Leadership Okaloosa
Leadership Okaloosa is an esteemed leadership training and development program with a 21 year history of being a vital part of Okaloosa County's growth and development of its leaders. This 10 month experience is designed to enhance the participant's leadership skills and provide community awareness.
Hosted from September to June, participants receive classroom training by certified instructors and are given opportunities to interact with various key community leaders throughout the process. Tours of key areas such as the Destin Harbor, Crestview, Niceville, Valparaiso, downtown Fort Walton Beach, Eglin Air Force Base, and Legislative Days in Tallahassee provide participants with a better understanding of the community. Additionally, each participant takes part in a group project to benefit the community while focusing on project management, time management and team building skills.
Another important aspect of Leadership Okaloosa is the networking relationships forged that lead to long lasting personal and professional relationships. Leadership Okaloosa is hosted by the Northwest Florida State College Leadership Institute with the support of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.
Leadership Okaloosa is hosted by the Northwest Florida State College Leadership Institute, supported by the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.
See the 2010 Leadership Okaloosa Graduation Press Release.
Benefits to the Participant:
- Learn leadership training and development
- Network with others in the community
- Be equipped and motivated to assume leadership roles in the community
- Interact with community leaders
- Develop an awareness of the region and its needs
- Awareness of the Legislative process (Tallahassee Legislative Days)
Application Criteria
Applications are accepted May 2 through July 15, 2011. The class size ranges from 25-45 participants. Leadership Okaloosa seeks participants who:
- Demonstrate leadership qualities in their job
- Participate in the community and desire to better our community through active leadership
- Commitment of necessary time and effort to complete Leadership Okaloosa
- Represent a cross section of the population
- Hold high standards of personal integrity
- Desire to network with others in the community
- Equipped and motivated to assume leadership roles in a variety of settings
Nominations are accepted May 2 - July 15, 2011. Each applicant will be notified of their status by August 12, 2011. Download an application today!
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Tuition Fee - $850
The fee includes leadership development training, Effective Leadership book and materials, coffee
and lunch during monthly training classes, graduation celebration for participant and a guest to
attend, and Tallahassee Legislative Days transportation and dinner (lunches and hotel room not
covered by tuition fee, but a group rate will be secured for the hotel).
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Schedule
Classes are currently scheduled for 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tour days are held from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Classes will be held at the Northwest Florida State College Niceville campus in Building K; or the Learning Resources Center; or the Leadership Institute.
| Schedule | Event |
| September 27, 2011 | Orientation and Training Day |
| October 7, 2011 | Eglin Air Force Base Tour |
| October 25, 2011 | Training Day |
| November 15, 2011 | Training Day |
| December 13, 2011 | Training Day |
| January 11, 2012 | Crestview Tour |
| February 1 & 2, 2012 | Tallahassee Legislative Days |
| February 28, 2012 | Training Day |
| March 14, 2012 | Fort Walton Beach Tour |
| March 27, 2012 | Training Day |
| April 24, 2012 | Training Day & Niceville & Valparaiso Tour |
| May 9, 2012 | Destin Tour |
| May 29, 2012 | Training Day |
| June 5, 2012 | Graduation Celebration |
NOTE: This is a tentative schedule and is subject to change.
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