About Leadership Monroe County
"A few board members from LMC went to the county commission meeting on June 15, 2011 to receive a proclamation speaking to the success and achievements of the program. As it turns out, what spoke even louder about the success of the program was the fact that there were already twice as many alumni there, unrelated to the proclamation, to conduct the business of leading our community." - Manny Madruga, LMC Board President
In the picture above of LMC alumni in attendance at the June BOCC meeting, including the County Mayor and several commissioners. Front row: Greg Sullivan, Deb Gillis, Kim Wiggington, David Rice, Heather Carruthers, Lynn Goodwin, Manny Madruga, Sylvia Murphy, Debbie Frederick, Dr. Robin Lockwood. Back row: Bob Schillinger, Ray Rhash, Judy Hull, Keith Harris, Kim Works, Mike Puto, Roman Gestasi, George Neugent, Suzanne Hutton
PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL SPECIAL 20TH ANNIVERSARY PROCLAMATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AT THE JUNE KEY WEST AND MARATHON CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS IN THE "NEWS" LINK
Leadership Monroe County's MISSION:
Leadership Monroe County Florida's mission is building relationships for constructive alliances among Florida Keys leaders.
Vision
Leadership Monroe County Florida's vision is to be the trustee of effective community leadership in the Florida Keys.
Goals
The long-term goals of the program are to develop strong, dedicated leadership working for a sense of community throughout Monroe County. Toward that end, Leadership Monroe County seeks to:
- Identify today's and tomorrow's leaders who are committed to the long-term future of the County, from all segments of the community
- Introduce participants to the problems, challenges and opportunities in the County and the resources available to address them
- Create a network among graduates and other community leaders to foster future communication and cooperation
Who We Are
What is Leadership Monroe County?
Monroe County's rapidly changing needs and concerns make it necessary that a group of strong leaders guide the community in a positive direction. So that our leaders are well educated about their community, the Key West Chamber of Commerce developed Leadership Monroe County in 1992.
The program is aimed at community residents who are active in leadership roles in the private sector, government, or community organizations. Through a series of one- and two-day sessions, participants examine fundamental segments of our local community and gather information to help them make quality leadership decisions. All sessions bring together the key government and private sector leaders of the county in a seminar and group discussion format.
Graduates become part of Leadership Monroe County's alumni organization, dedicated to furthering cooperation and community well-being between local leaders. The alumni network offers an ideal framework for pursuing individual and community goals and business objectives. Program planning and administration are overseen by an alumni board of directors.
Who Can Participate?
The program seeks those who are dynamic, informed leaders committed to the good of the community. Applicants must:
- Be leaders within their business or organization with a potential for advancement to other leadership positions
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to serve the community through participation in volunteer organizations
- Have lived or worked in Monroe County for at least one year and be a Monroe County registered voter
- Be seriously committed to live in Monroe County for the foreseeable future
- Be able to participate in the seven one- and two-day monthly sessions
2011-2012 Board of Directors Photo
Left to Right: Lynn Goodman, Kim Works, Mike Puto, JB Hunt, Jodi Weinhofer, Ray Rhash (Treasurer), Keith Bland, Dianne Weitz, Jason Koler (Vice President), Audra Hill, Michael Shields, Manny Madruga, (President), Sarah Cizmas.
Not Pictured: Lou Caputo, Keith Harris, Holly Merrill-Raschein
A Message from our President
"Success comes when preparation meets opportunity. It is our mission at Leadership Monroe County to provide our class members with a significant knowledge base of the unique challenges and resources of our community. We provide the opportunity to learn from current leaders, and create lasting bonds with the leaders of tomorrow. John F. Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensible to each other.” We are committed to providing a learning experience that is unrivaled in Monroe County. You will experience an environment that is energetic, informative and interactive. From an airboat in the Everglades to the tarmac of a military base you will receive hands on exposure. Our sessions mirror the critical issues of our time and constantly evolve to stay current and relevant. Our speakers are the authorities in their fields. Elected officials, leaders of business, and icons of our community contribute to produce a proven program with longstanding success. Come experience the program that sets the mark for excellence in connecting and forging our county leaders. Leadership Monroe County, a lasting tradition."
Manny Madruga (LMC Class XVI)
President, LMC Board of Directors, Chief Assistant State Attorney
Class XVIII
(standing left, bottom to top): Greg Wheeler, Don Fanelli, Michael Mayer
(standing right, top to bottom): Rick Ramsay, Cale Smith, Keith Bland
(seated - top row to bottom row):
Roman Gastesi, Lou Caputo (former board chair), Robby Majeska, Norman Anderson, Jim Reynolds, Alison Higgins, Candy Fincke, Judy Hull, Michele Beach, Neal Carbaugh, Yesenia Ramirez, David Grego, Wendy Coles, Ginger Snead, Sara Hamilton, Brenda Pierce, Stephanie Scuderi,
Ani Madruga, Mary Schmidt
(not pictured): Chris Gratton