A Reunion Rooted in Leadership
by: Lisa Moore Vice President of Foundation & Events, Bay County Chamber of Commerce
For more than four decades, Leadership Bay has shaped the future of Bay County. What began in 1983 as a vision to cultivate informed, engaged, and passionate community leaders has since grown into one of Bay County’s most impactful leadership programs. Today, after 43 graduating classes and nearly 1,000 alumni, Leadership Bay’s legacy can be seen throughout every corner of our community.
Its graduates have gone on to become elected officials, judges, commissioners, business owners, CEOs, nonprofit leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates. They are the people helping guide Bay County forward, often behind the scenes, sometimes at the forefront, but always carrying with them the lessons, relationships, and sense of responsibility fostered through Leadership Bay.
This year, that legacy was celebrated in a historic way as alumni from across generations gathered together for the first Leadership Bay Alumni Reunion in more than 30 years.
And what a reunion it was.
Held with over 250 attendees representing decades of Leadership Bay classes, the evening served as both a celebration and a reminder of just how deeply rooted the program is in the fabric of Bay County. Former classmates reunited, stories were shared, friendships were rekindled, and generations of leaders stood side by side reflecting on where the program has been and where it is still going.
The evening itself was a powerful representation of Leadership Bay’s impact. Some attendees had participated in the program decades ago, while others had only recently graduated. Yet despite the different years and experiences represented, there was one common thread throughout the evening: a shared love for this community and a commitment to making it better.
Leadership Bay was founded on the belief that strong communities require strong leaders. Leaders who understand the challenges facing their area, who build meaningful relationships, and who are willing to step forward in service to others. That vision became reality thanks to the dedication and foresight of individuals including Frank Bacen, Dr. Larry Tyree, and Carol Roberts, whose leadership helped bring the program to life in Bay County more than 43 years ago.
Their vision created something far greater than a leadership curriculum. They created a network. A family. A ripple effect that has extended across generations.
Over the years, countless individuals have helped carry that vision forward. From steering committee members and program chairs to employers who invest in sending team members through the program, to alumni who continue serving their community long after graduation. Leadership Bay’s success has always depended on people who believe in the importance of leadership development and community connection.
That continued commitment is one of the reasons the program remains so impactful today.
Leadership Bay has never simply been about attending monthly sessions or learning about local industries. It is about building relationships that last for years. It is about understanding the needs of the community in a deeper way. It is about discovering that leadership is not defined by a title, but by a willingness to serve.
For many alumni, the program becomes a turning point, opening doors to civic engagement, professional growth, and lifelong friendships. It challenges participants to step outside their comfort zones, broaden their perspectives, and recognize the role they can play in shaping the future of Bay County.
“Leadership Bay was one of the most valuable leadership experiences I’ve had because it gave me a deeper understanding of our community and the people who work every day to make Bay County better,” said David Powell, President/COO of Innovations Financial Credit Union. “The relationships and connections formed through the program continue to benefit me both personally and professionally years later. It’s also been rewarding to see other leaders from Innovations Financial Credit Union go through the program and come back even more engaged in serving our community. Leadership Bay truly helps develop leaders who are invested in the future of Bay County.”
“Being selected for the Leadership Bay Class of 2000- 2001 was the spark that ignited my deep commitment to Bay County,” said Claire Sherman, VP/General Manager of Lamar Advertising. “The program opened my eyes to every facet of our community, giving me invaluable insights and, more importantly, lifelong friends. It kick-started a 25+ year journey of volunteerism in Bay County, leading me to chair the Jr Leadership Bay and Leadership Bay Steering Committees multiple times, guide our Chamber's Centennial celebration, and ultimately serve as Chairman of the Board in 2017.”
The alumni reunion served as proof of that lasting impact.
Throughout the evening, conversations flowed easily between graduates who may have entered the program decades apart but shared similar experiences and values. Stories of community projects, career milestones, and lifelong friendships filled the room. There was laughter, reflection, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the role Leadership Bay has played in so many lives.
Events like this reunion do not happen without dedicated volunteers and supporters working behind the scenes. A special thank you goes to the 2025–2026 Leadership Bay Steering Committee for spearheading the reunion and helping bring this meaningful event to life. Their hard work and dedication created an evening that honored the past while inspiring excitement for the future.
The Chamber Foundation would also like to thank the generous sponsors whose support made the evening possible: Benjamin F. Edwards, Buffalo Rock/Pepsi, Centennial Bank, Elysian Med Spa, Gulf Coast State College, Hancock Whitney, Hiller Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electrical, Innovations Financial Credit Union, Panama City Beach Event Center at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, and Panhandle Credit Union.
Their investment reflects a shared belief that leadership development matters not only for individuals, but for the future success of Bay County as a whole.
As the evening came to a close, one thing became abundantly clear: Leadership Bay’s story is still being written.
The foundation laid in 1983 continues to grow stronger with each new class. Each year brings new leaders, new ideas, and new opportunities to serve this community. While much has changed over the past four decades, the mission remains the same: to educate, connect, and inspire leaders who will positively impact Bay County for generations to come.
The reunion was more than a celebration of the past. It was a reminder of the incredible potential that exists when people invest in leadership, relationships, and community.
For 43 years, Leadership Bay has helped shape the people who shape Bay County. And if the reunion proved anything, it is that the legacy is far from over.
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This story originally appeared in BayBiz Magazine, a publication of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.
Explore the complete issue to discover more stories about the businesses, people, industries, and ideas shaping Bay County.