Through the Public Leadership Institute, the Orlando Economic Partnership is training the next generation of leaders for Central Florida’s future
Orlando, Fla. — The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) welcomed the Public Leadership Institute’s (PLI) inaugural class of the Civic Leadership Track strengthening its commitment to building the next generation of public leaders and policy influencers in Central Florida.
Designed for senior executives and business-minded leaders who want to shape public policy without seeking elected office, the Civic Leadership Track received nearly 100 applications. Participants will gain the skills and tools needed to become influential advocates, grow their networks, and drive impact on policies that advance regional prosperity.
“The Civic Leadership Track expands the scope of our Public Leadership Institute to prepare leaders who may not run for office but still have the power to shape the future of our region,” said Tim Giuliani, OEP’s President and CEO. “This inaugural class represents a bold step toward cultivating business and civic leaders who are ready to engage in the policymaking process in meaningful ways.”
The Public Leadership Institute (PLI), formerly known as the Political Leadership Institute, now offers two nonpartisan tracks:
- Political Leadership Track – Designed for aspiring elected leaders who are exploring candidacy within the next five years.
- Civic Leadership Track – A new pathway for leaders who want to influence public policy as advocates and community connectors without pursuing office.
Both tracks feature three full-day sessions, access to prominent local, state, and national speakers, and culminate in a joint policy briefing and graduation reception. Participants are selected through a competitive process based on their applications, interviews, and demonstrated commitment to community leadership.
“PLI has always been about preparing leaders who are ready to step forward,” said Bob O’Malley, OEP’s SVP of Government Affairs. “By adding the Civic Leadership Track, we are opening doors for executives and community leaders to use their experience, voice, and networks to shape policy and strengthen the Orlando region’s path toward broad-based prosperity.”
With this expansion, the OEP is building stronger connections across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, ensuring Central Florida’s future leaders are prepared to guide the region toward its long-term vision.
Inaugural Civic Leadership Track Class
| Allison Martin | General Manager, Hyatt House Orlando Airport |
| Amy Guilfoyle | Technical Director, NV5 |
| Anthony Peral | Vice President of Regional Programs, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida |
| Arnaldo Oliveras | President, 180 Commercial Real Estate Advisors |
| Ashley Blasewitz | Director of Media Relations, Brightline |
| Benjamin Fortin | Marketing Strategy Manager, Walt Disney World |
| Chad Jones | Managing Principal, PBK |
| Charlotte Leavitt | Associate Director, Center for Independent Living |
| Chris Ham | Executive Director, Rescue Outreach Mission |
| Claudia Menezes | Vice President, GoPegasus |
| Deborah Ruiz | Community and Citizenship Manager, Turner Construction |
| Diedre Graybill | Managing Broker, Graybill Realty & Associates |
| Emily Colón | Partner, The Southern Group |
| Gaby Ortigoni | President, Hispanic Economic Advancement |
| Giorgina Pinedo-Rolón | President/Founder, Gio Communications |
| Jennifer McMahon | Senior Associate of Client & Community Relations, KPMG LLP |
| John De Armas | CEO, ProfitLand Partners |
| Karla Radka | President & CEO, Senior Resource Alliance The Area Agency on Aging of Central Florida |
| Kristin Caborn | AVP Director Parks and Public Spaces, GAI Consultants |
| Laini Schultz-Sangster | COO, Chace Construction Services |
| Lori Gravitt | AVP Branch Manager, Addition Financial |
| Marie Cassamajor | General Manager, Holiday Inn Resport Kissimmee |
| Mark Freid | CEO, Think Integrated |
| Trish Murphy | CEO/Owner, Marketing Smarty Pants |
| Penny Seater | CEO, Habitat for Humanity |
| Reginald Burroughs | Executive Director of the Orlando Community and Youth Trust, City of Orlando |
| Samuel Barrington | President, Sky Limit Crane |
| Sara Meyer | Executive Director, Eight Waves |
| Usha Tewari | Founder/CEO, Caregiving Leader |
For more information on PLI or to schedule media interviews please contact Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio | jennifer.marcial@orlando.org | 407-902-0221. Learn more about PLI here.