Events & News

Leadership Programs

We are excited to support our dedicated staff in applying to the many leadership programs throughout the Tampa Bay region. At our university, we believe in cultivating the next generation of leaders who will drive our institution to new heights of success. These leadership programs are designed to build your skills and knowledge, empowering you to make a significant impact within our community.

By participating in these programs, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Enhance your leadership capabilities through comprehensive training and development.
  • Collaborate with peers and mentors to gain valuable insights and experiences.
  • Contribute to the strategic vision and growth of our university.

We are committed to supporting your professional growth and helping you achieve your full potential. Apply now and take the first step towards becoming a leader who will shape the future of our university.

If you are a full-time USF employee interested in a program listed below, please compete the USF application here.

Deadlines for application submission:

  • All Programs: March 1
  • Leadership Florida: June 1

Please be sure to have the following items prepared for the application:

  • List of professional awards or honors
  • Two profession references
  • Current resume (Word or PDF)
  • Professional heashot (JPG or PNG)
  • Essay questions (250 word max for each question)
    • Describe leadership roles and/or activities you have engaged in within USF.
    • Describe leadership roles and/or activities you have engaged in your community.
    • What are your most important professional accomplishments and why?
    • What is one community issue you would like to address and how might you use this program to develop a project to address that issue?
    • How might your participation be mutually beneficial to your growth and participation and to USF?
  • A prepared statement from your supervisor that they will commit to allowing time off to attend program sessions and they will support all program costs as required by host institution. (Word or PDF)

Leadership Hillsborough

Established in 1989, Leadership Hillsborough has been at the forefront of providing developmental opportunities to Hillsborough County professionals who seeks to grow as leaders and expand their knowledge. Led by a dedicated team of volunteer Board of Directors, our nonprofit organization serves as a catalyst for unifying all sectors across Hillsborough County.

The program runs September through June. It requires a commitment of at least one full day per month in addition to an overnight Opening Retreat and a Mid-Year Retreat. Monthly topics vary each year based on community issues. Past seminar days explored the following: Law & Order, Social Services, Education, Arts & Culture, Emergency Services, Sports & Entertainment, MacDill Air Force Base, Health, Transportation, Environmental, and Government & Communications.

Leadership Tampa

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. The program runs from August through May and 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 (September) and a Tallahassee Retreat (March).

Leadership Pinellas

The Leadership Pinellas program is launched with a class orientation retreat, which challenges and motivates participants for the program year. The year is comprised of nine monthly program days and a three day trip to Tallahassee during legislative session. Five of the program days are topic-based and four are region-based.

The topic-based days include Pinellas County History, Human Services, Health, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Services. To fully understand and appreciate each of these topics, seeing the whole picture is critical. On the other hand, the region-based days highlight Education, Government & Infrastructure, Business & Technology, Environment & Tourism, and Arts & Culture in a way that allows you to see the uniqueness of different areas of the county. The region-based days include North Pinellas, Clearwater, Mid-Pinellas, and St. Petersburg.

Leadership Sarasota

Leadership Sarasota, a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, offers an opportunity for those enthusiastic about and interested in the leadership and welfare of our community to go behind the scenes and see “how things work”.  It is a chance to meet new people, make solid life-long friendships, and experience networking opportunities that might not otherwise be available. 

​It is about growth – growth in leadership and teamwork skills, and growth in both personal and professional self.  Interactions and face-to-face discussions with community leaders, stimulate creative thinking and encourage class members to become more involved.  The class adopts a class project leaving a lasting impact in the community.

Leadership Tampa Bay

The Leadership Tampa Bay class year begins in September and runs through May. Each year, the Board of Directors organizes 11 class days that focus on regional issues and opportunities. The agenda for each day consists of panel discussions with business civic and government leaders, questions and answer sessions, and facility tours. In addition, each class member participates in both an opening and closing retreat and a two-day Tallahassee Trip.

Leadership Florida

The Leadership Florida Class Programs run from September through May and are up to 5 sessions each.  Attendance at all sessions is required. 

Which Leadership Florida Class Program is the right one for you?

  • Applicants must be 40 years of age or older to be eligible for the Cornerstone Class Program.
  • Applicants aged 25-39 are eligible for the Connect Class Program.
  • There are no age requirements for the Education Class Program.

The specified age is as of September 1 for the upcoming class year.  For example, for the 2024-2025 Program Year, the specified date is September 1, 2024.