LEADERS OF POLK

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.

2026-2027 MAMA SWAN

THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING DREW’S WINGS AS THE 2026-2027 MAMA SWAN!

Born in Lakeland, Kaleigh has built her career at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where she now serves as Operations Support Manager. She’s known for her innovative workflow solutions, team development, and commitment to excellence.

Outside of work, Kaleigh is a dedicated community leader. She currently serves as Chair of EMERGE Lakeland, sits on the board of the Swan City Piano Festival, and holds leadership roles with the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and United Way of Central Florida. Her generosity extends through memberships in the United Way Leadership Giving Association, LVIM Swan Society, and the Pace Center for Girls’ Believing in Girls Society.

Her leadership and service have earned her recognition as the 2025 Polk Young Professionals Emerging Leader, United Way’s 2025 Difference Maker, and the Junior League’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

Kaleigh first joined the Swan Derby family as part of Leaders of Polk Class XI and is honored to now serve as Mama Swan for the 2026 and 2027 Swan Derbies, helping to advance LVIM’s mission of providing quality healthcare to the working uninsured.

To read Kaleigh’s full bio, click here.

Interested in Joining this Year’s Class?

If you’d like to be a Leader of Polk in Class XIII, please contact Sonia Glisson at sglisson@lvim.net.