Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Leadership Lakeland Class XLII Graduation

Photo Credit: CatDave Productions, LLC

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the graduation of Leadership Lakeland Class 42, a dedicated group of local leaders ready to shape Lakeland’s future. Graduates celebrated at RP Funding Center with more than 150 alumni, friends, and family.
Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Will Link, Attorney at Reed Mawhinney & Link, served as Chair of Class 42.

“Serving as Chair for Leadership Lakeland Class 42 was a powerful reminder of what this program does at its best,” said Link. “It connects talented professionals to the people, institutions, and challenges shaping our community. Over the course of the year, I watched this class grow as they stretched their perspectives, built relationships, and stepped into service with purpose. It’s been an honor to walk beside them.”

Link also added, “Class 42 is, undisputedly, the best class in the galaxy, and I’m confident their impact on Lakeland will be felt for years to come. After all, 42 is the answer to the great question. I’m excited to see what this class goes on to answer for our community.”

Class 42 participated in a series of monthly meetings, where they gained valuable insights about Lakeland through experiences that will empower them as they lead across the Lakeland community. Graduates of class 42 include:

● 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, Category Manager - Corporate Purchasing, 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, Vice President, 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, Chief Executive Officer / Owner, Atala Counseling
● Roberto Hernandez, Deputy City Manager, City of Lakeland
● Andrew 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

The Chamber is now working towards welcoming its next class of community champions. Leadership Lakeland Class 43 will begin later this year, continuing the program’s tradition of empowering individuals with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to lead across Lakeland. Class 43 Chair, Jennifer Adams, Jennifer Adams, SVP | Professional and Community Banking Service Leader at Bank of Central Florida, looks forward to her experience as Chair.

​“Leadership Lakeland is built on a strong foundation of opportunities designed to promote collaboration, service, and shared purpose.  Serving as Chair Elect of Class 42, under the direction of Chair Will Link, was an honor, and I look forward to taking the energy and passion he brought to the program and pouring it into Class 43.”

Scott Bowne, CFO & Broker at Compass Mortgage, will serve as Class 43 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.