Leadership Manatee Announces 2025–2026 Class Members

The Board of Governors of Leadership Manatee is proud to announce the selection of the 2025–2026 Leadership Manatee Class. A program of the Manatee Chamber Foundation in partnership with Bradenton Kiwanis, Leadership Manatee has served as the region’s premier leadership development program since 1982.

Now entering its 42nd year, the program is designed to identify and cultivate a diverse group of emerging and established leaders, exposing them to the challenges and opportunities that shape life in Manatee County. With more than 1,400 graduates, Leadership Manatee has a long-standing legacy of inspiring civic engagement and community stewardship.

Class members participate in a series of immersive, full-day sessions throughout the program year, gaining in-depth knowledge across sectors such as education, local government, healthcare, agriculture, business, transportation, law enforcement, and more. The program helps develop leadership skills while encouraging participants to take an active role in shaping the future of our community.

Participants are selected through a competitive application process. A key criterion for acceptance is a demonstrated commitment to community involvement and the potential for long-term impact.

Congratulations to the 2025–2026 Leadership Manatee Class:

• Andi Adams, Oysters Rock Hospitality

• John Agnelli, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

• Lisa Bell, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

• Michael Bragano, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC

• James Cardwell II, Turning Points

• Dan Carroll, Pittsburgh Pirates

• Jamara Clark, School District of Manatee County

• Jessica Crawford, Esposito Law Group, P.A.

• Amariah Dawes, Johnson Messal Bristow PLLC

• Zachary Earles, Express Employment Professionals

• Ivy Edme Etienne, Bank OZK

• Alex Emrich, Bradenton Police Department

• Adriana Garcia, IMG Academy

• Stephanie Garrison, Manatee County Government – Government Relations

• April Green, Duncan Real Estate, Inc.

• Beronica Johnson, Avenue941

• Brad Johnson, Manatee County Sheriff's Office

• Aarti Lalwani, MCR Health

• Rachel Layton, Manatee County Government – Development Services

• Chris Lepper, Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

• Yanet Lopez, Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation

• Kate Massey, IMG Academy Foundation

• Melissa McLin, Blue Collar Roofing

• Brian Miller, SouthState Bank

• Cara Misiewicz, United States House of Representatives

• Kaveecia Moore, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity

• Matt Myers, Manatee County Government – Emergency Management

• Trish Rand, State College of Florida – Academic & Faculty Affairs

• Katie Reeves, Pace Center for Girls

• Ben Rigney, West Manatee Fire and Rescue District

• Juan Pablo Salas, UnidosNow

• Crystal Scherer, Manatee County Government – Sports & Leisure

• Mac Schmitz, Manatee Community Foundation

• Kalee Shaberts, Town of Longboat Key

• Dannie Sherrill, Sherrill Wealth Management

• Brian Slator, Fawley Bryant Architecture

• John Taylor, Ralph Taylor’s Nurseries

• Josh Tomlinson, McIntyre Elwell & Strammer General Contractors, Inc.

• Jordan Touro, NDC Construction Company

• Danielle Vieira, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota

• Reese Vita, The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley

• Edyta Votour, The Bank of Tampa

• Christina Witt, CareerSource Suncoast

• Dan Yonko, Manatee Chamber of Commerce

• Haley Yursky-Fischer, State College of Florida – Student CARE Services

The 2025–2026 program will begin on Monday, August 25, and culminate with a graduation celebration on the evening of Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Leadership Manatee program is made possible thanks to the generous support of our 2025–2026 program sponsors:
HCA Florida Blake Hospital, Leadership Manatee Alumni Association, Mauldin & Jenkins, Tropicana Products, and Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Their commitment to leadership development and community investment plays a vital role in the success of this program.

About the Manatee Chamber of Commerce

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce, a nationally recognized chamber of commerce with more than 2,100 member businesses and organizations representing over 75,000 employees, has offices in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch to serve the greater Manatee County area. Its mission is to build a positive business environment while enhancing the community's quality of life.