Leadership Tampa Bay

09/04/2026

The Leadership Tampa Bay Class of 2027 is excited to kick off an incredible year! 🎉

We want to hear from our Leadership Tampa Bay alumni and community! What advice would you give the Class of 2027 as they begin this journey?

Drop your best advice in the comments below! 👇😊

09/04/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

We’re excited to introduce Luis Vélez, returning for his second year on the Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors as Marketing and Communications Co-Chair. Originally from Puerto Rico, Luis is a Senior Project Architect with Ryan Companies and brings more than 20 years of experience in architecture, design, and the built environment. A graduate of Virginia Tech, he brings a creative, collaborative, and process-driven approach to both his professional work and community involvement.

Luis is passionate about building community, creating connections, and amplifying diverse voices. He co-founded a leadership group for Hispanic architects and designers and has remained active in professional and civic organizations throughout his career. Through Leadership Tampa Bay, he enjoys highlighting the people, organizations, and opportunities that make the Tampa Bay region such a dynamic place to live and work.

With a strong commitment to service, inclusion, and community, Luis is excited to continue supporting Leadership Tampa Bay and helping tell the story of another inspiring class.

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

Please welcome back Kristin Johnson, who returns this year as Alumni Chair on the 2026–27 Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. Kristin is the Director of Customer Experience at Source 1 Solutions, a global IT integrator based in Clearwater. With a strong background in IT services and marketing, Kristin is known for driving innovation and creating exceptional client experiences. She brings a dynamic mix of creativity, strategy, and technology-focused thinking to everything she does.

A proud graduate of the Leadership Tampa Bay Class of 2022, Kristin is deeply committed to community impact. She actively volunteers, mentors, and serves on nonprofit boards and committees such as the Greater Tampa Chamber’s Women of Influence. Whether in business or in service, Kristin lives by her personal mantra: "leave people better than you found them." We’re excited to have her leadership and heart helping guide this year’s class.

08/31/2026

Are you registered for the 2026 - 2027 Kick-off Reception? Don't miss out on the opportunity to meet this year's class!

Go to LeadershipTampaBay.com/news-events/events/

3 events found. Events Views Navigation Event Views Navigation List List Month Today Upcoming Upcoming Select date. September 2026 Thu 3 Class of 2027 Kick-Off Reception September 3 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Join Leadership Tampa Bay for a Reception to kick-off its 39th year to welcome the Class of 2027 T...

08/31/2026

Please join us in welcoming back Ed Ellsasser as the 2026-27 Chair of the Leadership Tampa Bay Foundation. Ed is the CEO of PrimeGroup Insurance, which he founded in 1999 and has grown into a leading provider of commercial, employee benefits, and personal insurance with offices in Tampa and West Palm Beach. A proud Indiana University alum, Ed is a proven entrepreneur with a strong track record, including his previous role as a partner in PrimePay, which achieved a $160 million exit in 2021.

Beyond business, Ed is deeply rooted in community impact. He’s the incoming Chair of the Westshore Alliance, a long-time partner in Hillsborough’s CEOs in Schools initiative, and supports a wide range of nonprofits across Tampa Bay. Through his leadership at PGI and his commitment to giving back, Ed exemplifies the values at the heart of Leadership Tampa Bay. We're grateful to have his vision and dedication guiding the Foundation this year.

08/28/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

We are proud to welcome back Katie Mahoney as the 2026-27 Recruitment Co-Chair for the Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. Katie is the Director of Marketing at Port Tampa Bay, where she leads strategic messaging and creative content for both internal and external audiences. Her work helps shape the voice of the Port and supports business development on a national and global scale.

With nearly 20 years of experience in advertising and brand marketing, Katie has built campaigns for some of the most iconic names in the world, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Delta Airlines. A proud graduate of Michigan State University and Portfolio Center Atlanta, she brings deep expertise in messaging, design, and leadership. Katie is excited to help guide another exceptional class through the Leadership Tampa Bay experience.

08/26/2026

Leadership Tampa Bay Alumni — Renew Your Dues Today!

Stay connected and make the most of your Leadership Tampa Bay Alumni experience by renewing your dues today!

As an active alum, you’ll enjoy benefits including:
• Increased visibility through the Alumni Directory
• Access to information about upcoming alumni events
• Opportunities to stay connected with the Leadership Tampa Bay community

Login today and renew your dues online today and stay engaged with your alumni network!

www.leadershiptampabay.com

08/26/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

Join us in welcoming Tina Pepin to the 2026-27 Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. As the Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation, Tina carries forward her family’s legacy with passion and purpose. After building a career in beverage distribution strategy and sales, she shifted her focus to philanthropy, championing mental health initiatives for first responders and expanding access to heart health care and education. Tina is currently working on projects that highlight positive stories about frontline professionals, culture, community and cuisine throughout Tampa Bay.

This is Tina’s second year on the Leadership Tampa Bay Board, and she is excited to help make it a great year for the new class. Deeply rooted in the Tampa community, she serves on several impactful boards and committees including AdventHealth Tampa, the Mental Health Advisory Committee, the Suncoast Alliance for First Responders and the Cultural Asset Commission. Her dedication to service and workforce development makes her a powerful asset to this year’s board. Welcome back, Tina!

08/24/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

We are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Noella Cypress West to the 2026-27 Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. As the Senior Director of Inpatient Acute Care APP Services at Tampa General Hospital, Dr. West brings extensive expertise in clinical operations, workforce development, and system-wide quality improvement. She is also the founder and CEO of Confident NP, a firm dedicated to empowering nurse practitioners with leadership and career growth tools.

Dr. West is a recognized healthcare leader, advisor, and national speaker who brings passion and strategic insight to every role she takes on. From shaping the future of nursing at the USF College of Nursing Advisory Board to guiding innovation and workforce readiness with Leadership Tampa Bay, her impact is felt across the region and beyond. We are excited for the year ahead with Dr. West helping lead the way.