Babcock Ranch Chamber Announces Inaugural Leadership Babcock Class
Babcock Ranch Chamber Announces Inaugural Leadership Babcock Class
New leadership program brings together Southwest Florida professionals to explore the vision, innovation and community development behind Babcock Ranch.
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — October 9, 2026 — The Babcock Ranch Chamber is proud to announce the inaugural class of Leadership Babcock, a new six-session leadership development program designed to connect emerging and established leaders with the people, organizations and systems shaping Babcock Ranch and Southwest Florida. The inaugural cohort represents a diverse group of professionals coming together to deepen their understanding of leadership, community development, innovation and regional growth while building meaningful relationships with fellow business and community leaders.
Aaron Pankau, General Manager - WellWay
Brandon Murphy, Vice President - Certified Heating and Cooling
Cindy Bradford, Co-owner - Advanced Screen Services
Conley Black, Owner / CEO - Florida Closet's and More
Eileen DeLuca, Vice President for Strategic Initiative and Chief of Staff - Florida Gulf Coast University
Heather Tack, Principal - Babcock Ranch Neighborhood Schools
Jessie Smutney, Owner - Legacy Pressure Pros LLC
Kylie Sevy, Owner - Flourish And Pops
Lauren Liebman, Owner - Solar City Carts
Lee Strauss, Estimator / Project Manager - Ajax Paving
Robert Michelsen, VP Sales / Marketing - Sweetwater Lifestyles
Wendy Riha, Realtor / Team Lead - Nicklaus Vance
“Leadership Babcock was created to give professionals a deeper look at the leadership and collaboration behind one of Southwest Florida’s most innovative communities,” said Jessica Hoover, Executive Director of the Babcock Ranch Chamber. “This inaugural class brings together individuals who are interested in learning, connecting and contributing to the future of our region. We are excited to welcome them to this experience.”
Leadership Babcock will provide participants with opportunities to engage directly with community leaders and gain behind-the-scenes insight into the development and operations of Babcock Ranch. The program is designed to strengthen leadership and civic engagement while helping participants become informed ambassadors for Babcock Ranch and Southwest Florida.
The program will begin October 21, 2026, and conclude April 14, 2027, with six full-day sessions exploring key areas of community leadership and regional development.
Topics include: Vision, Leadership & Community Development Environment & Sustainability Public Safety & Emergency Management Economic Development & Commercial Operations Community Operations & Regional Partnerships Community Resiliency The inaugural Leadership Babcock class will participate in experiences designed to expand their leadership perspective while examining the intersection of economic development, community building, sustainability and regional growth.
About Leadership Babcock
Leadership Babcock is a six-session leadership development program created by Babcock Ranch Chamber to connect residents, business professionals and emerging leaders with the people, organizations and systems that make Babcock Ranch one of the nation's most innovative communities. The program focuses on connection, education and community engagement.
About Babcock Ranch Chamber
Babcock Ranch Chamber is a business service organization serving Babcock Ranch professionals, businesses and business owners. Our mission is to create a prosperous business community aid in economic growth and provide quality services to our members. This is where entrepreneurs, visionaries, and community leaders come together to shape the economic impact of Babcock Ranch. Whether you're launching a startup, expanding to Babcock Ranch, or championing positive change, we’re here to connect you with the people, resources, and advocacy you need to thrive. Join us in building a business community that not only reflects the values of Babcock Ranch but drives its progress.
Media Contact:
Courtney Winstead
VP of Marketing & Communications
SWFL Inc.
239-992-2943
courtney@swflinc.com