Leadership Tampa is an intensive executive leadership program that introduces a diverse group of participants to GAIN insight into the major facets of the greater Tampa Bay community through educational sessions, tours and candid conversations with community leaders. Class members participate in a “behind-the-scenes” look of Tampa Bay and take part in experiences and other activities that provide an in depth look at Tampa Bay, challenging them to GIVE back and GROW their community.
The Leadership Tampa Class of 2026 application period is March 18 - May 6, 2025 by 5pm.
Class Member Terms
Applicants must adhere to program rules of conduct and attendance requirements included in the application.
Attendance is mandatory at the Opening Retreat and Tallahassee Retreat.
Attendance at all sessions is expected. View the schedule of sessions and events.
Those who fail to attend the Opening Retreat and the Tallahassee Retreat and/or miss more than two (2) program days will be dropped without refund of tuition and sponsors will be notified.
Missing a program day requires notification prior to the program date. Missing any portion of a program day will be considered the same as missing a full day.
Participants are required to use the transportation method provided by the Tampa Bay Chamber.
Application Criteria
- Application to Leadership Tampa is only open to Tampa Bay Chamber members. Your organization must be a Tampa Bay Chamber member.
- You must live or work in Tampa Bay area to apply.
- Preferred experience: an individual who holds administrative or supervisory authority in a business or organization and includes C-Suite (CEO, COO, etc.), Vice President, and Director positions, and well-established entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Candidates must have the full support of the organization, corporation or company they represent, which includes time and financial requirements.
- Only one candidate per company/organization may apply.
- All applicants will be required to attend a personal interview.
- I understand that if selected, I will devote the required time and pay my tuition on or before August 5, 2025.
- In reviewing applications, the Selection Committee looks for potential participants who demonstrate:
- Commitment and motivation to serve the Tampa Bay area;
- Policy-shaping and catalytic responsibility or a position of leadership within their organization;
- Commitment to volunteerism, resulting in significant influence on important issues facing the community;
- Diversity of ethnicity, age, industry and experiences; and
- Ability to commit to the time and dates required by the program.
Financial Commitment
Tuition
Tuition cost is $5,000. If selected, I will devote the required time and pay my tuition on or before August 5, 2025. Rate is subject to change.
Processing Fee
A non-refundable processing fee of $125 is required with all applications and must be submitted online (available upon completing the application). The processing fee is payable via credit card only. Please note that your company must be a Chamber member to apply.
Financial assistance
Limited scholarship opportunities are available. The scholarship application must be completed at the same time as your Leadership Tampa application. No scholarship will be provided without a completed scholarship application.
For questions about tuition assistance, please contact Taisha Edwin-Williams, Senior Director, Leadership Programs.
Deadline
Applications must be received by 5:00 PM on May 6, 2025. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Application Form
Please Note
Before submitting the form, it is recommended to prepare the following attachments first. The online application form needs to be completed in one session.
Application Supplemental
As part of the application, the Application Supplemental is required. This Word document entails additional questions required for the application. It is recommended to download the Supplemental, complete the questions and have it saved and ready to upload prior to completing the application below.
Download the LT Application Supplemental
Additional Attachments
As part of the application process, the following are also required:
- Current Resume (limit one page, front and back);
- One personal letter of recommendation (not from a work sponsor);
- Headshot photo (we only accept high-resolution color photos in JPG format); and
- Signed Leadership Tampa Rules of Conduct & Commitment.
Download the LT Rules of Conduct & Commitment
Completing The Application
When your materials are ready, complete the online application. Applications received in any other manner will not be accepted or considered. No additional support materials are permitted.
You will receive an email acknowledgment after your application submission.
Personal Information
This information is helpful to ensure we meet our core value of a diverse class and environment.
Employment Information
Education
Optional
Leadership Training
Work Sponsors
The Leadership Tampa Rules of Conduct & Commitment must be signed by your CEO or your immediate supervisor. If you do not have an immediate supervisor, please explain. It is important your company or organization is aware of your time commitment, including mandatory retreats, the absentee policy as well as the financial obligation and offer full support of the Leadership Tampa nine-month program.
Personal Recommendations
List two people other than your work sponsors who are knowledgeable about your leadership performance and potential. Please upload a letter of recommendation from only one of the persons listed below. Only one letter will be accepted.
Letter of Recommendation
Please upload a letter of recommendation from one of the recommendations listed above. Only one letter will be accepted. Letters from work sponsors may not be submitted.
Headshot
We only accept high-resolution color photos in JPG format.
Resume
Please upload your resume (limit one page, front and back.)
Payment Information
Total Amount Due for Nonrefundable Application Fee: $125.00