Agenda

2026 Summit Agenda

7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. 
Check-In | Downstairs Conference Entrance

8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Manny Diaz Jr., President, University of West Florida
• Rebecca Matthews, Chair, UWF Board of Trustees
• Rep. Michelle Salzman, Florida House of Representatives 

8:50 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
Research Perspective: How Leaders Show Up at Work

• Dr. Anamarie Mixson, Assistant Vice President, University Advancement, UWF

9:20 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. 
Table Exercise: Duty, Direction, Distinction Group Activity

10:20 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
Break

10:35 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Follow-Up Findings from Table Exercise

11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Establishing Your Professional Presence

• Nikki-May Retherford, Senior Corporate Recruiter, Nexstar Media Group 

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 
Lunch

12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Keynote - The Making of a Leader: Her Journey to the Top

• Dr. Robin Griffin-Kitzerow, Chief of Police, University of Central Florida 

1:45 p.m. - 2 p.m. 
Break

2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Panel Discussion - Experience, and Perspectives on Working with Leaders and Developing Future Leaders

Panelists:

• Dr. Andrew Del Gaudio, Executive Director, UWF Office of Military Services
• Andy Hobbs, Deputy Chief, Escambia County Sheriff Office
• Roman Jackson, Chief of Police, University of West Florida
• Fredrick Longmire, Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit

Moderators:

• Tori Bennett, Vice President, University Advancement, UWF
• Deborah Fletcher, Deputy Chief, UWF Police

3 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Break

3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Keynote - Career of Success 
Captain Chandra Newman, Commanding Officer, NAS Pensacola

4:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks

• Tori Bennett, Vice President, University Advancement, UWF
• Deborah Fletcher, Deputy Chief, UWF Police