by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Leadership Jacksonville’s annual reunion luncheon Tuesday at the Hyatt could be compared to a high school reunion — except this event wasn’t confined to just one returning class.
Instead, it was graduates from over 30 years of the civic leadership organization who came together to catch up on old times while talking about assisting other Jacksonville business and civic leaders.
“It’s a wonderful event each year,” said Isabelle Spence, Leadership Jacksonville executive director. “It’s a time to just get together and get reacquainted with each other.”
Leadership Jacksonville was created in 1976 and helps develop local leaders through a multitude of yearlong programs that explore different community concerns and urban society dynamics. By identifying those needs, it helps develop those leaders with a better understanding of areas that need attention.
Leadership Jacksonville produces 56 graduates a year — each nominated by other members or through applications — and, according to Spence, has over 1,300 graduates who still reside in the Northeast Florida area.
General Counsel and alumnus Rick Mullaney was the keynote speaker and discussed the upcoming 40th anniversary of Jacksonville’s consolidated government, its importance in history and how some graduates of Leadership Jacksonville helped create the governmental change.
“This city has come a long way,” said Mullaney. “At one point we were viewed as a slow moving, backward Southern town with an inferiority complex. Today, we’re in a very different place.
“It took a lot of civic-minded people to help create a change as monumental as (Jacksonville’s) Consolidation. Leadership Jacksonville, and many of its members, were a part of that ... it shows they care about a better future.”
Even with some of the more recent classes, though, Leadership Jacksonville has offered valuable opportunities to connect with regional civic and business leaders who share a common goal of improving the quality of life in Jacksonville.
“Leadership Jacksonville has been a very valuable opportunity for me,” said City Council member Mia Jones, Leadership Jacksonville class of 2000. “I’ve been able to get out and build stronger relationships with people from many different communities in Jacksonville ... you see so many different sides and the experience here has helped me greatly.”
Two new honorary members were also inducted to Leadership Jacksonville during the luncheon: PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem and Ceree Harden of Harden & Associates, who is also a former chair of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission.
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