Leadership Putnam

• Program classes will be twice a month on select Thursdays from 9A to 2P.
• The first class will be on June 12 and the final class will be on October 30.  Class on July 10 may extend to 5P to accommodate the SIMSOC exercise.
• Class graduation will be in the evening of November 6.
• All sessions will begin and end at the Chamber office building with transportation provided for off-site activities.
• Class size is limited to (20) participants.
• Tuition for the program is $975 for Chamber Members or $1,275 for Non-Chamber Members (includes 1st year of Chamber membership).
• Tuition covers all expenses related to the course, including transportation, activity costs, class shirt, padfolio, name badge, meals, drinks, snacks, and graduation reception for participant and a guest.

2025 Leadership Putnam Application         

Government & Emergency Response (June 12 - 9A to 2P): Participants will tour the Emergency Operations Center and Board of County Commissioners offices.  Participants will meet with elected officials and staff to understand roles and responsibilities of government.

Economic Development (June 26 - 9A to 2P): Participants will tour the Palatka Municipal Airport, Georgia-Pacific and Comarco Products.  Participants will hear from managers at each facility.

Simulated Society (SIMSOC) (July 10 - 8 hours): An interactive simulation that presents real world problems to the participants. This section of the program is a mandatory requirement for graduation.

Healthcare (tentatively July 24 9A to 2P): Participants will tour HCA Putnam Hospital and will hear from administrators to obtain a better understanding of current healthcare delivery systems.

Judicial, Jail, & Courthouse (August 7 - 9A to 2P):  Participants will tour the jail and courthouse.  Participants will learn from the Clerk of Courts, a judge and local law enforcement agents.

Social Services & Non-Profits (tentatively August 21 - 9A to 2P): Participants will tour local social service organizations and non-profits to see first-hand the great work being done by volunteers and caring individuals in the community.  Participants will learn from local directors on the challenges facing the community and the importance of servant leadership.

Personal Leadership (September 4 - 9A to 2P): Participants will learn from renowned leadership mentor and educator, Diane Taylor, the dynamic skills and behaviors to further their capabilities.

Education (September 18 - 9A to 2P): Participants will tour local secondary and post-secondary schools and facilities to understand workforce development programming related to local industry.  Participants will engage with leadership to understand issues and opportunities in our community and how our educational system is working to address them.

Putnam History (tentatively October 2 - 9A to 2P): Participants will walk through the ages by touring historical homes, buildings and sites while learning from local historians about the changes that have taken place in the community over time.

Tourism (tentatively October 16 - 9A to 2P): Participants will be treated to a boat ride on the St. Johns River and other unique Putnam County tourism assets (weather depending).  Participants will learn about the economic and cultural importance of tourism as it relates to quality of life, destination marketing, fiscal support, and community vitality.

Agriculture (October 30 - 9A to 2P): Participants will tour local farms and enjoy a fresh from Florida picnic.  Participants will learn about challenges facing the farming industry as well as technological advancement furthering the industry.

Graduation Reception (November 6 - 6P to 8P): The evening will be a celebration of the graduates and their new leadership capacity in the community.

Attendance Policy: Each participant is responsible for attending all sessions of Leadership Putnam.  However, in some occupations, it is recognized that last minute conflicts do occur beyond the control of the participant.  You are responsible for notifying staff of any conflict that results in your absence.  Any participant with more than 2 absences shall not be allowed to graduate from the current class. NOTE:  July 10 SIMSOC session is a mandatory requirement for graduation from the program.

Alumni: Upon completion of Leadership Putnam, graduates have the advantage of serving on the Leadership Development Committee to continue the mission of grooming leaders of tomorrow.  Graduates will be expected to serve as Chamber Ambassadors for at least the year following graduation.

Leadership Development Committee Members:  Chairman Gina Sims, Desire Akins, Shawn Dale Goddard, Nicole Grace, Yvette Jones, Chris Gent and Chase Barnes

Contact: For questions, please contact Laura Pavlus at (386) 328-1503 or via e-mail at laurapavlus@chamberpc.com.