Southwest Florida Leadership Institute Expands Regional Impact with Major Leadership Development Partnerships

August 12, 2026 / Lutgert News / Tag: Southwest Florida Leadership Institute

The Southwest Florida Leadership Institute (SFLI) at Florida Gulf Coast University continues its rapid growth, announcing several significant organizational partnerships that reinforce its position as Southwest Florida’s premier provider of evidence-based leadership development.

Leaders at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club participate in SFLI’s Leadership Mindset in Hospitality program, part of a multi-cohort partnership focused on leadership development and service employee engagement.

Over the past year, SFLI has secured a series of multi-year and multi-cohort agreements with leading healthcare organizations, luxury hospitality brands, nonprofit organizations, and private employers. Together, these partnerships represent a growing regional investment in developing leaders equipped to navigate increasingly complex workplaces.

Among the Institute’s newest initiatives is a two-year leadership development agreement with Lee Health, one of Florida’s largest public health systems.

Leadership Workshop, hosted by Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) and FGCU's Southwest Florida Leadership Institute.

Building on a successful collaboration that has already served hundreds of healthcare leaders, the expanded partnership will continue providing customized leadership education designed to strengthen organizational effectiveness, communication, and decision-making across the health system.

SFLI has also expanded its international footprint through a multi-cohort leadership partnership with Aurora Anguilla, an Olympus Ventures luxury resort. Following the success of its inaugural Leadership Mindset program, Aurora Anguilla has committed to additional cohorts that will continue developing leaders across the resort’s management team while reinforcing a culture of exceptional service and service employee engagement.

Organizations are recognizing that leadership is no longer something that can be left to chance.

- Dr. Meagan Baskin

Meagan Baskin, Ph.D., Director of the SFLI and Professor of Management

Closer to home, organizations across Southwest Florida are increasingly selecting SFLI’s flagship Emerging Leader Program to build their internal leadership pipelines. In 2026, the Institute will launch private organizational cohorts with both the Charitable Foundation of the Islands and Sanctuary Golf Club, providing customized leadership development experiences tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within each organization.

“Organizations are recognizing that leadership is no longer something that can be left to chance,” said Dr. Meagan Baskin, Director of the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute. “Whether we’re partnering with a healthcare system serving millions of patients, a world-class luxury resort, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations, the common thread is a commitment to investing in people. Strong leadership creates stronger organizations, healthier workplace cultures, and ultimately stronger communities.”

Leadership workshop participants explored performance management, decision-making and leading through change during sessions led by FGCU business faculty.

The momentum reflects a broader shift occurring throughout Southwest Florida. As the region continues to experience rapid population growth, economic expansion, and workforce challenges, organizations are placing greater emphasis on developing leaders who can inspire teams, navigate change, and make sound strategic decisions.

As our region continues to grow, investing in leadership development is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative.

- Dr. Meagan Baskin

Unlike traditional leadership seminars, SFLI’s programs are grounded in research and designed to provide immediately applicable skills through cohort-based learning, executive coaching, and practical application. The Institute partners directly with organizations to develop customized leadership pathways aligned with strategic priorities while also offering open-enrollment programs that allow professionals from across industries to grow together.

Jenny Manegold, Ph.D., Interim Associate Dean and Professor of Management, leads participants through a leadership development workshop.

Since its launch, the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute has become a trusted partner for organizations seeking to strengthen leadership capacity across public, private, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors. Its growing portfolio of partnerships reflects both the quality of its programming and the increasing recognition that leadership development is essential to organizational success.

“Southwest Florida’s future depends on the quality of its leaders,” Baskin said. “As our region continues to grow, investing in leadership development is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative. We’re proud to partner with organizations that are making that investment and helping shape the future of our workforce.”

About the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute

The Southwest Florida Leadership Institute at Florida Gulf Coast University develops leaders through research-based education, executive development, organizational consulting, and customized workforce solutions. Serving organizations across healthcare, government, nonprofit, hospitality, and private industry, the Institute equips current and emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to lead with confidence in an evolving workplace.

Explore the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute.

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