2016-2017
Board of Directors
PAT STEED
Immediate Past Chair
Executive Director,
Central Florida
Regional Planning
Council
ALEX NIKDEL
Treasurer
President, Clark/
Nikdel/Powell
KIM LONG
Secretary
Executive Director,
Polk Vision, Inc.
GREG
LITTLETON
CHAIRMAN
CEO & President,
Citizens Bank & Trust
Polk Vision
MISSION STATEMENT
Polk Vision actively facilitates a process through which Polk County
realizes its aspirations and full potential. Polk Vision identifies and
builds awareness of community priorities, promotes partnerships and
encourages accountability.
ABOUT US A formal “refresh” of the Vision was performed
In 2004, citizens from across Polk County, in 2010 which resulted in updated strategies
led by private, public and civic leaders, joined and adjusted benchmarks. In the fall of
forces to address critical issues facing our 2014, with the encouragement of visionary
community and to develop a common purpose. supporters, we became members of the national
Focus groups, town hall meetings and task collective impact organization Alignment USA.
forces were engaged in a nine-month process Through this relationship, we integrated new
to gain insight into the priorities that unite structure, process and technology with the Polk
and challenge our community. Together we Vision founding principles and areas of focus.
examined our strengths and weaknesses, and
developed a long-term vision with strategic Polk Vision is the LEADing collective impact
solutions and countywide benchmarks. The organization serving the entire Polk County
strategies were adopted by public and private community. We provide central coordination
organizations, large and small, with a common to align the work of hundreds of dedicated
goal to create our desired future. volunteers through partnerships of public,
private and civic organizations working
Over the years, Polk Vision has remained vital collectively to make the shared vision of
and relevant through the continued engagement improved community prosperity for Polk County
of citizens by conducting public meetings, a reality!
KATIE WORTHINGTON
Operating Board Chair
President & CEO,
Winter Haven Chamber
of Commerce MELONY BELL
Director
Chair,
Polk County BoCC JACKIE BYRD
Director
Superintendent, Polk
County Public Schools
TONY DELGADO
Director
City Manager, City
of Lakeland MARSHA FAUX
Director
Property Appraiser,
Polk County KAY FIELDS
Director
Chair, Polk County
School Board
ELAINE
THOMPSON, Ph.D.
JIM FREEMAN
Director
County Manager,
Polk County BoCC EILEEN HOLDEN, Ph.D.
Director
President,
Polk State College ADRIAN JONES
Director
General Manager,
LEGOLAND Florida
Resort
DOUG LOCKWOOD
Director
Attorney, Straughn
& Turner, P.A. SEAN MALOTT
Director
CEO, Central Florida
Development
Council JERRY MILLER
Director
Government and
Community Relations
Manager, Duke Energy
forums and roundtable sessions.
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It has been my pleasure to serve as chair
for Polk Vision. Since its inception, I have
held Polk Vision in the highest of regards.
I so appreciate its purpose and mission
and its ability to take on the issues that
are important to all of us. It’s been so
rewarding to work with such a dedicated and
hardworking staff along with a very strong
group of volunteers. Thanks to everyone for
all of your support this past year.
TIM POSPICHAL
Director
Mayor, City of
Auburndale
CHAIR ELECT
President & CEO,
Lakeland Regional Health
Polk Vision is a vital resource of inspiration
and promise for those in our community.
Through the dedication and innovation
of selfless individuals, organizations, and
industry leaders across our area, we are
advancing Polk County as a community of
excellence where opportunities abound and
residents can realize their dreams. It is a
privilege to work with such a diverse and
committed group of people who willingly
engage every challenge to make sure that
the members of our community have the
support they need to succeed. By embracing
the strategic initiatives, collaboration,
mutual trust and accountability encouraged
by Polk Vision, we will no doubt impact Polk
County for generations to come. Together,
we are making history for our community,
but most importantly, we have the privilege
to lift those who struggle, encourage those
who doubt, and work to release the potential
of our citizen friends and neighbors.
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