Leadership Hernando Application 

(This form can be filled in online but not saved.
Please either fill in online, print and send or print, fill out by hand and send.  Thank you.)

DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, MAY 3RD 2012

Leadership Hernando has been a vital part of our community for the past 21 years. Since its inception in 1991, over 500 distinguished leaders have graduated from the Program. Many of our community leaders today are Leadership Graduates and Alumni.

LEADERSHIP HERNANDO HISTORY
The first class was put together after visiting surrounding counties that had an ongoing program and talking to the representatives who ran Leadership Florida. Many volunteers helped in the formation of the program. The first class had 22 members who were chosen from applications. At that time, only one type of business could be represented.

When the program was started, it was the goal of the Chamber to select board members from graduates of Leadership Hernando. As of today, many board members are graduates of the program and enhance the credibility of the board with their knowledge of the County. Over the years each class has had a specific community project that they chose and it has benefited many non-profit organizations. They have ranged from starting Teen Leadership to raising funds for the Special Olympics. Many of our community leaders today went through the program and later had their key employees attend the program.

The founders of Leadership Hernando shared at least two things in common. First, they understood that the future of this region was closely tied to the commitment and expertise of its next generation of leaders. Second, they wanted to ensure that the quality of responses made by future leaders to a wide array of complex social and economic issues in the Greater Hernando region would be vigorous, well-informed and responsible. Those of us who follow them in leading the organization share their commitment and look forward to guiding Leadership Hernando’s strategic direction for the 21st Century.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Leadership Hernando is to encourage, develop and provide leadership for our community.

OBJECTIVE STATEMENT
To enhance our quality of life and to help make Hernando County a preferred community to live and work in.

GOALS
1. To identify and educate potential, emerging and existing community leaders.
2. To promote networking among membership.
3. To identify community needs and to promote and facilitate community projects.
4. To provide a resource pool for the benefit of the community.

CLASS SELECTION
Leadership Hernando targets individuals:
With a sincere commitment, motivation and interest to serve the community.
Who have demonstrated commitment by past community activities.
Who are interested in seeking, or intend to seek, public office, boards, commissions or key volunteer roles.
With potential opportunities for advancement to top leadership positions within their organizations.
With the occupation commitment to remain in the Hernando area or are not likely to be transferred within the immediate future.
Representing all segments of the community.

With demonstrated leadership qualities or potential for development of those qualities.
The program strives for classes that represent the geographic, occupational, gender, ethnic and other diversities of our area.

THE BENEFITS
In addition to gaining awareness and understanding of the issues and challenges facing the region, participants in Leadership Hernando can:

Refine their personal and public leadership styles and skills.
Develop diverse contact and an excellent communication network.
Receive recognition for themselves and their organization for their voluntary civic activities.
Access better opportunities for taking an active role in addressing community needs.

Leadership Hernando Application Process:
The Leadership program interviews applicants in the month of April every year and selects only twenty-five participants to embark on the six-month Leadership Hernando adventure. Since the number of appointments to Leadership Hernando is limited, applicants who are not selected for enrollment are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years.

The class begins as a loosely tethered group of individuals trying to find their way out of a tangle of ropes; by the end of the program in November, they will be a cohesive group of friends who have extensively explored the various economic, social and professional forces impacting Hernando County.
In addition to gaining awareness and understanding of the issues and challenges facing the region, participants in Leadership Hernando will also benefit from:
Receive recognition for themselves and their organization for their voluntary civic activities.
Develop diverse contacts and an excellent communication network.
Access better opportunities for taking an active role in addressing community needs.
Don’t miss out on a great opportunity – submit an application for one or more of your key associates or encourage a colleague to submit an application for the opportunity to be a part of the Leadership Hernando Experience.

If you are a Non-Profit Organization and would like to be considered for our Scholarship Tuition Assistance Program to attend the Leadership Hernando Experience, please call the Chamber at 352-796-0697 for an application.