Lakeland Chamber Celebrates Leadership Lakeland Class XLI Graduation

Photo Credit: CatDave Productions

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the graduation of Leadership Lakeland Class 41, a group of passionate local leaders ready to shape the future of Lakeland. Graduates celebrated at Bonnet Springs Park among 168 alumni and loved ones.

Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Palemeschia "Pal" Rivers Powell, Director of Museum Events and Special Projects at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, served as Chair of Class 41.

"Serving as Chair for Leadership Lakeland Class XLI was a privilege that was truly meaningful,” said Powell. “Leading alongside such a dedicated and dynamic group of leaders was both powerful and motivating. Each member contributed their unique strengths, and I’m incredibly proud of how they came together to support one another."

Class 41 participated in a series of monthly meetings, where they gained valuable insights about Lakeland through hands-on experiences that will empower them as they lead the Lakeland community. Graduates of class 41 include:

● Tayler Baldick, Director of Community Engagement & Human Resources, Stuart's Plumbing
● Chanel Bellotto, President, Skate World
● Diana Braswell, Partner | Physician Laboratory Director | Dermatopathologist, Watson Clinic
● Kylia L. Carswell, Director of Family Engagement, Polk County Public Schools
● Coady Cheek, VP Professional Relationship Manager, Bank of Central Florida
● Katie Worthington Decker, Foundation Vice President, Orlando Health Lakeland
● John Demming, Director of Safety, Security & Emergency Management, Lakeland Regional Health
● Dr. Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
● John F. Doran, Executive Director, Publix Super Markets Charities
● Heath Frederick, Director of Public Works, City of Lakeland
● Cindy Glover, Editor, LkldNow
● Chris Hammond, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Allen & Company
● Eric J. Jackson, Financial Advisor, CPS Investment Advisors
● Matt Keen, Associate Attorney, Peterson & Myers, P.A.
● Cheryl Kimball, Police Captain, Lakeland Police Department
● Guy E. LaLonde, III, Owner, Lakeland Moonwalk/Under One Tent Events
● Ashley Loute, Vice President of Assets, Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County
● Lindsey Martin, Assurance Manager, CliftonLarsonAllen
● Arden Mitchell, Director of Admissions, Florida Southern College
● Nathaniel Pearson, Dean and Professor, Southeastern University
● Ryan C. Rogers, SVPII/Regional Manager, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
● Landon Schneider, Associate Attorney, Reed Mawhinney & Link
● Jacob Schner, Sales and Leasing, The Ruthvens
● Brandon Silk, Commercial Insurance Advisor, Brown & Brown
● Mary Terry, Chief Operating Officer, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine
● Haley Tonge, Director of Trust & Estate Planning, CORE Wealth Advisors
● William M. Wainwright, Director of Housing, Parker Street Ministries
● Kelsey Elmhorst Wesche, Marketing & Project Coordinator, Rodda Construction
● Heather Willis, Major Account Executive, Boring Business Systems
​● T.J. Wright, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of West Central Florida

As the members of Class 41 conclude their journey, the Chamber is shifting its focus to welcoming the next group of community stewards. Leadership Lakeland Class 42 will launch this fall, continuing the program’s tradition of empowering individuals with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to lead. Class 42 Chair, Will Link, Attorney at Reed Mawhinney & Link, looks forward to the experience.

​“Serving as Chair-Elect for Leadership Lakeland Class XLI was an experience I’ll never forget. Getting to walk alongside such a talented and passionate group of leaders was both inspiring and energizing,” said Link. Each member of the class brought something unique to the table, and I’m delighted how they showed up for each other and our community.”

Jennifer Adams, SVP | Professional and Community Banking Service Leader at Bank of Central Florida, will serve as Class 42 Chair-Elect.

About Leadership Lakeland
Established in 1983 by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing 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 ability to lead effectively, offering its members a broad range of experiences and insights about the community, its people, its needs, and its services.

About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce serves as the Catalyst for business success, Convener of leaders and influencers, and Champion for our thriving community. Its vision is to be the premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic growth and enhancement of quality of life.