Leadership Estero

What is Leadership Estero?

The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce's leadership program seeks to introduce 14 Southwest Florida participants to the greater Estero community, its unique history, and the key issues impacting the area. The program runs from October to August and offers participants behind-the-scenes tours of local industries, discussions with community partners and leaders, and topic-based panels. Through this program, participants will develop lasting relationships, bolster their leadership skills and work collaboratively to serve the Greater Estero region.

Become a Sponsor

Leadership Estero Class of 25-26 Public Safety Day

Leadership Estero Class of 2026-2027

Dr. Ashley DeBoer
CX Consulting Group & Apex Painting Group
Founder & Co-Owner

Allison Epstein
Florida Blue Center
Senior Manager

Ryan Eggleston
Village of Estero
Deputy Village Manager

Heather Eubank
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point & Spa
Director of Events

Urte Izdonaviciute
Lee Health
Director – Healthy Life Center

Joseph Lacertosa
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point & Spa
Sales Manager

Scott Leo
LMCU
Wealth Manager

Caily Martin
Bonita Assistance
Executive Director

Karlene Masse
4KIDS of Southwest Florida
Partner Engagement Officer

Mike McGlothlin
Ageless Fitness & Vitality Booth Wellness Center
Co-Owner

Steven Mayer
Innovative Mortgage Services
Mortgage Banker

Alana Mendez Hyatt
Regency Coconut Point & Spa
Leisure Sales Manager

Kelly Thawley
Florida Gulf Coast University
Coordinator, Micro-credentials & Workforce Programs

Dylan Trenhaile
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH)
Assistant Director of Nursing
Bonita Emergency Department

The Leadership Estero class roster attends all-day sessions on the following dates:

October 9, 2026 – Leadership Estero Kickoff & Orientation , (If needed: hurricane make-up day would be October 16)
November 20, 2026 – Estero Government & History Day
January 22, 2027 – Education Day
February 19, 2027 – Arts & Culture Day
March 12, 2027 – Public Safety Day
April 9, 2027 – Environment Day
May 14, 2027 – Social Services Day
June 11, 2027 – Healthcare Day
July 16, 2027 – Tourism Day
August 20, 2027 – (Half-day) Year-in-Review Session

Participants will graduate during the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Dinner in fall 2027, and they will be required to volunteer in support of EsteroFest on March 20, 2027.

The Class of 2026-2027 is full!

Tuition is $1,200 for members of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce, or $1,550 for future members. Tuition is non-refundable and due in full by September 18, 2026.

If you have questions about this program, contact Sharon Van Rite at LeadershipEstero@gmail.com.

The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce's leadership program exists to introduce a broad range of Southwest Florida participants to the greater Estero community, its unique history, and the key issues impacting the area. The program runs from October to June each year, and it offers participants behind-the-scenes tours of local industries, discussion with community partners and leaders, topic-based panels. Through this program, participants develop lasting relationships, bolster their leadership skills and work collaboratively on a community project for the community.

This elite group of diverse business and community leaders are chosen annually from dozens of applicants who want to have a positive impact in their community and are committed to the demands of the 8-month program.

The support from our Southwest Florida business community empowers our mission to provide our participants with an understanding of the economic, social, and political forces impacting the greater Estero area, while exposing them to the opportunities and special demands that encourage their involvement.

LEGACY LEADER: EXCLUSIVE $5,000

Our LEGACY LEADER is the program’s foundation. This exclusive partnership enables the Greater Estero Chamber to develop, implement, and continuously improve the Leadership Estero program, meeting or exceeding the standards of excellence established by its Board of Directors and the community it represents.

This sponsorship includes one participant in the Leadership 2027 class (valued at $1,200-$1,550 )
Dominant logo / recognition on all provided materials (including agendas, T-shirts*, webpage, press releases, social media, emails)
Recognition on Chamber website’s “Leadership Estero” page with a link to your website for one year
3 Member Spotlight exclusive emails (to be used within one year)
Dominant editorial recognition in the 2027 Greater Estero magazine
Recognition and material display at the program’s October Kickoff & Orientation session
Promotional item in each gift bag presented to the class at the Kickoff & Orientation session
Opportunity to personally welcome the 2027 class at the Kickoff & Orientation session
Complimentary table for six (6) at the Greater Estero Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner (when we host the Leadership Estero Graduation) in Fall 2027
Complimentary spot at the EsteroFest Business Expo
This sponsor retains the right-of-first refusal to remain the exclusive Legacy Leader for the 2028 class.

To be included on the t-shirts, sponsor must be confirmed and logo provided before September 11, 2026.

LEADERSHIP AMBASSADORS - $2,500

Our LEADERSHIP AMBASSADORS enable the Leadership Estero program to provide the highest levels of continuing education and enrichment to all Leadership participants.

Logo / recognition on all provided materials (including agendas, T-shirts, webpage, press releases, social media, emails)
Recognition on the Chamber website’s “Leadership Estero” page during the course of the program
2 Member Spotlight exclusive emails (to be used within one year)
Recognition in the 2027 Greater Estero magazine
Recognition and material display at the program’s October Kickoff & Orientation session
Promotional item in each gift bag presented to the class at the Kickoff & Orientation session
Complimentary spot at the Estero Fest Business Expo
Recognition and two (2) complimentary reservations to attend the Greater Estero Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner (when we host the Leadership Estero Graduation) in Fall 2027

LEADING THE WAY - $1,200 (limit 8)*

Our LEADING THE WAY sponsors give the Leadership Estero program the ability to provide the class group transportation to the various sites they visit each month during the course of the 8-session program. In a survey taken of the Charter Leadership Estero class, GROUP TRANSPORTATION was the #1 request.

Exclusive logo recognition both on the bus and in the social posts about the sponsored session day
Recognition on the Chamber website’s “Leadership Estero” page during the course of the program
Recognition in the Greater Estero magazine
Recognition and material display at the sponsored session
Promotional item in each gift bag presented to the class at the program’s Kickoff & Orientation session
Complimentary spot at the EsteroFest Business Expo
Recognition at the Greater Estero Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner (when we host the Leadership Estero Graduation) in Fall 2027

*In-Kind Sponsorships also welcomed

**Option to exclusively LEAD THE WAY for all 8 weeks! Custom package available upon request.

LEADERSHIP PRIME - $1,000*

Our LEADERSHIP PRIME Sponsors enable the Leadership Estero program to provide participants with all necessary materials, custom apparel, meals, and beverages.

Logo / recognition in press releases, social media, emails
Recognition on the Chamber website’s “Leadership Estero” page during the course of the program
One (1) Member Spotlight exclusive email (to be used within one year)
Recognition in the Greater Estero magazine
Recognition and material display at the program’s October Kickoff & Orientation session
Promotional item in each gift bag presented to the class at the Kickoff & Orientation session
Recognition at the Greater Estero Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner (when we host the Leadership Estero Graduation) in June 2027

*In-Kind Sponsorships also welcomed

LEADERSHIP FRIENDS - $500*

Our LEADERSHIP FRIENDS are important to the Leadership Estero program in a variety of ways. From helping to defer the costs of the initial kickoff to allowing the program the ability to gain more exposure through advertising and promotions, our Leadership Friends come together in support.

Recognition on the Chamber website’s “Leadership Estero” page during the course of the program
Recognition in the 2027 Greater Estero magazine
Recognition at the program’s October Kickoff & Orientation session
Promotional item in each gift bag presented to the class at the Kickoff & Orientation session
Recognition at the Greater Estero Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner (when we host the Leadership Estero Graduation) in Fall 2027

*In-Kind Sponsorships also welcomed

LEADERSHIP HOSPITALITY PARTNERS - $300*

Our LEADERSHIP HOSPITALITY sponsors help ensure Leadership Estero participants are welcomed with meals and meaningful engagement opportunities during each industry day session. These sponsorships provide breakfast or lunch for classmates while creating opportunities for networking, discussion, and interaction with community and industry leaders.

Recognition in the official Leadership Estero agenda for the sponsored session
Recognition in Leadership Estero social media recap posts from the sponsored day
Opportunity to provide one promotional item or branded giveaway to class participants on the industry day
Opportunity to address the class for up to 2 minutes during the sponsored meal (breakfast or lunch)
Recognition at the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner (when we host the Leadership Estero Graduation) in Fall 2027

*In-Kind Sponsorships also welcomed

Leadership Estero Class of 2026-2027

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Heart of Southwest Florida