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Anchin Center Launches Executive Leadership Institute to Amplify District Leadership

ELI Group

April 10, 2025

This spring, the Anchin Center proudly launched a new initiative designed specifically to support K鈥�12 superintendents and their executive leadership teams: the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI). Participating districts in this inaugural year include Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hernando School District, Pinellas County Schools, and the School District of Manatee County.

A Strategic Start

  • April 10, 2025: ELI officially kicked off with superintendents and deputy superintendents from Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hernando School District, Pinellas County Schools, and the School District of Manatee County. Attendees heard from Stephanie Conners, Chief Executive Officer of BayCare, who delivered an opening keynote focused on strategic leadership in high-stakes environments. The session emphasized maintaining focus on district-wide goals to drive student achievement, rather than being consumed by daily operational tasks.
  • June 25, 2025: The second session brought full executive teams together for a deeper dive. Jim Myers, President of Crown Automotive, offered compelling insights on leading with purpose and the discipline of strategic execution. Beyond the keynote, this session featured facilitated collaborative problem-solving discussions leveraging real-world scenarios from attending districts.

Practitioner-Centered, Leadership-Driven

ELI group

ELI鈥檚 content goes beyond theory, immersing leaders in real-world challenges and equipping them with tools to:

  • Maintain strategic fidelity amid competing demands
  • Foster leadership capacity across their entire organization
  • Build systems for continuous improvement and high-quality execution
  • Cultivate strong internal and community partnerships
  • Learn directly from both prominent business leaders and education practitioners

Three seasoned educators from Tampa Bay area school districts serve as facilitators, providing coaching, context, and continuity:

  • Dr. Michael A. Grego, former superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, who led record-high student outcomes, STEM expansion, and narrowed achievement gaps.
  • Dr. Debra P. Pace, recently retired from Osceola County Schools, recognized for leadership development, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement.
  • Dr. William (Bill) Corbett, former deputy superintendent of Pinellas County, expert in operational leadership and crisis navigation, including district-level responses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking Ahead

With its successful launch in spring 2025, ELI is poised to become a foundational program in the Anchin Center鈥檚 professional learning portfolio. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for September 10, 2025, and February 11, 2026, promising expanded opportunities for executive leadership development across the region. The Anchin Center remains committed to empowering district leaders with the vision, structure, and practices necessary to drive sustainable student success.