Leadership Wakulla

Leadership Wakulla Leadership Wakulla is a program of the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership Wakulla cultivates a diverse network of emerging, experienced leaders
committed to improving the community.

What a way to wrap up our final program day for Leadership Wakulla Class 2!Today’s Job Exchange / Shadow Day gave partic...
04/08/2026

What a way to wrap up our final program day for Leadership Wakulla Class 2!

Today’s Job Exchange / Shadow Day gave participants the opportunity to step into the day-to-day roles of leaders across Wakulla County, arriving at their assigned workplaces this morning and experiencing firsthand how our community operates behind the scenes.

We came back together over lunch at Myra Jeans to share experiences, and it was clear, this day made an impact. Seeing familiar roles through a new lens sparked great conversations and an even greater appreciation for how everything connects.

The day concluded with a leadership presentation from Andrea Messina, CEO of the Florida School Board Association, who challenged and encouraged the class as they continue growing as leaders in our community.

We’ll be sharing photos from throughout the day. Thank you to our participants for capturing these moments!

A huge THANK YOU to all of our hosts who welcomed our class into their workplaces today. Your time, insight, and willingness to invest in future leaders is what makes this program so meaningful.

And to Class 2, what a strong finish. We can’t wait to celebrate you at Class 2 Graduation very soon!

Leadership Wakulla Class 2 in Action! A few of our Class 2 participants are spending their evening at the Wakulla County...
02/17/2026

Leadership Wakulla Class 2 in Action!

A few of our Class 2 participants are spending their evening at the Wakulla County School Board meeting tonight and we love to see it!

One of the requirements of Leadership Wakulla is attending both a School Board meeting and a Board of County Commissioners meeting. Why? Because leadership isn’t just something we talk about during program days it’s something we experience firsthand by seeing how our local government and education systems actually work.

Showing up matters. Listening matters. Understanding how decisions are made in our community matters.

We’re proud of Class 2 for leaning in, asking questions, and investing their time in learning more about Wakulla County.

Way to represent, Class 2!

Today was a full, incredible day of learning and connection as Class 2 dove into the real workings of our local justice ...
01/28/2026

Today was a full, incredible day of learning and connection as Class 2 dove into the real workings of our local justice system!

We started the morning inside Judge Brian Miller’s courtroom, where we had the rare opportunity to sit in on live court proceedings. These were real cases with real people, and our class showed up with the focus and respect the moment deserved.

After that, we shifted into a great conversation on Managing Conflict, led by our Program Chair Steve Sanabria. It was the kind of real, honest discussion that gets to the heart of leadership.

From there, we made our way to Paul and Asha’s Kitchen for a delicious lunch. Thank you to our program day sponsor, Kevin Vaughn with North Florida Agents Network, for making it possible!

We wrapped up the day back at the courthouse where Class 1 joined us for a mock trial, complete with witnesses, attorneys, jurors, and lots of laughter. Every Class 2 participant took a role, and they did an amazing job stepping into the process and making it their own.

A huge thank-you to Judge Brian Miller for taking the time to answer questions and walk us through how all the moving parts of the justice system fit together. His insights made everything we saw today even more impactful.

It was one of those days that reminds you just how important understanding our local systems really is and Class 2 continues to show up ready to learn and lead.

More highlights from our Workforce & Education Day! What an incredible, hands-on experience for Leadership Wakulla Class...
12/11/2025

More highlights from our Workforce & Education Day!

What an incredible, hands-on experience for Leadership Wakulla Class 2!

A huge thank‑you to our Program Chair, Shelly Bell, for crafting such a thoughtful and engaging day. Your leadership and planning truly shine through in every detail.

We are also grateful to our sponsor, CareerSource Capital Region, for supporting this program day and for everything you do to strengthen workforce development across our region. Your team is an invaluable resource for our community!

Thank you to TSC’s Wakulla Environmental Institute for hosting us this morning and giving us the chance to actually experience the programs and training offered on your beautiful campus. Your staff is exceptional, and we appreciate the warm welcome!

And to everyone at Wakulla High School, thank you for opening your classrooms to us after a full day of teaching. The Career & Technical Education programs in the CTE building blew us away. Our future workforce is in great hands.

What a day of learning, inspiration, and community connection!

Thank you to Wakulla Environmental Institute for hosting us for the morning of our Education and Workforce Development P...
12/11/2025

Thank you to Wakulla Environmental Institute for hosting us for the morning of our Education and Workforce Development Program Day!

Thank you to the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Jared Miller for hosting our Public Safety Program Day.
12/11/2025

Thank you to the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Jared Miller for hosting our Public Safety Program Day.

Leadership in Action! Today, members of Leadership Wakulla Class 1 and Class 2 were proud to take part in the Future Lea...
10/13/2025

Leadership in Action!

Today, members of Leadership Wakulla Class 1 and Class 2 were proud to take part in the Future Leaders of Wakulla Teen Leadership Summit with Wakulla County 4-H inspiring and empowering the next generation of changemakers in our community!

James Lewis and Molly BoWell kicked off the day with energy and heart, while Eddie Hand, Class 1 Big Fish was one of the featured speakers.

A huge shout-out to Samantha Kennedy and Novella Franklin, who serve on the committee and helped bring this impactful day to life!

The Teen Leadership Summit offered youth a full day of exciting, interactive workshops, giving them the chance to explore communication skills, leadership development, financial management, college and career readiness, and so much more.

Leadership isn’t just about making an impact today, it’s about inspiring tomorrow’s leaders to step forward with confidence.

Leadership Wakulla Class 2 – Economic Development Day What a day! Class 2 hit the ground running for Wakulla’s Great Eco...
10/08/2025

Leadership Wakulla Class 2 – Economic Development Day

What a day! Class 2 hit the ground running for Wakulla’s Great Economic Race, exploring how industry, infrastructure, workforce, housing, and leadership all connect to keep Wakulla’s economy moving forward.

From hearing Beth Cicchetti share the Building Blocks of Economic Development, to the “Playbook on Development” panel with David Edwards, Somer Pell, and Commissioner Quincee Messersmith, and the insightful discussion on Development Trends with Amber Miller of Golden Construction, this day was packed with real-world knowledge and local perspective.

A huge thank-you to our Program Sponsor, Capital City Bank, for making the day possible and for supporting leadership development in our community!

Class 2, thank you for an inspiring day of teamwork, insight, and leadership in action. We can’t wait to see you again on November 18th!

What an incredible morning across Wakulla County! Our Leadership Wakulla Class 2 participants hit the ground running for...
10/08/2025

What an incredible morning across Wakulla County! Our Leadership Wakulla Class 2 participants hit the ground running for Wakulla’s Great Economic Race! A fast-paced scavenger-style adventure highlighting the businesses, industries, and landmarks that power our local economy.

Teams raced from stop to stop, completing challenges, collecting puzzle pieces, and learning how each sector plays a vital role in keeping Wakulla growing and thriving. The competition was fierce, the teamwork was inspiring, and the laughter could be heard from Crawfordville to Sopchoppy!

A big congratulations to the Green Team, Jessica Revell and Alex Gonzalez for crossing the finish line first and claiming victory!

A huge thank you to all of the businesses who opened their doors, our community partners who helped make the day possible, and to our incredible Class 2 participants for bringing their energy, enthusiasm, and leadership to every stop. So thank you to: Forward Wellness, Southern Pipe & Supply, Kiersten Smith State Farm, Gellis Law, PLLC, Rose Group CPAs, PLLC, Barn's Spirits, Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, Vacations by Waypoint, Sopchoppy Bakehouse + Coffee Co., and The Loafer’s Bench!

Thank you to The Printing Station for bringing the committees vision to life for the puzzle for this morning's Great Economic Race!

Together, we’re building a stronger Wakulla, one piece at a time.

Leadership Wakulla Class 2 Healthcare & Human Services Day Class 2’s first program day was packed from start to finish w...
09/17/2025

Leadership Wakulla Class 2
Healthcare & Human Services Day

Class 2’s first program day was packed from start to finish with eye-opening experiences, meaningful conversation, and powerful insights into the health and human services that support our community.

The day began at the Wakulla County Health Department, where Lisa Miller led the class through a thought-provoking Empathy Mapping activity, designed to help participants “see what others see, hear what they hear, and say what they say.” It was a powerful reminder that leadership starts with understanding.

From there, the Health Department team wowed us with an overview of the incredible programs they offer, including:
•Dental Sealants
•Swim Lesson Vouchers
•Obstetrics & Healthy Start
• Vaccines
•Food Lockers
And those aren't even scratching the surface!
Their passion for the community was evident in every conversation. Thank you for all you do for Wakulla!

Next, Lisa took the class outside for a Privilege Walk, offering a visual and moving experience to reflect on personal and societal circumstances that impact opportunity.

Then it was off to El Jalisco’s for lunch generously sponsored by Hydra Engineering & Construction, LLC Our amazing Program Chair, Courtney Armitage, shared what Hydra does not only here locally, but state and nationwide as well. We are so thankful for their support in making days like this possible.

After lunch, we toured Wakulla County Fire Rescue Station 1, where they showed us what it takes in the day to day and gave us an inside look at the incredible care they provide our citizens. Shoutout to Molly BoWell and Novella Franklin, who climbed into the firetruck for a different point of view of life on the front lines!

We wrapped up back at the Health Department with Simeon Nelson from the Wakulla County School Board, who gave a powerful talk on mental health in schools and the All Pro Dad initiative. The day closed with a fun and enlightedndaing personality quiz activity led by Courtney Armitage, helping the class learn more about themselves and each other.

What a way to kick things off! Class 2 is already diving deep, asking important questions today and leaning into leadership.

Leadership Wakulla Class 2 is officially underway!We kicked things off Tuesday evening at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, ...
08/28/2025

Leadership Wakulla Class 2 is officially underway!

We kicked things off Tuesday evening at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, a beautiful backdrop to this program, where Class 2 gathered for an unforgettable orientation and a warm welcome.

In true Leadership Wakulla fashion, each participant had the unique opportunity to introduce another classmate, not themselves! With fun facts, creative props, and thoughtful touches, these introductions were a perfect preview of the connection and collaboration this class is sure to bring.

We also broke the ice with a round of Two Truths and a Lie. Let’s just say, Class 2 is full of surprises! From secret talents to unexpected adventures, the stories had us laughing, guessing, and learning more about one another in the best way possible.

We can’t wait to see what this dynamic group will accomplish over the next eight months. Help us wish them the best as they begin this exciting journey of growth, leadership, and community impact!

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PO BOX 598
Crawfordville, FL
32326

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