Press Release: Leadership Florida has announced the selection of its 30th Annual Class Program participants. Fifty-five of the most talented individuals from across the state will participate in an eight-month training and development program that many of Florida’s leaders have regarded as one of their most significant educational and career experiences. In addition to an opening retreat held in Howey-in-the-Hills next month, four cities in Florida have been selected to host a session: Pensacola, Tallahassee, Orlando and Miami. Each session provides a comprehensive look at the major issues facing Floridians today; and all sessions include innovative leadership training and development. Program content is diverse and nonpartisan, and provides a variety of viewpoints on issues that include Florida’s education, governance, economy, growth, environment, demographics, arts, and health care. “This outstanding class is joining Leadership Florida at an exciting time as we celebrate thirty years of leadership in Florida,†said Wendy Abberger, president of Leadership Florida.
Leadership Florida uses a competitive process to select from among hundreds of qualified applicants across the state. Special emphasis is placed on selecting participants that represent Florida’s abundant diversity, have proven leadership abilities, and a strong commitment to the future of Florida. To date, more than 1,200 individuals have graduated from Leadership Florida. Leadership Florida members include senior executives in some of Florida’s most prestigious corporations, local and state government officials, independent business people, and nonprofit and academic leaders. Members of Leadership Florida serve on more than 5,000 corporate and non-profit boards throughout the state, providing key leadership in their local communities as well as on state commissions and in elected office.
Pensacola area participants include: Connie Bookman, Executive Director- Pathways for Change; Carol Carlan, CEO/Market President- Carlan Consulting; and John Hutchinson, General Manager of Corporate Services- Gulf Power.