Leadership Polk

About Leadership Polk

Leadership Polk is the area’s premier leadership development program, bringing together individuals from across the county who have demonstrated a high degree of civic engagement. Since its inception in 2007, the program has cultivated a diverse network of resourceful, informed, and proactive visionaries committed to building a more vibrant future for the entire community.

Over the course of ten months, participants explore critical issues, such as growth management, education, economic advancement, and community health and safety, through immersive site visits, expert-led discussions, and experiential learning. Most importantly, Leadership Polk fosters lasting relationships and equips leaders with the insight and connections needed to achieve Polk County’s shared Vision.

Leadership Polk Goals

• Educate and engage a cross-sector of leaders spanning various geographic, occupational, and economic segments of Polk County.
• Familiarize the participants with a wide range of community issues facing the 17 municipalities in hopes of impacting long-term community development.
• Build a collaborative network of community leaders who can make a difference countywide.

Leadership Polk guides already strong leaders to ignite and shape stronger communities. It takes the mission of Polk Vision to a personal level and directs leaders to turn their passion into impact for Polk. It has been a privilege to serve as last year’s chair of Leadership Polk, and I am inspired to continue Polk Vision’s work in driving positive change throughout Polk County.

Julie womble, community development director, city of auburndale
Leadership Polk class xviii class chair

Application Process

The class selection process begins each spring with a call for nominations. Nominations can come from employers, colleagues, or friends and family. Individuals may also self-nominate.

Once nominations are closed, nominees will receive an invitation via email to submit a formal application. Please note that completion of the application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

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How is the class selected?

Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee, which performs the difficult task of selecting a representative cross-section of leaders as members for the upcoming class. The composition of the Selection Committee is kept confidential to prevent outside influence.

Class members are selected based on their leadership abilities, career accomplishments, volunteer activities, contributions to the community, and commitment to working towards a collaborative and thriving Polk County, as covered in the application. Additional letters of reference are not required or accepted.

Leadership Polk does not discriminate based on age, sex, race, religion, or national origin. Preference will be given to those applicants who have completed a local leadership program. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact Polk Vision’s Program Manager before applying.

Because the program is limited in size, there are typically more qualified applicants than spots available, and many qualified individuals must be deferred. Those not accepted are encouraged to reapply.

Spouses or other immediate family members will not be accepted into the same class. Announced political candidates will be excluded from the program. Multiple applicants from the same business or organization are typically not selected for the same class, but rare exceptions may be made depending on the organizational structure.

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What is my commitment?

Leadership Polk requires a serious commitment of time and energy. All dates are published in advance for planning purposes. If you work for a company or organization, their support is essential. If you are self-employed, you will need to evaluate the requirements of the program as compared to your available time.

To be eligible for graduation from the Leadership program, participants are required to attend the orientation, opening retreat, and closing retreat. In addition, participants may not miss more than one class day. Missing any portion of a class day will count as an absence. Class members who miss two class days will be required to make up one of their two missed class days the following year. Should a class member miss three class days, he/she will no longer be part of the program, and no refund of tuition will be given. Attendance requirements are strictly enforced to maintain the integrity of the program and respect the commitment made by other class members.

Class XIX Schedule –

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What topics will be covered?

Topics for the program include Arts, Culture & Recreation, Civic Engagement, Community Health & Well-Being, Economic Advancement, Education, Growth Management & Infrastructure, Government, and Polk County History.

Each Class Day takes place at a different geographic location in Polk County, including Auburndale, Bartow, Lakeland, Northeast Polk, Southeast Polk, and Winter Haven.

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What does tuition cover?

Tuition covers all of the costs associated with Leadership Polk, including a polo, opening retreat accommodations, meals on each class day, and a Graduation luncheon for the participant and a guest.

Tuition for Leadership Polk is $2,150. There is limited scholarship money available. If you require financial assistance, please request a tuition assistance form by contacting the Program Manager.

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As an active Polk County resident since 1998, I was unsure of what “new” information or experiences would come from joining a Leadership Polk class. I can now attest that the “journey” exceeded my wildest expectations after being immersed in a great variety of wonderfully planned day trips. My eyes have now been opened to the special variety of services, communities and most importantly – people – that reside and serve with us in our Polk County home.

Phil Wegman, Furr and Wegman, Class VIII

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Contact information

Ana Saavedra
Program Manager
ana@polkvision.com
863-797-6176