By Doug Stauffer
Leadership Okaloosa, a well-respected leadership training and development program with a 30-year history, held its annual graduation ceremony at the Northwest Florida State College. The ceremony brought together the college and its partners, including the Crestview, Destin, Niceville-Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach Chambers of Commerce. Together, they honored the graduates who had completed the rigorous nine-month program designed to enhance their leadership skills and expand their community awareness.
As one of the program graduates, I can attest to the transformative power of Leadership Okaloosa. The curriculum administered by Brenda Robinson is exceptionally well-crafted, taking us beyond mere theory and immersing us in practical, hands-on experiences. The blend of in-class training sessions and on-the-ground community engagement gave us a first-hand understanding of how our local government, businesses and community organizations operate.
Meeting and interacting with key community leaders across sectors was enlightening. Our conversations provided insights into the inner workings of our county that would not be otherwise accessible. This deep dive into the county’s pulse – its challenges, strengths, and opportunities – was instrumental in forming our outlook. One of the most noteworthy aspects was the two-day trip to Tallahassee for the Legislative Day meetings, which exposed the participants to the legislative process and offered a unique perspective on statewide matters.
However, the heart of the Leadership Okaloosa program lies in its dedication to fostering a sense of community among participants. The group projects not only honed leadership skills but also created strong bonds within the group. It was a chance to learn from one anothers’ diverse experiences and perspectives and appreciate the richness this diversity brings to the community.
Northwest Florida State College hosts the program in conjunction with the local Chambers. With a mission to “Develop, educate and connect individuals to lead and bring value to our diverse community,” Leadership Okaloosa has been steadfast in shaping leaders for a thriving Okaloosa County for three decades. Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of NWFSC, said, “Leadership development, in my opinion, is one of the most important initiatives we can undertake to improve effectiveness and efficiency within our organizations. Leadership is an art, and leaders can improve their skills and abilities through programs like Leadership Okaloosa.”
Leadership Okaloosa is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Leadership Okaloosa program. The tuition fee for the program is $975, which includes training materials, instruction, coffee, and lunch during training days at NWFSC, hotel, transportation, some meals during Tallahassee Legislative days, and a graduation celebration. Applications are due by Aug. 25.
Through Leadership Okaloosa, the participants learned how to lead and why leadership matters in driving the county’s progress. The connections built, the knowledge gained and the lessons learned are invaluable resources carried forward into the community. As alumni, we proudly join a long line of community leaders shaped by Leadership Okaloosa, ready to play our part in the continuing growth of Okaloosa County. For more information, contact the program at (850) 729-4956 or email Leadership@NWFSC.edu. To apply, visit https://www.nwfsc.edu/leadership-okaloosa/.
