Thank you to our tremendous Annual Sponsors
Leadership Tampa Alumni
2023 Annual Review
As we review 2023, I find myself contemplating the achievements of Leadership Tampa Alumni (LTA) throughout the year. In our second official year of promoting LTA as a platform to gain new insights, grow their working relationships and give back summed up as "Gain, Grow, and Give"—our LTA Cabinet took this mission seriously. We endeavored to enhance our efforts in each of these areas, while also preserving the distinctive events that make LTA exceptional.
Our focus at the outset of the year was on further aligning with the Chamber's vision, incorporating a spotlight on the catalyst pillar. This involved co-planning significant events such as the City Council debates and our Chair's Choice event, "Unveiling the Campaign Experience." Both events resonated with our members, leading to the reconnection with several longtime participants. Alongside these, we continued our longstanding traditions, including Spring Fling, Reunion, and the Holiday Party.
A noteworthy highlight for this year was the success of the LT Recruitment committee, which formally presented our strategic plan for recruiting future leaders into Leadership Tampa. I encourage you to review the plan and consider potential applicants for LT 2025.
Among the most fulfilling aspects of our role as the LTA Cabinet this year was the opportunity to serve our members. It has been invaluable to receive feedback from many of you about your current involvement, desired participation, and suggestions for enhancing our program's effectiveness. Please continue sharing your thoughts into 2024; we genuinely want to hear from you and remain impactful in our engagement. Thank you for your membership, and if you're eager to deepen your involvement with LTA, take advantage of joining one of our six committees, where your contributions can have the greatest impact on our organization.
Sincerely,
Jeff Chernoff
2023 Leadership Tampa Alumni Chair
Thank you for your continued support of the Leadership Tampa Alumni program. The events of the past two years have shown us more than ever the importance of working together on our collective good. As graduates of the third-oldest leadership program in the country, you already knew this better than most others around you. LTA has a long roster of outstanding members and a long-standing commitment of positively impacting our community no matter the difficulty. What makes LTA unique is the common bond of participating in a strong, experienced leadership program that evolves each year and remains cutting edge on topics relevant to our region.
This important committee of the Tampa Bay Chamber is integral to our mission “to serve our members and enhance our community by building business success.” Strong leadership is the key to a diverse, inclusive, and strengthened community. Leadership Tampa, and by extension LTA, is an important vehicle to develop that leadership. As part of the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Vision 2026 Plan, Leadership Tampa Alumni will ensure volunteer and professional leaders are skilled at affecting community change, producing catalytic leaders, and leveraging its broad-based sphere of influence.
LTA has played an increasing role in making the vision plan a success. I thank you for your efforts to embrace the Vision 2026 Plan. Your support is critical for the continued success of the plan. Your participation and enthusiasm make a big difference in our community.
Thank you for your membership and your commitment to our community. Our future is not guaranteed to be smooth every year, but we are committed to work together to be resilient and make each year count for our region.
Sincerely
Bob Rohrlack, DBA, CCE
President and CEO
Chair /
Parke Wright III Chair
Vice Chair / Park Wright III Chair
Parke Wright III Vice Chair
Parke Wright III Committee Member
Past Chair
LT'23 Chair
LT'24 Chair
Marketing Co-Chair
Marketing Co-Chair
Community Outreach Chair
Community Outreach Vice Chair
Programs Chair
Programs Vice Chair
Sponsorship Chair
Sponsorship Vice Chair
Membership Chair
Membership Vice Chair
Recruitment Chair
Recruitment Vice Chair
Past Chairs
2025 – Grace Maseda-Sainz (LT ’19)
2024 – Wendy Ross (LT’14)
2023 – Jeff Chernoff (LT’16)
2022 – Crystal Lauderdale (LT’15)
2021 – Luis Martinez-Monfort (LT’15)
2020 – Amanda Uliano (LT’13)
2019 – Michael Blasco (LT’12)
2018 – Jill Manthey (LT’10)
2017 – Christine Turner (LT’07)
2016 – Reid Haney (LT’96)
2015 – Misha Hart (LT’07)
2014 – Troy Atlas (LT’07)
2013 – Randi Widdon (LT’07) / Renee Vaughn (LT’93) & Dianne Jacob (LT’92)
2012 – Renee Vaughn (LT’93)
2011 – Mark Segel (LT’05)
2010 – Eric Bailey (LT’04)
2009 – William Arnold (LT’04)
2008 – John Moors (LT’01)
2007 – Brenda Geoghagan (LT’98)
2006 – Colleen Chappell (LT’99)
2005 – David Stefany (LT’95)
2004 – Paddy Moses (LT’88)
2003 – Susan Welsh (LT ’92)
2002 – Dianne Jacob (LT ’92)
2001 – Paul Catoe (LT ’92)
2000 – John Timmel (LT ’91)
1999 – Gregory Yadley (LT ’88)
1998 – Emeline Acton (LT ’88)
1997 – Henry Woodroffe (LT ’90)
1996 – Susan Lang (LT ’93)
1995 – David Hooks (LT ’90)
1994 – Pat Bowers Holt (LT ’88)
1993 – Mike Urette (LT ’71)
1992 – Robert Rasmussen (LT ’84)
Leadership Tampa Alumni (LTA) connects the strength and talent of established leaders working across industries who have graduated from the Leadership Tampa program and are committed to nurturing an engaged, inclusive and prosperous community.
The connection among LTA members begins with the shared experience of Leadership Tampa, one of the nation’s longest-standing leadership programs. Through this immersive experience, participants get behind-the-scenes exposure to the industries shaping Tampa Bay. Graduates emerge with deep insights, meaningful connections and an opportunity for ongoing influence and impact as a member of Leadership Tampa Alumni.
LTA’s more than 550 members and growing include some of Tampa Bay’s top officials, business executives and owners, university and college presidents, non-profit leaders, philanthropists, subject-matter experts and more. Throughout the year, these leaders come together to continuously gain new insights, grow meaningful relationships and give back to the community we all love and share.
Our community keeps growing and evolving, so there is a continual need to understand issues, organizations and people who are impacting the Tampa Bay area. LTA provides alumni with multiple opportunities throughout the year to gain new insights on important and relevant topics that have a both short-term and long-term impact.
LTA Chair’s Choice
The LTA Chair’s Choice event journeyed into the fascinating world of politics. Attendees were able to engage with the minds behind successful campaigns and elections. Sandy Murman, former State House Representative and former Hillsborough County Commissioner; and Sean Shaw, former State House Representative and former Democratic Nominee for Attorney General painted a clear picture of the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned as a political candidate, and inspired attendees to consider throwing their hat in the ring in the future.
LTA Behind the Scenes
LTA members were able to relive the fun of a program day while gaining new insights about our community. Attendees had an incredible experience at the courthouse learning about Tampa’s judicial system from some of the best in the business. Special thanks to Tammy Spratling LT’14, Sheriff Chad Chronister, Robert Blount, President, Abe Brown Ministry LT’09, Public Defender Julianne M. Holt, The Honorable Mark Kiser LT’14, State Attorney Susan Lopez LT’20 and The Honorable Thomas Palermo LT’22 for a memorable day.
Connect with Coffee and LTA Connect
LTA hosted four morning and evening networking events exclusively for members in 2023. Attendees were able to learn about a local business and enjoy some valuable networking time. Thank you to Rapid7, Hampton Chocolate Factory, Willa’s and Tampa Bay Wave for hosting these events.
Relationships are vital to our professional success, personal growth, and life fulfillment. For over 52 years, Leadership Tampa has provided leaders in our community with the opportunity to grow their network and make new friends. It starts with your class year, but making new connections continues each year through LTA membership.
Annual Meeting
Our Annual Meeting, sponsored by Baker Barrios Architects, Inc. and The University of Tampa. Members attended at the start of the year to reconnect as we passed the torch from 2022 LTA Cabinet Chair Crystal Lauderdale (LT ‘15) to Jeff Chernoff (LT ‘16). Together, we also celebrated exceptional leadership by announcing our newest Parke Wright III Award recipient, Mike Griffin (LT’04).
Spring Fling
We took a walk on the wild side at ZooTampa at Spring Fling. Prospective Leadership Tampa candidates were able to learn about the LT program and mix and mingle with current Leadership Tampa Alumni.
Welcome Reception
The Leadership Tampa Class of 2023 was welcomed by LTA alumni before their graduation at the Rusty Pelican. The event provided new graduates with one of their first opportunities to network with alumni and learn about Gain, Grow, and Give opportunities through LTA.
Flamingle (LTA Reunion)
The 2023 LTA Reunion was a “Flamazing” time at the “Flamingle”. LTA alumni donned pink and showed off flamingo patterns and feathers at the Hotel Haya in Ybor City. Attendees enjoyed great food and tasty beverages while reconnecting with classmates and growing their network.
Top Golf
Who doesn’t like a little friendly competition? LTA alumni met up at Top Golf in October to enjoy some beautiful weather together and show off their long drive skills.
Holiday Party
We gathered at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel on a cool winter evening for the “Holiday Sparkle Celebration” to connect with old friends, make new ones, and celebrate the season in style.
As leaders, we have the responsibility to use our talents, treasure, and influence to make our community a better place to live, work, and play. It starts during your class year with your class project. It continues through LTA with numerous opportunities through the year to give back to the community we all love and share.
Girl Scouts/Camp Wai Lani
LTA joined forces with Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay to “Give”. LTA members traveled to Camp Wai Lani in Palm Harbor to help the Girl Scouts prep the camp to host hundreds of Girl Scouts in the summer.
Junior Achievement
LTA members gave their time and shared some life skills with the next generation by volunteering at Junior Achievement. Members were placed in a “business” with 8th grade students from Progress Village Middle School where they helped the students create a budget and shop for their life scenario.
2023 Parke Wright Leadership Award
Barbara Tripp
Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp has been recognized by the Leadership Tampa Alumni association with its prestigious Parke Wright III Award. The Tampa Bay Chamber’s LTA surprised Chief Tripp during its 2023 Annual Meeting today at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC.
In the audience with LTA members were colleagues and family members who stayed out-of-sight until the big moment. “She’s my role model! I can’t fully express just how proud I am,” said Greg Tripp, the fire chief’s son.
Tripp is Tampa Fire Rescue’s first female fire chief and one of only 13 Black, female fire chiefs in the nation. The Tampa native and military veteran began her career as a firefighter in 1997, after returning home from her tenure in the Navy. She has served in practically every aspect of the fire department, rising through the ranks as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Paramedic Field Training Officer, Lieutenant, Captain, Rescue Division Chief and interim fire chief. In 2021, she became the 22nd Fire Chief in the history of the department, after a rare, unanimous vote by the Tampa City Council.
Among the first things she did after being sworn in was schedule shifts to work in every firehouse. “She would be at the fire station until 10 o’clock at night working,” said La Mecha Tripp, her daughter-in-law. “The guys at the firehouse would come up to her and say, ‘Chief you still here?’ You need to go home and get some rest.’” State Attorney Suzy Lopez added “Her colleagues know she is one of them. She’s not going to ask them to do anything she wouldn’t do herself. She’s quite an amazing woman.”
An avid learner and strong education advocate, the Fire Academy at Hillsborough Community College was not her last stop in academia. Chief Tripp also earned degrees in Emergency Management from HCC, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Petersburg College. As a Registered Nurse, she served 14 years at Tampa General Hospital in the Emergency Room and in Ambulatory Services.
This award, named after Leadership Tampa founder Parke Wright III, is now in its 20th year. It is presented annually to an LTA member demonstrating exceptional leadership and making a significant difference in the region. Tripp is a graduate of Leadership Tampa’s Class of 2020. In a touching moment adding to the surprise, the son of the legendary Parke Wright III was the one who presented the award to the Chief.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor described her as a leader whose generosity, community involvement and strength of character make her “highly deserving of receiving this prestigious recognition” and added “Fire Chief Barbara Tripp embodies strength of character engulfed in humility; steadfast leadership propelled by a deep appreciation for her East Tampa roots. Despite being the first female and first woman of color to be named Fire Chief, the legacy Chief Tripp strives for is one of honorable leadership provided by someone who happened to be a female of color.”
Parke Wright III Award Recipients
- 2022 – Mike Griffin (LT '04)
- 2021 – Troy Manthey (LT '03)
- 2020 – Ronald Christaldi (LT ’03)
- 2019 – Dr. Chloe Coney (LT ’02)
- 2018 – Mark House (LT ‘98)
- 2017 – Robin DeLaVergne (LT ‘84)
- 2016 – Jane Castor (LT ‘00)
- 2015 – John A. Brabson (LT ‘77)
- 2014 – Renee Vaughn (LT ‘93)
- 2013 – Captain John C. Timmel (LT ‘91)
- 2012 – Ann McKeel Ross (LT ‘82)
- 2011 – George Howell (LT ‘99)
- 2010 – Jose Valiente (LT ‘98)
- 2009 – Dianne Jacob (LT ‘92)
- 2008 – Deanne D. Roberts (LT ‘92)
- 2007 – Chase Stockon (LT ‘99)
- 2006 – Paul Catoe (LT ‘92)
- 2005 – Dottie Berger-Mackinnon (LT ‘87)
- 2004 – Gregory C. Yadley (LT ‘88)
- 2003 – Major Elaine White (LT ‘00)
- 2002 – Rhea Law (LT ‘91)