BRADENTON, FL (August 26, 2025)— Patricia Rand, Ph.D., interim provost of academic and faculty affairs at State College of Florida-Manatee, and Haley Yursky-Fischer, coordinator of Student CARE Services at SCF, have been selected for the 2025-26 Leadership Manatee class.

Leadership Manatee brings together current and emerging community leaders who have demonstrated commitment to community involvement and dedication to shaping the long-term future of Manatee County. The class begins on August 25 and concludes with a graduation celebration on March 4, 2026.

Class members will learn about the workings of Manatee County’s government, health care, agriculture, transportation and other sectors during a series of immersive educational sessions. Participants will explore challenges and opportunities affecting people in the community, sharpen their leadership skills and be encouraged to serve in civic activities and leadership roles.

Proud to join the 2025-26 Leadership Manatee Class, Dr. Rand shared, “I hope to deepen my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Manatee County and strengthen partnerships that support educational innovation, workforce development and regional prosperity.”

“I’m eager to join Leadership Manatee to build meaningful connections with local leaders and strengthen my ability to create a lasting, purposeful impact in Manatee County,” Yursky-Fischer said.

Leadership Manatee is a program of the Manatee Chamber Foundation in partnership with Bradenton Kiwanis. The program is in its 42nd year and has more than 1,400 graduates.

Learn more about Leadership Manatee and view the full class list on the Manatee Chamber website.

Photo caption: Patricia Rand, interim provost of academic and faculty affairs at SCF.

Photo caption: Haley Yursky-Fischer, coordinator of Student CARE Services at SCF.