Privacy Policy

The Sterling Council (“Sterling,” “we,” “us”) champions performance excellence across Florida and Georgia through assessments, examiner training, leadership development, and the Governor’s Sterling Award. This policy explains what information we collect through thesterlingcouncil.org, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using this site, you agree to the practices described below.

Information we collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you fill out a contact form, apply for an assessment, apply to Sterling Leadership Fellows, submit a nomination, register for an event, or sign up for our newsletter. Depending on the form, that can include your name, email address, phone number, organization, job title, mailing address, and any documents you choose to upload (such as an application, organizational chart, or supporting materials).

We also automatically collect some technical information when you visit the site — for example, your IP address, browser type, and the pages you view — which helps us operate the site and understand how it’s used.

How we use your information

• To process assessment applications, award nominations, and Leadership Fellows applications
• To respond to inquiries submitted through our contact form
• To register you for events, training, and examiner activities
• To send the newsletter and program updates you’ve signed up for
• To administer our assessment and award programs, including sharing application materials with the trained Sterling Examiners assigned to review them
• To maintain the security and proper operation of the site

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for advertising or share it with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

How we share your information

Form submissions and newsletter sign-ups are processed through Zoho CRM and Zoho Campaigns, the customer relationship and email platforms we use to manage applications, inquiries, and communications. These providers act on our behalf and are not permitted to use your information for their own purposes. We may also disclose information if required by law, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Sterling, our examiners, or the public.

Cookies

The public site does not use advertising or tracking cookies. Sterling staff signing in to the internal dashboard use a session cookie to stay logged in, and the dashboard remembers simple interface preferences (like whether a sidebar is expanded) in a cookie of its own. Neither is used to track you across other websites.

Data retention & security

We keep the information you submit for as long as it’s needed to administer the program it relates to — for example, an assessment cycle or award cycle — and reasonable business or legal purposes after that. We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect your information, but no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we can’t guarantee absolute security.

Children’s privacy

This site is intended for professionals and organizations, not children. We don’t knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 13.

Your choices

Every newsletter email includes an unsubscribe link. To review, correct, or request deletion of information you’ve submitted to us, contact us using the information below and we’ll respond promptly.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The effective date at the top reflects the most recent revision — check back periodically to stay informed of how we’re protecting your information.

Contact us

Questions or concerns about this policy? Reach us at:

The Sterling Council
Post Office Box 13907
Tallahassee, Florida 32317-3907
info@thesterlingcouncil.org
(850) 922-5316