Fernando Acosta-Rua was named an “Ultimate CEO” by the Jacksonville Business Journal in September. This award honors those who have led their companies to greatness while at the same time having a broader impact on the First Coast’s business community. Those named Ultimate CEOs serve as role models, mentors and leaders in their own businesses and throughout the area. Acosta-Rua is CEO of Pet Paradise Resort and Day Spa. 1986 Class Representative: Jeanine Gulliford 1461 Avondale Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205 jeaninegull@yahoo.com
Jason Hughes ’94
Hughes ’94 Named Bolles Boys’ Basketball Coach Jason Hughes ’94 was named Varsity Boys’ Basketball Head Coach at Bolles in June 2016. Hughes has this season’s squad off to a strong start with a 9–4 record through December 8. “I’m very excited to have the privilege of being The Bolles School varsity boys’ basketball coach,” Hughes said. “Not only am I able to continue my dream of coaching basketball to some of the best athletes in North Florida, but I am able to do so at the school where I was fortunate to play for a legendary coach in Buddy Ward. I hope to carry on the tradition of excellence built by Coach Ward and other successful coaches in the history of the program.” Hughes currently serves as CEO of Blue Heat Basketball Academy in Ponte Vedra Beach, coordinating several recreational and championship-winning travel teams as well as training sessions for boys and girls in grades 3–8. Hughes also provides basketball and strength training for numerous high school athletes. Additionally, he has served as girls’ varsity head coach and boys’ junior varsity coach at Palmer Catholic Academy in Ponte Vedra Beach. He posted a combined record of 34–3 with both teams over three years and led the girls’ team to regular season and tournament championships. Hughes has 17 years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner with Raymond James Financial Services. As a player at Bolles, Hughes twice earned All-First Coast Honors. He was a three-time AAU State MVP and rated as a top-30 player in Florida. As a senior, Hughes was selected to the All-North Florida Team which played in an international tournament in France. He went on to play collegiate basketball at UNC-Greensboro, before transferring to the University of Georgia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance. “We look forward to Jason maintaining the excellence of the boys’ basketball program,” said Bolles Athletic Director Matt Morris. “He believes in hard work, strong character and guiding his players to success on and off the court. As an alumnus and former Bolles player, he understands the tradition and pride of Bolles basketball. Jason brings not only a passion for the sport of basketball but also for The Bolles School.”
1987 Class Representative: Michael (Mike) S. Wachholz 4650 Apache Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210-7610 (904) 738-9661 | Mwachholz02@comcast.net Class Representative: Ellis Barton 5132 Harbor Point Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32210 (904) 777-0180 | ellis@moralesgroup.com Board of Trustees: Wendy Ottenstroer Hamilton Alumni Board: Ellis Barton
Cooper Willis recently completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School. The AMP program is Harvard Business School’s flagship executive program and is currently in its 80th year. The program lasts eight weeks, is fully immersive and focuses on eight areas: Marketing, Corporate Financial Management, Corporate Performance, Leadership, Operations, Negotiations, Global Economics and Strategy. AMP Class 190 had 152 participants from 42 countries. The AMP program is for senior executives with 20 to 25 years of experience who currently lead their organization, or are one or two levels from the top position. Cooper reports, “It was a remarkable cultural experience.” Cooper and his partners recently sold/merged their company into a joint venture called Bellwether Enterprise. He and his partners own 42% of the company and Enterprise Community Partners owns 58%. Enterprise is the largest nonprofit in the county supporting low income housing. This ownership structure is a very unique profit/non profit model. As a result, 58% of earnings go to support low income
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