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.

Program Commitment

Program dates: January-September
Program fee: $2,950 (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.

Applications for Class of 2025 are closed. Stay tuned for information about LSJ 2026!

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.

2025 Program Dates*

Jan. 10-11 — Kickoff Retreat, Guy Harvey Resort, St. Augustine Beach
Jan. 23 — Social Services Day
Feb. 20 — First Responders Day
March 26— Education Day
April 10 — Law Day
May 15 — Environment & Agriculture Day
June 12 — Health Day
July 17 — Business & Government Day
Aug. 21 — Tourism & Culture Day
Sep. 10 — Leadership Graduation Dinner
* Dates are tentative and subject to change.

Participants who successfully graduate from the program will be welcomed into the elite ranks of leadership program graduates in St. Johns County and across Florida.

Questions? Contact us at info@sjcchamberfoundation.org.

“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

"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

“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

“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