Annual Class Program

Leadership Florida's mission is to build a strong, diverse statewide network of leaders with a shared commitment to connect our communities and to make Florida a better place in which to live and prosper.

One of the many ways the organization is working to accomplish that mission is through its annual class program. For the last twenty-three years, between 40 and 70 leaders have been chosen annually to participate in a stimulating and thought-provoking nine-month educational program that consists of six two and three-day sessions held in cities throughout the state. These sessions include programming on issues critical to Florida, leadership skills assessment and training, and relevant information on Florida's history, demography, diversities, and opportunities. One of the most exciting elements of the program is the chance to spend valuable time interacting with other leaders from a variety of professions, philosophies, and parts of the state who represent Florida's diverse ethnic and racial composition.

Graduation from the class does not signify the end, but the beginning of a lifetime of opportunity as a member of the Leadership Florida membership network. Leadership Florida convenes regular meetings, regional and statewide, to facilitate continuing issues-oriented education, advanced leadership training, networking and the opportunity for members to work together toward shared goals.

The over 900 graduates of Leadership Florida are men and women who serve as chief executive officers of some of Florida's top corporations, mayors of major cities, executives of pivotal non-profit groups, and leading academicians. They are also farmers, managers of high-tech consortiums, rural hospital administrators and head Florida's largest agencies. They own small businesses and are law enforcement officers in cities throughout our state. Their commitment to local and state community is witnessed through their collective service on over 5,000 boards of companies and organizations throughout the state.

Selection Criteria

The Leadership Florida Selection Committee, comprised of Leadership Florida graduates from throughout the state, seeks to identify those individuals most likely to utilize their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of Florida. The committee strives to select participants who will provide the class with broad professional, geographic, ethnic, and gender representation. Basic criteria for selection are:

A commitment, motivation and interest in serving Florida
A concern for Florida's welfare, demonstrated by past community and statewide activities
An interest in seeking key volunteer and/or appointed state leadership roles
Potential or existing occupational responsibilities that have significant influence on important issues facing the state