Sixteen regional leaders begin an immersive leadership journey with Amazon, program facilitator Rich Maladecki and a leadership lesson from Dr. Linda Travelute.

Media Contact: Ashley Loute, MAL | Executive Director | administration@lakenonacc.org | September 29, 2026

Leadership Nona Cohort 3 at Amazon Lake Nona. Photo: Lake Nona Photography.

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ORLANDO, Fla. The Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce has officially launched Leadership Nona Cohort 3, welcoming 16 professionals, business owners and community leaders into the Chamber’s signature leadership development program.

Leadership Nona is designed to connect participants more deeply to the businesses, institutions, people and issues shaping Lake Nona and the greater Central Florida region. Through immersive experiences, leadership development, relationship-building and direct access to community leaders, participants gain a broader understanding of the region while strengthening their own capacity to lead.

“Leadership Nona is about more than professional development. It is about helping leaders understand the community around them, build relationships outside of their own industries and see how their leadership can contribute to what comes next for Lake Nona.”

- Ashley Loute, MAL, Executive Director, Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce

COHORT 3 KICKS OFF AT AMAZON

The cohort opened its first class on September 4 at Amazon SFL8 in Orlando. The day began with welcoming remarks from the Chamber and class orientation led by Leadership Nona facilitator Rich Maladecki, followed by introductions and an Amazon tour and presentation.

The opening session concluded with a leadership seminar led by Dr. Linda Travelute, giving participants an early opportunity to move from connection and regional exposure into intentional leadership development.

Rich Maladecki will serve as facilitator for Cohort 3, helping guide participants through the program’s experiences and conversations as the class builds relationships, explores the region and develops as leaders.

LEADERSHIP NONA COHORT 3

Hunter Blackmon
Global Partnerships Manager
Osceola Magic

Amanda Bunsee
Program Manager
AdventHealth

Glorian Cordova
Owner
Vitalmed Transport Solutions

Kristina Dhountal
Wealth Manager / Limited Partner
Edward Jones

Lissette Francis
Director of Case Management
UCF Lake Nona Hospital

Daniel Gebon
Director of Operations
AlphaGraphics Lake Mary

Erin Gercken
Business Development Consultant II
AdventHealth

Courtney Hand
Founding Vice President of Corporate Work Study
Cristo Rey Orlando

Damon Holditch
Director of Sales
Marcone Supply

Carlos Mira
Founder & CEO
Green Eight

Patricia Murphy
Owner
Marketing Smarty Pants

Deborah Ruiz
Community & Citizenship Manager
Turner Construction

Jessica Sherrill
Director of Growth & Sales / Mortgage Broker
Mpire Financial

Whitney Walker
Program Analyst
U.S. Navy

Andy Wentzy
Director, Strategy & Development
AdventHealth

Robert Wooten
Executive Technology & Transformation Consultant
Independent Executive Consultant

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Cohort 3 represents leaders from healthcare, finance, construction, entrepreneurship, transportation, education, sports, technology and professional services, reflecting the cross-sector collaboration at the heart of the Lake Nona community.

“Strong communities are built when people from different industries and backgrounds understand one another, build trust and recognize that they share responsibility for what comes next. That is what we want Leadership Nona to cultivate.”

-Ashley Loute, MAL

A YEAR OF CONNECTION, LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY

Throughout the program, participants will step inside organizations and institutions shaping the region, engage with business and community leaders, and explore the economic, civic and workforce issues influencing Lake Nona’s continued growth.

Rather than relying solely on classroom instruction, Leadership Nona combines experiential learning, candid conversations and relationship-building so participants can better understand how the region works, where opportunities intersect and how leaders can contribute beyond the boundaries of their own organizations.

The Chamber extends its appreciation to Amazon for hosting the opening session, as well as to the speakers, facilitators, partners and organizations that will help bring the Cohort 3 experience to life throughout the program.

MEDIA RESOURCES

Leadership Nona Cohort 3 Photo Gallery:
https://nonaphoto.sproutstudio.com/gallery/lake-nona-chamber-of-commerce-681d3f1153182/?collection=6ab5dd7baf875

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ABOUT THE LAKE NONA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce serves as a connector, convener and resource for businesses and leaders throughout Lake Nona and the surrounding region. Through business development, leadership programming, advocacy, education, strategic partnerships and community engagement, the Chamber works to create opportunity, support economic progress and strengthen the region’s business community.

Not affiliated with, or sponsored by, Lake Nona Property Holdings, LLC or its affiliated entities.