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Press Release: Leadership Fellows Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

North Tampa Bay Chamber Announces Inaugural Leadership Fellows Cohort

Wesley Chapel, FL , March 16, 2026 — The North Tampa Bay Chamber is proud to announce a significant milestone with the launch of its Inaugural Leadership Fellows Cohort, an advanced leadership development initiative designed to cultivate influential leaders dedicated to strengthening the regional business community; lead by Facilitator, Jacqueline Nelms, PhD and CEO of Mindful Elevation, LLC.

The Leadership Fellows Program is an executive-style, eight-month leadership experience that will officially begin on April 2, 2026. The program brings together a dynamic and diverse group of accomplished professionals representing industries including healthcare, finance, education, nonprofit, marketing and entrepreneurship from across the North Tampa Bay region.

Through facilitated sessions, strategic discussions, and collaborative learning opportunities, participants will engage in meaningful exploration of leadership, organizational culture, and community impact. The program is designed to elevate leadership capacity, foster authentic professional relationships, and equip participants with the tools needed to drive transformational impact within their organizations and throughout the region.

“We are incredibly proud to launch the Leadership Fellows Program and to welcome such an exceptional group of professionals as our inaugural cohort,” said Hope Kennedy, CEO and President of North Tampa Bay Chamber. “This program reflects our commitment to developing leaders who will help shape the future of our business community and the continued economic vitality of North Tampa Bay.”

The 2026 Inaugural Leadership Fellows Cohort includes:

  • Mariana Alvarez, Founder & CEO — Controller Works

  • Ryan Ward, Sr. Manager, Business Planning and Operations — Florida Blue

  • Natasha Faith Beckel, Imaging Manager — BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel

  • Tracy Burke, APRN / CEO — Inside Out Aesthetics and Wellness

  • Cassandra Garvey, Executive Director — Career Focus Pasco Hernando

  • Dustin Gothard, VP Member Experience — FiCare Federal Credit Union

  • Heather Hughes, Owner — Optimum Health & Wellness

  • Michael Berthelette, CEO / Chief Community Officer — Platinum Salon

  • Don Copeland, Regional Manager — The Copeland Team, Powered by Benchmark Mortgage

  • Mae McKinney, Founder / Head of School — Tampa Early College Academy

  • Natalie Oulton, Firm Administrator — McFarland, Gould, Lyons, Sullivan & Hogan, P.A.

  • Casey Sumner, Director of Development — Orlando Health

Beginning in April, Fellows will meet monthly for immersive leadership sessions focused on strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and community influence. Each session will provide participants with opportunities to engage with regional leaders, collaborate with peers, and develop actionable leadership strategies that support both professional growth and community advancement.

The Leadership Fellows Program reflects the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s continued investment in developing strong leaders who are committed to building a thriving, collaborative, and forward-thinking business community.

Community members and business leaders are encouraged to join the Chamber in congratulating the inaugural cohort as they embark on this transformative leadership journey.

About the North Tampa Bay Chamber
The North Tampa Bay Chamber serves the communities of North Tampa Bay, Florida, in the United States. The chamber was founded in 1998 and serves the areas of Lutz, Odessa, Trinity, and Wesley Chapel. The Chamber's mission is to promote and support local businesses and help them succeed. It provides networking opportunities, educational resources, and advocacy for businesses in the area. Membership in the North Tampa Bay Chamber is open to any business in the area. Benefits of membership include access to networking events, marketing opportunities, and educational resources, as well as discounts on certain products and services. The chamber also offers various sponsorship opportunities for businesses that wish to support its programs and events. In addition to its work with local businesses, the North Tampa Bay Chamber is also involved in various community initiatives, including supporting local schools, promoting tourism in the area, and advocating for infrastructure improvements. Overall, the chamber plays an important role in supporting the economic development and well-being of the North Tampa Bay community.

Contacts

Hope Kennedy
President/CEO, North Tampa Bay Chamber
(813) 994-8534
hkennedy@northtampabaychamber.com

Sarah Rasheid
Chief Content Creator, North Tampa Bay Chamber
Phone: (813) 994-8534
events@northtampabaychamber.com

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