Leadership Highlands

08/29/2026

Yesterday, we kicked off Leadership Highlands – Class of 2027 with Orientation Day! ✨

Today, they begin this journey as a group of individuals—many arriving as complete strangers. Some may have heard a name or two, while others may recognize only a familiar face.

But something special is about to happen.

Over the months ahead, they will learn, listen, challenge one another, build relationships, discover more about our community, and grow together as leaders.

By the end of this journey, they won’t simply be a group of people who attended the same program.

They will be a class. A team. A network. A community of leaders—united by a shared experience and a shared commitment to Highlands County. ❤️

Today is their first move! ♟️

Welcome, Leadership Highlands Class of 2027!

📸: NelsonSaunders.com
Professional Photography

08/13/2026

🎉 Leadership Highlands Class of 2027 is officially underway! 🎉

Acceptance letters have gone out, participants have been registered, and we are now preparing for Orientation! We are so excited to meet the incredible individuals who will be embarking on this excellent leadership journey with us.

Get ready for a year of leadership, learning, connection, growth, and community impact! 🌟

We can’t wait to see what this class will accomplish together. Stay tuned for pictures from Orientation! 📸

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