Pensacola, FL – Achieve Escambia is proud to announce that Executive Director Ruthie Noel graduated from the Leadership Northwest Florida Class III on May 9, 2025. Seventeen leaders were selected by Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation to participate in Class III of the program focused on regional collaboration through community, content, and connection.
Class III participants were immersed in a seven-month educational program and met other leaders from a variety of backgrounds who represent Northwest Florida’s diverse composition. The program offered participants a holistic view of the conditions, challenges, and opportunities shared throughout the region, focusing on the areas of Business Vitality, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Infrastructure, Talent, and Quality of Place.
“The FGNW Foundation Board selected individuals most likely to utilize their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit and betterment of Northwest Florida,” said Jennifer Conoley, President and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest & FGNW Foundation. “Ruthie was selected for demonstrating the ideal characteristics sought after in program participants.”
When asked what she gained by participating in the program, Ruthie shared: “Growing up in rural Northwest Florida, I didn’t fully realize the depth and diversity of our region. Participating in this program has allowed me to get reacquainted with the unique communities we visited and gain a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities we all face together. Recognizing our shared goals and interdependence isn’t just a take-away from the program; it’s a lens through which I now view my daily life and work.”
Those interested in applying for Class IV or learning more are encouraged to attend an informational webinar hosted on Wednesday, May 21. The session will provide an overview of the program, key dates, and insight into the application process. Visit this link to register. 
Call for applications for the next Leadership class will be this summer. Visit FGNW: Leadership Northwest Florida or contact Kasey Killebrew at 334-790-4557 or kkillebrew@fgnw.org for additional information.
About Leadership Northwest Florida
For Northwest Florida to continue to compete, diversify, and thrive, it will take informed, dedicated leaders who understand the complex and competitive environment of economic transformation. Leadership Northwest Florida is designed to be an educational program offered for professionals in all industry sectors desiring to grow their knowledgebase, network, and skillset in the 13-county region of Florida’s Great Northwest footprint. This experience will ultimately result in long-term influence of the leadership graduates for the betterment of Northwest Florida.
About Florida’s Great Northwest
Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the Florida Panhandle. The organization was created to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness. The organization accomplishes this in partnership with the state and local economic development organizations, rural regional economic development organization, utility partners, private sector businesses, local government, higher education institutions, workforce boards, and community leaders.