Leadership Lakeland

Nomination Deadline: March 27, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m.

About Leadership Lakeland

Leadership Lakeland is administered by a Program Coordinator, Steering Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. This group guides the program’s structure, budget, fees, and candidate selection.

Planning for the future requires an understanding of the many different components of our community. The Leadership Lakeland program guides 30 class members through 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. Sessions are held at various locations throughout the community relevant to the month’s topic. This format provides participants with a broad perspective that includes hands-on experiences. Finally, in May, the program concludes with a Closing Retreat and Graduation.

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.

Leadership Lakeland has a lasting impact on the quality and effectiveness of the leadership in our community. The greatest wealth of a community lies in the quality of its leadership.

Nomination Information

Nominate leaders from your business or organization to apply for Leadership Lakeland Class XLIII. Nominations require basic contact information for both nominee and nominator including phone number, email address and company or organization affiliation.

Nominees will receive an application packet via email once Nominations are closed. 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.

NOMINATIONS FOR CLASS XLIII (43) WILL CLOSE MARCH 27, 2026 AT 11:59 PM.

Nominate Now

Program Goals

Identifying existing and emerging leaders from various geographic, occupational, and economic segments of the community who have a sincere commitment to remain in Lakeland.
Acquainting the participants with a wide range of community issues, resources, and opportunities in Lakeland and Polk County to discover a greater sense of community.
Increasing the participants' leadership skills and developing an "esprit de corps" among them will provide a collaborative group for working together on present and future community and Lakeland Chamber projects.
Providing participants with an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with each other and existing community leaders to learn from their backgrounds and perspectives.
Assisting participants in finding placement in volunteer roles in the community and within their chosen area.
Acquainting the participants with the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association.

Selection Criteria

Individuals who have attained a top leadership position within their business/organization or who have the potential for advancement to top leadership positions.
Individuals with excellent potential to play a significant role in the community's future.
Individuals who have demonstrated a commitment and interest to serve in the community and the Lakeland Chamber.
Individuals who have an occupational commitment to remain in Lakeland.
Individuals who represent a cross-section of the community including business, government, human services, community volunteers, and professionals.
Individuals who commit to one full day each month for eight months, a mandatory orientation/reception, a mandatory two-day opening retreat, an evening mid-year retreat, and a day-long closing retreat with graduation.
Individuals who are physically able to participate in the strenuous/physically challenging agendas, which will include a considerable amount of walking, climbing stairs, and being in close quarters.

Attendance

Leadership Lakeland Requires a serious commitment of time and energy. Day-long sessions are usually held on the second Thursday of each month. Attendance is mandatory at the orientation/reception, opening retreat, mid-year retreat, and closing retreat. At least 75% attendance is required for the day-long sessions throughout the program in order to graduate. All dates are published in advance for planning purposes.

Tuition & Scholarships

Annual tuition for Chamber Members is $2,895 and Non-Members is $3,595. Partial Scholarships are available. Nominees should contact the Lakeland Chamber to receive a scholarship form or for more information. Any financial assistance is based upon need. Scholarship applications must be turned in with the Leadership Lakeland application prior to the deadline.

Class XLIII Schedule

Thursday, August 6, 2026
Orientation & Reception
Mandatory

Friday, September 11, 2026 through
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Opening Retreat
Mandatory

Thursday, October 8, 2026
City Government Day

Thursday, November 5, 2026
Criminal Justice Day

Thursday, December 10, 2026
County Government Day

Thursday, January 7, 2027
Education Day
Mid-Year Retreat
Mandatory

Thursday, February 4, 2027
Health Care Day

Thursday, March 4, 2027
Area Economy Day

Thursday, April 8, 2027
Human Services Day

Thursday, May 6, 2027
Communications / Arts & Culture Day

Thursday, May 13, 2027
Closing Retreat
Mandatory

Thursday, May 13, 2027
Evening Graduation
Mandatory