SUWANNEE Leadership Suwannee
By Hayli Zuccola
For more than a decade, Leadership Suwannee has helped cultivate a new generation of community leaders by offering participants an inside look at the people, industries and institutions that shape Suwannee County.
Hosted by the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce every other year, the flagship program brings together emerging and established leaders for a six-month journey designed to deepen their understanding of local government, business, education, agriculture, health care, public safety and economic development. Through behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on experiences and conversations with community leaders, participants build relationships while gaining a broader perspective on the county they call home.
The 2025-26 class included 29 participants, 28 of whom completed the program and graduated during the 78th Annual Chamber Gala.
The class began in August with an introduction to city and county government, including visits with local officials, a stop at Live Oak City Hall and lunch at the chamber. September focused on one of Suwannee County’ s cornerstone industries: agriculture. Participants toured the University of Florida IFAS farm and Pilgrim’ s facilities to learn more about the businesses that help drive the local economy.
Health care took center stage in October with a lunchand-learn at HCA Florida Suwannee Emergency, followed by visits to Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park and the Suwannee County Health Department. In November, the focus shifted to education with tours of Springcrest Elementary School, RIVEROAK Technical College and the Suwannee County School District’ s information technology department.
Participants also had the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering during Live Oak’ s annual Christmas on the Square celebration, assisting with the Jingle Bell Fun Run and supporting craft and food vendors throughout the event.
After the holiday break, the program resumed with a look at public safety and infrastructure. Participants toured Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, including one of its substations and a fiber demonstration, before visiting Suwannee County Fire Rescue and the Live Oak Fire Department. The program concluded in February with a leadership discussion featuring Jill Adams, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, and Lindsey
Covington, director of communications and community engagement.
While Leadership Suwannee offers participants a deeper understanding of their community, it also benefits the chamber. Graduates often become active volunteers, chamber members and future board leaders. In fact, several current chamber board members are Leadership Suwannee alumni.
The program is open to anyone interested in becoming more involved in the community, regardless of chamber membership, although members receive discounted registration. By connecting participants with local leaders and one another, Leadership Suwannee continues to strengthen the partnerships and civic engagement that help Suwannee County thrive.
90 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2026-2027