CareerSource Tampa Bay Director of Programs Selected for National Leadership Academy
- Date 3/10/2026
- Media Contact Doug Tobin
- Email tobind@careersourcetb.com
- Contact phone (813) 397-2054
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CareerSource Tampa Bay Director of Programs Selected for National Leadership Academy
TAMPA, FL – CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) announced that Saleema Bennett, Director of Programs, has been selected as one of just 25 professionals nationwide to participate in the 2026–27 National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) Leadership Academy, a highly selective, year-long leadership development program for workforce professionals across the country.
Bennett was chosen as part of a national cohort of emerging and seasoned leaders committed to advancing the workforce development field and driving a meaningful, measurable impact in their communities.
“Saleema’s selection to the 2026–27 NAWDP Leadership Academy reflects her leadership, professionalism and deep commitment to workforce excellence,” said Keidrian Kunkel, President and CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay. “This highly competitive, national program recognizes both her individual talent and the strength of our organization. We are proud of Saleema and look forward to the impact her participation will have on our team and the communities we serve.”
The NAWDP Leadership Academy is widely recognized as a premier program designed to strengthen and inspire workforce leaders by equipping them with critical skills, knowledge and forward-thinking strategies to lead transformational change across the workforce development system. The academy emphasizes collaborative learning, applied research and real-world practice.
“I’m honored to be selected for the NAWDP Leadership Academy and grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside workforce leaders from across the country,” said Saleema Bennett, Director of Programs for CareerSource Tampa Bay. “I look forward to bringing new insights and strategies back to our team to strengthen the impact of our programs and better serve our community.”
Offered in partnership with the University of Georgia and its J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, the academy blends national workforce expertise with academic leadership excellence. Participants engage in five interactive learning sessions focused on three core leadership competencies essential to success in workforce development: self-understanding and awareness; building positive and effective relationships; and transforming thoughts and visions into action. These competencies are reinforced through a comprehensive capstone project designed to translate learning into measurable impact.
The 2026–27 cohort represents a diverse range of regions, perspectives and professional experiences, united by a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration and excellence in workforce development. Through mentorship, skill-building and strategic learning, participants are preparing to drive meaningful change locally and nationally.
Bennett oversees key workforce programs at CareerSource Tampa Bay, supporting job seekers and employers throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Her participation in the national academy further strengthens CSTB’s capacity to deliver high-quality workforce solutions and advance regional economic prosperity.
More information about the NAWDP Leadership Academy and the 2026–27 cohort is available at:
About CareerSource Tampa Bay Effective July 1, 2024, CareerSource Tampa Bay is the designated local workforce development board serving Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. CareerSource Tampa Bay is governed by a board of directors whose members are appointed by a consortium of Chief Local Elected Officials (CLEOs) from each county commission.
CareerSource Tampa Bay is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers listed may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.
CareerSource Tampa Bay is the direct service provider for various workforce programs which are supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $38,665,000 with 93% federally funded (Updated annually, as of September 2025).
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