Leadership Sarasota

Leadership Sarasota Engaging, Developing, and Inspiring Community Leaders The GSCC reserves the sole right to review, edit and/or delete any comments it deems are inappropriate.

The Chamber’s Leadership programs are designed to nurture and engage the leadership skills of potential and current leaders by providing an atmosphere that stimulates and fosters diverse viewpoints, resulting in innovative answers to the critical questions facing our community. The program strives to create awareness and to connect leaders with issues; it is not an academic leadership training pro

gram. Leadership Sarasota County's programs, which started in 1984, includes community immersion, leadership training, and educating participants in "how things work" in our community and our county. Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed by The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) Board of Directors, Young Professionals Group Board of Directors, Leadership Sarasota County Council, and volunteers are solely those of the individuals and do not reflect the opinions of the GSCC, the programs and councils, the members, or the staff of the GSCC. Social Media & Website Disclaimer:

While The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce makes reasonable efforts to monitor and/or moderate content posted on its social media platforms, we do not moderate all comments and cannot always respond in a timely manner to online requests for information. Comments including, but not limited to, the following may be deleted or edited by the moderators:

• Abusive or hurtful comments about an individuals or businesses associated with the GSCC.
• Off-topic and redundant comments (this includes promotion of events, groups, pages, Web sites, organizations and programs not related to or affiliated with the GSCC)
• Comments that use foul language or “hate speech” (for example, including but not limited to racial, ethnic or gender bashing language)
• Personal attacks or defamatory statements or comments (i.e., making negative personal or untrue comments about a participant)

All links to other web sites found linked from The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s social media and websites are provided as a service to our members and the community, but such linkage does not constitute endorsement of those sites by the GSCC, and as such we are not responsible for the content of external websites.

Join us on Wednesday, June 24th from 5:00 – 6:30 PM at Gecko’s on Hillview as we celebrate the close of the 2025–2026 Le...
06/03/2026

Join us on Wednesday, June 24th from 5:00 – 6:30 PM at Gecko’s on Hillview as we celebrate the close of the 2025–2026 Leadership Year! Reconnect with fellow participants, reflect on the year’s experiences and accomplishments, and enjoy an evening of networking and celebration as we wrap up another impactful year together.

Register online today at www.sarasotachamber.com!

📣 Do you know a high school junior or senior who is ready to grow as a leader, build meaningful connections, and make a ...
06/02/2026

📣 Do you know a high school junior or senior who is ready to grow as a leader, build meaningful connections, and make a positive impact in our community?

Applications for the Youth Leadership Class of 2027 close this Friday, June 5th!

The Youth Leadership Program is designed for students who want to develop their leadership skills, connect with peers from across the region, and gain a deeper understanding of the community they call home.

Parents and students should review the eligibility requirements and mandatory program dates prior to applying.

https://www.sarasotachamber.com/leadership-sarasota/

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Celebrate Outstanding Leadership (COL) Awards — happening Wednesday, August 5, 202...
05/29/2026

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Celebrate Outstanding Leadership (COL) Awards — happening Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM at Michael’s On East Restaurant & Catering!

Each year, we come together to recognize Leadership Sarasota alumni and community leaders who are making a meaningful impact across our region through service, philanthropy, civic engagement, and professional leadership.

Award Categories:

• *Lifetime of Leadership Award – Recognizing a distinguished body of work in career, community, and beyond

• *Impact in Action Award – Recognizing a leader actively driving current community impact and forward-looking initiatives

• *Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award – Recognizing exceptional commitment and service to the Leadership Sarasota program

*Must Be Leadership Alumni

And new this year, we are excited to introduce two additional categories that expand how we celebrate leadership across Sarasota:

• Civic Champion Award – Recognizing individuals dedicated to serving the community through careers in education, government, and public sector leadership

• Community Catalyst Award – Recognizing individuals who make a meaningful impact through philanthropy, volunteerism, and giving back to the Sarasota community

Know someone whose leadership is shaping Sarasota’s future—or feel inspired to nominate yourself? We encourage you to submit a nomination and help us celebrate those making a difference.

Nominations are open through June 22, 2026!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DTB995Q

Congratulations to the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2025–2026! 🎓✨Last night at the Sarasota Yacht Club, we celebrated an...
05/15/2026

Congratulations to the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2025–2026! 🎓✨

Last night at the Sarasota Yacht Club, we celebrated an incredible year of growth, connection, and leadership with our “Leaders of the Flock.” Throughout the program, this class explored the many facets of our community, built lasting relationships, and gained firsthand insight into the industries, organizations, and leaders shaping Sarasota’s future.

From engaging sessions and meaningful conversations to collaborative experiences and unforgettable moments, this group showed a true commitment to leadership and community impact every step of the way.

We are proud of all they’ve accomplished this year and can’t wait to see how they continue to lead, serve, and make a difference in our community. Congratulations, Class of 2025–2026! 🥂

Last Thursday, we celebrated the graduation of the Youth Leadership Sarasota Class of 2025-2026! 🎓👏Over the past year, t...
05/11/2026

Last Thursday, we celebrated the graduation of the Youth Leadership Sarasota Class of 2025-2026! 🎓👏

Over the past year, these students have dedicated their time to learning more about our community, developing their leadership skills, and building connections that will help shape their futures. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and cannot wait to see the impact they continue to make in Sarasota and beyond.

Congratulations to this outstanding graduating class! 🎉

Interested in being part of the next generation of young leaders? Applications for the Youth Leadership Sarasota Class of 2027 are still open!

Leadership Sarasota Alumni came together for a meaningful Family Community Service Day at Pinecraft Park, rolling up the...
05/01/2026

Leadership Sarasota Alumni came together for a meaningful Family Community Service Day at Pinecraft Park, rolling up their sleeves to help restore a beloved community space impacted by the 2025 hurricanes. Volunteers spent the morning removing invasive plants, cleaning up the park, and building birdhouses for both the park and alumni families—leaving a lasting touch of care and connection.

Participants also had the opportunity to learn from Save Our Seabirds, adding an educational component to a day rooted in service. The event wrapped up with a well-earned lunch generously provided by Gecko's Grill & Pub, giving everyone time to relax, connect, and celebrate the impact made together.

It was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when community and leadership come together in service.

Celebrating the power of collaboration and community impact! ✂️The Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026 proudly unveiled th...
04/30/2026

Celebrating the power of collaboration and community impact! ✂️

The Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026 proudly unveiled their class project with a ribbon cutting at Save Our Seabirds, transforming outdoor education spaces through more than 500 volunteer hours and generous community support.

From refreshed landscaping to enhanced learning areas, this project is more than a renovation—it’s a lasting investment in environmental education, connection, and inspiration for future generations.

We’re proud to see leadership in action making a meaningful difference right here in our community.

Photos by Dana Kampa, Observer Media Group

⏳ Time is running out! Applications for Adult Leadership Sarasota close THIS Friday, May 1st.This highly selective progr...
04/29/2026

⏳ Time is running out! Applications for Adult Leadership Sarasota close THIS Friday, May 1st.

This highly selective program offers a behind-the-scenes look at our community, meaningful connections with local leaders, and an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

Through immersive experiences and a collaborative class project, participants gain the skills and insight to make a lasting impact in Sarasota.

If you—or someone you know—are ready to take the next step in leadership, now is the time to apply: https://sarasotachamber.smapply.us/prog/leadership_sarasota_2027_application/

This month's Leadership Spotlight: Gareth Stevenson! HOMETOWN:  Tranent , East Lothian, ScotlandTITLE:  Vice President o...
04/22/2026

This month's Leadership Spotlight: Gareth Stevenson!

HOMETOWN: Tranent , East Lothian, Scotland
TITLE: Vice President of Sales
COMPANY: WCC Business Solutions
LEADERSHIP YEAR:2024

How do you stay connected with area professionals?
"By having consistent channels that keep you visible, informed and connected in the community."

What was the most impactful part about the Leadership Sarasota program?
"I learned so much more about our great community, with the behind-the-scenes exposure and collaboration. Plus, I gained some great friendships and have 47 other brothers/sisters now."

What’s the best piece of professional advice you have been given?
"Man, that’s a tough one , I will go with “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.” But another good one is “what you tolerate becomes the standard”."

⏰ It’s almost over.We’re down to the final stretch of the Giving Challenge—and at noon today, it closes.That means only ...
04/16/2026

⏰ It’s almost over.

We’re down to the final stretch of the Giving Challenge—and at noon today, it closes.

That means only a few hours left to be part of something that’s already changing lives across our community.

This is your moment to step in for local students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders. Your gift powers programs like CareerEdge, ThinkBIG, InternConnect, and Leadership Sarasota—real opportunities, real impact, right here at home.

If you’ve been waiting… this is it.

Not later. Not this afternoon. Now.

Give before noon.

https://www.givingchallenge.org/organizations/greater-sarasota-chamber-of-commerce-foundation-inc

Address

1945 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL
34236

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+19419558187

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