Two prestigious leadership development programs have selected Florida Polytechnic University employees for upcoming classes. Mary Church, assistant director of development, has been admitted to Leadership Tampa Bay. Jessica Throckmorton, government relations and external affairs coordinator, was selected for Leadership Orlando.
“I am excited to be part of an elite group of leaders from the Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas and Pasco counties,” Church says. “My goal is to connect and learn more about our surrounding markets, as well as create a footprint for Florida Poly and bring awareness of our great university and students.”
The leadership courses bring together professionals from all facets of local business and industry for an immersive study of the region. Leadership Tampa Bay, for example, features presentations from representatives in areas including healthcare, education, arts and law enforcement. Throckmorton and Church are just the latest of several Florida Poly employees to benefit from greater understanding of the regions where they work.
“From a manager’s standpoint, it’s great that these two have the opportunity for professional growth and training,” says Maggie Mariucci, Florida Poly’s director of external affairs. Mariucci has graduated from both Leadership Lakeland and Leadership Polk.
Bill Rhey, associate vice president of entrepreneurship at Florida Poly, describes his time with Leadership Tampa as “the best professional program I have ever experienced.” Rhey continues: “The education provided about the many interesting and valuable aspects of the Tampa business and civic community opened my eyes to Tampa’s friendly vibrancy, substance and potential.”
“Leadership Orlando is a robust leadership program that connected me with more than 100 emerging and established business leaders,” says Cindy Alexander, associate vice president of advancement at Florida Poly. Alexander is nearing graduating from Leadership Orlando. “Mary and Jessica will meet, observe and interact with people from every sector who are eager and curious about Florida’s newest university.”
“I see this as twofold. The I-4 Corridor community has a lot to offer Florida Poly. It is leading the nation in job growth and is an emerging community for high-tech and start-up companies. According to a report by IHS and Global Insight, Central Florida ranks number nine out of the top ten metropolitan areas for future employment. We have a lot to offer them in return with our project-based curriculum and hard-working students. I look forward to growing relationships in the Orlando area on behalf of Florida Poly” she says.
In addition to those listed above, the following staff members have graduated from area leadership programs:
- Rick Maxey, Director of Government Relations, Leadership Lakeland
- Crystal Lauderdale, Marketing and Communications Director, Leadership Tampa