Congratulations to the 2016 Graduates of Gulf Coast Leadership Institute!

The Gulf Coast Leadership Institute graduated 26 community leaders last week! The program - which is now in its ninth year and was preceded by two years of the North Port Leadership Institute — has provided training for 270 leaders from across our region.

From April to June, the 2016 class participated in comprehensive leadership training led by faculty from the University of Georiga’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. In an effort to continue to develop and connect a diverse network of skilled, proactive leaders in our region, Gulf Coast Community Foundation created and funds the Gulf Coast Leadership Institute.

(View photos here from the June 24 graduation session)

“Leadership is a vital element of building a strong community,” said Jon Thaxton, Senior Vice President for Community Investment at Gulf Coast. “This year’s class brought together diverse personalities who developed a deep connection while enhancing their individual skills. We look forward to seeing their leadership and talent continue to benefit our region.”

The 2016 graduating class of Gulf Coast Leadership Institute includes:

Stacy Alexander, Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Communications, Mote Marine Laboratory

Janet Buley, Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors

Lee Hayes Byron, Sustainability Manager, Sarasota County

Roger Capote, Director of Events, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Nikki Curran, Owner, Hitched and Honey, and Community Outreach Director, Mattison’s Restaurants and Catering

Patrick Duggan, Senior Assistant General Counsel, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office

Stephen Fancher, Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch

Michael Fear, Customer Service/Outreach Coordinator, City of North Port

Alexander Floethe, Managing Partner, S’macks Burgers & Shakes

Megan Greenberg, Owner, semisweetness

Lauren Hersh, Director of Donor Engagement, Sarasota Orchestra

Carrie Hussey, Executive Director, United Way of Charlotte County

Daniela Koci, President/CEO, Loveland Center

Lee Kotwicki, Director of Workforce Solutions, State College of Florida

Richard C. Lawrence, Shareholder, Williams Parker – Attorneys at Law

Sheila Lee, Commercial Assistant, Stonegate Bank

Edward Lin, Founder and CEO, HealO Medical, LLC

Cornelle Maxfield, Finance Analyst, Tropicana Products

Silvanna Medina, Banking Center Manager, Sabadell Bank & Trust

William L. Mehserle Jr., Partner, Financial Advisor, Pinkerton Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Pete Petersen, CEO, Dealers United

Tom Rees, Project Manager, Halfacre Construction Company

Kelly Romanoff, Projects Manager, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

Chris Sharek, President, Sharek Solutions

Rob Weiss, Financial Advisor, First Vice President, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Brenna Wilhm, Director of Education, Embracing Our Differences