Leadership Monroe County, an educational non-profit community leadership organization, has announced its 31st year of programs with the selection of Class XXXI. The LMC program is aimed at residents who are active in leadership in the private sector, government or community organizations. Through a series of single or multi-day sessions over seven months, participants examine the fundamental public and private segments throughout the county. The program also provides participants the opportunity for mutual awareness and discussion of issues affecting the Keys. These experiences help participants grow as residents and leaders as well as provide connections among other leaders across the county.
Sessions begin Sept. 29 in Key West with subsequent monthly classes throughout the Keys, culminating with graduation in April 2024. Sessions are led by experts and leaders in the respective fields covered in each session. The sessions begin their focus on the challenges and opportunities that confront the dynamic tourism industry and the Keys economy, continue to evaluate vital environmental issues from the Everglades to Florida Bay and the coral reefs, the Monroe County education system, the multiple levels of government, the judiciary and law enforcement system, the historical and present military significance in the Keys, emergency management and emerging best practices, an examination of the Keys health care system providers, an immersive review of the human services sector, the increasing impact of the non-profit arts and creative industries, and the rapidly changing media platforms that inform the citizenry and affect and influence public policy.
Established in 1992, Leadership Monroe County is an independent nonprofit, governed by a countywide board of directors.
Class XXXI Members
John Allen, director, Monroe County Parks and Beaches
Donny Barrios, station commander, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
Danette Baso-Silvers, public affairs officer, Naval Air Station (NAS), Key West
Rachel Carrier, director of operations, Marine Lab
Patti Childress, business specialist, Keys Weekly
Dale Coburn, attorney, Wolfe Stevens, PLLC
Maria Covelli, grants coordinator, City of Marathon
Lu Dodson, park manager, Islamorada Area State Parks
George Fernandez, CEO, The Butterfly Conservancy
Jay Fraioli, president, Media Counselors
Judy Gregoire, camp director, Seacamp Association
Jason Ingram, USCG sector commander/captain of the port
Ben Kemmer, CEO, Florida Children’s Shelter
James Morgan, Monroe County judge
John Picco, financial advisor, Edward Jones
Taylor Konrath Quarles, treasurer, Marathon Garbage Service Inc.
Beth Regoli, commanding officer, Naval Air Station Key West
Julie Schilling, AVP, Lower Keys regional manager, First State Bank of the Florida Keys
Randy Smith, operations captain, Key West Police Department
Michele White, SVP, First Horizon, Commercial Banking Leader
Kenneth Wolfe, laboratory administrative director, Fishermen’s HospitalSuzi Youngberg, Director, rescue coordinator, MarrVelous Pet Rescues Manager
