The Winter Haven Chamber Foundation, Inc., is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission includes economic development, leadership development, educational support and community beautification. Dating back to the 1980’s, The Foundation has proven to be a valuable community asset, providing business leaders programs like Leadership Winter Haven and Endeavor Winter Haven Young Professionals group and providing resources to support our educational community.
Foundation Board of Directors 2025-2026
Alex Santiago, SEMCO Construction - Chair
Jacob Burton, Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard Law Firm
Craig Clevenger, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
Jenelle Grabowicz, The Haven Group at Keller Williams
Raub Test, Clifton Larson Allen
Dr. Chris Newman-Lake, Cypress Junction Montessori
Missy Joyce, Citizens Bank & Trust
Tabatha Shirah, Polk County BOCC
Matt Frazier, SouthState Bank - Endeavor Young Professionals Group Chair
Ryan Williamson, KW Smart 1 - Leadership Winter Haven Chair
Ann Barnhart, AdventHealth - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Chair
Nikki Smith, Imagine Intent - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Treasurer
Betsy Cleveland, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Jacob Burton, Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard Law Firm
Craig Clevenger, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
Jenelle Grabowicz, The Haven Group at Keller Williams
Raub Test, Clifton Larson Allen
Dr. Chris Newman-Lake, Cypress Junction Montessori
Missy Joyce, Citizens Bank & Trust
Tabatha Shirah, Polk County BOCC
Matt Frazier, SouthState Bank - Endeavor Young Professionals Group Chair
Ryan Williamson, KW Smart 1 - Leadership Winter Haven Chair
Ann Barnhart, AdventHealth - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Chair
Nikki Smith, Imagine Intent - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Treasurer
Betsy Cleveland, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Leadership Winter Haven
Leadership Winter Haven- Leadership Winter Haven was founded in 1980. Since that time the program has been dedicated to developing a well informed and diverse pool of leadership talent ready to help the community and area reach its full potential. In the course of the program, participants leadership skills are nurtured while they are exposed to the spectrum of business, industry, governmental and social issues that confront Winter Haven’s current leaders and will challenge the leaders of tomorrow.
LWH graduates possess a unique understanding of the complexity of our region. Participants learn first hand the assets, opportunities, challenges and needs within our community, county and Central Florida.
To learn more about the program or learn how to apply click here!
LWH graduates possess a unique understanding of the complexity of our region. Participants learn first hand the assets, opportunities, challenges and needs within our community, county and Central Florida.
To learn more about the program or learn how to apply click here!
Leadership Winter Haven Alumni
Leadership Winter Haven Alumni brings together our graduates of the LWH program. Since the program’s inception as one of Florida’s earliest community leadership programs (and Polk County’s first), over 450 people have completed the course. Leadership Winter Haven alumni represent a strong communications network within Greater Winter Haven uniting people of varied interests and backgrounds. From agribusiness to entrepreneur, finance to public servant, the program is rich with diversity.
Endeavor Winter Haven Young Professionals
Endeavor Winter Haven is a place for young professionals age 21-42 to develop their career, learn about the community, develop professionally and connect with other young professionals. Endeavor seeks to connect, inspire and engage the young professionals of the Greater Winter Haven Community. If you are interested in learning more about Endeavor Winter Haven click here.
Endeavor Serves
Endeavor Serves is designed to provide comprehensive training for professionals interested in community service through board participation. This 8-hour course will detail the fundamentals of effective board service with program instructors who are well-respected community leaders and non-profit agency directors from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions. This program is provided at no cost thanks to the generosity of CPS CPAs and United Way of Central Florida. This program is for registered individuals only. Email Brianna at [email protected] to get your application. You can also email her if you have any questions or concerns about the program.
Polk Young Professional Awards
The Polk Young Professionals Awards is a Celebration of Polk County Young Professionals and will be an evening event to celebrate the work of our young professionals’ groups throughout the year and the people making a difference in Polk County. Click here to learn more about the Polk Young Professional Awards.
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