The Tampa Bay Chamber’s Leadership Tampa (LT) program continues to shape exceptional leaders who are committed to strengthening the region through service and civic engagement. Two such leaders, Matthew Hall, Leadership Tampa 2022 graduate, and Amanda M. Uliano, Leadership Tampa 2013 graduate, highlight how the program equips professionals with the insight, connections, and inspiration to lead with purpose.
In June, a truly special moment unfolded as Matthew was sworn in as President of the Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA) and Amanda as President-Elect. Adding to the significance of the occasion, Judge Thomas Palermo, a fellow LT’22 alum, delivered the ceremonial introduction for Matthew. This shared moment among classmates, made even more meaningful by Amanda’s service as the LT’22 Class Chair, underscores the lasting bonds and profound leadership development fostered through the LT experience.
Matthew credits Leadership Tampa with deepening his understanding of the community’s interconnected sectors and encouraging collaboration among nonprofit and professional organizations. Under his leadership, the HCBA continues to deliver nationally recognized legal education, networking opportunities, and impactful community service initiatives. He encourages Leadership Tampa Alumni to stay engaged, sharing, “Our community grows through the commitment to the community by all of us. Find something you are passionate in and give back when you can”.
Amanda attributes her readiness for leadership to the experiences she gained through her involvement in the Chamber's Leadership Programs, having served as the Chair of Leadership Tampa Alumni in 2020 and the Class Chair of Leadership Tampa 2022. Leading during the pandemic and a time of social unrest, she helped foster open dialogue, empathy, and community resilience. Uliano shared, “Leading through such a pivotal time taught me valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the importance of adaptive leadership; skills that continue to guide me in navigating complex and unforeseen challenges”.
Both Matthew and Amanda demonstrate how Leadership Tampa cultivates leaders who not only gain insight but are also equipped to grow personally and give back substantially. Their ongoing contributions reinforce the Chamber’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected business and civic community. Both exemplify Leadership Tampa Alumni’s motto – “Gain, Grow, and Give”.
From left: Judge Thomas Palermo, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Matthew Hall, Bradley, and Amanda M. Uliano, Law Office of Amanda M. Uliano at the Law Day Membership Luncheon.
The Tampa Bay Chamber has been serving the region since 1885, building business success and developing generations of leaders. Among its legacy programs is Leadership Tampa, created in 1970. Exclusive to the Chamber, LT is the nation’s third oldest leadership program of its kind, graduating more than 2,850 professionals. Based on the success of LT, over the years the Chamber has developed leadership programs for business professionals at every stage of the career journey - from Collegiate Leadership Tampa Bay done in partnership with local universities; Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay serving professionals ages 21 to 35 since 2004; and the Leadership Tampa Alumni Association keeping C-Suite executives engaged in community advocacy and mentoring the next generation of leaders.