Leadership Florida Presents Julia Woodward with the 2024 “but For Leadership Florida” Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jennie Kroeger

jkroeger@leadershipflorida.org

(850) 556-2123

June 24, 2024

LEADERSHIP FLORIDA PRESENTS JULIA WOODWARD WITH THE 2024 “BUT FOR LEADERSHIP FLORIDA” AWARD

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Leadership Florida presented Julia Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation, the 2024 “but for Leadership Florida” award at its Annual Meeting in Charlotte Harbor earlier this month.

The “but for Leadership Florida” Award recognizes a Leadership Florida member who has used specific knowledge gained and/or relationships built through their Leadership Florida experiences to improve the lives of fellow Floridians and create "but for Leadership Florida" moments.

“We are so excited to recognize Julia Gill Woodward as this year’s ‘but for Leadership Florida’ award winner,” said Wendy Spencer, president and CEO of Leadership Florida. “Her commitment to shine a light on the importance of our state parks and conservation serves as an example of what those in leadership positions can do to change the future for the better.”

A graduate of Leadership Florida’s Connect Class 12, Woodward used the relationships she built during her time in the program to elevate her organization to new levels. By connecting with her classmate, Meredith Budd, with the Live Wildly Foundation, she was able to help create a partnership between the two organizations. This partnership has created an opportunity for exposure and recognition of Florida's award-winning state parks. It has also provided a platform to raise the gaze on the importance of Florida state parks for not only the general public but also the agencies and public officials charged with being the steward of Florida’s public lands.

"This award is a testament to the power of teamwork and strong, innovative partnerships,” said Woodward. “Partnering with Meredith and the Live Wildly Foundation has opened new doors, created new connections and helped elevate the Florida State Parks Foundation to new heights that might never have been realized but for Leadership Florida."

About Leadership Florida

For the past 42 years, Leadership Florida has engaged more than 3,500 leaders through a competitive application process who represent all sectors of Florida’s economy and reflect the diverse demographics of the state. Through experiential classes, these leaders renew their leadership skills and build their networks with the goal of addressing key issues facing the state of Florida. For more information, visit www.leadershipflorida.org. Leadership Florida is a federally registered trademark.

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