FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors Chairman: Mike Johnson
Leadership Santa Rosa Begins New Chapter as Independent 501(c)(3) Organization
Santa Rosa County, FL – September 9, 2025 – For nearly 40 years, the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce has been the driving force behind Leadership Santa Rosa (LSR), nurturing the program from its inception into a cornerstone of community development. Today, the Chamber and LSR proudly announce the program’s next evolution: Leadership Santa Rosa is now operating as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.This milestone reflects the Chamber’s decades-long commitment to developing leaders who serve, strengthen, and connect Santa Rosa County. What began as a Chamber-led initiative has grown into a countywide legacy of leadership, preparing hundreds of alumni to positively impact businesses, government, schools, and civic life.
“Leadership Santa Rosa has been one of the Chamber’s proudest accomplishments,” said Mike Johnson, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve watched it grow from a Chamber program into a true countywide institution. Transitioning to an independent 501(c)(3) is a natural next step—one that honors the Chamber’s legacy while allowing both organizations to focus more deeply on their missions. The Chamber will continue championing businesses and economic growth, while LSR will expand its role as a hub for leadership and community collaboration.”
With the support of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Leadership Santa Rosa, Inc. will continue its mission without interruption. The independent nonprofit structure provides greater flexibility to work with all chambers and organizations across Santa Rosa County, strengthening a united network of leaders.
“This is an exciting and pivotal moment for Leadership Santa Rosa,” said Kristen Rhodes, Board Chair of Leadership Santa Rosa, Inc. “We are deeply grateful for the incredible foundation provided by the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce. This is not the end of a partnership—it’s the continuation of a legacy. With this new structure, we are better positioned to serve the entire county and connect leaders across all sectors.”
The Leadership Santa Rosa program will proceed as planned with the current class year. The organization’s new non-profit status became effective June 30, 2025.
