Leadership Class of 2026 Journey
Follow the Leadership Class of 2026 as they grow, connect, and make an impact in Indian River County. Stay updated with their journey, events, and experiences throughout the year.
Meet the 2026 Leadership Class
Follow the 2026 Leadership Class Journey
January Session : History
We started at the Chamber of Commerce. There, we learned about our community and the power of leadership.
Next, we explored several local gems. These included the Indian River Historical Society at the Old Train Station. Ruth Stanbridge shared its fascinating history, including how it was moved. We also visited the Historic Vero Beach Theatre and the Indian River Citrus Museum.
After lunch, we toured Riverfront Packing. It is one of Florida’s top grapefruit packing houses and a major exporter.
Then, Jonnie Perry spoke with us at the Gifford Historical Museum. He shared the history of Gifford and the legendary Highwaymen artists.
Finally, we ended the day with a fun happy hour at the 21st Amendment.
February Session : Government
We started the morning at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. We enjoyed coffee, breakfast, and a leadership discussion.
After that, we walked to the Indian River County Courthouse. There, we received a tour and presentation from Ryan Butler, Clerk of the Courts & Comptroller.
Next, we visited the Indian River County Administration Complex. John Titkanich, Mike Zito, and department leaders shared how their teams serve our community.
After lunch (thank you, Chick-fil-A!), we toured the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections Office with Leslie Swan.
Finally, we wrapped up at the Indian River County Emergency Services Department with Erin Reyes. We learned how the county prepares for emergencies and protects the community.
March Session : Environmental
We started the morning at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. We enjoyed coffee, breakfast, and a leadership discussion.
After that, we headed to the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA). There, we enjoyed an inspiring tour and talk with founder and CEO Edie Widder.
Next, we visited Humiston Beach Park. Quintin Bergman from the IRC Coastal Resources Department and Kendra Bergman, CEO of Coastal Connections, shared how their work protects and preserves our local coastline.
After lunch at the Environmental Learning Center (thank you, BigShots!), we heard from Executive Director Barbara Schlitt-Ford. We also had time to explore the campus and learn more about the lagoon ecosystem.
Finally, we wrapped up the day at Jones Pier with Ashley Langwood from the IRC Conservation Department. We learned more about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting our natural resources.
April Session : Education
We began the morning at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. We enjoyed coffee, breakfast, and a welcome session. After that, we heard an inspiring presentation from The Learning Alliance’s Moonshot Moment, led by Marie O’Brien.
Next, we boarded the bus to Saint Edward’s School. Head of School Stuart Hirstein shared insights during a campus tour. The tour highlighted the school’s commitment to academic excellence and student development.
After that, we visited Indian River Charter High School. Barbie Alderman and department heads provided a tour. They also shared how the school fosters innovation, engagement, and student success.
We continued on foot to Indian River State College. There, we had lunch and a presentation from Mueller Campus Director Brittney Gulino. We then toured the campus, including the library. We also learned about resources that support student learning and success.
Finally, we ended the day at Treasure Coast Technical College. Christi Shields, SDIC Director of Career & Technical Education, highlighted the importance of hands-on learning. She also emphasized career readiness through technical training programs.
May Session : Economy
We began the morning at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce with coffee, breakfast, and a presentation from Frank Fink and Katherine Culhane of the Small Business Development Council (SBDC). They shared valuable insight into entrepreneurship, economic growth, and the resources available to support local businesses.
Next, the class visited Piper Aircraft, where Al Guzman and the team provided a behind-the-scenes tour and highlighted the company’s impact on aviation, workforce development, and the local economy.
After lunch at Salvador Deli at Walking Tree Brewery, the class toured the CVS Distribution Center with Joseph Pecoraro and team. Participants learned about large-scale operations, supply chain logistics, and the important role distribution plays in supporting businesses and communities.
The day concluded with a tour of M.A. Ford led by Steve Barrett and team, where the class gained insight into advanced manufacturing, precision tooling, and the importance of skilled workforce development in our region’s economy.
June Session : Health and Wellness
We began the morning at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce with breakfast and a presentation from Carrie Maynard-Lester, CEO of Thrive IRC. She shared Thrive's mission to protect and empower our community from the harmful impacts of substance misuse through prevention, education, and recovery services, helping build a stronger and healthier Indian River County.
Our first stop was Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, where Patrick Faucheux, Director of Nursing, provided an informative tour and shared details about the hospital's ongoing expansion efforts. We toured the Emergency Department and visited the beautifully remodeled Labor and Delivery Unit, gaining a deeper appreciation for the investment being made in patient care and healthcare services for our growing community.
Next, we enjoyed pizza from Vincent’s and heard from VNA Executive Director Lundy Fields about the vital role the Visiting Nurse Association plays in our community and the wide range of services it provides. We also toured the VNA Hospice House, a beautiful and peaceful space designed to provide comfort, dignity, and compassionate care for patients and their families.
The afternoon continued at Treasure Coast Community Health West, where Bobbi Kleinschmidt shared how the organization works to expand access to quality healthcare services throughout our community.
We wrapped up the day back at the Chamber with presentations from Frank Isele, Julie Curtis, and Tara Durden, whose insights reinforced the importance of wellness, prevention, and community partnerships.
July Session : Arts & Culture
We began the morning at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce with breakfast, a leadership activity led by Chamber President Andrea Beam, and presentations from Allison Kaiser, Executive Director of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, and Oscar Sales, Marketing Director of Riverside Theatre. The class learned about the impact of the arts in our community, including the impressive fact that Riverside Theatre is the largest self-producing professional theatre in Florida, producing its own Broadway-quality performances right here in Indian River County.
The class then visited McKee Botanical Garden with Kate for a tour of the gardens, learning about its history, conservation efforts, and role in the community.
After lunch at the Chamber, participants toured the Vero Beach Museum of Art with Deputy Director Suzanne Sields and learned more about the museum’s mission and programming.
The afternoon continued at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild with a behind-the-scenes tour from Ben Earman, Treasurer of the Board, followed by presentations from Jenn Kite, Board Chair of the Vero Beach Film Festival, and Elli Courtney, Executive Director.
The day concluded at Vero Wine Bar and Painted Frog, where owners Maria and David hosted a Paint & Sip experience that allowed the class to connect and enjoy another creative part of our community.
August Session : Public & Social Services
Our Leadership class had another great day of learning and connecting with organizations making a difference throughout Indian River County!
We started the morning at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce with coffee and breakfast, followed by graduation planning and presentations from Sue Reinhart with The ARC of Indian River County and Trevor Loomis with Habitat for Humanity.
From there, our class visited the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office for a tour with Captain Luther before heading to United Against Poverty for lunch and an impactful poverty simulation led by Wendy McDaniel.
The day wrapped up at Senior Resource Association, where Robyn Thompson shared more about the organization and the services they provide to our community.
Get Involved
Interested in joining a future Leadership class?
Learn more about the program and how you can be part of the next class.
Learn more about statewide leadership development through Leadership Florida.
To apply for the 2027 Indian River County Leadership Program contact Hanna Truex
Email hannat@indianriverchamber.com or call 772-567-3491