Leadership Polk

Members of Class XVI at the Amazon Air facility in Lakeland. The class was able to see how orders are processed through the facility at KLAL.

About Leadership Polk

As the only countywide leadership development program in Polk County, Leadership Polk is comprised of individuals who have demonstrated a high level of civic engagement in their local community. Started in 2007, this program brings together accomplished leaders from across the county with the goal of developing a diverse network of resourceful, informed and proactive visionaries committed to building a more vibrant future for our community.

Over the course of ten months, the program immerses participants in an inspiring and enlightening curriculum that examines critical issues that impact our region. Leadership Polk is timely, topically relevant, and dynamic, and exposes participants to a broad range of perspectives through site visits, facilitated conversations and experiential learning. Most importantly, lasting relationships are forged with engaged, cross-sector leaders from all over Polk County.

The class was provided the unique opportunity to tour Merlin Magic Making in Lake Wales where LEGO creations are designed, fabricated for world-wide distribution.

By the Numbers

461 participants have graduated from the program
13 of the 17 Polk County municipalities have been represented
41 industries have been represented
11% of participants represent a diverse minority population
47% of participants identify as female

Leadership Polk Goals

To educate and engage a cross-sector of leaders spanning various geographic, occupational and economic segments of Polk County.
Through immersive tours and discussions familiarize the participants with a wide range of community issues facing the 17 municipalities in hopes of impacting long-term community development.
To build a collaborative network of community leaders who can make a difference countywide.

The great thing about Leadership Polk is that leaders from around Polk County are able to connect in a genuine way to make an impact in our county and beyond. It has been a honor and privilege to serve as last year’s Class Chair. I look forward to the continued strides that we will make in cultivating a sense of community that fosters diversity, innovation and pride in Polk County.
Deena Drumgo, Assistant City manager, city of lake wales
Leadership Polk class xvii class chair

How can I apply?

The class selection process begins each spring with a call for nominations. We will be accepting nominations for Class XIX from March 1 – March 31, 2025. All nominated individuals will be invited to submit a formal application in April.

How is the class selected?

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

Applications are given to a confidential Selection Committee, which closely examines them and performs the difficult task of selecting a representative cross-sector of leaders as members for the upcoming class. Leadership Polk does not discriminate because of age, sex, race, religion, or national origin. The composition of the Selection Committee is kept confidential to prevent outside influence.

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 prior to applying.

Typically there are more qualified applicants than spots available. Because the program is limited in size, many qualified individuals must be deferred. Those not accepted in a given year 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.

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.

What topics will be covered?

Topics for the program will include Economic Development, Quality of Life, Infrastructure, Government, Education, and the History of Polk County.

We will also visit a variety of locations across Polk County including Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Wales, Lakeland, and Winter Haven.

Instructors and students at the Bartow Academy of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) shared how students are provided a hands-on workforce education in the field of construction and related industries.

What does tuition cover?

Tuition covers the opening retreat accommodations and meals, 7 day-long sessions, luncheons and refreshments, 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 call (863) 797-6176.

Qualifications for Application

If you are applying for Leadership Polk and you live and/or work in the following communities: Bartow, Fort Meade, Lakeland, Lake Wales, Winter Haven or Northeast Polk, it is preferred that you graduate from your local Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program. Individuals living and/or working in communities where the Chamber of Commerce does not offer a leadership program will be considered on an at-large basis. If you are unsure whether you must meet this requirement, please contact us in advance and we will direct you back to your local leadership program if necessary.

During a visit to MaxiJet. in Dundee, class members learned how this local, family owned irrigation company is leading the way in water conservation innovations.

Contact information

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

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