Leadership Lake County

03/10/2025

Leadership Lake County Board of Regents and the Leadership Lake Class of 2025 raise money for Leadership Lake County and local non-profits. We will be working at the Bar Tent at 5th Street and Market St. Friday, April 25th to Sunday, April 27th. You can bring a friend, co-worker, spouse, neighbor, family member we just ask they are 21 years of age or older. Click the link below to sign up. If you have any questions email Joanie at [email protected]. Thank you!!!

https://signup.com/go/zEHHERX

Don't forget Class of 2026 Applications are available on our website. Have a great day!!!

03/08/2025

🌟 Meet Michael McMaster – A Dedicated Leader in Public Safety & Community Service! 🌟

As a Captain with the Clermont Police Department, Michael oversees the Support Services Division, managing the Investigations Bureau, Narcotics Investigations, Crime Scene, and Criminal Analytics Team. With 30 years of experience in law enforcement, his mission is to provide exceptional service to Clermont residents by enhancing safety, crime prevention, and quality of life.

💬 Favorite Leadership Quote:
"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails." – John Maxwell

🤝 Community Involvement: Michael is deeply committed to giving back, serving on the Board of Directors for the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation and Charities Across South Lake.

🎯 Proudest Leadership Moments: Seeing those he has mentored achieve their goals—whether big or small—reinforces his passion for leadership and service.

🌟 Most Inspiring Leader: President Abraham Lincoln, a model of resilience, wisdom, and leadership through adversity.

📖 Favorite Book: Lincoln on Leadership—a timeless guide on leadership principles that apply to both personal and professional life.

Michael’s commitment to mentorship, public safety, and community impact makes him a standout in the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class! Let’s celebrate his leadership and service! 🎉

03/07/2025

🌟 Meet David Wallace – Designing Spaces & Inspiring Minds! 🌟
As a Senior Project Manager at Harvard Jolly | PBK Architects, David brings over 30 years of experience in architectural design, focusing on educational and civic projects. He manages all phases of design, from planning and documentation to renovations and new builds, all while mentoring the next generation of architects.
💬 Favorite Leadership Quote:
"The main tenet of design thinking is empathy for the people you’re trying to design for. Leadership is exactly the same thing — building empathy for the people that you’re entrusted to help." – David M. Kelley, IDEO
🥁 Fun Fact: David was drum major for his high school marching band!
🏥 Memorable Experience: His Leadership Lake County tour of UF Health Leesburg—where he even attempted robotic surgery!
🌟 Most Inspiring Leader: The Dalai Lama, a symbol of wisdom, compassion, and peace.
David’s passion for architecture, mentorship, and leadership makes him an invaluable addition to the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class! Let’s celebrate his impact and vision! 🎉

03/03/2025

Today Florida is 180 years old. Lake County was created in 1887. Do you want to learn more about Lake County to help you become a better leader in Lake County? Apply to be in the Leadership Lake County Class of 2026. Applications are due May 30, 2025. The applications are available on our website- www.leadershiplakefl.com.

Agriculture Day is coming up on Thursday, March 20th for any Alumni that would like to come visit the class. The agenda is on the website.

Have a great Monday! Joanie

02/20/2025

Today is National Leadership Day! What do you think makes a great leader? And who are great leaders? Comment below.

If you are interested in being in the Leadership Lake County Class of 2026, go to out website and apply now. www.leadershiplakefl.com

Have a great day and I look forward to seeing your comments. I will share them at next months class- Agriculture Day, March 20th. Joanie

02/17/2025

02/17/2025

🌟 Meet Jacqueline Weekes – Leading with Vision & Heart! 🌟

As the Admin Director of Operations at Orlando Health SouthLake Hospital, Jacqueline is dedicated to leading and managing operations that drive excellence in healthcare. With years of experience as an Occupational Therapist and over 25 years in leadership, she’s passionate about creating a positive impact in her field.

💬 Favorite Quote:
"People will forget what you say and do, but will always remember how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou

🏡 Fun Fact: Jacqueline has a love for decorating spaces—bringing creativity and warmth into every environment!

🔍 Leadership Growth: She’s embracing self-discovery, learning how to leverage both strengths and weaknesses to refine her leadership style.

🌟 Leadership Inspiration: The late Jimmy Carter—a true example of service and integrity.

📖 Favorite Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins—A foundational read that shaped her early leadership journey and understanding of what drives long-term success.

With her commitment to people-first leadership and operational excellence, Jacqueline is an outstanding addition to the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class!

Let’s celebrate her journey and the impact she’s making! 🎉

02/16/2025

🌟 Meet Tanner Kalebaugh – Shaping the Future of Our Communities! 🌟

As an Urban and Regional Planner/ Site Designer at LPG, Tanner is passionate about designing cities and spaces that foster growth, connection, and sustainability. Working alongside municipal officials, he helps create urban environments that enhance the well-being of communities.

💬 Favorite Quote:
"With each person you meet, remind yourself that you share a common humanity. You are members of the same family. They may not know this, but you do – so show them by the way you treat them." – Marcus Aurelius

🎓 Exciting News: Inspired by his Leadership Lake County experience, Tanner has decided to go back to school with the ultimate goal of earning a Master’s in Urban Planning!

🤝 Best Leadership Moment: Every time he meets with the Leadership Lake County group, he's reminded of the incredible diversity of people in this community—and how much everyone has to share.

👤 Leadership Inspiration: Mike Rankin

📖 Favorite Book: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius – A collection of timeless wisdom from one of Rome’s greatest emperors, offering guidance on leadership and resilience.

Tanner’s commitment to intentional city planning and community development makes him a valuable addition to the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class! Let’s celebrate his journey and future impact! 🎉

02/15/2025

🌟 Meet Michael Gonzalez – A Leader in Service & Strength! 🌟
After two years with the City of Clermont and a distinguished career, Michael is now retired but continues to embody leadership and resilience. His journey includes serving as President of Coast Guard Leadership Class 177, where he had the honor of leading 75 new Chief Petty Officers—an experience that shaped his leadership philosophy.
💬 Favorite Quote:
"There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet." – William Halsey
🥃 Fun Fact: Michael enjoys BBB – Bass, Bullets, and Bourbon!
🛡️ Leadership Inspirations: Churchill, FDR, Ulysses S. Grant, and General Patton.
📖 Favorite Book: Patton: A Soldier’s Story – a powerful look into the life of a legendary military leader.
Michael’s dedication to leadership, service, and personal growth makes him a valuable part of the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class. Let’s give him a warm welcome! 🎉

02/14/2025

🌟 Meet Scott Harp – Building Communities & Future Leaders! 🌟

As a Senior Project Manager at Half Associates, Scott brings 25 years of expertise in designing residential and commercial properties, navigating permitting with local and state agencies, and leading infrastructure projects that enhance communities. From baseball fields to boat ramps, parks, and downtown revitalizations, his work leaves a lasting impact on Lake County and beyond.

💬 Favorite Quote:
"You will be the same person ten years from now except for the books you read, the places you go, the people you meet, and the scripture you memorize." – Dr. Jay Strack

🏕️ Passions: Enjoying the outdoors with family and cheering on Gators sports! 🐊🏈

🙏 Community Involvement: Scott and his wife serve as Adult Leaders with the FBC Umatilla youth group, guiding and inspiring the next generation.

👥 Leadership Inspirations: Duane Booth & Bob Farner—servant leaders who have shown Scott that true leadership prioritizes people over profit.

📖 Favorite Book: The Bible – his foundation for wisdom and guidance.

Scott’s dedication to both professional excellence and community service makes him an invaluable addition to the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class! Let’s give him a warm welcome! 🎉

02/13/2025

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🌟 Introducing Elba L. Barnaby – A Dedicated Leader in the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class! 🌟

As a Vice President and Banking Center Manager with 26 years of experience, Elba is passionate about developing strong, confident teams and helping others grow into leadership roles. She finds the greatest fulfillment in mentoring her team members, guiding them to excel and advance in their careers.

💬 Favorite Quote:
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." – Thomas Jefferson

🎭 Fun Fact: People often think Elba is quiet and shy—but she’s actually the complete opposite!

✨ Proudest Leadership Moments: Watching her direct reports grow stronger, build confidence, and move up in their careers. Their success fuels her passion for leadership.

🌟 Most Inspiring Leader: Rihan Jamil, a previous manager who always taught her something new, reminding her to stay humble and embrace continuous growth.

📖 Favorite Book: Faith in the Valley—a book that helped her navigate a dark time in her life, providing strength and resilience.

Elba’s leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to growth make her a standout in this year’s Leadership Lake County Class! Let’s celebrate her journey! 🎉

02/12/2025

We are happy to announce the applications for the 2026 class are now available on our website. Go to www.leadershiplakefl.com to download. There are only 28 seats available so apply now.

02/12/2025

🌟 Meet Diana Márquez – A Leader in Workforce Development & Community Impact! 🌟

As the Corporate and Community Training Coordinator at Lake Technical College, Diana has spent the past 20 years forging powerful partnerships between education and industry. She is dedicated to creating, implementing, and scaling programs that drive local economic growth and provide impactful workforce solutions.

💬 Favorite Quote:
"As leaders, we must be willing to walk the narrow path, even when it means standing alone against the tide of popular opinion." – Unknown

🎶 Fun Fact: Diana is a classically trained pianist! 🎼

🙏 Greatest Inspiration: Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.

📖 Favorite Book: The Holy Bible—a guiding force in her leadership and life.

Diana’s passion for education, business development, and faith-driven leadership makes her an invaluable part of the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class. Let’s celebrate her dedication to making a difference! 🎉

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02/11/2025

🌟 Introducing Jason Kerley – A Dedicated Leader in the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class! 🌟
Jason is a Lieutenant with the Lake County Sheriff's Office, bringing 30 years of experience in law enforcement. As a Road Patrol Watch Commander, he oversees patrol activities countywide, ensuring safety and leadership across three sectors. His commitment to serving and protecting the community is at the core of his leadership.
💬 Favorite Quote:
"They believe the world has become too complex for simple answers. They are wrong." – Ronald Reagan
⚖️ Proudest Leadership Moment: Watching one of his subordinate supervisors earn a promotion and advance in their career—seeing others succeed is what leadership is all about.
🎖️ Community Involvement: Jason is the current president of the Umatilla Kiwanis Club, where he continues to make a positive impact beyond his role in law enforcement.
📖 Favorite Book: Banana Ball by Jesse Cole—he admires Cole’s innovation and ability to inspire and move people.
Jason’s dedication to leadership, mentorship, and community service makes him an outstanding addition to this year’s Leadership Lake County Class! Let’s give him a well-deserved round of applause! 🎉

02/10/2025

🌟 Meet Veronica Troxell – A Dedicated Leader in the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class! 🌟

As the Programs Director for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, FL, Veronica works directly with families seeking homeownership, home repairs, and education programs. With over seven years of experience, she plays a vital role in growing and guiding these programs, helping to bring individuals and organizations together to build homes, community, and hope across Lake and Sumter Counties.

💡 Favorite Leadership Quote:
"Attitude reflects leadership."

🥁 Fun Fact: Veronica is passionate about music and performs with Impact Drum & Bugle Corps in Orlando! She has marched on the drumline and served as a drum major, keeping music an active part of her life.

✨ Proudest Leadership Moments: Seeing the joy in her team when they successfully serve the community—whether through securing new funding, launching education opportunities, or forming partnerships to expand their reach. Their passion and dedication keep her inspired.

📖 Favorite Book: The Harry Potter series—she loves the complexity of the characters, the lessons learned along the way, and the idea that everyone has a special role to play if they’re brave enough to step up.

🌟 Most Inspiring Leaders:

• Ms. McGregor, her middle school teacher, who led with encouragement and care.

• Danielle Stroud, Habitat Lake-Sumter’s CEO, who showed Veronica what true leadership with integrity looks like.

Veronica’s passion for community, leadership, and service makes her an invaluable part of the 2025 Leadership Lake County Class! Let’s celebrate her journey! 🎉

02/10/2025

Leadership Lake County Class of 2025 Healthcare Day is Thursday, February 13th at UF Health Leesburg- 410 S Childs St. Leesburg. The agenda is posted on our website.

If you are interested in being a part of the Class of 2026 we will be posting the application next week.