Leadership Delray: Where Passion Meets Purpose
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs
If you have a passion for the Delray Beach community and a desire to serve it in a leadership role, plan to participate in the Leadership Delray 2026 Class! Leadership Delray is all about first-hand experiences and behind-the-scenes access. You’ll get an intimate look at how all facets of our community work and the challenges they face—education, healthcare, emergency services, local government, the arts and more – while exploring aspects of leadership. The class of 2025 is full. Please email sarah@delraybeach.com to be added to the 2026 roster.
Fee Structure:
Chamber Members – $750
Future Chamber Members – $1,050
Leadership Delray 2025 Schedule:
Tuesday, January 14 – Orientation & History
Tuesday, February 11 – The Arts and Most Fun Small Town Day
Tuesday, March 11 – Agriculture Day
Tuesday, April 8 – Public Safety Day
Wednesday, May 13 – Media Day
Tuesday, June 10 – Medical Day
Tuesday, July 8 – City and County Systems Day
August TBD – Education Day
Tuesday, September 9 – Sustainability Day
October TBD – Do Good Delray Day
Tuesday, November 25 – Legislative Breakfast & Graduation
*Schedule is subject to change
TESTIMONIALS FROM LEADERSHIP DELRAY GRADUATES
“I want to thank the Delray Chamber for facilitating Leadership Delray. It was an incredible opportunity to get to know our community and all it has to offer along with some surprises. We are lucky and blessed to be part of such a vibrant community!” – John Ferrarese, Seacoast Bank, Class of 2024
“Participating in Leadership Delray was an incredibly informative experience. Each session was engaging, but I particularly enjoyed the public safety, agriculture and sustainability days, which stood out for their relevance and depth. Learning more about Delray Beach and its community has equipped me with valuable insights that will enhance my ability to serve my clients as a local realtor even better. The program was exceptionally well-organized, making every moment enjoyable and impactful. I highly recommend Leadership Delray to anyone looking to deepen their connection to our town!” – Elena Carissimo, Lang Realty, Class of 2024
“Joining Leadership Delray has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. My passion for the Delray Beach community has found its perfect outlet through this program. The Leadership Delray Class provided unparalleled access and insights into the heartbeat of our community, from our schools and hospitals to our emergency services, local government, and cultural institutions. If you’re looking to learn the ins and outs of our community while honing your leadership skills, Leadership Delray is where you need to be.” -Jill Merjeski, Jill’s Next Door Dog Walking & Pet Services, LLC, Class of 2024
“Having lived in Delray Beach and Palm Beach County for 22 years, I want to express how much I gained from my experience with Leadership Delray. Sarah and the Chamber took us to various places such as museums, schools, public safety training facilities, local artist havens, and agricultural sites. I had passed by these places countless times without realizing they existed in our community. Leadership Delray has been a transformative experience for me both professionally and personally. I have already applied the things I learned to my role as Business Development Ambassador at Sklar Furnishings, and now more than ever, I am motivated to make our community and planet a better place. Equally important are the meaningful relationships I formed with my 2024 leadership class. I believe we will continue to support each other’s businesses and our community. I extend a huge thank you to Sarah for leading us through this incredible experience, and to the Delray Chamber for giving us so much to be proud of in our community.” -Jamie Sloan Cohen, Sklar Furnishings, Class of 2024
“I would like to take the time to say thank you to the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce and Sarah Mears for hosting Leadership Delray. I’m a 23-year resident and a 17-year employee with the City of Delray Beach. Leadership Delray brought a mix of professionals together from all walks of life. I have a greater appreciation for other professions from the leadership visits.” -Theresa Gardner-Williams, City of Delray Beach, Class of 2023
“I want to share what a positive experience I had with Leadership Delray Beach. It was such a great opportunity to meet diverse individuals and leaders from both the Palm Beach County and the City of Delray Beach. I learn so much about our wonderful City, Delray Beach.” -Begoña Krane, City of Delray Beach Public Works Department, Class of 2023
“I thought I knew everything there was to know about Delray Beach and Palm Beach County. That was before joining Leadership Delray, which has proven to be a transformative learning experience for me both personally and professionally. This journey has proved to be beneficial and rewarding in many ways. I am proud to have established a strong support system, gained valuable insights, and built meaningful relationships. I am both humbled and grateful to have gained a deeper understanding and connection to my community.” -Shona Castillo, CROS Ministries, Class of 2023
“I am proud to say that I have been a resident of Delray Beach since 2006. I was searching for a home for a very long time and finally found the perfect town. I was attracted to Delray because of the culture, energy and vibrancy and over the years, my love for Delray Beach has grown. I joined the chamber of commerce to become an active part of the community. When the opportunity came to me to apply for the Leadership Delray program, I was so inspired and excited to learn about where we live. The program is thoughtfully executed, educational and fun. I have met so many great people and made many friends. Learning about the community has allowed me to feel more connected to the history and culture of our city. I have developed a new respect for all of the amazing people that serve Delray Beach behind the scenes and our local heroes. I am grateful for the opportunity and can now share this information about my community to my clients & show them what makes Delray Beach so special. It’s about the people that live, work and play that make our city the Best Small Beach Town in the United States.” – Michelle Sadownick PA, Realty Home Advisors, Class of 2023
“Leadership Delray has been such a wonderful opportunity for me over the past year, meeting incredible people and finding out what makes our community such an amazing place to live. Leadership Delray has made a lasting impact that will forever change my life. Thank you all at the Chamber for making my year a special one.” -Teresa Throckmorton, Central Park Taekwondo Academy, Class of 2022
“As a new Florida resident, my participation in the Delray Leadership class has been instrumental for both my personal and work life. The presenters have had a wealth of knowledge and, as a result, I feel that I can speak with some authority about many of the aspects of Delray Beach.” – Tammie Sellman, Wayside House, Class of 2022
“As a 16 year employee of the City of Delray Beach, I have had many great opportunities to engage with our residents, business community / leaders, and guests of our city. After 16 years, I thought I knew it all in terms of what our city has to offer and how it operates, I was wrong. The experience gained through leadership Delray showed me how much more awesome and unique Delray Beach really is then what I already knew. From the small museums, public art, how all of the city agencies, non-profits, volunteers, and businesses work together to make Delray an international destination is truly fascinating. Learning about the infrastructure, how clean water is produced, going out to the farms in Belle Glade and walking along side the farmers exceeded all expectations I had. Seeing how City Employees truly love their careers, love the city and love to serve makes me not only proud to be a part them, but makes me want to be a resident of Delray Beach. The friendships forged with our leadership class will be everlasting and at some point we will all reach out or lean on each other to help overcome challenges or support each others initiatives. The Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce is second to none. The staff at the chamber is incredibly professional, and committed to helping the business community, ensuring Delray Beach continues to grow and prosper. The chamber is also committed to supporting residents, the youth and businesses that need an extra hand. I strongly recommend anyone interested in learning about the city, looking to network, make new friends, or to just learn something new, join leadership Delray, you will not be disappointed.” -Gary Ferreri, Delray Beach Police Department, Class of 2022
“The information I learned after each leadership Delray class (agricultural day, public safety day, education day, etc) was so eye-opening I immediately shared my experience and new knowledge with family and friends that night as well as the days that followed. You gain A deeper connection to the chamber of commerce, City of Delray, and classmates because of the great time spent at each event.” – Adam Eckstein, Servpro of South Palm Beach, Class of 2022
“Learning never stops. Whether you are new to Delray Beach or have been in Delray Beach for years, Leadership Delray should be on your to do list. I learned so much about Delray Beach and I even received a personality profile to learn more about myself. I also met amazing leaders from around the County. I highly recommend that you sign up for this Program and get plugged in on Delray Beach. Thank you Delray Beach Chamber for putting this on!” – Renée A. Jadusingh, Delray Beach CRA, Class of 2022
“What a fantastic program! Leadership Delray allows the “doers, planners and hard workers” to highlight what goes on behind the scenes in Delray Beach. The Program definitely raised our awareness of what it takes to run a city like ours. But it also highlighted the opportunities for collaboration between all of us. And I know I will treasure the new friendships for years to come.” -Randy King, Prime IV Hydration, Class of 2022
“Leadership Delray was a terrific series. I learned a lot about the City, met many new business contacts and made a few new friends.” – Stuart Silver, SRS Consulting, Class of 2021
“Leadership Delray was a fantastic way to see Delray Beach in a completely different way. Even after living and working in the city for more than two decades, I still saw new things, made new friends, and completely enjoyed the monthly gatherings.” – Marjorie Waldo, Arts Garage, Class of 2021
“There isn’t an easier way to learn about Delray Beach’s community and people than Leadership Delray Beach. Every place you visit, and every presenter you hear, they all want you to discover what their all about.” – Sergio Piedra, Discover the Palm Beaches, Class of 2021
“In addition to learning so much about Delray Beach, I made friendships and professional connections that wouldn’t have been possible without Leadership Delray. I would recommend it to anyone who lives or works here.” – Dani Moschella, City of Delray Beach – Fire Rescue, Class of 2021
“Leadership Delray illuminated the many facets of this city and how the organizations all contribute small pieces to a larger puzzle that is Delray Beach. As all the pieces come together, these classes solidify your place in the city’s growth as a contributing factor.” – Luis Acosta, Arts Warehouse, Class of 2021
“I’m so glad I decided to participate in Leadership Delray! It was a fantastic way to make connections with people and businesses all over Delray. The Chamber did a fantastic job keeping our class together and converting to virtual events during COVID-19, and I have made some lasting friendships through this experience.” – Keely Sanders, Hyatt Place Delray Beach, Class of 2020
“Leadership Delray has demonstrated to me that each and every profession has it avenues and step by step processes that leads to great outcomes.” – Rachel Ivey, City of Delray Beach Parks & Recreation, Class of 2020
“The connections, information and experiences from Leadership Delray are invaluable. If you’re looking to succeed and grow in Delray Beach, Leadership Delray is a great place to start!” – Amber Clark, Rapoport’s Restaurant Group, Class of 2020
“I was able to develop relationships with individuals within the Chamber and City that have played and continue to play big roles in my launching of a new business.” – Ben Fagan, Ben Fagan Media, Class of 2020