Established 1984
Leadership Bartow
Growing Community Leaders
Developing Leaders Who Strengthen Our Community
The Chamber’s Leadership Bartow program was established in 1984 to enhance the civic participation of emerging leaders within the greater Bartow area. Every two years, Leadership Bartow selects outstanding individuals to participate in a two-year program focused on developing leadership skills, understanding major issues facing the Bartow area, improving communication among leaders of diverse backgrounds and interests, and motivating voluntary participation in civic activities.
Leadership Bartow is a program of the Bartow Area Chamber Foundation, Inc.
1984
Year established
575+
Program graduates
2 Years
Immersive leadership development
Since its inception, more than 575 individuals have completed Leadership Bartow, acquiring the skills, knowledge, and passion necessary to participate fully in the life of our community. Participants have included corporate executives, entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit managers, and public servants.
These individuals have forged lasting networks essential to creating a vital, positive community for current and future generations. Leadership Bartow continues to renew the pool of talent from which our community draws its future leaders.
Class XXI
September 2025–May 2027
Class XXI is currently underway, and applications are closed. Leadership days are historically held on the second Thursday of the scheduled months, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A class member may miss only one day per year.
Class XXI Leadership
Meet the Class Leadership Team
Chair Shannon Medley
Co-Chair Jayme Jamison
Shannon and Jayme lead Leadership Bartow Class XXI, guiding class members throughout their two-year journey of learning, connection, and community leadership.
Program Schedule
Year 1
- September 17–18, 2025: Mandatory Opening Retreat
- October 9, 2025
- November 13, 2025
- December 11, 2025: Makeup day if needed; Alumni Social at Mulligans, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
- January 15, 2026
- February 11–12, 2026: Tallahassee
- March 12, 2026
- April 9, 2026
- May 14, 2026
- June–August 2026: Summer Break
Year 2
- September 10, 2026: Mandatory Second-Year Retreat
- October 15, 2026: Third Thursday in October
- November 12, 2026
- December 10, 2026: Makeup day if needed; Alumni Social at Mulligans, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
- January 14, 2027
- February 11, 2027
- March 11, 2027
- April 8, 2027
- April 21–23, 2027: Optional Washington, D.C. trip
- May 13, 2027: Graduation at 5:15 p.m.
Continue the Leadership Journey
Graduates can stay connected, continue learning, and support future Leadership Bartow classes through the Alumni Association.
