Northwest Florida State College Logo

Download PDF Here – Leadership Okaloosa Application

LEADERSHIP OKALOOSA 2025-2026

Summary

Leadership Okaloosa is an esteemed leadership training and development program with a 30 year history of being a vital part of Okaloosa County’s growth and development of its leaders. This 9 month experience is designed to enhance the participant’s leadership skills and provide community awareness. Hosted from September to May, 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 Destin, Crestview, Niceville, Valparaiso, Fort Walton Beach, Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field 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, with the support of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, Destin Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.

Vision Statement

Leadership Okaloosa aims to foster a vibrant Okaloosa County by serving as the nexus for community
leadership development.

Mission Statement

Develop, educate, and connect individuals to lead and bring value to our diverse community. Our role is to
inspire, excite and equip people who will shape a thriving Okaloosa County.

Benefits to the Participant

  • Partake in extensive leadership training and development
  • Network with others in the community
  • Become equipped and motivated to assume leadership roles in the community
  • Interact with community leaders
  • Develop an awareness of the region and its needs
  • Learn aspects of the Legislative process (Tallahassee Legislative Days)

Application Criteria

Applications are accepted through August 25, 2025. The class size ranges from 25-50 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
  • Commit necessary time and effort to complete the Leadership Okaloosa program
  • Represent a cross section of the population
  • Hold high standards of personal integrity
  • Desire to network with others in the community
  • Want to assume leadership roles in a variety of settings

Graduation Requirements and Attendance Policy

Participants must attend a minimum of four of the training classes and community tours and participate in and complete the class project to be eligible for graduation. Legislative Days in Tallahassee (March 25-26 2025) are strongly encouraged but are not mandatory.
Attendance at the Graduation Celebration is also highly encouraged.

Tuition Fee – $1250

The fee includes training materials and instruction, coffee and lunch during training days at NWFSC, hotel,
transportation and some meals during Tallahassee Legislative days, and a graduation celebration for
participants and guests. There will be minimal personal cost to participants on tour dates for lunch or other
miscellaneous fees and estimated amounts will be provided to participants in advance of tour dates.

If you are selected for the program, the preferred tuition due date is August 31, 2025. Payments must be
made no later than October 2, 2025, for participants to continue in the program.

Please make checks payable to NWFSC – Leadership Okaloosa and mail to:
NWFSC
Attn: Leadership Okaloosa
100 College Blvd. E.
Niceville, FL 32578

Notification of acceptance will be sent via email provided on your application.

Orientation and Training Day
September 18, 2025
NWFSC, Building 400, Training Room 302
Leadership Okaloosa 2025-2026 Tentative Schedule

Leadership Okaloosa Tentative Schedule

Sept 18. 2025 Orientation/Training Day (NWFSC)
Oct 16, 2025 Training Day (NWFSC)
Nov 6, 2025 Crestview Chamber Breakfast & City Tour
Dec 2025 Eglin AFB Tour TBA
Jan 14, 2026 Niceville Chamber Breakfast & City Tour
Feb 4, 2026 Community Day w/United Way
Feb 24-26, 2026 Tallahassee Legislative Days
March 6, 2026 Greater FWB Chamber Breakfast & City Tour
April 16, 2026 Training Day (NWFSC)
May 8, 2026 Destin Chamber Breakfast & City Tour
May 2026 (Date TBD) Graduation