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
2024-2025 PAPA SWAN
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 of 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 high school 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 by 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!!!
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
2024 Race Winners – April 26, 2024
1ST PLACE RACE WINNER:
Swanna Buy A House
Lindsey Thibodeau and Steve Strickland
2ND PLACE RACE WINNER:
Top Swan
Adrianna Darr and Ryan Larson
3RD PLACE RACE WINNER
Two Pens A Ped’ling
Kaleigh Avian and Audrey Lopez
Interested in Joining?
If you’d like to be a Leaders of Polk jockey, contact Sonia Glisson at sglisson@lvim.net.