A local initiative founded two years ago has expanded its reach beyond educators to include students, building on a mission to develop leaders across Okaloosa County schools through immersive, hands-on experiences.
- The Leadership Experience Initiative, founded in 2024 with a mission of “Nurturing Leadership Through Experiences,” has invested in eight local school leaders since its launch, providing them with immersive leadership development through the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute over the past two summers. In 2026, the initiative extended its commitment to students for the first time.
LEI’s work is designed to complement the leadership development already taking place in Okaloosa County schools by giving participants experiences that challenge perspectives, build confidence and inspire personal growth.
The initiative’s 2025 cohort of educators included Lindsey Smith, Fort Walton Beach High School; Michelle Heck, Choctawhatchee High School; Heather Graham Williams, Bruner Middle School; and Jason McClelland, Pryor Middle School.
In summer 2026, LEI expanded its investment to four additional educators:
- Marcelo Mueller, Fort Walton Beach High School
- Nichole Humphreys, Choctawhatchee High School
- Brittany Tate, Pryor Middle School
- Melissa Bowell, Meigs Middle School
For Mueller, an assistant principal at Fort Walton Beach High School, the experience offered a chance to step outside his daily role and reflect on his approach to leadership.
“This was the best professional learning experience any educator could attend. It was truly life-changing,” Mueller said. “The biggest takeaway for me was the importance of remembering that we are in the ‘people business.’ Before we can educate, we have to build relationships, make connections, and create a sense of belonging for everyone within our sphere of influence.”
Also in 2026, LEI expanded its mission to include students, providing four students from Fort Walton Beach High School and Choctawhatchee High School with leadership experiences through Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder and Outward Bound. The participating students were Elyse and Carmelo from Fort Walton Beach High School, and Caycey and Karighn from Choctawhatchee High School.
For Caycey, the experience helped her better understand her own leadership style.
“Over the 10-day trip, I looked much deeper into myself, exploring new ways to lead and how to be a better person overall,” Caycey said. “I specifically discovered my leadership style through an activity we did, and mine was called ‘caregiver.’ I think that says it all.”
LEI plans to continue expanding leadership opportunities for educators and students, including additional opportunities for school-based leaders.
