Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Announces Leadership Lakeland Class XLII (42)

​28 Professionals Embark on a Yearlong Journey of Civic Engagement and Growth

Photography by Blankscriptz Filmz

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the members of Leadership Lakeland Class XLII (42), a group of passionate local leaders ready to shape the future of Lakeland.
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Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Class XLII Chair, Will Link, Attorney at Reed Mawhinney & Link, looks forward to the experiences the class will share together.

“Leadership Lakeland Class XLII brings together a sharp group of doers, thinkers, and community builders,” says Link. “It’s already clear they’re not here just to graduate from a program—they’re here to lean in, ask good questions, and find meaningful ways to strengthen our already vibrant city.”

Class XLII will participate in a series of monthly "class days" and leadership development experiences where they will gain valuable insights into Lakeland through hands-on experiences that will empower them as leaders in the Lakeland community. Class XLII includes:

● Kristin Aiken, President & CEO, Achievement Academy
● Kevin Albaum, Shareholder, Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman & Airth, P.A.
● Andrea Anderson, REALTOR®, S&D Real Estate Services
● Erin Avella, Corporate Purchasing - Wine Buyer, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
● Sarah Betzer, FVP / Human Resources Director, Bank of Central Florida
● Michelle Boley, Owner, Boley Insurance GEICO Local Office
● Paige Campbell, Quality & Risk Director, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
● Gretchen Ceranic, Executive Director, Success by 6, United Way of Central Florida
● Katie Elaine Clements, Owner / Operator, Kid Cafe, LLC
● Angel Davis, President, Junior League of Greater Lakeland
● Jason Davis, Chief Estimator, GMF Steel Group
● Dr. Joseph Demidovich, III, Attending Physician, Lakeland Regional Health
● Brent A. Elliot, Chief Financial Officer, Highland Homes
● Emily Crain Evans, Senior Associate Attorney, GrayRobinson
● Araceli Gauna-Scattolini, Co-Owner / Chief Operating Officer, Atala Counseling
● Rob Hernandez, Deputy City Manager, City of Lakeland
● Drew Howard, Director of Athletics & Dean of Wellness, Florida Southern College
● Tanya Susan Jooste, Learning Operations Manager, Amazon Air – KLAL
● Terrie Lobb, Owner / President, TLC Catering
● Audrey Mason, Director of Operations, Double M Aviation
● Eric Michaels, Marketing and Event Director, Lakeland Downtown Development Authority
● Marilyn Paul, Executive Director, Options for Women Pregnancy Health Clinic, Inc.
● Mark Shapiro, AVP, Residential Lending Officer, Citizens Bank and Trust
● Bruce Duncan Phillips, President, Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware
● Lee Valadez, VP / Area Manager, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
● Dr. Guillermo O. Vasquez, Internal Medicine Physician, Watson Clinic LLP
● Victoria Alexa Wagner, AVP OH & Chief Operating Officer, Orlando Health
● Kelley Christopher Wilson, Financial Advisor, CPS Investment Advisors

Dr. Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, serves as Leadership Lakeland Program Director. The excitement she feels for the incoming class is second to none.

“I’m excited to watch the professional and personal growth of these leaders over the next nine months,” says Dixon. “It’s always inspiring to see a class start out with a little nervous energy, then, by the time graduation approaches, emerge with a bold, vibrant personality of its own. Knowing that some of Lakeland’s greatest leaders are in this group gives me a lot of hope for our community.

Jennifer Adams, SVP | Professional and Community Banking Service Leader at Bank of Central Florida, serves as Class XLII 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.