Meet the ‘next best’ Leadership St. Pete class

The nation’s second-oldest leadership program, now in its 55^th year, has welcomed 39 diverse new members into its Class of 2025.

Leadership St. Pete (LSP) is an intensive and interactive six-month experience that promotes and enhances community stewardship. Participants include burgeoning business, government and philanthropic leaders who receive an in-depth introduction to social, economic and political issues permeating the city.

Established in 1970 under the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s umbrella, the program’s over 1,600 graduates have created a legacy recognized throughout the region. Class chairperson Jenna Stock Wunsch, communications director for Raymond James, said the latest participants have already shown “a ton of good energy” and “lots of enthusiasm.”

“It’s just a melting pot of people from all over who would have probably never met each other if it wasn’t for this program,” Wunsch said. “This sounds cheesy, but it’s truly like a family. You can’t walk around St. Pete without running into someone you know from LSP.”

Wunsch is a Class of 2021 graduate. She and her colleagues renovated the Mustard Seed Inn, which provides temporary housing and several wraparound services to mitigate homelessness and behavioral health issues.

LSP’s annual community project is a program highlight. A 27-member planning committee identified three nonprofit finalists presented to the new class during Wednesday night’s orientation dinner at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club.

The class will vote on what organization’s facility they would most like to improve at their opening retreat in January. Participants must raise at least $50,000 for the project and have about five months to complete the work.

“I think that’s one thing that’s really unique about our leadership program compared to some others in the region,” Wunsch said. “They’re getting their hands dirty and rolling up their sleeves to actually do the work.

“It is the legacy the class leaves – and a great way to give back to the community and build stronger connections with each other.”

Wunsch noted that many nonprofits lack the funding to complete capital improvements. Previous projects include the St. Pete Youth Farm and Clam Bayou Marine Education Center. The Class of 2021 will reunite at the Mustard Seed Inn to complete some maintenance work.

Education is also a critical component. The cohort will complete nine educational seminars, up from eight, and three retreats. A cultural day includes stops at several St. Pete institutions.

The group will also learn about the legislative process in Tallahassee and meet with local government leaders at City Hall. Additional seminars will cover city history, developmental growth, the criminal justice system and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

When asked what she would consider a success when LSP concludes in June, Wunsch said, “Everyone graduating.” The rigorous program only allows two absences, including tardies, throughout the six-month course.

She also wants to ensure the latest cohort is the “next best class ever,” an organizational motto, and participants share “cherished moments” like she experienced in 2021. “I’m hoping the class, throughout the year, will share perspectives, explore new beliefs and opinions and strengthen connections with each other.” 

Here is the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2025:

• Alex Schapira – Hines
• Brian Plexico – Tampa Bay Rays
• Callie McCarthy – Inspired Acres
• Carlos Rodriguez– The Beck Group
• Claire Gallo – Hancock Whitney Bank
• Dallas Keeney – Raymond James Financial
• Daniel Wood – University of South Florida
• David Delrahim – Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick
• David Reider – Berlin Patten Ebling
• Demetras Miller – Fidelity Information Services
• Dr. Chris Slininger –  Cerebral Chiropractic Center
• Edwin Gonzalez – Suncoast Credit Union
• Gage Smith – Smith Fence Company
• Jamie McClendon – Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
• Jared Schneider – Kimley Horn
• Jason Levey – St. Petersburg Police Department
• Joy Brownworth – Studio+
• Kate Diggs – Zelis
• Katie Hall – Hallmark UX
• Kelly Abanda – Better Brain Project
• Kenya Woodard – Pinellas County Schools
• Kevin Elliott – Parc Center for Disabilities
• Kimani Flemming – City of St. Petersburg, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
• Kirby Kelleher – Ellie Mental Health St. Petersburg
• Krystal Flakes-Martin – City of St. Petersburg
• Latorra Bowles – The Deuces Live, Inc.
• Lauren Bell – St. Petersburg Innovation District
• Lauren Moon – Raymond James & Associates
• Mai Jenney – University of South Florida St. Petersburg
• Mia Conza – St. Petersburg College
• Michael Shields – St. Anthony’s Hospital
• Peveeta Samuel – Duke Energy
• Rachel Snyder – The Dali Museum
• Randi Riley – Sabal Trust Company
• Regina Thomas – Power Design
• Sherrish Gaines – City of St. Petersburg
• Tanja Gromadzki-Hobby – TD SYNNEX
• Trina O’Connell – Northwestern Mutual
• Walker Willis – Working Ox Capital

Leadership St. Pete introduced a new logo for its 55th anniversary. The program now operates under the Bay Area Chamber Foundation, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s philanthropic arm.