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Nominations for Leadership Lakeland Class XL (40) are open February 27 through March 24, 2023 at 5:00 pm.
Established in 1983 by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to cultivate and advance leadership in our community. Leadership Lakeland does not take public policy positions or advocate any individual viewpoint. The program unites leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to improve their abilities to lead effectively, offering a broad range of experiences and insights about the community, its people, its needs, and its services.
Nominees will receive an application packet via email once Nominations are closed. Selections will be made from all applications received. Completion of the application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Class size is limited. Individuals who have not been selected previously are encouraged to reapply. A confidential Selection Committee will review the applications and announce the selected members of the Leadership Lakeland class in June.
Nominations are non-transferable and any announced political candidates will be excluded from the program. Also, immediate family members will not be accepted in the same class. Businesses, organizations, and individuals may nominate someone to be in Leadership Lakeland. Individuals may also self-nominate. Please submit all nominations here.
Leadership Lakeland focuses on major areas of community interest and concern, including government and politics, economic development, the environment, criminal justice, business, the arts, education, communications and the media, and health and human services.
The Leadership Lakeland experience begins in August with an Orientation and Reception honoring the new class, followed by an Opening Retreat in September. The class meets once a month from October through May with a Mid-Year Retreat held in January. In addition, sessions are held at various locations throughout the community relevant to the month’s topic. This format provides the participants with a broad perspective that includes hands-on experiences. Finally, in May, the program concludes with a Closing Retreat and Graduation.
To learn more about Leadership Lakeland, program goals, selection criteria, attendance requirements, as well as tuition and scholarship information, click here.