Leadership St. Johns

MISSION

Leadership St. Johns strives to connect and develop community leaders to help drive the success of our local economy as St. Johns County confronts the opportunities and challenges of today and tomorrow.

Advancing Leadership in Our Community

Since 2000, more than 400 community leaders have graduated from Leadership St. Johns. The program provides structured, interactive programs and activities emphasizing local economic, education, government and volunteerism issues, among others.

Leadership St. Johns accelerates the development of leadership skills for business, government and community professionals by building relationships and enhancing their knowledge of St. Johns County.

Participants at all levels of career advancement establish themselves as key players in the county's business landscape as they make connections with a diverse group of civic, business and community leaders, professionals and advocates to build a powerful network. With representation from every business sector in St. Johns County, employers of LSJ participants value the experience and knowledge gained as participants use these new tools to advance the organizations' goals and make an ongoing positive difference in the community.

LSJ is the cornerstone program of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the local business community through leadership opportunities, economic development programs and continuing education.

About the Program

Program dates: January-September
Program fee: $3,450 (partial need-based scholarships available)

Leadership St. Johns participants commit to a high standard of engagement and attendance at program sessions. The program consists of eight monthly 8-hour sessions (generally 8 a.m.-5 p.m.), a two-day kickoff retreat, a final wrap-up session and a graduation dinner and ceremony. Participants are expected to attend all events.

APPLY NOW

During the program year, the class of approximately 25 participants convenes monthly to experience a full day of policy briefings, onsite tours and interactive learning opportunities that provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing our community.

2027 LSJ Program Dates*

Friday-Saturday, Jan. 15-16 - Retreat weekend, St. Augustine
Thursday, Jan. 28 - Social Services Day
Thursday, Feb. 25 - First Responder Day
Thursday, March 25 - Education Day
Thursday, April 29 - Agriculture & Environmental Day
Thursday, May 27 - Law Enforcement Day
Thursday, June 24 - Healthcare Day & Class Project Work
Thursday, July 29 - Government & Business Day
Thursday, Aug. 26 - Tourism & Culture Day
Thursday, Sept. 9 - Graduation

* Dates are subject to change. Any schedule changes will be shared with participants as soon as possible. Participants who cannot attend a session due to reschedule may have the option to attend that session the following year.

Questions about Leadership St. Johns? Contact us at info@sjcchamberfoundation.org.

“Leadership St. Johns opened my eyes to just how diverse and complex our county is. I came away with a deeper understanding of our community, meaningful new relationships, and an even greater appreciation for the people and opportunities that make St. Johns County such a special place to live and serve.”

— Joy Case, St. Augustine Society
Class of 2026

“The program is an excellent opportunity to better learn about and listen to the people, programs, and processes that make up our community. Completing the program provides a firm basis of understanding for future leaders of St. Johns County.”

— Wayne Larson, St. Johns County
Class of 2024

“Leadership St. Johns gave me professional connections, perspective, purpose and a renewed commitment to serve my community.”

— Angie Kasting, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office
Class of 2026

"In Leadership St. Johns, everyone in the class learned something new, whether they're new to the area or grew up here. We got great insight into how everything in the county works, from the government to the school district to agriculture to emergency services and different parts of the community. The best part of the program, though, has been the camaraderie among the group. We've all made an effort to get together outside of program days, and we all support each other's businesses so we're involved and engaged in the community in new ways."

—Gabriel Giannelli, First Coast Headshots
Class of 2024

"Leadership St. Johns opened the doors to St. Johns County in a way nobody else could have. In just nine months, I was introduced to numerous individuals and organizations who are the county’s backbone and lifeline. Leadership St. Johns has sparked an interest in me to stay involved in the community and give back in any way I can. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and the friendships I’ve made."

— Elizabeth Panduro, Woolsey Morcom
Class of 2024

“Leadership St. Johns has been one of the most valuable experiences of my professional career. I've formed lasting relationships, expanded my network, and had the chance to learn just how much St. Johns County has to offer and why so many people are proud to call it home.”

— Sean Liphard, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Class of 2026

“Even after working in St. Johns County for 10 years, I met many new people and experienced new places. Leadership St. Johns is an amazing way to network with community leaders, find problem solvers, and build friendships. The program does an outstanding job of highlighting the things that make St. Johns County such a special place.”

— Logan Lowery, St. Johns County School District
Class of 2024

“Stepping behind the scenes to see how St. Johns County operates has been an incredible experience. Every field trip allowed me time to connect with an amazing group of classmates, meet the people in the community who make it thrive, and understand the pockets of real need that still exist. LSJ has given me a deep appreciation for the place my family and I call home and plan to give back.”

— Laura Malinsky, Northrop Grumman
Class of 2026

“Had a tremendous experience in Leadership St. Johns. I made lifelong friends and colleagues while learning about St. Johns County!”

— Peter Hicks, Youth Crisis Center
Class of 2024

“We entered as individuals, each bringing our own experiences, perspectives, and passions. Along the way, we connected not only with one another, but with the people, places, and stories that make St. Johns County home. We leave as a community of leaders challenged to turn what we have learned into action, to use our voices and influence with purpose, and to create meaningful change where it is needed most.”

— Jennifer Bowmaster, St. Johns County School District
Class of 2026