(Please read this cover letter in its entirety to fully understand the program’s focus, class dates, objectives and requirements.)

Dear Pro-Business Leader:

Thank you for your interest in the Public Leadership Institute (PLI) Political Leaders track, a program of the Orlando Economic Partnership.

The Political Leaders track is for business-minded leaders in Central Florida—regardless of partisan affiliation—who are serious about exploring candidacy for political office within the next five years and then drawing on their experience, skills and talent to address critical policy issues.

No commitment is required to run for office; rather, the program is designed for individuals who are actively exploring opportunities.

More than 30 graduates of the programs have gone on to serve as local or state elected officials.

Applicants from Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, Volusia and Polk Counties are invited.

WHAT THE LEADER WILL DISCOVER

The nonpartisan program will utilize an interactive and engaging format that prepares leaders with “starting line” strategies for how to successfully transition into an elected leadership opportunity.

Leaders will discover how to target the right elected office, remove common barriers to entry, elevate their public visibility, build a powerful political network, assemble a team, line up financial support, and create instant momentum when launching a campaign.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Classes will meet over four half-day sessions at the Orlando Economic Partnership, 200 S. Orange Ave., Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32801 on the following dates:

• Thursday, August 13 | 8:30am – 1:30pm
• Thursday, September 17 | 8:30am – 1:30pm
• Thursday, October 15 | 8:30am – 1:30pm
• Thursday, November 19 | 8:30am – 1:30pm

Lunch will be provided

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

Participants must attend all classes to qualify for graduation. PLI cannot accept candidates who have filed for elected office. Should the participant become a filed candidate for elected office during the course, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

All participants will receive a 100% scholarship thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor, Massey Services Inc.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 26, 2026

Please complete the following application in its entirety, including submission of a bio/resume and photograph.

MORE INFORMATION

Should you have any questions, please contact Grace Thompson, Associate Director of Government Affairs for the Orlando Economic Partnership, at grace.thompson@orlando.org.