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.