What is Leaders of Polk?
The Swan Derby features three exciting races, one of which is the Derby Dash – Featuring the Leaders of Polk.
This race showcases 10 teams of 2 jockeys—handpicked by the current “Mama or Papa Swan”—to represent Polk County’s best and brightest community business leaders.
How to Win
Leaders of Polk jockeys have two chances to take home a win:
- Race Winner: The first to cross the finish line in the Derby Dash.
- Top Fundraiser: The team that raises the most donations for LVIM.
This friendly yet competitive race is an exciting way for local leaders to champion LVIM’s mission while raising vital funds for the organization.
Key Dates & Details
- Jockeys Announced: At the annual press conference in January.
- Fundraising Period: Begins in February and ends one week before the event.
2025 Leaders of Polk Teams
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S TEAMS!
Swanstrong
Callie Miller and Adam Hamid
Swanderellas
Carly Reifenrath and Stephanie Barron
Swanna Give Me Your Money
Kristin Kellin and Jordan Prais
Swan Hit Wonder
Emily Jesse and Sam Hernan
Swanball
Todd Baylis and Kyle Merritt
Stop Looking at Me Swan
Frankie Ambrose and Michael Self
The Swan Fathers
Kyle Kilburn and Jason Noel
We Ride at Swan
Lindsay Brown and David Blanco
363 Swanderers
Tiffany Lynch and Travis Lynch
Swan-Dee & Swan-Dum
Cherish Nicole and Anna Britt
2026-2027 MAMA SWAN

THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING DREW’S WINGS AS THE 2026-2027 MAMA SWAN!
Born in Lakeland and raised with a heart for service, Kaleigh has dedicated her time and talents to uplifting the community through leadership, philanthropy, and hands-on volunteerism. She is an Operations Support Manager with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where she has built a successful career marked by progressive promotions, innovative workflow solutions, and a passion for developing teams.
Beyond her professional success, Kaleigh is deeply invested in community service. She currently serves as Chair of EMERGE Lakeland, a Board Member of the Swan City Piano Festival, and Webmaster Chair for the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. She also lends her leadership to United Way of Central Florida as Volunteer Chair of the Young Leaders Society, a member of the Community Investment Team, and a planning committee member for Women United’s spring event.
Her commitment to philanthropy is equally inspiring. She sustains a generous spirit as a member of the United Way Leadership Giving Association, LVIM Swan Society, and the Pace Center for Girls’ Believing in Girls Society. She is also an active fundraising advocate, supporting initiatives such as the Junior League’s Little Black Dress Initiative, the Pace Center’s Ten Story Challenge, and the LVIM Swan Derby-Leaders of Polk.
In recognition of her impact, Kaleigh has been honored with the 2025 Polk Young Professionals Emerging Leader Award, the 2025 Difference Maker Award from United Way of Central Florida, and the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.
Kaleigh first joined the Swan Derby family as part of the Leaders of Polk Class XI in 2024, where her team placed third in the Derby Dash while raising vital funds for LVIM. She is honored to now lead the next Leaders of Polk as Mama Swan and is excited to continue advancing LVIM’s mission of providing compassionate, quality healthcare to the working uninsured of Polk County.
“I’m here with the intention of building a meaningful legacy, spending my gift of life on improving support for those who might otherwise be left behind. Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine offers a perfect avenue to make that impact. I am deeply honored to support the 2026 and 2027 Swan Derbies as Mama Swan. Following in the legendary wings of those before me feels daunting, but I know that with their support, our Leaders of Polk will soar to the greatest heights.”
CONGRATULATIONS, 2025 LEADERS OF POLK TEAMS!
TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED
2025 Fundraising Challenge Winners
1st Place
Swanstrong
Adam Hamid & Callie Miller
TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED
2nd Place
Swanna Give Me Your Money
Jordan Prais & Kristin Kellin
TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED
3rd Place
Swanderellas
Carly Reifenrath & Stephanie Barron
TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED
2025 Race Winners – April 25, 2025
1ST PLACE RACE WINNER:
Swanstrong
Adam Hamid and Callie Miller

2ND PLACE RACE WINNER:
Swanderellas
Carly Reifenrath and Stephanie Barron

3RD PLACE RACE WINNER
363 Swanderers
Tiffany and Travis Lynch

Interested in Joining?
If you’d like to be a Leader of Polk jockey, contact Sonia Glisson at sglisson@lvim.net.




