Since 1970, Leadership Tampa has introduced its class members to major facets of the Tampa Bay community through an intensive professional development course to challenge members to see their community as they never have before.
Founded by the Tampa Bay Chamber, 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. Topics include first responders, education, tourism, military, economic development, and the arts, just to name a few! In addition, the class participates in an Opening Retreat and a Tallahassee Retreat.
Class members participate in a “behind-the-scenes” look of Tampa Bay and take part in experiences including ride alongs, teacher shadowing days, and other activities that provide an in depth look at Tampa Bay, challenging them to GIVE back and GROW their community.
Leadership Tampa is the nation’s third oldest leadership program of its kind. The legacy program was the brainchild of Parke Wright III more than 50 years ago. Then Chair of the Chamber, he was on a small boat with colleagues examining pollution in the northeastern corner of Tampa Bay when the game-changing idea was born.
“They all set out on a small boat when there was sewage being released in McKay Bay,” explained his son Parke Wright IV. “While out in the middle of McKay Bay someone asked ‘What if we sink?! Who’s going to carry on the leadership of our community?’ Well, the answer is right here. Leadership Tampa!” Since its founding in 1970 more than 2,500 members have graduated, empowering generations of leaders to benefit the entire region.
Leadership Tampa is part of the Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation.
3rd
Oldest Leadership Program in the US
54
Classes Graduated
2,800+
Graduates
Leadership Tampa
Qualifications
Application Criteria
- Your organization must be a Tampa Bay Chamber member.
- You must live or work in the Tampa Bay area to apply.
- Preferred candidates hold administrative or supervisory leadership roles within a business or organization, including senior executives, and established entrepreneurs or business owners.
- Applicants must have full endorsement of their organization, including approval of all required time and financial commitments associated with the program.
- Only one applicant per organization may be considered during each application cycle.
- All applicants are required to participate in a personal interview as part of the selection process.
- Attendance at an official Leadership Tampa informational session is required prior to application submission.
- Applications must be complete at the time of submission; incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered.
Tuition
Tuition cost is $5,000 and limited scholarship opportunities are available. The scholarship application must be completed at the same time as your Leadership Tampa application.
Apply for the Leadership Tampa Scholarship!
Processing Fee
A non-refundable processing fee of $125 is required with all applications and must be submitted with the application. The processing fee is payable via credit card only.
Applications
The application period for Leadership Tampa Class 2027 opens March 10-April 30, 2026.
Leadership Qualities
The Selection Committee looks for potential participants who demonstrate:
- Representation from across industries, career stages, and professional experiences within the Tampa Bay region
- Experience in organizational leadership roles with decision-making authority, including executive, senior management, and business ownership positions
- Strong dedication to the advancement and well-being of the Tampa Bay region
- Leadership responsibility with the ability to influence decision-making, policy, or organizational outcomes
- Ongoing involvement in volunteer or civic efforts with measurable community influence
- Availability to meet the full participation and attendance expectations of the program
| August 12, 2026 | Kick Off, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM |
| August 27-28, 2026 | Opening Retreat |
| September 23, 2026 | Program 1 |
| October 7, 2026 | Program 2 |
| October 21, 2026 | Program 3 |
| November 4, 2026 | Program 4 |
| November 18, 2026 | Program 5 |
| December 2, 2026 | Program 6 |
| December 9, 2026 | Holiday Party, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| January 6, 2027 | Program 7 |
| January 20, 2027 | Program 8 |
| January 27, 2027 | Program Make Up Day |
| February 3, 2027 | Program 9 |
| February 17, 2027 | Program 10 |
| February 24, 2027 | Program Make Up Day |
| March 3, 2027 | Program 11 |
| March 24-25, 2027 | Tallahassee Retreat |
| April 7, 2027 | Program 12 |
| April 21, 2027 | Program 13 |
| May 5, 2027 | Closing Retreat and Graduation |
Dates are subject to change. Programs are all day sessions (7:00 AM – 5:30 PM), unless otherwise noted. Program topics confirmed prior to the class announcement.
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