2024 Leaders of Polk
WHAT IS LEADERS OF POLK?
Swan Derby is comprised of 3 races and one of these is called the Derby Dash – Featuring the Leaders of Polk. This race is comprised of 10 teams/20 jockeys of whom are hand picked by the current “Mama Swan” to represent Polk County’s best and brightest, community business leaders.
The Leaders of Polk race jockeys have 2 opportunities to win. Awards and recognition are given to both the winner of the swan race and to the team who raises the most donations for LVIM. It’s a fun, friendly and competitive way for the leaders to share the mission and to raise money for LVIM. Leaders of Polk Jockeys are announced at our annual press conference held in January.
Fundraising begins 1 month prior to the Derby and will cease 1 week before the Derby event. The dates are determined by the event date.
If you are interested in becoming a Leaders of Polk jockey, please contact Sonia Glisson at sglisson@lvim.net.
LEADING THE WAY
IN SHARING THE MISSION!
CONGRATULATIONS!
2024 Leaders of Polk Teams
Lindsey Thibodeau and Steve Strickland
Wanna Buy A House
Christine & John Hubbert
Swanna Move It, Move It
Dawn McDonald and Levi Stovall
Sunrise Rotarian
John-Michael Elliott and Richard Eijo
It’s Swan Like Donkey Kong
Adrianna Darr and Ryan Larson
Top Swan
Kaleigh Avian and Audrey Lopez
Two Pens A Ped’ling
Andrea Merritt and Sarah Baylis
Swannadega Nights
Crystal Goffe and Josh Vazquez
Swan Connery
Reid Reynolds and Tony Reynolds
Like Father, Like Swan
Ashley Lloyd and Mari Meadows
Girls Just Swanna Have Fun
2024-2025 PAPA SWAN
CONGRATULATIONS DREW AND THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING ERIN’S WINGS AS THE NEXT PAPA SWAN!
I was born and raised in Lakeland, FL. I graduated from UCF majoring in Hospitality Management. I managed hotels along the Gulf Coast of Florida before finally finding my passion, Real Estate! I have been a salesperson at Southern Homes, the best builder in Polk County, for the last SIX years! I love to golf (not well), write comedy, root for the Bucs, grill, travel with my wife, and spend time with my friends and family. A couple fun facts about me. I used to average a 226 in my bowling league when I was 12 years old. My little brother is a professional baseball pitcher. I lost Prom King in Highschool by one vote (still waiting on the recount results)
My older brother and I competed in the 2023 Swan Derby and finished 3rd in fundraising! And even though the Derby Dash was a blast, I try and block out which place we finished in the physical race…As Leaders of Polk, my brother and I raised over $15,000 in our fundraising efforts! Being asked to take the reigns as the Papa Swan was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. I had no idea I was going to be so inspired with LVIM’s mission in our community. I’ll never forget taking a tour at LVIM with Sonia and having goosebumps constantly. I remember thinking how impressive it all is and how lucky our community is to have LVIM. I’m aware I have some big shoes to fill as Papa Swan.
Erin was an incredible Mama Swan, but I am up for the challenge! I am looking forward to motivating our upcoming Leaders of Polk to raise as much money as possible this year, and we’re going to have a blast doing it!
LET’S GO!!!
