INFLUENCE
100
Will WEATHERFORD {LEGEND}
138 | INFLUENCE SUMMER 2018
Susie WILES {COUNSELOR}
A newly installed Ronald Reagan had just washed his hands and couldn’t find a washcloth to dry off. A young White House aide, Susie Wiles, happened to be walking down the hall and quickly found a hand towel for the president. It was not the last time Susie helped a nontraditional politician. In 2012, the Republican Party had organized behind Bill McCollum for governor, but Susie’s thinking was that Floridians wanted a conservative outsider. She ran Rick Scott’s campaign, telling me that he was the most message-disciplined candidate she had ever met. Over lunch in early 2016, she told me that she was mulling joining Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. And she did, winning Florida for him. Her instincts are that of a savant, her character and integrity flawless. Her career is one of unmitigated success. – John Delaney, Attorney, President Emeritus of UNF and former Mayor of Jacksonville
PHOTO: Mary Beth Tyson
Ask any lion of the Legislature how difficult it is to remain influential after leaving office. One former Speaker described it as removing your arm from a bucket of water. Once it’s out, it was as if it was never there. Then, there are exceptions, individuals who impact lives in or out of public office. Such is the case with Will Weatherford. His resume of achievements by the age of 30 is more than many who dedicate their entire careers to politics. He governed with strength, principle, kindness, and respect for all. For me, it’s his accomplishments after the Legislature that solidifies his status of a true influencer. As Florida Chamber president, I’m not surprised Weatherford Partners is taking off. More and more business leaders are discovering what we already knew — that when you include Will on an initiative, you can expect bigger results. It’s the stuff of America through and through. As a business leader, he serves on the Florida Chamber’s Board of Directors, and is the volunteer leader of the Florida Chamber’s Political Operations, which includes everything from recruiting pro-business candidates to making sure they get elected. Yet, he has not abandoned his deep desire to create opportunities for those in need, whether it is mentoring young people, giving to his community, or speaking out at every opportunity for those who want to break out of the cycle of generational poverty. If there were more people like Will Weatherford, with his leadership of the business community and the Legislature, Florida would be doing even better. My guess (and hope) is that he will enter the political arena again one day. Until then, he remains a strong and positive force for good in Florida. – Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce