Leadership Lake County was founded in 1991 by a prominent group of community members who wanted to educate, inspire, and ultimately develop impassioned leaders within the county. Annual class participants represent the diverse and broad cross-section of industries, ages, and nationalities that comprise the evolving makeup of Lake County.
Program Details
Each year, current and emerging leaders are identified and recruited into the program which kicks off in October with an overnight retreat designed to build teamwork, enhance leadership skills, and examine the societal aspects facing our county. In total, Leadership Lake County is a ten-session program that offers intensive, day-long learning experiences that cover the important impact areas within our community:
Education
Media
Healthcare
Agriculture
Justice
Human Services
Economic Development
Leadership Skills
Overall quality of life that makes Lake County special
Additionally, two internships must be completed to graduate. The hands-on experiences include a unique combination of lectures, tours and behind-the-scenes activities all designed to create participation and involvement among members.
After graduation in May, class members commit to a second year of “giving back” to their community. A series of fundraisers culminate with a class project or series of initiatives all designed to leave a lasting impact and make a difference in the county. The momentum continues on through the tight-knit Leadership Alumni group with community initiatives and planned networking events scheduled throughout the year.Our Mission
About Us
Adam Dufresne
AM Tractor Service Class of 2015 Secretary, Red Team
Shananne Cain
Owner/Master Designer
Shananne Cain Florist
Class of 2010 Vice Pres, Yellow Team
Provide a forum for Lake County Leaders to increase awareness and commitment to the development of the Lake County Community. Provide a greater understanding of the complex social and economic issues that shape the future of Lake County and its residents. Raise the levels of awareness, knowledge and active participation in the county as a whole, to better prepare class members to lead the county in the future.Board of Regents
Leslie Matthews
Manager – Physician Relations & Network Development
Advent Health Waterman
Class of 2018 VP, Yellow Team
Rick Hankey
Executive Vice President
LifeStream Behavioral Center
Class of 2019 President, Green Team
Sandi Moore
Executive Director
Leesburg Chamber of Commerce Class of 2008
Terri Kracht
Retired
Class of 2004, Green Team
Laurie Bryant
Corporate & Community Training Coordinator
Lake Technical College
Class of 2018 President, Blue Team
Chris Love
Centurylink
Class of 2016, Red Team
Chuck Hiott, Vice Chair
Principle
BESH Engineering and Surveying
Class of 2009, Blue Team
Mike DeGraw
Regional Operations Manager, CenturyLink
Class of 1996, Yellow Team
Kasey Hobbs, Secretary
Branch Manager/Loan Officer
USB-Tavares
Class of 2012, Blue Team