
Public Leadership Institute
(PLI)
A program by OEP government affairs
Strengthening the Next Generation of Public Leaders
The PUBLIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (PLI) is a unique leadership training initiative through the Orlando Economic Partnership that prepares Central Florida’s business-minded leaders to serve as future public leaders or policy influencers.
Participants create powerful connections and draw on their real-world experience, skills and talent to impact and promote policies for regional prosperity.
Formerly known as the Political Leadership Institute, PLI has expanded its scope to include a new Civic Leadership Track—broadening opportunities for leaders who want to shape public policy without running for office.
To be selected for PLI, applicants cannot be a declared candidate.
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Prepare to serve as future public leaders or policy influencers.
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Expand your network and build long-lasting connections.
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Develop skills to impact policies that advance regional prosperity.
PLI offers two separate leadership tracks:
Political Leadership Track
The Political Leadership Track, an evolution of CFPLI program, prepares aspiring elected leaders who are serious about exploring candidacy for political office within the next five years. No commitment is required to run for office; rather, the non-partisan program is designed for individuals who are actively exploring opportunities.
Application deadline: August 15.
Civic Leadership Track
The Civic Leadership Track, a new program from the team behind CFPLI, is designed for business-minded leaders and senior executives who have no interest in seeking elected office to learn skills and tactics to have a voice as public-policy advocates and influencers and grow their network of fellow public, private and community leaders making a difference in our region.
Application deadline: August 15.

“PLI stands out nationally as a successful model for turning business talent into public leadership and one of most unique and successful public leadership programs of its kind…”
– Mark R. Mills
President, Mills Strategic Communications, Inc.,
WHY PLI
Powerful Connections
Both the Political Leadership Track and the Civic Leadership Track feature three full-day classes, important networking opportunities and a final joint policy briefing that concludes with a graduation reception.
The programs feature local, state and national speakers who share their invaluable expertise.
Exclusive Participation
A limited number of emerging leaders from throughout the Central Florida business community are given the opportunity to participate in this ground-breaking program.
Participants are selected based on the strength of their applications and personal interviews with a screening committee, and represent a diverse range of business experience, backgrounds and community involvement.
Nonpartisan, Unbiased Curriculum
Typically, campaign schools are operated by political parties and are designed for declared candidates and current officeholders. PLI takes a truly innovative approach by offering a nonpartisan program to better equip business and civic leaders who have expressed an interest in becoming political candidates and government leaders. It exposes prospective elected or appointed leaders to the political process, regardless of their political affiliation.
Many new faces are entering the political arena without a track record or knowledge of how to run a successful campaign. They are turning to business leaders for support and an orientation on critical regional issues. PLI was designed to address these concerns, while identifying and encouraging new leaders, within the Central Florida region, who may emerge outside of the normal political party channels.

PLI Graduates
Graduates are contributing through service on government boards and commissions or impacting public policy and politics.

Elected PLI Alumni
Since its inception in 2008, over 30 graduates from the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute have served in public office in our region.

“PLI helps prepare the kind of informed, thoughtful leaders our region needs as we continue to grow and evolve…”
– Tim Giuliani
President & CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership

“This expanded model allows us to meet more leaders where they are—whether they see themselves in elected office or influencing policy from the private sector…”
– Bob O’Malley
Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Orlando Economic Partnership
LEARN MORE
Public Leadership Institute
Complete the short form for more information about upcoming Public Leadership Institute sessions,.

Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
News About the Public Leadership Institute

2024 Central Florida Political Leadership Institute (PLI) Class Graduates Press Release

- Political Leadership Institute
- Public Policy and Advocacy
- Orlando Economic Partnership
- Workforce and Talent
Central Florida Political Leadership Institute (PLI) Announces 2023-2024 Class

PLI: Preparing the Next Generation of Public Leaders in the Orlando Region

2023 Central Florida Political Leadership Institute (PLI) Class Graduates Press Release

Central Florida Political Leadership Institute Announces 2022-2023 Class Press Release

Qualifications Can Be Overrated When Seeking a Government Appointment
