The Leadership St. Pete Alumni Association was established in 1975 as an independent 501©3 organization under the leadership of Gene Oliver and several of his Leadership St. Pete (LSP) graduate friends. The main reason for its creation was to enable graduates of the LSP program to continue to network, bond and discuss many issues impacting and affecting the greater St. Petersburg community. Mr. Oliver served as the President of the organization from its inception in 1975 through 1977. 

At its beginning, the Alumni Association was driven and staffed by the volunteer President of the Alumni Board and his/her assistant. The activities varied from year to year due to the extent the President could be involved. 

In 1985, then President Roy Harrell approached the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce about having the Alumni Association come under the umbrella of The Chamber. Since The Chamber managed the LSP program, The Chamber’s Board approved this affiliation. It evolved and in 2002 the Alumni Association decided to split away. 

In 2005, the LSPAA and The Chamber entered into a revised partnership affiliation agreement. With that, The Chamber provides assistance to LSPAA and has assigned the Chamber staff director of the LSP program to also serve as the Alumni Liaison. 

The Alumni Association has been a natural leadership feeder to the community with alumni represented on almost every Board or Committee in the St. Petersburg community. Alumni have been especially visible on Chamber committee, The Chamber Board of Governors and as elected officials in positions representing St. Petersburg, Pinellas County and the State of Florida. 

Over the years, LSPAA has developed several programs for its members to enjoy. Starting in the 1980’s an executive series program entitled FOCUS St. Pete was born. LSPAA and The Chamber co-manage FOCUS which is designed to serve as a Leadership program for new executives in the community or newly promoted executives. The FOCUS program features a day and a half format with sessions covering: the arts, education, government, social services, environment, community development and the history of St. Petersburg. Many FOCUS presenters are LSP graduates. Participants in the program go on to participate in LSP or are LSP Alums that wish to refresh what they learned during their year in LSP. 

First Friday Forum sessions are another popular Alumni program that occur on a once a month basis covering hot topics in the community. Click here for a current schedule of upcoming First Friday Forums. 

The Alumni remain involved in and supportive of the LSP program by serving on the Planning Committee, supplying speakers for seminars and raise funds for scholarships to assist with LSP tuition. The Alumni also give away two awards each year at the LSP Graduation Ceremony, the Outstanding Alumnus and the Community Leadership Awards. Click here to view past winners.