Leadership Monroe County (LMC), a local nonprofit dedicated to cultivating community leaders, has announced the participants for its Class XXXIV. This program is designed for individuals in leadership positions within both private and public sectors, as well as community organizations throughout the Florida Keys.

Program Overview

The LMC program consists of a series of intensive single- and multi-day sessions held monthly across Monroe County. These sessions delve into critical sectors that shape the region, including tourism, environmental issues, education, government operations, healthcare services, military presence, the judicial system, law enforcement, emergency management, the arts, and media. The curriculum is led by subject matter experts, policymakers, and established regional leaders. Participants gain valuable insights, engage in discussions about current challenges, and develop professional networks.

Founded in 1992, LMC operates as a nonpartisan, independent nonprofit. Its core mission is to build a robust network of informed and collaborative leaders who can contribute to a stronger future for the Florida Keys. More information about the program and its objectives can be found on the official website at www.leadershipmonroecounty.org.

Class XXXIV Participants

The newly selected Class XXXIV includes professionals from diverse fields. Among the participants are Julie Brown, a community outreach specialist with the Florida Department of Transportation, and Wayne Bush, an investigating officer with the United States Coast Guard, Sector Key West. Wendy Carter, project manager for Monroe County Facilities Development, and Jennifer DeBoisbriand, planning director for Islamorada, are also part of the class.

Other members include Randy Detrick, market manager at Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida; Arlen Dieguez, a community engagement and development officer for JIATFS; and Robert Fowler, case manager supervisor at the Guidance Care Center. Christina Geer, health services manager for Keys AHEC Health Centers, and Greg Johnson, a lieutenant and station commander with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, will also participate.

The class further includes Angie Kemmer, regional director of case management at Mariners Hospital; Kris Kennedy, a retired physician and medical director; and Andrea Leal, executive director of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District. Katie Lindback, community engagement marketing coordinator at Mote Marine, and Adam Linhardt, director of media relations and PIO for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, are among the selected individuals.

Additional participants are Manuela Mobley, vice president of marketing partnerships at Keys Weekly; Veronica Ornelas, director of member services for Florida Keys Electric Co-Op; and Melinda Rice, vice president and premier relationship manager at First State Bank of the Keys. Melanie Rodriguez, chef storyteller for The Key West Cooking Show, and Charlene White, executive director of finance and performance for the Monroe County School District, are also in Class XXXIV. Kelly Williams, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Schmitt and president of Marathon Rotary, rounds out the class members.

Leadership and Program Coordination

The 2026-2027 LMC officers have been announced as George Garrett, president; Cheryl Sullivan, vice president; Kathy McKinney, secretary; and Bruce Halle, treasurer. Michael Shields serves as the program coordinator. The sessions for Class XXXIV are scheduled to commence on October 2nd and 3rd in Key West, marking the beginning of their leadership development journey. Further details can be obtained by emailing mshields@leadershipmonroecounty.org.