Leadership Highlands

06/04/2026

Leadership Highlands is now accepting applications for the Class of 2026-2027!

If you’re looking to expand your network, learn more about Highlands County, and grow as a leader, Leadership Highlands is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Join a program that has been developing community leaders for more than 25 years.

Apply today at southflorida.edu/leadership-highlands.

SFSC is now accepting applications for the Leadership Highlands Class of 2027 through mid-July. Through Leadership Highlands, you will learn about the businesses, organizations, and people that keep this county running and thriving.

If you are interested, review the program info and complete the quick application at southflorida.edu/leadership-highlands.

We look forward to you joining the next Leadership class!

05/14/2026

Leadership Highlands spent the afternoon at HCA Florida Highlands Hospital learning firsthand how innovation, teamwork, and patient-centered care are transforming healthcare in our community.

The class was welcomed by Anjelis Oliveira, PhD, MSN, MHA, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, who shared an overview of the hospital and the important role HCA Florida Highlands Hospital plays in serving Highlands County. Participants also heard from Dr. Chaudhri during an orthopedic presentation focused on advancements in orthopedic care and recovery.

A special thank you to Allan Ayala, Director of Rehab, Wound Care and Hyperbaric Services, Leadership Highlands Class of 2025 alumnus, and Kyle Parramore, Director of Surgical Services, for sharing how HCA’s orthopedic, surgical, and rehabilitation teams work together to prepare patients before surgery and support them through recovery afterward. The group learned about pre-testing, pre-orthopedic classes, and the importance of patients building relationships with therapists before surgery to better understand what to expect during rehabilitation.

They also discussed how technology advancements are leading to shorter orthopedic surgery times, improved pain management through injections near surgery sites, and the importance of getting patients moving sooner after surgery to improve outcomes.

The afternoon also included a visit to the ER to learn about the LUCAS device and emergency response procedures, interaction with the da Vinci surgical robot, and tours of several hospital areas showcasing equipment and technology designed to improve patient safety and care.

Thank you to the entire team at HCA Florida Highlands Hospital for an engaging and informative afternoon and for your commitment to healthcare excellence and community partnership. HCA Healthcare

05/14/2026

Leadership Highlands spent the morning at AdventHealth, where the Class of 2026 had the opportunity to hear from hospital leadership and gain a behind-the-scenes look at healthcare operations serving our community.

Jason Dunkel, CEO of AdventHealth, shared insights on the hospital’s growth, future expansion plans, and AdventHealth’s commitment to extending the healing ministry of Christ throughout the community. Jeff Chilson from the finance department also spoke about the important role financial stewardship plays in supporting healthcare services and future development.

Participants toured engineering operations to learn more about the hospital’s infrastructure and how critical systems keep the facility running around the clock. The class also visited the Cardiac Cath Lab with Jim Leight, who shared how technology and teamwork are saving lives every day. We learned about LifeNet and live EKG image transmission, allowing cardiac teams to prepare before patients even arrive. Most importantly, we heard how partnership and collaboration with paramedics and first responders have helped reduce treatment times dramatically. While the national goal for treatment is 90 minutes, AdventHealth is currently averaging just 30 minutes.

Kelly Duppenthaler, Chief of Highlands County Fire Rescue and a Leadership Highlands Class of 2026 participant, emphasized that success like this takes commitment, persistence, and strong partnerships among all agencies involved. This life-saving initiative has been years in the making and stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when organizations work together for the good of the community.

We also heard from the Community Health Coordinator, Amberhope Montero.

Thank you to AdventHealth for investing in our local leaders and providing such an informative and inspiring experience. AdventHealth Sebring

03/16/2026

If any Leadership Highlands alumni would like to volunteer to work the races this week, please send me a direct message. Leadership Highlands will receive a donation from Sebring International Raceway (SIR) for volunteers who participate. Please DM me.

12/05/2025

What an incredible Leadership Highlands session yesterday!

A huge thank you to everyone who poured into our class. The mock zoning scenario was outstanding, it gave participants a true firsthand experience of what it takes to navigate complex decisions, consider multiple stakeholders, and balance the needs of a growing community. The engagement and debate it sparked were unforgettable!

The “Day in the Life of an Administrator” segment was equally powerful. Hearing such real-world insight into leadership, decision-making, and daily responsibilities helped our class see the depth of commitment required to serve effectively.

We are also grateful for each presenter who contributed throughout the day. Your time, knowledge, and passion created one of the most impactful sessions. Your willingness to answer questions, share examples, and encourage thoughtful dialogue made a lasting impact.

From zoning and planning to administration and community leadership, yesterday was truly Leadership Highlands at its best.

A special shout out to Laurie Hurner, JD Langford, Cyndie Kramer, Karen Clogston, Scott Noethlich, Katie Beatty, Charlotte Rodriguez, Liz Prendergast, Janice Rearick, Morgan Norris, Dina Capuano, and Debbie Gutierrez. The bar has officially been set high!

11/08/2025

Leadership Highlands: Sebring Airport Authority & Economic Development Day 🌟
Our Class of 2026 spent the day exploring the incredible opportunities taking off right here in Highlands County! From learning about the operations at the Sebring Airport Authority to hearing from Visit Sebring, Highlands County Schools Career & Technical Education, and the Highlands County Economic Development team, the class gained firsthand insight into how collaboration fuels local growth.
A huge thank you to Andrew Bennett, Scott Morgan, Casey Wohl Hartt, and Yarima Cuencas for sharing their expertise—and to Tecnam, Lockwood Aviation, and the Sebring International Raceway for the engaging tours that brought innovation and industry to life!
Our leaders left inspired by the message to grow from within, lead with purpose, and leave a legacy. 💙

10/18/2025

What an incredible day with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Paul Blackman and Highlands County Clerk of Courts as part of Leadership Highlands! We gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the vital work these brave men and women do every single day. Huge thanks to Sheriff Paul Blackman, Clerk of Courts Jerome Kaszubowski, and their entire team for hosting us. Nothing but respect for our courts, judicial system, and the Sheriff’s Office.

09/24/2025

We love seeing the next generation of leaders exploring new possibilities and connecting what they learn today to the impact they’ll make tomorrow.
Leadership is a journey that starts early—and these students are already on their way! 💡🌟

09/14/2025

🌿✨ Leadership Highlands Retreat Weekend ✨🌿

The Class of 2026 is in full swing at Camp Cloverleaf, and the energy is incredible! From sunrise yoga to thought-provoking leadership sessions, everyone is diving in, learning, and connecting on a whole new level.

Laughter is echoing across camp as classmates bond through activities, share stories, and challenge themselves with hands-on experiences. The theme “Define. Lead. Legacy.” is coming alive in every conversation—leaders are discovering new strengths, practicing teamwork, and planting the seeds of growth that will last all year long.

Between the learning, the fun, and a few surprises (yes, there may have been some very creative props involved 🤩), this weekend is already shaping up to be unforgettable.

We can’t wait to see how these leaders carry forward the lessons, friendships, and momentum from this retreat into the months ahead. 💪🌱

07/23/2025

Leadership in action! 💪 Heather Carter-Harris Property Manager/CFPM is making a difference in our community.