Leadership Hernando is the largest community leadership program in Hernando County. The program creates opportunities to observe, interact and learn from public, private and civic leaders across the county. Since its Charter Class in 1991, approximately 600 graduates have successfully completed the Leadership Hernando program. The program’s mission has been to encourage, develop and provide leadership for our community. And this year’s Leadership Hernando program, hosted by the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, promises to be bigger and better than ever! “After having to take a year away from the program, we had many more applications than we had spots available. We have a strong and diverse class this year,” said Scott Herring, Chairman of the steering committee of Leadership Hernando and Director of Public Works/County Engineer for Hernando County.
25 participants are selected annually to complete 12 all-day sessions in the Leadership Hernando program, which takes place from January 12th to June 10th. “They will be introduced to all different aspects and issues of life in Hernando County. They will have a whole new understanding of their county,” said Herring, who is a graduate of the Leadership Hernando himself.
Through guest speakers, field trips, presentations, and written material, these carefully screened students representing a spectrum of professions can learn about fields such as government, healthcare, the natural environment, criminal justice, mining, economic development, community impact, first responders, etc. “They will learn about all aspects of the community. They will meet other people, expand their network, and learn about resources they never knew about previously,” said Herring.
According to program information, other advantages of Leadership Hernando participation include:
Builds both business and personal contacts
Provides proven learning tools for business and community leaders
For newcomers to the community, it is a quick and complete orientation of Hernando County
Get connected and engaged!
High energy learning through hands-on experience
Classes are efficiently organized and professionally facilitated
Increases your community exposure and awareness
Joining Scott Herring on the Leadership Hernando steering committee are Shannon Sokolowski with the Dawn Center of Hernando County, Angie Walasek with the United Way of Hernando County, and Amy Baldwin with the Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court.
Graduates are rewarded with a plaque and a graduation ceremony. “And they will get an experience that is truly life enhancing,” said Herring.
