomski, Florida Blue ***
– Kerri Powell, Merrick Industries, Inc.
– Michaelean Stewart, Visit Panama City Beach
– Justin Woodard, Community Bank
** Inweekly Rising Stars
Apply for Class IV
As Class III graduates begin applying their insights to benefit Northwest Florida, FGNW is already preparing for the next cohort of regional leaders. Those interested in being part of Class IV can attend an informational webinar on Tuesday, May 21.
Applications for the next Leadership class will open this summer. For additional information, interested professionals can visit FGNW: Leadership Northwest Florida or contact Kasey Killebrew at 334-790-4557 or kkillebrew@fgnw.org.
