One of the Orlando Economic Partnership’s longest serving team members accepted a prestigious lifetime achievement award during the 2017 Association for Leadership Programs (ALP) National Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. Ruth Z. Mustian, who manages Leadership Orlando, was given the ALP’s Lifetime Legacy Award for her 40 years of service.

“Guiding one of the oldest, and certainly the largest, community leadership programs in America and seeing more than 5,000 graduates into their next phase of service to our family of communities has been a privilege,” says Mustian. “During my watch, Leadership Orlando has grown substantially, now offering two full classes annually with 85-90 participants each, focusing on inclusiveness and regionalism.” 

Under Mustian’s guidance, Leadership Orlando creates opportunities for participants to observe, interact and learn from public, private and civic leaders across all seven counties of Central Florida. The program focuses on exploring regional issues and assets, enhancing knowledge of Central Florida, expanding personal and professional networks and enriching the family of communities.

With nearly 250 attendees, the ALP conference included a variety of workshops, keynote speakers and networking opportunities to share successes, innovative ideas and lessons learned in communities throughout the nation.

Mustian was also recognized in 2014 by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) for 25+ years of service to chambers of commerce and her community. To learn more about Leadership Orlando or to sign up for the next class click here.