Posted: May 06, 2026
Sandestin, Fla. - At a closing retreat and graduation ceremony on May 8, 2026, Florida's Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation honored its new graduates from Leadership Northwest Florida, a regional collaboration program focused on community, content, and connection. Twenty-five distinguished leaders from across Northwest Florida participated in the program, fostering a deeper understanding of the region's diverse landscape.
Class participants were immersed in a seven-month educational program that offered a holistic view of the conditions, challenges, and opportunities shared throughout Northwest Florida. The program focused on the areas of Business Vitality, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Infrastructure, Talent, and Quality of Place.
Matt Beard, Project Manager, Cardella Construction, was selected to participate in Class IV of the Leadership Northwest Florida program and elected to serve as the Class President.
"While I'm not originally from Northwest Florida, my experience here has shown me a region defined by strong fundamentals, meaningful growth, and a shared commitment to progress", said Beard. "Leadership Northwest Florida provided a firsthand look at how alignment across counties, industries, and economic development partners is positioning the region to attract investment, support business expansion, and drive long-term impact. Equally impactful has been the opportunity to build relationships with fellow classmates, who are professionals ranging from a wide variety of industries, each of whom plays a role in the region's economic strength and long-term sustainability. That exchange of perspective and collaboration is what truly sets the program apart. For those who are passionate about contributing to the future of this region, I would strongly encourage applying to Leadership Northwest Florida. It's an opportunity to gain perspective, build relationships, and play an active role in shaping what's next."
Another participant, Caitlin Brongel, Chief of Staff, Northwest Florida Water Management District, shared a similar experience with the Leadership Northwest Florida program.
"My time in Leadership Northwest Florida gave me not only lasting friendships but a deep sense of respect for the incredible people in my class and across this region. It reinforced how much Northwest Florida already offers and how much more lies ahead for us to build, grow, and look forward to together."
Congratulations to all the graduates from Class IV of Leadership Northwest Florida:
Applications for Class V will launch on June 16, 2026. Visit FGNW: Leadership Northwest Florida or contact Kasey Killebrew at 334.790.4557 or kkillebrew@fgnw.org for additional information.
For Northwest Florida to continue to compete, diversify, and thrive, it will take informed, dedicated leaders who understand the complex and competitive environment of economic transformation. Leadership Northwest Florida is designed to be an educational program for professionals in all industry sectors desiring to grow their knowledgebase, network, and skillset in the 13-county region of Florida's Great Northwest footprint. This experience will ultimately result in the long-term influence of the leadership graduates for the betterment of Northwest Florida.
Florida's Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the Florida Panhandle. The organization was created to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness. The organization accomplishes this in partnership with the state and local economic development organizations, rural regional economic development organization, utility partners, private sector businesses, local government, higher education institutions, workforce boards, and community leaders.
