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Download PDF Here – Leadership Okaloosa Application 2024-2025

LEADERSHIP OKALOOSA 2024-2025

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, 2024. 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 – $1100

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 Sept 19, 2024 8:30am-4:30pm @ NWFSC
All other training days are scheduled 8:30 a.m–3:30 p.m.
Tour Days 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Graduation Celebration 5:00 p.m.

Leadership Okaloosa Tentative Schedule

Sept 19. 2024 Orientation/Training Day
Oct 17 2024 Training Day
Nov 7 2024 Crestview Tour
Dec 12, 3024 Training Day
Jan 2025 (Date TBD) Eglin AFB Tour
Jan 16, 2025 Training Day
Feb 16, 2025 Niceville Tour
Feb 25, 2025 Community Day United Way
March 13, 2025 Training Day
March 25 – 26, 2025 Tallahassee Legislative Days
April 4, 2025 Fort Walton Beach Tour
May 9, 2025 Destin Tour
May 2025 (Date TBD) Graduation