3rd Annual Young Professionals Leadership Conference of NWFL

The Young Professionals of NWF Leadership Conference brings together the region’s dynamic Young Professionals groups for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration! Hosted by the Crestview Area, Destin, Greater Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Niceville Valparaiso, and Walton Area Chambers of Commerce, this event is designed to connect and empower emerging leaders.

Attendees will gain valuable insights from community and business leaders through engaging panels and inspiring speakers, covering topics like leadership development, career growth, and community impact.

Sponsorships available:

$1,200 Table Sponsor (Six Total, One for Each Chamber)

Table for Eight Guests
6-Foot Display Table
Ability to Place Marketing Material at All Seats
Recognition in Promotions and on Program

$500 Gold Sponsor (Twelve Total, Two for Each Chamber)

Complimentary Entrance for Four Guests
Recognition in Promotions and on Program

Agenda:

Hosted by the Crestview Area, Destin, Greater Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Niceville Valparaiso, and Walton Area Chambers of Commerce, the Young Professionals of NWF Leadership Conference will unite the area's strong Young Professionals groups to tap into the knowledge and expertise of community and business leaders.

This year's conference is themed Building Your Career. Attendees will enjoy discussions on developing in-demand skills, creating a strong personal brand, leveraging networking and community involvement, and building a career on service.

Thank you to our sponsors United Way Emerald Coast, Frances Roy, Okaloosa Gas, Synovus, Bayou Pub and B-Boy Productions! Additional sponsorships are available.

10:00 AM | Check-In & Coffee

10:30 AM | Welcome

10:40 AM | Panel #1: Building Your Career Through Community Service
Panelists: Bernard Johnson, FPL Regional External Affairs Manager for Okaloosa and Walton Counties
Mel Ponder, Northwest Florida State College President
Neko Stubblefield, Eglin Federal Credit Union Senior VP of Membership and Community Development

11:30 AM | Panel #2: Unlocking Career Growth - How networking & community involvement still give you the edge
Panelists: Christian Carlee, First National Bank Market President
Julie Cotton, Northwest Florida State College Chair of Hospitality & Tourism Management
Danica LaFaire, Fish Window Cleaning Franchise Owner

12:30 PM | Lunch Buffet

1:15 PM | Panel #3: Developing In-Demand Skills – Stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market
Panelists: Michael Beedie, WM Gulf Coast Area Senior Manager of Government Affairs
Todd Jackson, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital CEO
Dr. Cristie Kedroski, Northwest Florida State College Senior Vice President

2:15 PM | Cookie Break

2:30 PM | Panel #4: Developing a Strong Personal Brand – Position yourself as a valuable professional in your industry
Panelists: Baylor Breckenridge, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Acting CFO
Corey Dobridnia, Walton County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer
Cali Hlavac, Sassy Tangerine Creative Owner & Marketing Strategist

3:30 PM | Keynote Speaker: Col. Allison Black, USAF Retired

4:15 PM | Closing Remarks

4:30 PM | Happy Hour Sponsored by Bayou Pub

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Date and Time

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM CDT

Location

Niceville Community Center

204 N Partin Dr, Niceville, FL 32578-1244

Fees/Admission

$49