Jere Annis Leadership Award
The Jere Annis Leadership Award, established in 1989 by the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Jere Annis, a visionary leader who profoundly impacted the Lakeland community. As the founder of Watson Clinic, a past president of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Chairman of Leadership Lakeland I and II, Dr. Annis was a key architect of the Leadership Lakeland Program. His life, dedicated to service, leadership, and community development, continues to inspire today.
The Jere Annis Leadership Award recognizes individuals who embody Dr. Annis’s values of civic engagement, service, and leadership. It is presented annually at the Leadership Lakeland Annual Meeting, with nominations submitted by Leadership Lakeland alumni in good standing. The award recipient is chosen by past awardees, ensuring that the selection reflects the core principles of leadership, service, and community impact that Dr. Annis championed.
Each year, the recipient of the Jere Annis Leadership Award is honored with a $1,000 donation to a local charity of their choice, further extending the impact of their leadership in the Lakeland community.
Criteria for the Jere Annis Leadership Award:
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Graduated from the Leadership Lakeland Program
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Significant contributions to the Lakeland community, with a focus on government, civic, and social service
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A proven, positive impact on the community, making a lasting difference
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​Continuous community involvement, demonstrating a commitment to serving others
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Jere Annis
Dr. Jere Annis was a founding member of Watson Clinic and arrived in Lakeland in 1938, leaving an indelible mark on the city he helped shape. As a mentor, advocate, and community leader, he worked tirelessly to cultivate the next generation of Lakeland’s leaders. Through his efforts with the Leadership Lakeland Program, he instilled in countless individuals a deep sense of responsibility to their community. His commitment to leadership development, civic engagement, and community building remains a cornerstone of Lakeland’s legacy today.
The Jere Annis Leadership Award stands as a tribute to Dr. Annis's servant leadership and his unwavering belief in the power of individuals to create positive change. His influence continues to guide the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association as it celebrates the achievements of those who follow in his footsteps. Each year, the award serves as a reminder of the profound impact that dedicated service and leadership can have on our community.
Honored Jere Annis Recipients
1989 - John T. Cannon III
1990 - Hunt Berryman
1991 - Terry S. Wilson
1992 - T. Lynn Craven
1993 - Barney Barnett
1994 - Darlene Eanett
1995 - Ralph Weeks
1996 - Lyonal B. Lindsay, Jr.
1997 - Carol Jenkins Barnett
1998 - John A. Attaway, Jr.
1999 - Frank O'Reilly
2000 - Ronald L. Clark
2001 - Ralph "Buddy" Fletcher
2002 - Alice O'Reilly
2003 - R. Howard Wiggs
2004 - Clayton Hollis
2005 - Anne Furr
2006 - Bill Mutz
2007 - Hollis Hooks
2008 - Nancy Cattarius
2009 - Jack Stephens
2010 - Edie Yates
2011 - Ed Crenshaw
2012 - John Rodda
2013 - Steve Bissonnette
2014 - Larry Durrence
2015 - Gene Strickland
2016 - Ihla Sloman
2017 - Frank Kendrick
1995 - Ralph Weeks
2018 - Denise Crenshaw
2019 - Steve Madden
2020 - Bill Tinsley
2021 - Timothy Mitchell
2022 - Donna Bhisitkul Henricks
2023 - Gow Fields