About Leadership - Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, FL

Leadership Winter Park is a program of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce that equips and mobilizes advanced-level leaders and community trustees for Winter Park and our region. The program is an adaptation of a nationwide community-awareness, leadership-preparation effort and offers a behind-the-scenes look at and study of the critical issues and challenges facing Winter Park.
Applications for Class XXXV are open. Deadline to apply is Thursday, May 23, 2024.
- Apply Now!
Interested in learning more about the program? Attend our Making it Happen Breakfast on Tuesday, March 26 to hear directly from program staff about the sessions and recent alumni about the impact the program had on their leadership development. Click here to register.

What have graduates said about their experience?

“Without a doubt, Leadership Winter Park is one of the most rewarding and well-organized leadership development programs I have experienced. If you are interested in opportunities to make meaningful connections with esteemed thought leaders, receive a VIP backstage tour of Winter Park, engage in dialogue about the current needs and challenges within our community and come back an inspired leader, then look no further."

– Winter Park Leadership Graduate, Class XXXII

“Through Leadership Winter Park, I am more attuned to my leadership assets and more knowledgeable and thoughtful about how to engage in our community. LWP's curriculum underscored the value of taking time to connect, setting goals and a personal mission statement, and how to implement a plan. LWP helped to fine tune my own personal compass.”

– Winter Park Leadership Graduate, Class XXXII

“Knowledge is everything when trying to prove you are an authority in your town. Leadership Winter Park helped so much in that respect. I have lived in Winter Park for 40 years but learned more in the last year than the previous 40.”

– Winter Park Leadership Graduate, Class XXXII

“I would encourage anyone interested in learning more about our community to apply. Participation in the class introduced me to decision makers in the fields of local government, education, healthcare and not for profits. The social aspect of the class introduced me to other business leaders in Winter Park. It has been rewarding to watch as my classmates’ careers have flourished over the last 10 years.”

– Rebecca Wilson, Shareholder, Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A., Class XVI

“Making the investment to take part in Leadership Winter Park was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business. One of the clients I met through LWP opened the door to many others, which led to my business having its most profitable year to date!”

– Andrew McIntosh, Co-Founder, MVProductions, Class XXVI

“Through participation in Leadership Winter Park, I was able to create some stellar relationships with industry leaders from all over the Metro area. The size and intimate setting was conducive for strong relationship building.”

– Kris Gault, Senior Account Manager, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Orlando Magic, Class XXV

Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?

Each class is comprised of individuals who have an interest in Winter Park, and are eager to become involved in the decision-making process within the community, have a desire to enhance Winter Park’s quality of life and are already active in local civic or professional organizations.

What is the time commitment?

The program, extending from August through April, begins with a mandatory orientation retreat, followed by eight monthly day-long sessions. Graduation festivities occur at the culmination of the program in May. Participation in at least six of the eight session dates is required.

Click here to see the Class XXXV calendar.

What occurs at the day-long sessions?

Each session highlights a different aspect of the community, and addresses a variety of issues. Themes include History, Government, Education, Arts & Culture, Business & Networking, Human Services, Health & Wellness and a day of action and next steps after graduation. The sessions feature lectures and symposia by local leaders, consultants and professional educators. These are supplemented by on-site visits, small group discussions, leadership development tips, case studies and group interaction. Participants are introduced to those in authority within each field, and have access to information not readily available to the general public. Curriculum is designed to stimulate inquiry, analysis and development of public policy alternatives to a number of current community issues.

Click here to see the Class XXXV curriculum.

What is the cost of the program?

Tuition for Leadership Winter Park is $2,750 for Winter Park Chamber of Commerce members and $3,500 for non-members. This fee covers program expenses and materials, including the orientation retreat, all meals and graduation festivities.
Are there scholarship options?
Through Winter Park Improvement Foundation and Legacy Fund fundraising efforts, we are thrilled to offer a limited amount of scholarships to Leadership Winter Park. Scholarships will be awarded by committee in these categories:

Barnes Small Business Scholarship - Covers up to 50% of tuition. Eligible candidates are small business owners or entrepreneurs who live or work in Winter Park

Nonprofit Scholarship - Covers up to 50% of tuition. Eligible candidates work for a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit or civil service organization

Opportunity Scholarship - Fully funds participation of a person of color to promote diversity, equity and inclusion of the program overall.

Please submit your scholarship application at the time you submit your general application. While you can only be awarded one scholarship, you may apply to multiple if you meet the criteria.
How do I apply?

Applications for Leadership Winter Park Class XXXV are now open. Click here to apply, please plan for 20-30 minutes to complete the application.

All applications are due May 23. All applicants will be notified by the end of May.

If you have any questions, please email Amie Morgan at amorgan@winterpark.org.