Leadership Sarasota

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Celebrate Outstanding Leadership (COL) Awards — happening Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM at Michael’s On East Restaurant & Catering!

Each year, we come together to recognize Leadership Sarasota alumni and community leaders who are making a meaningful impact across our region through service, philanthropy, civic engagement, and professional leadership.

Award Categories:

• *Lifetime of Leadership Award – Recognizing a distinguished body of work in career, community, and beyond

• *Impact in Action Award – Recognizing a leader actively driving current community impact and forward-looking initiatives

• *Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award – Recognizing exceptional commitment and service to the Leadership Sarasota program

*Must Be Leadership Alumni

And new this year, we are excited to introduce two additional categories that expand how we celebrate leadership across Sarasota:

• Civic Champion Award – Recognizing individuals dedicated to serving the community through careers in education, government, and public sector leadership

• Community Catalyst Award – Recognizing individuals who make a meaningful impact through philanthropy, volunteerism, and giving back to the Sarasota community

Know someone whose leadership is shaping Sarasota’s future—or feel inspired to nominate yourself? We encourage you to submit a nomination and help us celebrate those making a difference.

Nominations are open through June 22, 2026!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DTB995Q

Congratulations to the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2025–2026! 🎓✨

Last night at the Sarasota Yacht Club, we celebrated an incredible year of growth, connection, and leadership with our “Leaders of the Flock.” Throughout the program, this class explored the many facets of our community, built lasting relationships, and gained firsthand insight into the industries, organizations, and leaders shaping Sarasota’s future.

From engaging sessions and meaningful conversations to collaborative experiences and unforgettable moments, this group showed a true commitment to leadership and community impact every step of the way.

We are proud of all they’ve accomplished this year and can’t wait to see how they continue to lead, serve, and make a difference in our community. Congratulations, Class of 2025–2026! 🥂

Last Thursday, we celebrated the graduation of the Youth Leadership Sarasota Class of 2025-2026! 🎓👏

Over the past year, these students have dedicated their time to learning more about our community, developing their leadership skills, and building connections that will help shape their futures. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and cannot wait to see the impact they continue to make in Sarasota and beyond.

Congratulations to this outstanding graduating class! 🎉

Interested in being part of the next generation of young leaders? Applications for the Youth Leadership Sarasota Class of 2027 are still open!

Leadership Sarasota Alumni came together for a meaningful Family Community Service Day at Pinecraft Park, rolling up their sleeves to help restore a beloved community space impacted by the 2025 hurricanes. Volunteers spent the morning removing invasive plants, cleaning up the park, and building birdhouses for both the park and alumni families—leaving a lasting touch of care and connection.

Participants also had the opportunity to learn from Save Our Seabirds, adding an educational component to a day rooted in service. The event wrapped up with a well-earned lunch generously provided by Gecko's Grill & Pub, giving everyone time to relax, connect, and celebrate the impact made together.

It was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when community and leadership come together in service.

Celebrating the power of collaboration and community impact! ✂️

The Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026 proudly unveiled their class project with a ribbon cutting at Save Our Seabirds, transforming outdoor education spaces through more than 500 volunteer hours and generous community support.

From refreshed landscaping to enhanced learning areas, this project is more than a renovation—it’s a lasting investment in environmental education, connection, and inspiration for future generations.

We’re proud to see leadership in action making a meaningful difference right here in our community.

Photos by Dana Kampa, Observer Media Group

⏳ Time is running out! Applications for Adult Leadership Sarasota close THIS Friday, May 1st.

This highly selective program offers a behind-the-scenes look at our community, meaningful connections with local leaders, and an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

Through immersive experiences and a collaborative class project, participants gain the skills and insight to make a lasting impact in Sarasota.

If you—or someone you know—are ready to take the next step in leadership, now is the time to apply: https://sarasotachamber.smapply.us/prog/leadership_sarasota_2027_application/

This month's Leadership Spotlight: Gareth Stevenson!

HOMETOWN: Tranent , East Lothian, Scotland
TITLE: Vice President of Sales
COMPANY: WCC Business Solutions
LEADERSHIP YEAR:2024

How do you stay connected with area professionals?
"By having consistent channels that keep you visible, informed and connected in the community."

What was the most impactful part about the Leadership Sarasota program?
"I learned so much more about our great community, with the behind-the-scenes exposure and collaboration. Plus, I gained some great friendships and have 47 other brothers/sisters now."

What’s the best piece of professional advice you have been given?
"Man, that’s a tough one , I will go with “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.” But another good one is “what you tolerate becomes the standard”."

⏰ It’s almost over.

We’re down to the final stretch of the Giving Challenge—and at noon today, it closes.

That means only a few hours left to be part of something that’s already changing lives across our community.

This is your moment to step in for local students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders. Your gift powers programs like CareerEdge, ThinkBIG, InternConnect, and Leadership Sarasota—real opportunities, real impact, right here at home.

If you’ve been waiting… this is it.

Not later. Not this afternoon. Now.

Give before noon.

https://www.givingchallenge.org/organizations/greater-sarasota-chamber-of-commerce-foundation-inc

It starts now.

The Giving Challenge is officially live—and what happens in the next 24 hours matters.

This is your chance to directly impact lives in our community. Every gift fuels real opportunities—helping someone land a better job, connecting a student to their future, supporting a growing business, or developing the next generation of leaders through CareerEdge, ThinkBIG, InternConnect, and Leadership Sarasota.

This isn’t just a moment to give—it’s a moment to show what our community stands for.

Make your gift.
Make it count.
And if you believe in this work, invite someone else to join you.

24 hours. Real impact starts with you.

https://www.givingchallenge.org/organizations/greater-sarasota-chamber-of-commerce-foundation-inc