Leadership Polk

Leadership Polk is a Polk Vision program that brings together current and emerging leaders from across the County to develop diverse networks of resourceful, informed and proactive leaders who will create a more vibrant county and region.

The nine-month program immerses participants in an inspiring and enlightening curriculum that examines critical issues that impact Polk County. Leadership Polk is topically-relevant, ever-changing, and exposes participants to many community-minded perspectives and resources through an open forum.

Leadership Polk will develop visionary approaches and collaborative behavior in graduates who occupy or will assume leadership roles in organizations within Polk County.

Selection Process

Leadership Polk does not discriminate because of age, sex, race, religion, or national origin. The process of selection begins each spring with an appeal to the public for nominees. Self-nominations are encouraged. All nominees are sent application forms. These applications are given to a Selection Committee, which closely examines them and performs the difficult task of selecting a representative cross-section of leaders as members of the upcoming class.

Class members are selected based on their leadership abilities, career accomplishments, volunteer activities, contributions to the community, and commitment to help shape a better community. Because the program is limited in size, many qualified individuals must be deferred. Those not accepted in a given year may be considered again in subsequent years if they wish to reapply.

Please note: Class members will be considered from all communities in Polk County. Applicants for Leadership Polk who represent the following communities: Bartow, Lakeland, Lake Wales or Winter Haven, must be a graduate of their local Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership program before being considered for Leadership Polk. At Large class members will be considered from individuals working for organizations with a county-wide focus.