The counties around Tampa Bay are inextricably bound by geography and culture. While each municipality in the Tampa Bay region has its own priorities, concerns, challenges and opportunities, local decisions affect the region as a whole—for better or worse.

Transportation, economic growth, education, the environment, water, human services and good government cannot be separated by bridges, bays and political boundaries. We are a region; an important part of Florida whose prosperity and vitality can be best promoted when viewed and guided as a region by enlightened leadership throughout Tampa Bay.

That’s what Leadership Tampa Bay is all about.

Leadership Tampa Bay is a non-partisan, non-special interest forum for regional progress. Our goal is to enhance awareness, education and knowledge of major regional issues through learning experiences and discussion.

The program brings together a diverse group of professionals to delve into issues facing our area and explore ways to bridge our differences. With a better understanding of regional challenges and opportunities, Leadership Tampa Bay graduates are poised to seek and affect solutions that benefit the entire Tampa Bay community.

The quality of Leadership Tampa Bay’s program is reflected by the quality of our graduates. Our alumni roster includes upper management of top corporations, local government leaders, entrepreneurs, community leaders and more—all demonstrating a dedication to serving the Tampa Bay area.

Participants in Leadership Tampa Bay represent a cross-section of the region, both geographically and professionally. The program is open to graduates of local leadership programs, and there are also several at-large positions.

If you have a passion for regional progress, a commitment to the Tampa Bay community and want to take a leadership role in solutions for Tampa Bay, then Leadership Tampa Bay is for you. Applications are available on this site by clicking on "Programs-Classes" and scrolling down to "Applications." To learn more, call our executive director, Alice Bessette at 813-486-8917.

Leadership Tampa Bay is a non-profit organization that is governed by an independent board of directors who live and work in various parts of the Tampa Bay region. It is funded through tuition and sponsorships, and 100 percent of monies go toward programs for class members.