Best and Brightest Program Forms Independent Nonprofit

The student scholarship initiative transitions to a new organizational structure after the local chamber ends support.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy

Screen-print poster illustration of a mortarboard resting on a stack of notebooks, representing the academic program transition. — The Best and Brightest student scholarship program has reorganized as an independent nonprofit following the withdrawal of support by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local scholarship programs operate as independent non-profits rather than relying on business chamber support?

Following the decision by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce to withdraw administrative support on June 3, 2026, the Best and Brightest program has reorganized as an independent non-profit. The initiative remains operational under the management of Sachs Media.

Why it matters

The transition ensures the continuation of the program, which has served Leon County students since 2006. The change allows the initiative to maintain its mission after the Chamber of Commerce chose to redirect its resources elsewhere.

Since its launch in 2006, the program has recognized over 3,000 high school seniors across 15 award categories. It has successfully distributed more than $1 million in total scholarship funds to date.

The players

Sachs Media

This organization now serves as the administrative home for the Best and Brightest non-profit.

Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce

This business advocacy group previously provided administrative support for the scholarship program.

Laura Rogers

She is the former director of the program who helped manage its transition to an independent entity.

Michelle Ubben

She is the CEO who worked alongside leadership to facilitate the organizational shift.

The details

Former director Laura Rogers and CEO Michelle Ubben led the transition, incorporating the program as a nonprofit entity. The initiative continues to receive support from stakeholders including Leon County Schools, the City of Tallahassee, and Comcast.

The program originally launched in 2006.
The annual award ceremony took place on May 13, 2026.
The Chamber of Commerce notified organizers of its withdrawal on June 3, 2026.
The next awards ceremony is scheduled for May 12, 2027, at Florida State University.

Market Landscape

The program follows a common pattern of local initiatives incorporating as independent non-profits to secure their operational autonomy under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). This move ensures the program maintains its market presence independently of the local chamber.

Students and families in Leon County can expect the scholarship program to continue its annual operations without disruption. The transition preserves existing access to award opportunities supported by local partners.

The takeaway

The successful transition of this program highlights the importance of diversified support for long-standing community initiatives. Future applicants should continue to monitor announcements from the program as it operates under its new independent structure.