Leadership Tampa vs. Leadership Tampa Bay
The names trip people up. Leadership Tampa is the Tampa Bay Chamber's program, started in 1970. Leadership Tampa Bay is a separate, independent nonprofit founded in 1988 that covers the whole region. Pick based on whether your work is Tampa focused or spans several counties.
Leadership Tampa
The Chamber describes it as the third-oldest community leadership program in the U.S. It is an intensive year-long course for senior and mid-level leaders, with session days on topics such as first responders, education, tourism, the military, economic development and the arts. The year includes an opening retreat, a Tallahassee retreat, and hands-on experiences such as ride-alongs and teacher shadowing. It has graduated 54 classes and 2,800+ alumni; the Class of 2027 (the 56th) was announced July 2026.
- Run by
- Tampa Bay Chamber (through the Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation)
- Started
- 1970
- Apply
- Applications open each spring; the Class of 2027 window was March 10 - April 30, 2026. Applicants must work for a Chamber member organization, live or work in Tampa Bay, and attend an information session. The program prefers people in supervisory or executive roles who have a record of civic involvement. Prospective applicants can join the interest list through the LT Interest Form.
- Website
- tampabaychamber.com
Leadership Tampa Bay
Region-wide program that runs September through May: 11 class days, opening and closing retreats, and a two-day trip to Tallahassee. Topics include transportation, growth, education, water and government. It has 1,400+ alumni.
- Run by
- Leadership Tampa Bay (independent nonprofit, nonpartisan)
- Started
- 1988
Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay (Emerge Tampa Bay)
The Chamber's young-professional program for ages 21-35, with 400+ members. It presents the annual Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award.
- Run by
- Tampa Bay Chamber
- Website
- tampabaychamber.com
Collegiate Leadership Tampa Bay
Chamber leadership program for college students in the region.
- Run by
- Tampa Bay Chamber
- Website
- tampabaychamber.com
Leadership St. Pete
Year-long program that introduces participants to St. Petersburg's social, economic, business and political issues. Each class also completes a community service project.
- Run by
- St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce (alumni association: LSPAA)
- Website
- stpete.com
Leadership Florida
Statewide leadership organization with four classes: Cornerstone (age 40+), Connect (ages 25-39), Education, and Executive. Members are organized into regional councils, including West Central for Tampa Bay.
- Run by
- Leadership Florida (statewide nonprofit, Tallahassee)
- Website
- leadershipflorida.org
Build your network beyond a program
Leadership classes fill up and run once a year. In the meantime, the chambers of commerce across Tampa Bay host events every month, and a free listing in our directory helps local customers and partners find you.