About

Leadership Tallahassee began in 1983 as a year-long educational program for adults. It was designed to facilitate opportunities for interaction with established community leaders all for the purpose of strengthening their bond to the community. The initial program consisted of 28 participants selected from the community at large. They met monthly to learn more about the community through panel discussion and hands-on experiences. In subsequent years, a more formal selection process was added to strengthen the make-up of each class assuring diversity along the lines of gender, age, race, ethnicity, profession and interests. Class-size continued to be limited and commitment to the program remained a top priority.

"When we look back on 1984, the most important program of The Chamber will have been Leadership Tallahassee." Board Member, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

As each class graduated, the number of alumni increased. Opportunities to give back to the organization included serving on committees to plan the program days for the year and to plan activities to bring graduates together for both informational and social events. In 1993, a formal Leadership Tallahassee Board of Governors was created, with Karen Moore (LT Class 5) as its first chair. Go here for a list of the Leadership Tallahassee past board chairmen. Bylaws and budgets were outlined and the organization sought to solidify its funding through alumni dues and program sponsorships. Under the direction of the board, a committee was formed to present the first Distinguished Leadership Awards event. Chaired by Gini West (LT 7) the purpose of the event was to recognize outstanding leadership in the community and to highlight the Leadership Tallahassee program.

The need for more leadership development options generated the creation of a new program. Opportunity Tallahassee was added in 1997 to provide experiences targeted to corporate executives, managers and other professionals who may be new to the community and want to know more about the area, with a minimum expenditure of time. It was designed for leaders or potential leaders in the community whose professional commitments precluded participation in the more time intensive Leadership Tallahassee program.

After a need for volunteer board member training was identified, Leadership Tallahassee collaborated with the Junior League of Tallahassee to present Building Better Boards. This is a training seminar for novice and veteran board members, as well as agency staff/professionals. Sessions have included information on the roles and responsibilities of board members and board chairmen, fundraising tips, legal obligations of boards and board members, governance and strategic planning.

In 2004 Leadership Tallahassee Class 20 was challenged to create and develop a program for youth in the area. Youth Leadership Tallahassee is a year-long program that brings together a diverse group of high school juniors from the public and private schools in Tallahassee who have demonstrated leadership potential in formal and informal situations, and prepares them to become ethical leaders committed to active community involvement. Students apply in 10th grade and participate in YLT in 11th grade. To assist with fundraising for Leadership Tallahassee and its program for youth, Leadership Tallahassee applied and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation.

In 2009, Leadership Tallahassee developed a pilot College Leadership Tallahassee program, designed to address the "brain drain" outlined in the Student Engagement Study conducted by Collegia earlier that year. College Leadership Tallahassee (CLT) provides opportunities for a diverse group of college students that gives each participant a more informative view of Tallahassee’s assets and potential. Through these opportunities these participants learn ways to make a positive contribution to the community, develop and practice their leadership skills, and gain a more comprehensive background in the contemporary issues concerning the community.