Dr. Denise Carlin Named Inaugural Recipient of the FLDOE’s Commissioner’s Leadership Award

The School District of Lee County is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin has been named the inaugural recipient of the Florida Department of Education’s newly established Commissioner’s Leadership Award. She was presented with the award at the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year Gala on Thursday, July 23 in Orlando, Florida.

"To be chosen for this inaugural state award is a profound honor, but it is truly a reflection of the dedicated educators, staff, students, and families across Lee County," said Dr. Denise Carlin. "Our success belongs to our entire community. Together, we remain laser-focused on creating the best public school system in Florida."

This prestigious state-level honor recognizes an exceptional leader who models professionalism and inspires colleagues, and whose unwavering commitment to education has made a profound impact on students, educators, and schools.

"Congratulations to Dr. Denise Carlin on being named the inaugural recipient of the Commissioner's Leadership Award," said Interim Commissioner Paul O. Burns. "This recognition reflects her dedication to Florida's students, educators, and families, as well as her commitment to excellence in public education. We are grateful for her leadership and the positive impact she continues to make in Lee County and across our state.”

Former Commissioner of Education and now President of Polk State College Anastasios Kamoutsas stated "Leadership is about standing on principle. It is about having integrity, which means doing what is right when no one else is looking, and it's understanding that in life, when you are facing obstacles, that God is preparing you for something greater. And I Couldn't think of a better person to award than Superintendent Carlin, who demonstrated that level of leadership, that level of perseverance, and that level of faith in her God."