PLI: Political Leadership Track Application - 2025

Dear Business-Minded Aspiring Public Leader:

Thank you for your interest in the Public Leadership Institute – Political Leadership Track, a program of the Orlando Economic Partnership.

The Political Leadership 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.

Graduates of the programs have gone on to serve as elected local and legislative leaders as well as appointees to government boards and commissions.

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

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

Leaders will discover how to target the right appointed or 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 or applying for an appointment.

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

- Thursday, October 16 | 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thursday, November 20 | 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thursday, December 11 | 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Lunch will be provided, and breaks will be available throughout each class session.

A fourth class in January 2026 will bring together leaders from both the Political Leadership Track and the Civic Leadership Track for policy briefings about issues important to the Orlando region, and networking opportunities, concluding with a graduation ceremony.

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 program sponsors.

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

You can begin your application and return and edit if needed before and after
submitting. But your application must be complete by August 15, 2025.

Should you have any questions, please contact Bob O’Malley, SVP Government Affairs for the Orlando Economic Partnership, at bob.omalley@orlando.org.