Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay successfully hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting, co-presented by Ultimate Medical Academy and Leadership Tampa Alumni, at the Bob Buckhorn Tampa River Center, bringing together more than 200 young professionals, business leaders, and community partners for an evening celebrating leadership, connection, and regional impact.
During the event, Megan Keplinger was named recipient of the 2025 Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates one outstanding young professional whose leadership, service and commitment have made a meaningful impact on the Tampa Bay region.
Keplinger is a multimedia account executive with the Tampa Bay Business Journal and graduate of Leadership Tampa’s Class of 2025. She serves as board president for the American Cancer Society’s GenNow Network. Her professional contributions have made significant impacts to the region’s business landscape and to strengthening the Tampa Bay community.
“I’m so honored and grateful to receive the 2025 Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award,” said Keplinger. “The Tampa Bay Chamber and Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay have been instrumental in shaping me into the leader I am today.
This recognition inspires me to continue giving back, supporting others and contributing to the growth and strength of the Tampa Bay community.”
Sponsored annually by Chappel Roberts, the award is given in honor of Deanne Dewey Roberts, a Leadership Tampa Alum and the visionary founder of the Emerging Leaders program, founded in 2004.Award finalists included Mallory Kuba, Truist and Olivier Millour, Junior Achievement.
The Annual Meeting marked the culmination of a strong year for Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay, highlighting the program’s continued growth and its role in preparing the next generation of civic and business leaders. Attendees reflected on the accomplishments of the past year while gaining insight into the program’s vision and priorities moving forward.
A key moment of the evening was the formal transition of leadership, welcoming the incoming 2026 Emerging Leaders Leadership Team and recognizing the dedication and contributions of the 2025 team. The program also highlighted the impact of Emerging Leaders’ three core pillars—Inclusion, Catalyst, and Hub for Business—which continue to provide young professionals with access to leadership development, community engagement, and meaningful professional connections.
The event featured an insightful fireside chat with keynote speaker Mike Griffin, whose leadership perspective and candid conversation offered attendees valuable takeaways on professional growth, community engagement, and long-term impact. Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay extends sincere appreciation to Griffin for his time and thoughtful contributions to the program.
The Annual Meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize the Chamber’s sponsors, partners, and volunteers whose continued support strengthens the Emerging Leaders program and its mission to cultivate future-ready leaders across the Tampa Bay region.
Set along the Hillsborough River, the Bob Buckhorn Tampa River Center offered an ideal backdrop for networking and celebration. The strong attendance reinforced the demand for leadership-focused programming and underscored Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay’s growing influence within the regional business community.
As Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay looks ahead to 2026, the Annual Meeting served as both a celebration of progress and a launch point for continued collaboration, innovation, and impact throughout the region.
