•
• Site inventory on available industrial buildings, land and office space are provided through our state-of-the-art computerized tracking system
• Site tours conducted by our Business Relocation and Expansion Staff
• Information on grants, assistance, and financial incentives available through the State of Florida, Palm Beach County, and local municipalities
• Introductions to the CareerSource PBC employee-training programs
• Introductions to public and private educational institutions
• Introductions to elected officials and local business leaders
• Government zoning and permitting information
• Local buyer and supplier information
• Demographics and labor market information
• Available services and rates for utilities, communication, and transportation
• Introductions to banks, law firms, employment agencies, accounting firms, and all other appropriate suppliers
• Technical presentations tailored to company’s specific location requirements
• Overview of PBC’s lifestyle, including recreational and cultural amenities
• Research Services
• Vetted referrals to personal services for relocating families
Since 1936, The Society of the Four Arts has inspired and engaged the Palm Beaches with outstanding cultural programs, including live performances, art exhibitions, notable speakers, workshops, films, book discussions, children’s programs, and more.
The Four Arts’ campus in Palm Beach includes a performance hall, an art gallery, a modern education center devoted to lifelong learning, a library, a children’s library, and beautiful botanical and sculpture gardens.
The Four Arts believes that the passion of music, the beauty of art, the thrill of drama, and the pleasure of literature bridge the gap from mere existence to truly living. Our programs are open to the public, so come see what The Four Arts has to o er!
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Vice
Lincoln Mendez
CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital
Barbara James
Congratulations to Baptist Health’s Palm Beach County leaders for their selection to the Palm Beach 100.
Nelson Lazo
President, Baptist Health South Florida Foundation, Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West
CEO of Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West
As part of the Baptist Health family, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West and Boca Raton Regional Hospital are dedicated to you and the communities we serve. With our wide range of services — including urgent care, primary and specialty care, surgery centers and diagnostic imaging — Baptist Health has you covered, close to home. Our family is committed to yours.
There’s never been a better time to be in business in Palm Beach County—which ranks at the top of state stats for growth by both income and population. But what exactly is the special sauce that our slice of paradise offers? We take a look at the convergence of conditions that make this area so ripe for growth in “Growth Factor” on page 16. And in “Open for Business” on page 11, we highlight three of the big businesses that have recently relocated to Palm Beach County from out of state. With the influx of new people and businesses, opportunities to network and make new connections have never been more in demand. Turn to page 12 for “It Takes a Village,” detailing the benefits of joining a networking group or a local chamber of commerce.
And now, the moment so many across the county have waited for: The Palm Beach 100. Beginning on page 24, we present this year’s honorees, representing the best of Palm Beach County’s influential and inspiring leaders.
Finding and selecting people to include in our fourth annual issue was no easy exercise. As always, our editorial team started with the obvious superla tives: leaders of the area’s largest companies, managing partners of big firms, presidents of professional organizations, and heads of top nonprof its, educational institutions, civic organizations, social advocacy programs, and arts groups. But we also looked for local residents who are working to create opportunities for others countywide. We opened the nomination process to the community to identify folks who may have escaped our editorial eye—and for weeks, my email inbox was overflowing with a record number of outstanding candidates for us to consider.
At long last, our editorial team met to narrow down the list. With so many worthy individuals, the process was a daunting one. But as we worked our way to this year’s final 100, we found that casting a wider net and stepping beyond traditional definitions of
what makes someone influential and inspiring was well worth the work, seeding our strongest group of honorees to date.
This year, we’re proud to present a mix of new and returning leaders. From Local Legends to Advocates and Advisers, from Leaders and Innovators to Visionary Voices, from Creative Thinkers to Community Builders—these 100 residents help make the Palm Beaches the world’s most unique place to live, work, and play. Peruse their profiles, and you’ll get a glimpse into who they are, what they do in our community, and what makes them tick. (And if you or your favorite candidate didn’t make the list this year, please be on the lookout for our call for nominations in 2023.)
My hear tfelt congratulations to these leaders. I hope this issue—and the people and stories it presents—will inspire the leader in you.
Kristen Desmond LeFevre klefevre@palmbeachmedia.com
As Palm Beach County’s largest health care provider, the Palm Beach Health Network brings together nationally recognized hospitals, internationally renowned physicians, professionally trained staff, and some of the latest advancements in medical technology to care for our community. For more information,
Dr. Dror Paley
By Lola Thélin
Palm Beach County is more popular than ever, ranking at the top of state stats for growth by both income and population. (The county has even added an area code, 728.) “The recruitment of some of the nation’s biggest names to Palm Beach County has transformed the area into a top corporate destination, rich with technology, research, and innovation,” says Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Bureau (BDB). In 2022, Smallridge says the BDB assisted more than 30 company relocations, resulting in $360 million of local capital investment. Here’s a look at three of those making the move.
Dubbed Wall Street South, Palm Beach County already is home to 18,497 business and financial companies (including 2,897 financial firms and hedge funds). Yet everyone took notice when New York’s Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. announced an expansion to the area. The finance giant’s West Palm Beach office is focused on establishing a presence in proximity to its high-net-worth clients. The company expanded its local office—which previously only provided private wealth management—to include asset management and global markets. More than 100 Goldman Sachs employees have moved into approximately 40,000 square feet at the 360 Rosemary office building in downtown West Palm Beach as of June 2022, and the company is still actively hiring local talent. (goldmansachs.com)
When the University of Florida (UF) formalized a partnership with Scripps Florida, it made Jupiter home to the No. 5 nationally ranked public university— expanding the research facility’s abilities to translate biomedical discoveries into improved patient outcomes. The merger was swift: Conversations began mid2021, the partnership was announced in late 2021, and the integration was complete by April 2022. The 500 scientists at Scripps received UF faculty titles along with a Scripps Research affiliate title. UF Scripps Biomedical Research is offering a new program called the Postbaccalaureate Research and Education Program (PREP). The yearlong, immersive research experience will allow re cent college graduates to develop additional aca demic and laboratory skills before they seek entry into PhD programs. (scripps.ufl.edu)
One of the world’s top manufacturers in the medical industry, Colombia-based Procaps Group purchased an 86,000-square-foot phar maceutical production facility in West Palm Beach in early 2022, improving its supply chain efficiency and lowering its overall distribution costs. Procaps develops pharmaceutical and nu traceutical solutions, various medicines, and a myriad of hospital supplies. It estimates that its new Palm Beach County–based product develop ment capabilities will increase by more than 70 percent (to the tune of 1.8 billion softgel capsules annually). As a bonus, the facility is United States Food and Drug Administration approved, giving it both development and analytical testing capac ities. (procapsgroup.com) «
UF Scripps Biomedical Research
By Lola Thélin
To join or not to join? That’s the question for many business people considering membership in a local chamber of commerce. And then there are the follow-up questions: Is there real value to joining? Is a membership an effective business strategy overall? Is a company deemed more trustworthy because it is an involved industry leader in the community? Do consumers think more favorably of a small business if it is a member of the chamber of commerce? The answers point to an overwhelming yes for all of the above.
According to a study by The Shapiro Group, consumers see a company’s involvement in a chamber of commerce as a sign of trustworthiness. For instance, consumers are 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from a company that is involved in a chamber, 43 percent more likely to consider buying insurance if the company is a chamber member, and 40 percent more likely to eat at a franchise that has a chamber membership.
A chamber of commerce membership leads to business exposure, advocacy, credibility, resources, and marketing, says Grasford Smith, president of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County (BCCPBC). But to reap those benefits, members need to put in the work. “Getting the most out of your chamber of commerce membership means taking advantage of the opportu nities available, from updating your online business profile to staying active through events, sponsoring an event, or joining a committee,” Smith says.
Noel Martinez, president of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Com merce (PBNCC), agrees. “The more engaged a member is, the more they will get out of their membership,” she explains. “[This] means attending events, posting online about your company, and connecting with other members.”
Other perks are making valuable connections to both people and resources. The BCCPBC provides business education for its members by partnering with county and municipal entities to offer training and opportunities for businesses to grow. It also organizes virtual and in-person sessions on important topics like funding sources, marketing, insuring assets, and even recommendations on mental health. The PBNCC’s Small Business Advisory Council hosts monthly events geared toward small businesses that discuss networking, sales, marketing, and business operations tips.
Of course, every member joins a chamber of commerce with the hopes of creating strategic partnerships or alliances with fellow businesses. While Martinez and Smith have seen these kinds of wins for their mem bers, both note that it takes time, effort, and manners. “Networking is about relationship building; don’t sell,” says Martinez. “We recommend getting to know your fellow members.” And, as Smith adds, “an appropri ate follow-up after meeting someone you’re interested in learning more about is important.”
Thinking of linking up? From chambers to networking organizations, we’ve got your go-to guide on where to start.
• Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce Belle Glade | bellegladechamber.com
• Black C hamber of C ommerce of Palm Beach C ounty West Palm Beach | blackchamberpbc.com
• Boca R aton C hamber of C ommerce Boca R aton | b ocaratonchamber.com
• Boynton Beach C hamber of C ommerce Boynton Beach | bo yntonbeach.org
• Central Palm Beach C ounty C hamber of C ommerce Wellington | c pbchamber.com
• Chamber of C ommerce of t he Palm Beaches West Palm Beach | palmbeaches.org
• Delray Beach C hamber of C ommerce Delray Beach | d elraybeach.com
• Florida Hispanic A merican Chamber of Commerce for Palm Beach County | West Palm Beach | fhachamber.com
• H ispanic C hamber of C ommerce of Palm Beach C ounty West Palm Beach | hispanicchamberpbc.com
• Lantana C hamber of C ommerce L antana | l antanachamber.com
• Palm Beach C hamber of C ommerce Palm Beach | palmbeachchamber.com
• Palm Beach North C hamber of C ommerce Palm Beach Gardens | pbnchamber.com
• Riviera Beach C hamber of C ommerce Riviera Beach | pbnchamber.com
• Wellington C hamber of C ommerce Wellington | wellingtonchamber.com
• Women’s C hamber of C ommerce of Palm Beach C ounty West Palm Beach | wo menschamber.biz
Civic Organizations
Junior League of the Palm Beaches | jlpb.org
Pa lm Beach C ivic A ssociation | palmbeachcivic.org West Palm Beach Rotary C lub | w pbrotary.com
Entrepreneur Groups
Florida Small Business Center at FAU | fau.edu/sbdc
SC ORE Palm Beach C ounty | p almbeachcounty.score.org
Tech Hub S outh Florida | te chhubsouthflorida.org
Networking and Business Referral Groups
Best of the Best Network | bestofthebestnetwork.com
Business E xecutives, Inc. | beipb.com
Executives’ A ssociation of t he Palm Beaches | p almbeachexecs.com
Networking Professionals International Palm Beach C ounty | npiflorida.com
Palm Beach Business A ssociates | pbbainc.com
The Palm Beach Toastmasters C lub | thepalmbeachtoastmastersclub.com
West Palm Beach Business Referral Group | w pbbrc.com
Professional Development and Consulting
Business Network International—Palm Beach Elite | bniamerica.com
Gold C oast PR C ouncil | goldcoastprcouncil.com
Senior E xecutive Network | seniorexecutivenetwork.com
Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation | ewpb.org
Women’s Executive Club of South Palm Beach County | womensexecutiveclub.com
Palm Beach Young Professionals | palmbeachchamber.com/pbyp
Young Professionals of t he Palm Beaches | palmbeaches.org/pages/ypop
Inflation, rising interest rates, a volatile stock market, and the threat of recession. We’ve seen it all before, but not always in the same combination. No one like s to lose money, but regardless of the variety of factors at play, the same question will always arise among investors: Where should I put my money now?
“The very first thing we have to recognize is that humans have a built-in bias to want to do something,” says William Luther, associate professor in the economics department at the Florida Atlantic University College of Business. “No one wants to see a portfolio drop by 20 percent, but as counterintuitive and uncom fortable as it is, the correct answer is often to do nothing different.”
Investors with a welldiversified portfolio in lowfee exchange-traded funds or mutual funds should ride out the volatility better than those who panic and pull out assets in search of something with temporarily higher re turns, he adds.
Cryptocurrency, art, wine, and collectibles are always volatile investments; any in vestor who watched what hap pened to cryptocurrency this past year knows that all too well. Outsize returns can quickly turn to breathtaking losses. However, Luther says that if investors believe cryptocurrency will indeed be the currency of the future, it could be beneficial to own a tiny amount. “Modern portfolio theory tells us we should have a little bit of everything, but for most people, less than 1 percent of their portfolio holdings in cryptocurrency is enough for now.”
He is cautious about investing in real estate. “Interest rates are moving higher, although prices are moderating and, in some cases, coming down,” he says. “But it’s not obvious yet that investors would make a profit.”
Instead of chasing gains, Luther says there are only two situations that warrant changes in a well-designed portfolio, defined as one that is designed to match an investor’s time horizon and tolerance for risk. The first is that as a person’s income stream declines—nearing retirement, for example—the allocation to bonds should increase because these safer assets don’t fluctuate as much as stocks. The second is when outside returns in
one asset class, such as stocks, knock your portfolio out of balance, those gains should be reallocated to other areas to maintain the original proportion of safety versus growth.
All that being said, Luther takes note of one particular economic concern that hasn’t been a factor in the recent past that might require some portfolio reallocation: inflation. “The Federal Reserve has a target of 2 percent [inflation] on average, but they’re telling us it will be elevated beyond that for the next two years and won’t decline until 2025,” he says. “What that means for investors is that they need to think about a small corner of their portfolio that hasn’t gotten much attention, which is cash.”
The higher the inflation rate goes, the more it chips away at the value of cash. In vestors in a position to reallo cate cash into the market or elsewhere should do that, but not at the expense of squeez ing emergency reserves or liv ing expenses.
Accompanying higher inflation are fears of a recession, which are not unfounded in this environment. “At the very least, economic growth will slow a bit, and that’s a big reason the markets dropped,” Luther says. “Going into 2023, there are a lot of unknowns, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and although most of us are seeing the pandemic from the perspective of the rearview mirror, there’s some chance it will come back.”
Lingering supply-chain problems and disruptions in production are also hanging around, says Luther. “The good news in the supply chain is sues is that they are much less severe than they were in late 2020.” Noth ing will be fixed immediately, but there is progress going forward.
“We can look back over the past year and see that bad things happened to our portfolio, but we have to understand that all of that has already happened,” Luther concludes. Sticking to the long-term strategy rather than reacting to the past is the best bet going forward. “If investors get nervous and pull out assets, they’ll miss some portion of the inevitable upturn and buy back in when it’s more expensive. They just have to trust the strategy.” «
With the stock market slumping, where should you put your money now?
With business booming locally, industries from agribusiness to high-tech (and everything in between) are making their mark and exploding exponentially. We take a look at the convergence of conditions that make Palm Beach County ripe for growth.
Take one part industry diversity, add a talentfilled workforce, sprinkle in some business and tax incentives, and you’ve got a recipe for why Palm Beach County sets the standard for business development. In fact, Chief Executive magazine rated Florida as the No. 2 best state for business for the eleventh consecutive year in 2022, due to the diversity of major industries and a dozen attractive business and tax incentives offered by the state and its counties.
Palm Beach County is Florida’s third most pop ulous county, with about 1.5 million people and a projected population growth of 4 percent by 2026. Although the perception outside the state is that Florida’s residents are primarily retired and elder ly, the median age in the Palm Beaches is 44.
Workers in Palm Beach County have an above-average high school graduation rate of 88.8 percent, and 37.1 percent have a bachelor’s de gree or higher. Those holding college degrees remain in high demand across the county, especially for those in STEM fields, making it an attractive option for both young graduates and more experienced mid-career and executive personnel. Furthermore, Palm Beach County has a significant Hispanic population of 23.9 percent, presenting a tre mendous advantage for businesses in international trade with Latin and Central America.
Tech-sector growth in Palm Beach County supports a high-tech/ green energy/biosciences startup corridor between West Palm Beach and Deerfield Beach. As a result of the activity in this sector, salaries are on the rise in a region where the IBM personal computer was creat ed. More than 1,700 information technology (IT), telecommunications, and support companies employ more than 20,000 professionals with an average wage of $78,928 to bolster a state ranked in the top five nationally in high-tech establishments, export of high-tech products, and high-tech employment. While Silicon Valley is still best-known as a tech sector, the extravagant cost of living, crowded urban centers, high state sales taxes, and a personal income tax in California are driv ing software engineers and developers to other states.
Here’s a look at 10 of our county’s most prominent industries.
Agribusiness: The historical core of Palm Beach County’s economy is agribusiness, extending from just outside of our coastal cities west to Lake Okeechobee. Approximately 36 percent of the county’s acres are devoted to agriculture and ranching, comprising more than a third of the county. All of the nearly 900,000 tons of raw sugar produced in the
Glades area of the county ship through the Port of Palm Beach (which, unlike many ports, is cleared to handle exports as well as imports).
Aviation, Aerospace, and Engi neering: The few small airstrips that became Florida’s World War II military installations have grown into a major industry, including commercial aviation, air cargo, air defense projects, and rocket engines. Some of the major firms located in the county
include: Lockheed Martin Corporation; Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company; Aerojet Rocketdyne; Pratt & Whitney; Collins Aerospace; and Northrop Grumman.
Clean Tech: Florida is No. 1 nationally in annual biomass production, No. 1 in net en ergy generation from biomass, and seventh in energy generation from renewable sources, including hydroelectric and so lar. The state supports research and development in the industry through renewable tax incentives and support of research centers. Palm Beach County hosts more than 715 cleantech businesses such as Blue Biofu els, Inc., SolarTech Universal, 4Ocean, and Enerfuel.
Distribution and Logistics: Palm Beach County is centrally located near Florida’s largest population centers and has convenient access to world markets via the port. The county is home to more than 15 distri bution centers totaling more than 5 million square feet. These distribution centers take advantage of Intermodal Systems Highways, railroads, airports, and the Port of Palm Beach. Among the firms operating distribution centers here are Aldi, Amazon, American Tire, Cheney Bros., FedEx Corporation, Nestlé, Publix, Sysco, U.S. Food Service, and Walgreens.
Equestrian Sports: With an estimated $600 million impact on the county, equestrian sports is a signature economic sector for Palm Beach County. The National Polo Center – Wellington, owned and managed by the U.S. Polo Association (USPA), is one of the largest polo facilities in the United States. There is also Wellington International (formerly the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center), which is the site of the annual Win ter Equestrian Festival. Held January through April, it hosts competitions for hunters, jumpers, and equitation and attracts more than 250,000 people and 6,500 hors es. With the National Polo Center – Wellington, Wel lington International, more than 10 USPA member clubs, and several private stables and horse farm com munities, Wellington is often considered the epicenter of polo in the United States.
Financial Services: The presence of 2,897 hedge funds and private equity firms that employ more than 35,000 people and help serve 71,000 millionaire households in Palm Beach County help earn it the moniker of “Wall Street South.” With no individual state income tax, corporate gains tax, or top marginal taxes for indi viduals and estates, Florida is a highly attractive location for the affluent and the financial companies that serve them.
Health Care and Life Sciences: Palm Beach County’s health care industry is vital to the economy, providing more than 79,000 jobs at nearly 5,500 health care–related businesses. There are more than 700 life scienc es companies in Palm Beach Coun ty, primarily engaged in research and development or the manufac ture of biotechnologies, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or envi ronmental and biological sciences. Two world-renowned research insti tutes—Scripps Research and Max Planck Florida Institute for Neurosci ence—anchor what is dubbed the Palm Beach Life Sciences Cluster. LifeHelix. org, a county initiative, helps define and fo cus growth efforts in the area.
IT and Telecommunications: Palm Beach County is a national leader for IT and telecommunications. With more than $8 billion annually in IT research and development activi ties, Florida ranks fourth nationally in high-tech establishments, third
in high-tech product exports, and fifth in high-tech employment. Palm Beach County is home to nearly 2,200 IT, telecommunications, and support companies employing nearly 20,000 professionals with an av erage wage of $94,354, according to the Business Development Board. The area is recognized as a prime place to locate technology firms and startups, a reputation that encompasses Deerfield Beach, just across the Hillsboro River from Boca Raton.
Manufacturing: Florida offers a sales tax exemption to manufac turers that purchase new equipment and machinery. Palm Beach County also provides targeted industry incentives including sales and use tax exemptions, and tax credits and refunds for capital investment, R&D, and job creation. Currently, there are more than 23,670 manu facturing jobs in the county boasting an average salary of $88,101. The local workforce offers particular expertise in advanced materials, aerospace, biomedical, IT, defense, marine, and green technologies.
Marine Industry: With 40,000 registered boaters in the county, the marine industry has an economic impact of $2.1 billion, ranging from boat and equipment sales to the nearly 20,000 jobs within the sector to the revenue generated by marinas, boatyards, and more. Downtown West Palm Beach is home to the annual, four-day Palm Beach International Boat Show, which attracts 460 exhibitors and more than 50,000 attendees from around the world.
Palm Beach County offers relocating and expanding companies competitive incentives on par with other major metropolitan areas. The incentives are flexible and apply to many different industry sectors and activities. The level of assistance depends on the number of jobs created and the wage/benefits provided.
On the state level, Florida offers incentives for all types of business es, from corporate headquarters to manufacturing plants and service firms. Investment credits encourage capital-invested industries to set
up here in the Sunshine State, while training incentives provide the possibility to expand the knowledge and skills of future and current employees. Florida encourages growth throughout the state by offering increased incentive awards and lower wage qualification thresholds in its rural counties. Florida’s tax advantages—including its capital in vestment tax credit—are front and center when creating incentives to move business to Florida. «
Palm Beach County is a national leader in economic growth in a post-pandemic world—and that momentum is projected to continue well into the future.
30,000
The increase in the number of jobs added to the private sector in Palm Beach County over a 12-month period ending in July 2022.
92,000
The number of jobs the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity projects will be added by 2029 (that’s a whopping growth rate of 13.9 percent).
31The number of companies that relocated or expanded operations in Palm Beach County during a 12-month period in 2020 and 2021.
Amount of capital investment brought into our area as a result of those 31 relocations and expansions.
Capital investment made during a five-year period through 2022, with an economic impact exceed ing $6.87 billion.
The School District of Palm Beach County is the tenth largest school district in the nation, with 22,891 employees, 12,786 teachers, and 189,805 students (including charter schools) and a 95.9 percent graduation rate. The district offers both International Baccalaureate programs and specialized career academies where students can explore interests as diverse as veterinary sciences and digital design. The Palm Beach County STEM Education Council collaborates with local industries to give students a strong foundation in the twenty-fi rst-century skills needed for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. (palmbeachschools.org)
Employing 5,753 people (outside of the school district) and with a budget of more than $5 billion, the county is one of its own largest employers. The list of services provided and departments managed by the county would fi ll several pages. In such a rapidly growing county, opportunities abound for workers with every level of education and in an incredible range of specialties from urban planning to landscape maintenance and everything in between. The county actively seeks to attract new business and support the relocation and establishment of businesses moving to the Palm Beaches, offering tax incentives, grants, and other incentives. (discover. pbcgov.org/countycommissioners)
A division of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, the Palm Beach Health Network Physician Groups employs 5,734 people at six facilities in
Palm Beach County: Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, and West Boca Medical Center. The system also offers a network of walk-in clinics, imaging facilities, and outpatient surgery centers. Tenet’s Conifer Health Solutions subsidiary provides technology-enabled performance improvement and health management solutions to hospitals, health systems, integrated delivery networks, physician groups, self-insured organizations, and health plans. (tenetfl orida physicianservices.com)
NextEra Energy, parent company of Florida Power & Light, is the largest utility holding company in the world and employs 5,330 people in Palm Beach County. This leading clean energy company has a market capitalization of about $169 billion. NextEra Energy subsidiaries generate clean, emissions-free electricity from seven commercial nuclear power units in Florida, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. NextEra Energy is a Fortune 200 company and is part of the S&P 100 index. It is often recognized by third parties for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity, and ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry in Fortune’s 2022 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies.” (nexteraenergy.com)
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is part of Florida’s state university system, with 5,059 employees. With its main campus in Boca Raton, FAU also operates five satellite campuses in Jupiter, Davie, Fort Pierce, Fort
Lauderdale, and Dania Beach. FAU has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a “High Research Activity” university. Established in 1961 as the state’s fifth public university, FAU serves more than 30,000 students and has an annual economic impact in its six-county service region of more than $6.3 billion. A fast-growing college, FAU is closely tied to the business community throughout Palm Beach County. During the past several years, it has raised academic standards, received recognition for its research, increased funding, built new facilities, and established partnerships with notable research institutions. (fau.edu)
Boca Raton Regional Hospital (BRRH) employs 3,135 people. Born out of compelling community need in 1967, BRRH is a not-for-profit, advanced tertiary medical center with 400 beds and more than 800 primary and specialty physicians on staff. The hospital is a recognized leader in cardiovascular care, oncology, women’s health, orthopedics, emergency medicine, and the neurosciences, all of which offer state-of-the-art diagnos tic and imaging capabilities. Boca Raton Regional Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of only four hospitals in Palm Beach County to be designated by the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. (brrh.com)
The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System employs 2,600 people and has eight locations in South Florida, which include the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center and community-based outpatient clinics in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Fort Pierce, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, and Vero Beach. These include a 108-bed senior living center and 13-bed blind rehabilitation service—the referral center for blind and visually impaired veterans throughout Florida. Its post-combat trauma clinic is in Port St. Lucie. (va.gov/west-palm-beach-health-care)
HCA Hospitals employs 2,419 people in Palm Beach County and operates multiple hospitals and surgery centers in the region, including JFK Medical Center, Palms West Hospital, and St. Lucie Medical Center. Based in Nashville, HCA was one of the nation’s first hospital companies. There are 45 hospitals and 31 surgery centers, three division offices, and multiple other service facilities affiliated with HCA in Florida. (hcafloridahealthcare.com)
This historic resort in Palm Beach is one of the iconic landmarks of Florida. Employing 2,300 people, this spectacular destination has enticed travelers for generations to enjoy its Italian Renaissance setting. Opened in 1896 by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, today’s hotel and grounds occupy 140 acres of land on the Palm Beach barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean. Amenities include two championship golf courses, 10 tennis courts, four oceanfront pools, on-site shopping, more than a dozen restaurants and bars, a 6,000-square-foot fitness center, and a 20,000-square-foot spa. (thebreakers.com)
Bethesda Health, part of the Baptist Health system since 2017, employs 2,282 people in the county. Founded in 1959, this health care organization serves South Palm Beach County with two nonprofit hospitals—401-bed Bethesda Hospital East and 80-bed Bethesda Hospital West—plus the Bethesda Women’s Health Center, Bethesda Comprehensive Cancer Center, and other facilities. Bethesda Health has more than 675 physicians across 40 areas of specialty. (bethesdaweb.com)
With more than 2,000 employees in Palm Beach County, privately owned Florida Crystals is a leading national brand in the organic and natural market. The company farms 190,000 acres, most of it in Palm Beach County—where it operates two sugar mills and a sugar refinery, rice mill, packaging and distribution center, and the largest biomass renewable power plant in North America. The renewable-energy facility produces clean power from leftover and recycled biomass to fully operate its sugar operations. The company’s organic and natural consumer products are made from fresh Florida sugarcane that is harvested and milled on the same day. Florida Crystals is America’s first and only certified organic sugar made in the U.S. (floridacrystals.com)
The ODP Corporation, a leading provider of business services, products, and digital workplace technology solutions to small, medium, and enterprise businesses, employs 2,000 people at its headquarters in Boca Raton. The company—with about 1,000 retail stores and an online store—is best known for Office Depot and OfficeMax, which also provide copy, print, technical, and mailing services. ODP Corporation’s other brands include CompuCom and Grand & Toy. (jobs.officedepot.com)
Jupiter Medical Center is a nonprofit, 327-bed regional medical center consisting of 207 private acute-care hospital beds and 120 long-term care, sub-acute rehabilitation, and hospice beds. Founded in 1979, the center has 1,880 team members, 605 physicians, and 600 volunteers. Award-winning physicians, world-class partnerships, and innovative techniques and technology enable Jupiter Medical Center to provide a broad range of services with specialty concentrations in cardiology, oncology, imaging, orthopedics and spine, digestive health, emergency ser vices, lung and thoracic, women’s health, weight management, and men’s health. Jupiter Medical Center opened the 55,000-square-foot Anderson Family Cancer Institute in March 2020. (jupitermed.com)
Boca Raton is the second-largest city in Palm Beach County and has nearly 1,810 employees. Home to Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton has a major impact on the county’s economy; many of the county’s largest employers are located here. The city has an active Economic Development Fund to provide incentives for companies seeking to relocate or expand within the city. These incentives include matches for state economic development programs, grants, loans, subsidized leases, and expedited permitting. Boca Raton has partnerships with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Palm Beach County, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, and Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. (myboca.us)
Incorporated in 1894, two years before Miami, the City of West Palm Beach is the county seat of Palm Beach County and has an estimated population of more than 110,000. With approximately 1,725 employees on the city payroll, the city has a strategy of both service and growth. To achieve the city’s economic development goals, it partners with the Business Development Board, local chambers of commerce and business leaders, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and community development, planning, and zoning departments. (wpb.org)
Pratt & Whitney has operated in Palm Beach County for more than 60 years. The developer of military and commercial aircraft engines currently employs an estimated 1,600 workers at its 7,000-acre cam pus west of Jupiter. In May 2018, the firm announced a $100 million expan sion plan to add 215 jobs to its workforce in support of defense programs. Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, powers the Airbus A320neo airliners and the F135 propulsion system for the F-35 Lightning II tactical fighter by Lockheed Martin. (prattwhitney.com)
Formerly known in the United States as Wackenhut, G4S focuses on advancing the safety and security of businesses and governments, ensuring the security of key assets—people, property, products, and reputation. The Americas headquarters in Jupiter employs 1,451 people. The company has operations in more than 100 countries and has more than 51,000 employees worldwide. The company has deployed more than 2 million miles of fiber-optic cable and completed more than 1,500 security systems around the world. The company’s security systems are used at every U.S. Marine Corps base in the world. (g4s.us)
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern half of the state, covering 16 counties from Orlando to the Florida
Keys and serving a population of about 9 million residents. Created in 1949, it is the oldest and largest of Florida’s five water management districts. SFWMD employs 1,371 staff who work to protect Florida’s water and natural resources, provide flood protection, and ensure water supply for South Florida’s communities. SFWMD oversees the Everglades restoration project, the largest ecosystem restoration project in the world. (sfwmd.gov)
U.S. Sugar Corporation is one of the nation’s largest fully in tegrated producers of sugarcane, one of Florida’s major producers of orange juice products, and a regional short line railroad operator. Headquartered in Clewiston, the company farms 245,000 acres in Hendry, Glades, Palm Beach, and Martin counties. It employs 1,250 locally, including many high-skilled jobs in automated environments. The company produces 800,000 tons of refined sugar a year. With more than 12,500 acres of orange groves and 1.8 million trees, U.S. Sugar is also one of the largest independent suppliers of not-from-concentrate juice to major brands. (ussugar.com)
Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed, acute care hospital owned by a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. The community hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, employs 1,194 and has been serving the community since 1986. It is accredited for several departments, including the comprehensive stroke, breast imag ing, and chest pain centers, and was rated “A” in patient safety in 2021 by the Leapfrog Group. Its Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine has been recognized as a Center of Distinction by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. (wellingtonregional. com)
Founded in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, Palm Beach State College (PBSC) is one of the top producers of associate degree graduates in the United States. A staff of 1,066 serves almost 36,000 students annually at its five campuses and online. PBSC also offers bachelor’s degrees, professional certificates, career training, and corporate and continuing education within more than 130 programs of study. (palmbeachstate.edu)
This fourth-generation, family-owned food service distributor employs more than 1,050 individuals in Palm Beach County
and 3,400 overall. In 2016, the firm acquired Pate Dawson distribution company. One year later, it added a new affiliate, Crazy Fish International. In recent years, the firm has expanded into North Carolina and Georgia. Its broad inventory of more than 64,000 stocked items includes fresh and frozen food products, health care products, dry goods, beverages, hospitality products, equipment, chemicals and cleaning supplies, and other services and products. (cheneybrothers.com)
Charlotte, North Caro lina–based Bank of America is the second largest bank in the country and employs 1,000 people in Palm Beach County across its many loca tions. Bank of America provides products and services through banking centers, ATMs, telephone call centers, and online and mobile banking platforms. The bank serves about 66 million consumer and small business clients with about 4,600 retail financial centers, in cluding about 3,000 lending cen ters, 2,600 financial centers, and about 2,200 business centers; about 16,200 ATMs; and digital banking with about 40 million active users, including about 30 million mobile users. (bankofamerica.com)
San Francisco–based Wells Fargo bank has a large presence in Florida, employing 945 people in Palm Beach County. Wells Fargo is a nationwide, diversified financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finan cial services through 7,200 locations, more than 13,000 ATMs, online, and mobile devices. Wells Fargo does business with one in three U.S. households and has approximately 260,000 team members in 31 coun tries. (wellsfargo.com)
One of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires, TBC employs 870 people at its Palm Beach Gardens headquarters, which opened in 2020. First launched in 1956 in Dayton, Ohio, the company became Tire & Battery Corporation in 1972, went public in 1983, and today is jointly owned by Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and Michelin. Along with wholesale operations, it has more than 3,000 franchised and company-operated service centers under the brands Big O Tires, Tire Kingdom, NTB, and Midas. (tbccorp.com) «
The Dreyfoos Group
Dreyfoos was instrumental in forming the Palm Beach County Council of the Arts (now the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County) and also served as its first chairman. The organization mounted a referendum in 1982, creating a “bed tax” on hotel and short-term rental stays that has been funding local arts ever since. Beginning in 1978, he spearheaded efforts to build a world-class performing arts center in Palm Beach County and, until June 2007, served as chairman of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts through 15 successful seasons. He remains a lifetime member of the board.
HOMETOWN: New Rochelle, New York EDUCATION: Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Business School
FIRST JOB: Between my first and second years at Harvard Business School, I worked as a draftsman at Technicolor on 57th Street in Manhattan.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” —Sir Winston Churchill STARTS HIS DAY: Breakfast and The Wall Street Journal HOBBIES: Photography has been a hobby for at least 80 of my 90 years. Until a few years ago, I enjoyed scuba diving, yachting, and travel.
SECRET TO HIS SUCCESS: Passion, determination, perseverance, and surrounding myself with smart and good people.
GIVES BACK: I remain on the board of the Kravis Center and am incredibly proud of this year’s thirtieth anniversary. I am also very proud of the students of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts and continue to support the school’s mission.
As a third-generation Floridian born in West Palm Beach, Bone has seen a lot of changes. But unlike many longtime residents, he believes the best is yet to come. He’s a board-certified trial lawyer, winning over $100 million in jury verdicts and settlements for clients without advertising. As an activist, he’s held leadership roles in dozens of charities, service clubs, and not-for-profit organizations. His alma mater named him to the University of Florida Hall of Fame, and the Palm Beach County School District declared him a Distinguished Alumnus. He is listed in the book Best Lawyers in America, and Super Lawyers calls him one of the nation’s best in his field.
FIRST JOBS: Cracking stone crabs, busing tables, and mowing lawns
LOCAL LEADERSHIP: Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and Palm Beach Centennial Commission, vice chair of The West Palm Beach Police Fund, and past president of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches and Florida Stage HOBBY: Bone is a live theater junkie. He sees every Broadway show and attends the Tony Awards each year in New York City.
Brinker made a promise to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would work to end the pain and hopelessness caused by breast cancer. Since then, the organization bearing Susan’s name has changed the world. In 2009, President Obama honored Brinker with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2010, she released her New York Times best-selling memoir, Promise Me, detailing her journey. From 2001-2003, Brinker served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary and from 2007-2009 as U.S. Chief of Protocol. In 2018, she spearheaded the creation of Promise Fund of Florida, a nonprofit organization aiming to improve outcomes and reduce deaths from breast and cervical cancers in South Florida.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES: I am proud of the scientific knowledge I learned while leading the Susan G. Komen organization. I took the information and am applying what we know at the Promise Fund of Florida.
WHAT MAKES HER SMILE: Good humor and chocolate COLLECTS: Hungarian Art from 1850 to present day
DAVE FRISBIEAs South Florida grew, the roads and highways grew along with it. In 1953, Elmore founded Hardrives Paving, which was responsible for constructing much of I-95 and many of the area’s major thoroughfares. Along with partners, the company also developed major residential and golf course communities. For more than 60 years, Elmore has committed his time to civic, educational, and cultural organizations and has served on more than 30 boards, leading him to be honored numerous times for his leadership, community involvement, and philanthropic impact in Palm Beach County.
HOMETOWN: Newcastle, Pennsylvania
FURRY
LIKES
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Cafe L’Europe in Palm Beach
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Charlton Heston
Arts
Frisbie has a BA from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Harvard University. As a vice president of Hines Interests during the 1980s, Frisbie managed major downtown revitalization projects, including I.M. Pei’s JPMorgan Chase Tower (the tallest five-sided building in the world), César Pelli’s Wells Fargo Center, and Philip Johnson’s One Detroit Center (the tallest office building in Michigan). He was also one of the leading visionaries to participate in the redevelopment of downtown West Palm Beach, and his many projects include the 1 and 101 North Clematis mixed-use complex on the waterfront. The Palm Beach Post included him in its list of the twentieth century’s 100 most influential leaders in the city of West Palm Beach for the Frisbie family’s contribution to the revitalization of the Clematis Street corridor.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “The time is always right to do what is right.” —Martin Luther King Jr. INSPIRED BY: My parents and brothers, who established the mores by which our family lives.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES: 100 Top Contributors to West Palm Beach in the Twentieth Century
One of the nation’s top amateur women polo players, Ganzi is team captain of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. She co-founded the World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo held outside Argentina. She is the president and top fundraiser for the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame board of directors, chair of the Polo Training Foundation, and board member of Best Buddies, founded by Anthony Shriver in 1989. She is one of only a few women in the world to compete in the C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup, and U.S. Open. She was the first woman to win the coveted Molina Cup at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, which she has won an unprecedented five times.
BEST ADVICE SHE’S RECEIVED: You can teach skills, but you cannot teach attitude.
WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Charlize Theron TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Singapore; St. Moritz, Switzerland; and Kitzbühel, Austria
SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HER: I have a master’s degree in marital and family therapy.
Hedrick is the CEO of Hedrick Brothers Construction, a privately owned company he founded in 1979. Headquartered in West Palm Beach with offices in Melbourne and Pompano Beach, the team serves both the public and private sectors encompassing commercial, aerospace, municipal, hospitality, and education construction, with a dedicated division for luxury residential and equestrian estates. He is also the president of Hedrick Brothers Development and president of Hedrick Kirco Properties, a Florida-based commercial real estate organization.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Wake up hungry. Work with energy and passion. Be curious. Understand why. Be trustworthy so others will trust you. Think of others first. Ask God for wisdom every day.
FIND HIM ON THE WEEKENDS: At City Diner and/or Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Don’t delay in making di cult decisions. HOBBIES: Reading, boating, hunting, and skiing
MICHAEL HOFFMAN President, CEO Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County
Since becoming president and CEO in 2015, Hoffman has made it his mission to transform the Palm Beaches into one of the country’s most vibrant Jewish communities. Under his direction, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County has become known as the “city hall” of the Jewish community, strengthening the organization’s partnerships with agencies, synagogues, and other institutions while inspiring unprecedented involvement and philanthropy, including a historic 2022 campaign with more than $42 million contributed to fuel increasing needs and support immense population growth.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Anyone who does not believe in miracles is not a realist.” —David Ben-Gurion, first Prime Minister of Israel
PERSONAL MOTTO: One person can make a di erence. Two people can change a world.
HIDDEN TALENT: In a “former life,” I was a singer and guitar player. Before I moved to the Palm Beaches, my former band had more than 1.5 million hits on YouTube.
STARTS HIS DAY: A ride on the Peleton (I’m a Jenn Sherman groupie), a cup of co ee, and some avocado toast sitting at the breakfast bar
From certified public accountant to world-class hotelier, Leone has been credited with engineering the turnaround of one of the world’s most iconic resorts. By creating a unique organizational culture for the 126-year-old company and its 2,200 associates, he has achieved best-in-class employee fulfillment, guest satisfaction, social impact, and financial performance. After joining The Breakers Palm Beach in 1985, Leone progressed through the resort’s financial division to executive leadership, becoming president in 1994 at age 36 and CEO in 2016.
WHY HE CHOSE HIS LINE OF WORK: I was immediately attracted to the hospitality industry as a teenager, having been raised in a family that owned and operated five motels and two restaurants in New York, Kentucky, and Florida.
WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Embrace adversity, as opposed to stressing over or avoiding it, as that is the most powerful way to grow.
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: To trust my instincts. Garrett Kirk encouraged me to do this early in my career and it has worked ever since—conduct rigorous due diligence, but when it’s time to make the call, trust your instincts.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: I have no idea; he’s gotta have a mustache though!
Murphy’s grandfather came to Florida at a time when the government was giving land away in Lake Worth in the early 1900s. Murphy’s father, George Greenberg, was born and raised in West Palm Beach (and, “fortunately for me,” as Murphy says, he stayed put). She began working with her father at Pioneer Linens in 1994. During her tenure, she has developed Pioneer’s interior designer programs and launched the firm’s website and online store. When Greenberg died in 2007, Murphy became the third generation to run the esteemed family business, which her children are now involved in as well.
FIRST JOB: Working in the men’s department at Jackson Byron at Palm Coast Plaza
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE: Embrace change
WHAT SHE WOULD TELL HER YOUNGER SELF: Have more confidence in yourself and celebrate your accomplishments.
HOBBIES: Cooking, entertaining, tablescaping, and spending time with friends and family
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Capri
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Okeechobee Steak House
One of America’s leading philanthropists, Pope has founded three organizations: LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education), The Lois Pope Life Foundation, and the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation. An advocate for veterans, she spearheaded the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the designation of October 5 as a day to honor disabled veterans. She is the driving force behind the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine, where the Miami Project/Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis explores research, treatment, and services for paralysis and other neurological diseases.
BEST ADVICE SHE’S RECEIVED: Split aces, eights, and nines, and double down if you’ve got a ten and the dealer is showing a six.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES: Running and completing five New York City Marathons
WHY SHE CHOSE HER LINE OF WORK: Because I was lucky enough to have the resources and platform to make a di erence in people’s lives, I had to do what I could. To whom much is given, much will be required.
SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HER: I was the Taittinger Champagne model. Note: It was not a recent modeling job.
Paley founded the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute at St. Mary’s Medical Center in 2009. It has 20 surgeons and 180 employees and treats patients from all 50 states and 100 countries. The Paley Institute has offices in Warsaw, Poland, and in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Paley graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School in 1979. He completed his orthopedic residency in 1985, and he is boardcertified. He has authored 10 books, 75 book chapters, and 180 peer-reviewed articles. Paley lectures all over the world in six languages. He has developed more than 100 new surgical procedures and is named on 10 patents. He has started and sold six biotech companies.
PERONAL MOTTO: Dream, dare, do.
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Ignore what people say behind your back. Keep your head down, work hard. Publish your ideas and they cannot ignore you.
INSPIRED BY: Steve Jobs, for his innovation and ability to rise from the ashes like a phoenix
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Antarctica
WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: Seeing a child walk after my surgery who could not walk before
Shearouse, a third-generation Floridian, became president and CEO of the First Bank of the Palm Beaches in 2010. Prior to that, he was the president of National City for Southeast Florida and the executive vice president for Fidelity Federal Bank & Trust, where he worked for more than 28 years. He serves on the board of trustees of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, the board of directors of the Florida Bankers Association, and the board of America’s Community Bankers. He and his wife, Michelle, reside in Jupiter with their two children, Joseph IV and Eric.
EDUCATION: Florida State University and Wo ord College HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing, and scuba diving
CAUSES HE SUPPORTS: Vice-chairman on the board of directors for the United Way of Palm Beach County, on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES: Served at the state level on the board of directors of the Florida Bankers Association and at the national level on the board of America’s Community Bankers; named “Florida Banker of the Year” in 2006 by the Florida Bankers Association.
Founder Leaders in Furthering Education, The Lois Pope Foundation
President, CEO First Bank of the Palm BeachesJOE WEBB President Duffy’s Sports Grill
Webb is the President of Duffy’s Sports Grill, Florida’s largest family-owned restaurant group with more than 30 locations. In his three years with Duffy’s, Joe has guided the company through the most challenging times in the history of restaurants with the pandemic, and it has emerged stronger than ever. Webb has more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry with leadership roles at Pei Wei, Corner Bakery Café, and Boston Market.
FIRST JOB: Cleaning swimming pools at 12 years old
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: “Watch your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.” —My grandfather (and Andrew Carnegie) WHY HE CHOSE HIS LINE OF WORK: I have always been drawn to the people-driven culture of hospitality. I fell in love with the restaurant industry as a 15-year-old busboy.
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Play golf at Pebble Beach COLLECTS: Logo’d golf balls
FIND HIM ON THE WEEKENDS: Downtown Clematis is one of my favorite places to relax.
Honorary President, Master Professional PGA of America
PGA of America honorary president and master professional Whaley is the president of Golf Nation, an online and connected TV OTT channel that brings golf lifestyle and premium videos together on a shoppable streaming content platform. As the director of instruction at The Country Club at Mirasol, one of GOLF magazine’s “Top 100 Teachers in America,” and a commentator for ESPN, she will continue to expand golf’s reach around the world with her new endeavor. After serving two years each as PGA secretary and PGA vice president, Whaley became the first woman elected to serve as PGA president. She resides in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband, Bill, and two children, Jennifer and Kelly.
EDUCATION: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Jamie Lee Cutis AT THE TOP OF HER BUCKET LIST: Skiing in Lake Tahoe GUILTY PLEASURES: White wine and dark chocolate
Vice President of Housing Services The Lord’s Place, Inc.
Phillips provides administrative and strategic leadership to the agency’s housing programs. He has more than 25 years of experience serving low-income families and individuals in Palm Beach County. He is an expert in leading high-performing supportive housing programs. Phillips is particularly knowledgeable about how to conduct housing operations in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations—including the Fair Housing Act. In his personal life, Phillips is involved with Connect to Greatness, a mentoring initiative for African American boys ages 10 to 13. He has a bachelor’s degree in social work.
HOMETOWN: Richmond, Virginia
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Morris Chestnut
FIRST JOB: Dishwasher at a restaurant
STARTS HIS DAY: Prayer and a good 3-mile walk HOBBIES: Reading and walking on the beach
COLLECTS: Watches
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Vic & Angelo’s WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Stay true to yourself no matter what others think or feel about your choices in life.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Chocolate cake ADMIRES MOST: My mother, because she is strong, knowledgeable, a role model, and compassionate. WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: Seeing others meet their goals or succeed where most people feel they will fail.
President, Palm Beach County Bank of America
Brumley is the president of Bank of America Palm Beach County. In this role, she is responsible for connecting clients, teammates, and communities to the full power of the franchise, driving integration across Bank of America’s eight lines of business. She also leads the effort to deploy Bank of America’s resources to help advance economic mobility and build strong communities. Based in Boca Raton, Brumley is senior public policy lead for the Southeast at Bank of America, covering Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.
HOMETOWN: Beirut, Lebanon
FAVORITE QUOTE: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou
WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Meryl Streep
FIRST JOB: At the age of 13, I worked for my father as a data entry clerk. He was a CPA/CFO.
SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HER: English is my third language.
WHAT MAKES HER SMILE: Watching my children and grandchildren learn something new.
CASSIUS JOHNSON
Founder, President Cassius Johnson Social Impact Solutions
As a consultant, Johnson specializes in developing strategies, designing and implementing solutions, and advancing policies that improve the life outcomes of low-income and vulnerable populations and advance economic growth. His career has centered on social impact, working at the Texas House of Representatives, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Jobs for the Future, Year Up Inc., Education Strategy Group, and as a member of the Massachusetts State Workforce Board. Johnson attended the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs in Austin, Texas, where he was a Barbara Jordan Scholar.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Siempre adelante—Always forward!
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Denzel Washington. He portrays characters with the level of intensity required to match the seriousness with which I take matters of social justice and the public good.
WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: There is nothing wrong with you. Your passions, drive, and uniqueness are the fuel you will use to realize your destiny and meaning on Earth.
BARBARA MINELLI JAMES Vice President Baptist Health FoundationSince joining Baptist Health in November 2017, James has raised an impressive $50 million through annual giving, private donors, fundraising campaigns, events, and corporate sponsorships. This money has been used to bring preeminent health care to South Florida through updated technologies and the expansion of world-class medical offerings, including the nationally recognized orthopedic total joint–replacement program; cardiovascular care; cancer care; vascular, endovascular, and robotic surgery; general surgery; and emergency medicine. The current Emergency Services Capital Campaign to modernize the Bethesda Hospital East Emergency Department with private rooms, smart technology, and optimized patient care is nearing completion.
BEST ADVICE SHE’S RECEIVED: Work is one of our greatest privileges. Use it wisely. HIDDEN TALENT: My linguini al fruitti di mare
WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Jennifer Garner STARTS HER DAY: Gratitude, lemon water, and then co ee!
Johnson is the president and CEO of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County (HSPBC). He earned a bachelor’s of science in political and public affairs communication from Florida State University and became a certified association executive (CAE) through the American Society of Association Executives. Prior to joining HSPBC, Johnson was president of JRJ Partners, an independent consulting practice providing strategic planning and development support for South Florida businesses and nonprofits. He also served as the president and the emergency and disaster preparedness coordinator for South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Will Ferrell
STARTS HIS DAY: With ca eine
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATIONS: Greece, Spain, and Portugal
GIVES BACK: I give my time, talents, and treasure to a variety of organizations in Palm Beach County. I love the Cox Science Center and am active in my West Palm Beach Rotary Club.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES: Seeing the Historical Society win a Muse Award and having the organization be named Cultural Nonprofit of the Year under my leadership.
Kelly has a bachelor’s of science in communications from Florida State University and a master of business management degree from Florida Atlantic University. He is president of Quantum Foundation, a West Palm Beach–based health corporation that manages a $170 million investment portfolio. As president, Kelly works with the board of directors in formulating a strategy to deploy $7.5 million annually to qualified organizations in Palm Beach County to improve community and health outcomes. He is a corporate officer of the foundation and manages the governing affairs of the corporation with the board of directors. Kelly oversees all administrative duties.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Seize the opportunity of a lifetime within the lifetime of the opportunity.
TOP TRAVEL PICK: Blue Ridge Mountains
GUILTY PLEASURES: Doughnuts and cereal
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES: Sun Sentinel Excalibur Award for Business Leadership, Florida Trend‘s Florida 500, Education Foundation of PBC Outstanding Community Leadership Award, Florida Atlantic University President’s Talon Award, Legacy Magazine’s South Florida’s Most
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC
Lesser is president of The Florida Bar and managing partner of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, a third-generation law firm with 95 years of helping injured clients and their families and working hard for the best possible outcome on their cases. A native of West Palm Beach, Lesser is one of Florida’s foremost personal injury attorneys, leading a team of skilled trial lawyers who practice law with professionalism, integrity, ethics, and a commitment to personal client service. He is a dedicated community servant, having held leadership positions in numerous legal, nonprofit, and civic-oriented organizations.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “It’s amazing what you can get done when you don’t care who gets credit for it.” —Harry S. Truman
STARTS HIS DAY: Recently, I started doing a little stretching first thing every morning. It’s been a game changer.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Every grey cloud has a silver lining.
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Machu Picchu
FIRST JOBS: I taught tennis as a teenager, and I really enjoyed working at Publix.
Korniloff oversees the management and creative direction for Art Miami, CONTEXT, Aqua Art Miami, Art Wynwood, and Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary fairs. Korniloff has more than two decades of experience in media, art fair management, and live event production industries. His commitment to creating new opportunities for the international art community through the development of art fairs and collaborative partnerships has attracted some of the most prestigious galleries in the contemporary and modern markets to participate in the fairs he manages.
HOMETOWN: Roslyn, New York ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Return every phone call. Be a better listener than talker. Don’t think you’re the smartest person in the room. Find the balance between patience and persistence.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: George Clooney SECRETS TO HIS SUCCESS: Making myself available to others and their creative thoughts. Connecting good and like-minded people. My discipline, work ethic, and ability to walk my talk through teamwork.
With more than 37 years as a nonprofit leader in Palm Beach County, McDonald joined Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2005 as founding president. She is responsible for raising funds to advance and enhance pediatric health care and has proven herself to be a champion for the foundation and the children it serves. Under McDonald’s leadership, the foundation has grown from a small charity with a local focus to one that has impacted the lives of children across the nation and the globe. The organization has raised nearly $170 million and given more than $100 million in grants.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “The legacy you leave on Earth is measured by the hearts you touch.” —Barbara Nicklaus
WHAT SHE WOULD TELL HER YOUNGER SELF: Take risks! They are often the best decision you will ever make.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Don’t confuse activity with accomplishment.
FIRST JOB: I was a cashier at Publix in Palm Beach Gardens.
GUILTY PLEASURE: The perfect handbag
Executive Vice President, Director Art Miami Show Group, Informa Markets ArtPresident, CEO Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation PATRICK MCNAMARA President, CEO Palm Health Foundation
McNamara joined Palm Health Foundation as president and CEO in March 2017. He has spent the past 30 years in the nonprofit health and human services sector, including 18 years with Community Partners of South Florida, where he also served as president and CEO. Having spent most of his professional career in cross-sector work to improve communities, McNamara has designed and implemented initiatives in behavioral health, housing, family services, health, and nonprofit leadership. A native of New Orleans, he and his wife, Ana, are the proud parents of three children.
STARTS HIS DAY: I have three di erent sources of morning reflections that I receive daily by email. I read these three meditations before my first cup of co ee.
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Alaskan cruise
WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Fear less and love more.
FIRST JOB: Mowing lawns with my brother
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Always keep your sense of humor, especially about yourself.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” —Alfred Lord Tennyson
Bowen LLP
As the managing partner of Shutts & Bowen’s West Palm Beach office, Menor is a member of the firm’s executive committee and chairman of the Real Estate Leasing Practice Group. A nationally recognized real estate lawyer, he has more than 40 years of experience in all facets of commercial real estate, focusing on commercial leasing and the acquisition and disposition of commercial real estate.
University of Florida
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Run the Tokyo Marathon
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Cut 432 in Delray Beach
FAVORITE BOOK: Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert K. Massie
WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: My baby granddaughter
FIRST JOB: Working for my family’s business (Lake Worth Monument Company which is one of the oldest continually operating businesses in South Florida) at 11 years old.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Everyone makes mistakes. The di erence between winners and losers is that winners learn from their mistakes and losers repeat them.
Melby is in her eighteenth year at HCA Florida JFK Hospital, part of HCA East Florida Division. She began her career in health care as a licensed physical therapist, later joining HCA Healthcare as the director of rehabilitation services at University Hospital and Medical Center. Melby was promoted to chief operating officer at Northwest Medical Center and served in this role for two years before becoming CEO, then left to become the CEO at JFK Hospital. She is the executive secretary on the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County committee, where she also served as chair from 2016-2018. She is a member of the EMS Advisory Board, as appointed by the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners. In addition, she was named chair of the American Heart Association’s 2022 Palm Beach County Heart Walk.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Develop relationships and focus on learning during your first 120 days before you make any changes.
STARTS HER DAY: Head to the co ee machine and turn on the TV to see the latest news.
TOP TRAVEL PICK: Italy
Mickens
Tran Service Board. He is also a two-time Paralympian and medalist in the sport of goalball. As a person who is legally blind, Mickens has dedicated his life to volunteering and advocating for persons who are visually impaired or have other disabilities. He has received appointments from Florida Governors Crist, Scott, and DeSantis to serve on state councils charged with overseeing services for those with disabilities. Mickens is a Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter and a graduate of Florida State University, where he received his master’s in risk management/insurance. He was born and raised in West Palm Beach and currently resides with his wife and daughter in Delray Beach.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Set smaller goals that will guide you toward your bigger ones.
HIDDEN TALENT: Poetry
FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK: Deck 84 in Delray Beach
Managing Shareholder, CEO Gunster, Florida’s Law Firm for Business
Perry is CEO and managing shareholder of Gunster. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the firm, he practices real estate and business law, specializing in complex commercial and financial transactions. Perry is an engaged leader in several statewide and local organizations that are focused on making Florida the best it can be.
HIDDEN TALENT: I play the piano.
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: A running adventure in Patagonia WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Lead a full life. Pursue your passion. Work with great people.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” —The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway
STARTS HIS DAY: A cup of co ee followed by a run or a swim
HOBBIES: Boating and fishing, reading the classics and history
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: The Bahamas and London
FIND HIM ON WEEKENDS: On the golf course or on the water
Senior Vice President/Investments Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
Schack joined Stifel in Palm Beach Gardens in 2019 as senior vice president/ investments. After beginning his career at Mellon Bank, he became resident director and financial advisor at Merrill Lynch (later acquired by Bank of America). During his 16 years there, he held several management positions in various locations including Los Angeles and Columbus, Ohio. He was promoted to Palm Beach County, where he spent nine years managing the Jupiter office location before moving to Stifel.
HOMETOWN: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
EDUCATION: University of Pittsburgh
TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FACED: First big job transfer to Los Angeles
TOP TRAVEL PICK: Longboat Key, a hidden gem in Florida
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Romeo and Juliette’s in Tequesta
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Attend a Super Bowl Game with the Pittsburgh Steelers playing.
CAUSES HE SUPPORTS: Place of Hope, Little Smiles
Ross became the fifth president of Lynn University in 2006. During his tenure, the university implemented a redesigned core curriculum and was ranked one of the top schools in the country for highest percentage of international students by U.S. News & World Report. The university was also selected as the host site for the third and final 2012 presidential debate. It has also been recognized three times as an Apple Distinguished School for its iPad initiative.
HOMETOWN: Boca Raton, Florida
EDUCATION: Colgate University (B), St. John’s College (M), Vanderbilt University (D)
FIRST JOB: Busboy
HOBBIES: Playing guitar with his band, Wolfhawk; creative directing the restoration of old vehicles; traveling; and tinkering with technology.
TOP TRAVEL PICK: The Adirondacks
CAUSES HE SUPPORTS: Charity Water, Education Rocks
Head of School Saint Andrew’s School
Born and raised in the Boston area, Shapiro is in his fortieth year as an educator. He began his career at the Fay School in Southboro, Massachusetts, then worked for 29 years at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. He is in his sixth year as head of School at Saint Andrew’s. Shapiro is married to Gwyn Coogan and together they have eight children.
EDUCATION: Colby College (BA); Middlebury College (MA)
PERSONAL MOTTO: No whining.
HOBBIES: Hiking, traveling, reading, cooking
FAVORITE BOOK: Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman
GUILTY PLEASURE: Peanut M&M’s
STARTS HIS DAY: With co ee
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: The Grove in Delray Beach
FIRST JOB: In the dishroom at Legal Seafood
TOP TRAVEL PICK: The White Mountains of New Hampshire
ALINA ALONSO Director Florida Department of Health—Palm Beach County
Alonso, who has been serving the medically underserved since 1989, oversees the operations of one of the largest county health departments in the state. Its 720-plus employees provide a full range of primary and preventive services to seven health centers located throughout the county. In New York, she served as chief resident in the three-year family practice residency program at St. Joseph Medical Center from 1985 to 1988. After returning home, she finished a second residency in public health and preventive medicine in 1992 at the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County. She has experience managing communicable and emergent diseases, from anthrax to the Zika virus. She has a passion for a healthy community with equity for every resident and visitor. Alonso is a diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice, a member of the Palm Beach County Medical Society and the National Association of County and City Health Officers, and a commissioner at the Health Care District Board.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): “Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” —Ruth Bader Ginsberg
INSPIRED BY: My mother. She encouraged my sister and me that we could do anything if we put our minds to it and do it well.
HOBBIES: Scuba diving, snorkeling, birdwatching, and butterfly premigration
COLLECTS: Photographs of nature, primarily sunsets
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Alaska
FAVORITE QUOTE: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some di erence that you have lived and lived well.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: The Florida Keys and the Bahamas
WHAT MAKES HER SMILE: The ocean
FIRST JOB: Working in the lingerie department at Richard’s Department Store
HIDDEN TALENT: Scuba diving GUILTY PLEASURE: Co ee
Executive Director, PPM Port of Palm Beach
Almira has 40 years of experience in the maritime industry, with expertise in international imports and exports bolstered by extensive knowledge in marketing within the South Florida market. During his 14-year tenure at Port of Palm Beach, Almira has transformed the port into a profitable seaport that supports more than 3,000 direct jobs, processes $14 billion in commodities, and serves as a lifeline to the people living in the Caribbean. Almira has also been instrumental in generating new business at the port; since he joined it in 2008, the port’s total cargo tonnage has increased by 60 percent.
HOMETOWN: Banes, Cuba
TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Leading the fourth busiest container port in the state of Florida STARTS HIS DAY: Drinking a cup of Cuban co ee while watching the news SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HIM: I have a very good memory, and I was a jeweler.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “He who laughs last, laughs best.” WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Andy Garcia
Cavers has spent more than 25 years in the hospitality industry. For the past six years, she has led the strategic sales efforts and destination services for Discover the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County’s official tourism agency, and was recently named chief sales officer, managing both group and leisure sales for the organization. Cavers started her career in sales for United Airlines, then transitioned to destination marketing with the San Diego Tourism Authority and Choose Chicago before arriving in the Palm Beaches. She is currently active in industry organizations such as PCMA, ASAE, IRF, and Association Forum, and serves on various advisory boards and committees with The Above and Beyond Foundation, Destinations International, and PCMA.
HOBBIES: I love playing tennis and I try not to skip my Orangetheory Fitness classes.
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Thailand or Bali; I love the people, culture, and food in both countries, and I explore something new every time I visit.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Listening to How I Built This on NPR; learning the stories of successful entrepreneurs fascinates me.
Betten leads a team of private bankers in delivering wealth management advice, strategies, and services to clients. She ensures her team has the resources necessary to help clients achieve their goals and leave a legacy for the next generation. Betten is also an ambassador for J.P. Morgan in the local community. With a career in finance that has spanned 20 years, Betten joined J.P. Morgan in Chicago, where she served as the regional trust practice leader for the Midwest and West regions of the private bank. Interested in returning to her roots, she moved back to Palm Beach in 2019 for the opportunity to live and work in the area she has always considered home.
HOBBIES: The whole Florida menu: golf, tennis, and swimming AT THE TOP OF HER BUCKET LIST: A golf trip to Ireland WHAT SHE WOULD TELL HER YOUNGER SELF: Apply even more sunscreen.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Keep calm and carry on.”
FIND HER ON WEEKENDS: At the Palm Beach Par 3 playing golf with my husband and our 8-year-old son, Charlie
DAVID C. FAUS Head of School
The Benjamin School
David C. Faus has spent most of his life in independent schools. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, he has served for a quarter-century in various leadership capacities at nationally esteemed institutions. Since the fall of 2020, he has served as Head of School at The Benjamin School. Throughout his career, Faus has shepherded several educational initiatives, including international and artistic programming, curricular alignment, and strategic planning. He holds a bachelor’s in history and sociology from Kenyon College and a master’s of education from the University of Pennsylvania. Faus and his wife, Holly, are the proud parents of children Elizabeth and John.
HIDDEN TALENT: Competitive sailor
STARTS HIS DAY: In the school carpool line, greeting children
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Tuscany
FAVORITE BOOK: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet
HOBBIES: Fishing and boating
FIRST JOB: Picking string beans and strawberries on a local farm.
Hearon III is a teacher, coach, and advisor who now has the privilege of running one of the best schools in the country. This is his thirty-first year in independent school business, and he could not be happier to be working with the amazing students and dedicated faculty at PBDA. Go Bulldogs!
HOMETOWN: Rye, New York
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
BEST ADVICE: Show up on time and look good.
TOP TRAVEL PICK: San Sebastian, Spain
FIRST JOB: Journalist
COLLECTS: Baseball cards
ADMIRES MOST: Teachers. They work so hard and deserve all the credit for a school’s success.
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Patagonia
STARTS HIS DAY: With co ee
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS TO EAT: Hive for breakfast, Honor Bar for lunch, and Grato for dinner.
FIND HIM ON WEEKENDS: Golfing with my family and friends.
RALPH MAURER Head of School Oxbridge Academy
Maurer joined Oxbridge Academy as head of school in 2018. Under his tenure, Oxbridge has added a middle school, grown significantly in enrollment, and pioneered new programs, such as artificial intelligence. Before joining Oxbridge, Maurer was headmaster of The International School Nido de Aguilas, an independent day school in Santiago, Chile. He was also a faculty member and administrator at the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, where he oversaw the entrepreneurship curriculum. He says the most rewarding part of his career is watching students make a significant difference in the world.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADE: Entrepreneurship Professor of the Year at Tulane University
ADMIRES MOST: Teachers. They work tirelessly to educate the next generation of leaders.
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS TO EAT: Sushi Jo and Jo Bistro in West Palm Beach
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Ireland and Greece
FIRST JOB: The Gator gift shop at Ben Hill Gri n Stadium in Gainesville
FAVORITE QUOTE: “It never gets easier; you just go faster.” —Greg Lemond
MAKES HIM SMILE: Happy students
Chief Operating Officer—East Allied Universal
Levine started with Wackenhut in 1987 and worked his way up through the business. Since 2005, he served as President of G4S Secure Solutions USA, growing the business to earn more than $2.3 billion in annual revenue. Through the recent Allied Universal acquisition of G4S, Levine was promoted to Chief Operating Officer—East, where he will continue driving the growth of Allied Universal from Canada to Puerto Rico. He is currently vice chairman of the Advisory Counsel for the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University.
HOMETOWN: Ridley Park, Pennsylvania
HIDDEN TALENT: I can build a house from the ground up.
FIRST JOB: Short-order cook at a hamburger joint in Folsom, Pennsylvania. Best burgers in all of Delaware County!
GUILTY PLEASURES: A Mike and Emma’s special hoagie with long hot peppers and a lemon Tastykake
MOST IMPORTANT LESSON HE’S LEARNED (SO FAR): It takes years to build a business and 45 days to destroy it. Stay sharp, put the right team around you, and check your ego.
Before his current role at Baptist Health, Mendez served as CEO of Baptist Health South Miami Hospital for more than nine years. Before that, he held the position of CEO at Baptist Health Doctors Hospital for a total of 14 years. During this period, he was CEO of Health South Doctors’ Hospital for eight years prior to Baptist Health acquiring the hospital in 2003. Prior to his employment with Health South Doctors’ Hospital, Mendez was the chief operating officer at Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami, from 1993 to 1995.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Bruce Willis
COLLECTS: Sports memorabilia
SECRET TO HIS SUCCESS: Work ethic and leading by example
FAVORITE QUOTE: “We can’t solve problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” —Albert Einstein
STARTS HIS DAY: I always start my work day reading a devotional with scripture
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Getting a hole in one in golf—my two sons have already done it!
FIRST JOB: Cutting grass at my high school during the summer
General Manager Eau Palm Beach Resort &
Spa
Nardi is the managing director for the Forbes Five Star and AAA 5 Diamond resort, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. Before joining Eau Palm Beach, he was the director of hotel operations for Menin Hospitality for five years. Prior to joining Menin Hospitality, he was general manager of three of South Beach’s most iconic hotels: the 1 Homes South Beach for three years, Morgans Hotel Group’s Shore Club for six years, and the Eden Roc Miami Beach for eight years. Nardi resides in Ocean Ridge with his partner, Charles Million, and their two rescue dogs, Webster and Miranda.
HOBBY: Skydiving: 1,700 jumps so far
TOP TRAVEL PICK: Going to Luca, Italy, to meet my grandfather’s family
FAVORITE BOOKS: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Life of Pi by Yann Martel, and A Promised Land by Barack Obama
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Work hard, be kind.” —my dad, Michael S. Nardi
FIRST JOBS: Busboy at Holiday Inn East in Billings Montana (followed by promotions to dishwasher, van driver, cook, server, front desk agent, housekeepe, and night audit)
Rajegowda is passionate about developing successful destinations that combine world-class design, urban planning, hospitality, arts and culture, experiential retail, food and beverage, and community. With more than 16 years managing real estate acquisition and development, Rajegowda has led projects like the W South Beach in Miami Beach, the Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and the Hilton West Palm Beach. He recently completed the development of 360 Rosemary and the re-imagination of The Square neighborhood and leads projects including 575 Rosemary and One Flagler. Rajegowda a board member of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Norton Museum of Art, and Cultural Council for Palm Beach County and is on the advisory board of ULI SE Florida.
EDUCATION: Columbia University and Cornell University
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Idris Elba HOBBIES: Traveling, exercising, meditating, and reading
GUILTY PLEASURE: Glazed doughnut at The Salty
MICHAEL J. PUMO Vice-President / General ManagerSinclair Broadcasting/Compulse Digital
Pumo was born in Georgia, raised in Ohio, and graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s in communications. He spent seven years as a TV sports and news anchor in four different markets before moving to sales, sales management, and general management. He’s on the executive committee and was the past chairman of the Florida Broadcast Association, is on the board of United Way, and is a trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. He is the proud father of Alexander and Gabriella.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Set your ego at the door.”
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Listen more, talk less.
STARTS HIS DAY: Co ee, verse of the day, dog walk, and workout
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADE: Chairman of Florida Broadcasters Association pre and during COVID (2019-2020)
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Mountains in North Carolina, anywhere in Europe (especially Italy)
FAVORITE BOOKS: Beneath A Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan and Playing for Pizza by John Grisham
HOBBIES: Golf, hiking, yoga, and working out
Schwinn has led Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) since May 2020. An accomplished higher education leader, innovator, scientist, and physician, she previously served in senior leadership roles at the University of Iowa, University of Washington, and Duke University. A member of the National Academy of Medicine, she earned her medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine, which has honored her with its Lifetime Alumni Achievement Award. After ably guiding PBA through the pandemic, she presided over the development of a multiphase campus master plan, and in August welcomed the largest incoming class in the University’s history.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Your lfe/career is a marathon, not a sprint; so work hard and set a doable pace.
STARTS HER DAY: Co ee, 45 minutes of reading scripture and other books, 30 minutes of silent meditation, a one-hour CrossFit class, shower, and o to work.
GUILTY PLEASURES: Cashews and caramel
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Seattle and the Pacific Northwest
Spoont is the CEO and co-founder of Misfits Gaming Group (MGG), a global esports, gaming, and entertainment company focused on fueling creator talent and fielding competitive teams. MGG invests in creators and dreamers, everywhere from Minecraft blocks to chess squares, and competes in the most successful video game titles worldwide, including permanent partnerships in franchised leagues such as the Overwatch League (Florida Mayhem) and the Call of Duty League (Florida Mutineers) along with other titles including Rocket League, Valorant, and Minecraft. MGG utilizes world-class management and a deep understanding of the esports and gaming ecosystems to capitalize on the rampant global enthusiasm for gaming and establish fruitful partnerships with international brands and organizations.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE: Never burn bridges.
STARTS HIS DAY: Getting the kids ready and o to school!
HOBBY: I love playing video games with my kids.
FIND HIM ON THE WEEKEND: At the local parks and beaches with my family
Tahan serves as the CEO at Wellington Regional Medical Center and has more than 26 years as a seasoned, senior health care executive. Her focus and commitment are patient safety and quality patient care, which has earned Wellington Regional Medical Center numerous accreditations and accolades. Prior to her role as CEO, she most recently served as the COO at Wellington Regional Medical Center, where she was responsible for the daily operations and implementation of strategic initiatives for the hospital. Tahan’s experience includes serving as Chief Operating Officer at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in Pennsylvania and Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center.
HOMETOWN: Marlboro, New Jersey
EDUCATION: Cornell University
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Tokyo
STARTS HER DAY: At Taco Bell
FIRST JOB: Waitress
HOBBIES: Travel and reading
As the director and general manager for Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) West Palm Beach Operations, Stewart is responsible for leading all aspects of the organization’s assembly operations in support of delivery of production aircraft and successfully executing flight test operations on development aircraft programs. Stewart also provides management oversight to the Sikorsky Training Academy in Stuart and operational execution of helicopter flight test activities in Patuxent River, Maryland. She joined Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, in 2010. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University.
HOMETOWN: St. Catherine, Jamaica SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HER: I graduated high school and started at an Ivy League university at 15 years old.
SECRETS TO HER SUCCESS: Positivity, grace under fire, and always taking a second look rather than assuming first impressions are true.
INSPIRED BY: I’m inspired by my kids and the need to leave a world that is better for them.
COO, Vice President of Administrative Affairs Florida Atlantic University
Volnick is a longtime member of the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) community, having received her bachelor’s degree in communications and her master’s degree in education leadership. With more than 30 years in higher education administration experience, she now serves as COO and vice president for Administrative Affairs. Additionally, Volnick administratively oversees the Offices of the Inspector General and University Compliance. During her tenure at FAU, Volnick has served in several interim roles, such as interim vice president of institutional advancement, interim inspector general, and chief finanical officer. Beginning January 1, she will serve as interim president of FAU.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Don’t be a person of success, be a person of value.” —The Dalai Lama
STARTS HER DAY: Walking my two little fur babies, Rocco and Gucci
FIRST JOB: Baskin Robbins Ice Cream shop
SECRETS TO HER SUCCESS: Being humble. Appreciating every single person who impacted me in some way and providing opportunities for those that I can. Knowing that everyone on my team, no matter their role, is a piece to a much larger puzzle.
Director, General Manager
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems
Vice President, External Affairs and Economic Development Florida Power & Light Company
Rauch is the Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), one of the nation’s leading electric utilities. She is responsible for local government relations, community engagement, corporate philanthropy, and economic development. Before her current role, Rausch served as an associate general counsel for FPL. She is active in her community and throughout the state. She is a board member and past chair of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, a member of the Orange Bowl Committee, a member of the American Heart Association’s Founder’s Circle, a board member for Student ACES, a board member of the Florida Venture Forum, and a member of Leadership Florida, Cornerstone Class XXVII.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” —Albert Schweitzer
STARTS HER DAY: With an iced mocha latte
FIRST JOB: Tennis camp counselor in Lighthouse Point, Florida
ADMIRES MOST: My dad, because he was the most humble, successful person I ever met, and my mom, because she was the most loyal person I ever met.
GUILTY PLEASURES: Netflix series binging and dark chocolate
BEST ADVICE: Don’t do your job the way your predecessor did it. Bring your skills and your specific attributes and qualities to your job and you will add much more value.
FIND HER ON WEEKENDS: With my family, on a golf course, on a paddle board, or in the water
WHAT MAKES HER SMILE: My boys, every day
TOP TRAVEL PICK: Santa Fe, New Mexico
A Florida native, Bauer is in his thirteenth season at the helm of America’s busiest ballpark, serving as general manager of Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium and Jupiter Stadium Ltd. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the 110-acre complex, which is home to six teams and year-round baseball. When he’s not at the ballpark, the University of Florida graduate is often found supporting Palm Beach County and serving on various boards. Bauer is heavily involved with the Jupiter Police Foundation, United Way of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission; he also was recently named president of the Leadership Palm Beach County board.
TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FACED: Managing a baseball complex during the COVID-19 pandemic.
STARTS HIS DAY: I run through my daily calendar over a Diet Coke. I have tried co ee, but never grew to like it. I then listen to a podcast or YouTube to learn something new while getting ready.
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Yellowstone National Park. I cannot wait to see the mountains and natural beauty of that area.
CEO, Scientific Director Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Since his appointment as scientific director and CEO of Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience in 2011, Fitzpatrick has led the institute’s expansion to eight research laboratories that are exploring fundamental questions critical to understanding brain function, development, and disease. Prior, he was the James B. Duke Professor of Neurobiology at the Duke University School of Medicine and founding director of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Fitzpatrick’s research has earned him international recognition as a leader in the field of neuroscience, with discoveries that have profoundly changed our understanding of the brain’s neural circuits.
HOMETOWN: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
STARTS HIS DAY: A good cup of co ee and an hour of exercise
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: I would really like to go on an African safari. It would bring together two of my favorite things: nature and photography.
BEST ADVICE: Take the time to really listen, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Aspen, Colorado; the Dolomite Mountains of Italy; and Shanghai, China
While on active service in the U.S. Navy, Bottorff earned one of the highest ranks as an enlisted member. He was instrumental in worldwide operations that included the tsunami in Indonesia, the rescue of Captain Phillips from Somali pirates, and the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Bottorff acquired almost 30 years of professional leadership, entrepreneurship, and business/team development experiences. He has successfully founded five startup companies in the past 10 years. He developed Teledactyl Blockchain (health-care technology), Calla Genics Med Spa, and SugarKane Cigars. Bottorff enjoys being involved in his community. In addition to serving as a board member, trustee, and chairman of five organizations, he also is the financial secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Delta Lambda, and Prince Hall Freemasonry Thurgood Marshall Lodge No. 121.
EDUCATION: Duke University, Strayer University, and The Fuqua School of Business PERSONAL MOTTO: The power is never in the position, but in the people who got you there. HIDDEN TALENT : I’ve always been great at inspiring people when speaking or as an emcee.
Gaines is the co-founder and executive director of the Center for Enterprise Opportunity. Since 1996, the center has provided $20 million in direct loans, grants, and community investments to small, Black, women-owned, and community-development enterprises. Gaines has been recognized at the local, regional, and national levels for her leadership and work in racial, economic, and social equity. Throughout the pandemic, she led the Center for Enterprise Opportunity in advocating for and assisting more than 200 micro-enterprises, including small, Black, and women-owned businesses, in successfully securing more than $3 million in local CARES Act grants from Palm Beach County.
TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FACED: Learning that respect is more important than being liked. WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Tessa Thompson because she is brave and beautiful.
TOP OF HER BUCKET LIST: Attend the Havana Jazz Festival GUILTY PLEASURE: Any kind of potato chips—the whole bag!
SECRET TO HER SUCCESS: Being prepared for failure.
President, CEO The Boca Raton
Hostettler is guiding The Boca Raton’s evolution into an unrivaled luxury resort destination. An esteemed luxury hospitality leader with 25 years of experience, he is known for his innovative management approach. Prior to joining The Boca Raton, Hostettler was president and group managing director of the Ocean House Management Collection for 12 years, where he oversaw five award-winning New England properties, including Rhode Island’s Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn.; they are part of the Relais & Châteaux collection of luxury hotels and restaurants around the world, for which Hostettler served as North American president for four years. He is a member of the Cornell Hotel Society and a trustee of the Culinary Institute of America. He was recently appointed to the advisory board of the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality at New York University.
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, California
HIDDEN TALENT: I’m a Culinary Institute of America–trained cook, which means I have been known to roll up my sleeves and help in hotel kitchens when things get extra busy. WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Tom Selleck. He’s a great actor, and my wife loves him.
McCauley
She is responsible for all strategic growth and operations of both facilities, including a Level 1 Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Program, and Level 3 NICU, the highest level of care available in the state. She has served as the CEO of Tenet Florida Physician Services and the CFO at Good Samaritan Medical Center, West Boca Medical Center, and North Ridge Medical.
PERSONAL ACCOLADES:
SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HER: I am fluent in Spanish and Italian.
WHAT MAKES HER SMILE: My new grandson
STARTS HER DAY: At Pilates
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Don’t be afraid of failure. Use it to make you smarter and stronger. Be resilient.
Michele F. Jacobs has 30-plus years of leadership experience in marketing, fundraising, strategic planning, client development and prospecting, budgeting and operations, and administrative oversight. Jacobs joined the Economic Council in 2017 as chief strategy officer and was quickly promoted to president and CEO in 2018. Before this, she spent 10 years at The Forbes Company and nearly 20 years in the retail industry as a senior executive at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. She volunteers for many charitable organizations and sits on the board of organizations such as The Honda Classic, Friends of Manatee Lagoon, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, and the American Heart Association, among others. She has been recognized for her work by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, Kid Sanctuary, and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.
EDUCATION: University of Florida
FAVORITE BOOK: Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
TOP TRAVEL PICK: Bar Harbor, Maine
DAVID MCCLYMONT CEO Palm BeachAs a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt executive, McClymont combines bold innovation with strategic business insight that results in transformational change. McClymont took the helm at the Palm Beach Symphony in 2014 and erased its existing deficit in only one year. He then delivered a yearly positive balance sheet and a 100 percent increase in revenue in five years. In 2019, McClymont gained international acclaim for the Palm Beach Symphony by appointing Emmy Award–winning conductor Gerard Schwarz as music director. He is active in the community and sits on the board of trustees for the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and on a panel for the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs. A founding board member of the Palm Beach Book Festival, he is a prior board member of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc.
STARTS HIS DAY: With my personal mantra: “I’m alive, I’m alert, and I feel great.”
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Nicaragua, Maldives, Bali, and Utah
PERSONAL MOTTO : Work hard and play hard!
Following his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania, London School of Economics, and Georgetown Law School, Meyer became a member of the New York and Florida Bars. He later graduated from Harvard Business School. He is presently chairman of Meyer Jabara Hotels, which owns and operates 30 hotels from offices in Danbury, Connecticut, and West Palm Beach, Florida. His real estate projects in Palm Beach County include office buildings, shopping centers, large raw land tracts, hotels, and Devonshire at PGA National. Meyer serves as head of the Operations Committee at the Kravis Center and on the Investment Committees of the Jewish Federation, the Community Foundation, and the Quantum Foundation; he is also a board member of the West Palm Beach Police Fund and the Palm Beach United Way.
STARTS HIS DAY: With 40 minutes of stretching and calisthenics
ADMIRES MOST: Bill Marriott. He started with a single co ee shop.
COLLECTS: Watches and cars
PERSONAL MOTTO: You get what you inspect, not what you expect.
Prior to her appointment as CEO of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Quinn was the chief creative officer for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment, overseeing show creations and innovation. Quinn has helmed several other arts organizations—including The American Repertory Theatre and the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University—and was the producer for Soulpepper Theatre Company and Festival of Classics. Quinn has taught at several universities and spoken at events including SXSW, C2MTL, and in Scandinavia on topics including creativity, innovation, and arts management.
HOMETOWN: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
PERSONAL MOTTO: Say yes. It’s incredible what can happen!
HOBBY: Watching live theater—I never tire of seeing great work.
FAVORITE QUOTE: ”We rise by lifting others.” —Robert Ingersoll
FIRST JOB: I worked for a local farmer picking tomatoes. I am still not fond of tomatoes all these years later!
HIDDEN TALENT: I am licensed to race motorcycles.
AVA L. PARKER President Palm Beach State College
For Parker, the success of Palm Beach State College’s students and Palm Beach County go hand in hand. Under her leadership, PBSC has emerged as a leading provider of workforce development training and was named an Aspen Prize Top 150 Community College by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. Parker’s vision of preparing a technologically capable labor force makes PBSC the go-to institution for students on the path to STEM careers. PBSC is one of 70 community colleges selected to participate in the Artificial Intelligence Incubator Network, where colleges collaborate on creating an AI curriculum, teaching best practices, and lab development.
EDUCATION: University of Florida
STARTS HER DAY: With meditation and exercise. Food for the soul and movement to keep the engine running.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Red velvet cake with ice cream
BEST ADVICE: Always challenge yourself to do more. Dive into the deep end of the pool—just make sure you avoid the sharks.
HIDDEN TALENT: Singing
A visionary third-generation restaurant aficionado and award-winning restaurateur, Rapoport has led an impressive legacy in the South Florida restaurant scene for more than four decades. Rapoport started his career in New York City, where his family owned and operated a successful kosher dairy restaurant for 50 years. He is recognized for his dedication to providing highquality cuisine for a good value, a warm and welcoming ambience, and truly attentive service at all his restaurants.
HOMETOWN: Long Beach, New York
EDUCATION: Arizona State University
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Larry David
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Bike trip in Portugal
PERSONAL MOTTO: Do what you say you’re going to do.
FIRST JOB: Other than working in my grandfather’s restaurant when I was young, I was an ocean lifeguard during college summers.
FAVORITE BOOK: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
GUILTY PLEASURE: Ice cream
CEOThe
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Rastogi, MD, MHCM, is president and CEO of Jupiter Medical Center, an independent, not-for-profit regional facility. In his current role, Rastogi is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the medical center’s expanding clinical programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge technologies. Rastogi has more than 20 years of experience as a health care executive and a practicing, board-certified internal medicine physician.
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Treat each patient as the most important person.
STARTS HIS DAY: I wake up at 3:30 a.m. every day and begin charting my course for the day ahead.
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: To author a book
PERSONAL MOTTO: Never compromise your integrity
HOBBY: Golf
FAVORITE BOOK: Good to Great by Jim Collins
FIRST JOB: Baking breakfast biscuits at McDonald’s.
COLLECTS: Cars
SARAH WETENHALL President,
CEO The Colony Palm Beach
Wetenhall is the owner and CEO of The Colony Hotel. A love of travel and storytelling honed over a decade-plus spearheading public relations and marketing for major fashion houses like Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, and Hugo Boss proved essential in molding this natural-born hotelier. After acquiring The Colony Hotel in 2016, Wetenhall commenced a devoted restoration and relaunch of the hotel. In addition to leading The Colony Palm Beach, Wetenhall is a mother of three and a board member of the Worth Avenue Association, the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the East Hampton Historical Society. She is a committee member of the Central Park Conservancy, Palm Beach’s Old Bags Luncheon, and the Kips Bay Designer Show House.
PERSONAL ACCOLADE: Most recently named one of Hotel Magazine’s Top 10 Independent Hoteliers in 2021
WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Reese Witherspoon
STARTS HER DAY: Making homemade crepes for my kids before school. It’s their favorite breakfast.
KELLY SMALLRIDGE President, CEO Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc.
As the longest tenured economic development president in Florida, Smallridge has a track record in facilitating some of the largest job creation projects for Palm Beach County. She oversees all operations of the Business Development Board, one of only five accredited economic development boards in Florida. In 2004, she became the first female president of a South Florida economic development board. Under her leadership, the BDB has transformed the economy of Palm Beach County and the organization has received numerous state and national awards. Her aggressive style in facilitating relocations and expansions has led to big announcements of jobs for the county from companies like Carrier Corporation, Amazon, Fed Ex, and TBC Corporation, to name a few.
STARTS HER DAY: My morning ritual includes getting up at 5 a.m., cooking breakfast for my husband, walking two miles, co ee, prayer, and out the door for meetings.
CAUSES SHE SUPPORTS: Education Foundation, HomeSafe, South Florida Fair, and Habitat for Humanity
President
Palm Beach County Black Business Investment Corporation and Pathway Capital Funding, Inc.
White retired from commercial/retail banking after 41 years. During that time, he served in numerous roles, such as senior vice president/regional manager, executive vice president of business development, and business banker. In 2018, White became the second president and CEO of the Palm Beach County Black Business Investment Corporation (PBCBBIC) in its 30-year history. He brings an extensive experience in banking, finance, and business to the position. He holds a bachelor of arts in accounting from Dillard University in New Orleans and is also a graduate of the University of South Alabama School of Banking.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Chocolate
FAVORITE BOOK: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
PERSONAL MOTTO: When you lose, say very little. When you win say even less.
FIRST JOB: Home delivery of newspapers for the Miami newspaper as a 12-year-old
WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: My granddaughter
Diament, a native of New York, graduated from Florida Atlantic University at age 20 with a degree in business management and finance. He went on to co-found Provident Jewelry with partner Robert Samuels, and the pair expanded the chain to seven locations in South Florida. In 2001, Diament founded the Palm Beach Show Group, which produces eight shows per year encompassing jewelry, art, and antiques with the help of two partners. Today, the graduate gemologist is a leader in the jewelry and watch industry as well as a top exhibitor and show organizer.
WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Buy Telsa at the IPO
IF HE COULD START OVER, HE WOULD: Be a scientist STARTS HIS DAY: With exercise
FAVORITE BOOK: Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond WHY HE CHOSE HIS LINE OF WORK: I love art, jewelry, and human creativity.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADE: Graduate gemologist COLLECTS: MB&F watches AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Obtain my real estate broker’s license GUILTY PLEASURE: Warehouses, so I have more space for my collections
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Sant Ambroeus in Palm Beach
HIDDEN TALENT: I can juggle.
SECRET IDENTITY: James Bond ADMIRES MOST: Elon Musk. He wants to help humanity and is actively doing something about it.
President, CEO Cox Science Center and Aquarium
Born and raised in Jupiter, Arrizza was previously a volunteer at the Science Center in the late 1990s and is a proud product of the Palm Beach County public school system. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in science from the United States Naval Academy, she served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for seven years and served overseas on the USSCarr, USS Fort McHenry, and USSTortuga Upon receiving her honorable discharge from the Navy, she moved back to her home state, where she continues to further her career in administration. Her work at the Science Center over the past 13 years has earned her several accolades and awards, including: South Florida Business Journal 40 Under 40, Sun Sentinel Top Workplace Professional, Women of Worth, ESPN Veteran of the Month, and Palm Beach County Distinguished Alumni Award. Arrizza also received West Palm Beach’s Hometown Hero Award this past July.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Improvise, adapt, and overcome WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Sandra Bullock AT THE TOP OF HER BUCKET LIST: A family trip to Europe
Principal A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Bennett has been an educator for 25 years, working as a teacher, assistant principal, middle school principal, and high school principal. As principal of A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, she offers students a world-class academic and arts education. It is her responsibility to make sure students reach their highest potential, academically and artiscally. She has worked in different kinds of schools over the years and focused on instruction, systems, and culture to provide the highest quality of education that leads to student achievement. She assisted in raising a struggling school through focused efforts on those three components, along with arts programming. Bennett believes all students should have the opportunity to explore learning through a passion for the arts; offering arts classes to students is often the thing that makes them enjoy coming to school.
HOMETOWN: Bu alo, New York
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Don’t ever doubt your ability to be the best you can be.
HOBBIES: Exercising, the arts, reading, crafts, learning new things, and spending time with family and friends
With a passion for hospitality, Beaud opened his first restaurant, Pistache French Bistro, along the West Palm Beach waterfront in 2008. Three years later, his continued love of seafood encouraged him to move forward and open PB Catch Seafood & Raw Bar, a traditional seafood house on Palm Beach island. For his latest endeavor, Beaud joined forces with famed chef Lindsay Autry to launch The Regional in West Palm Beach, which was named Best Restaurant in 2016 by The Palm Beach Post
HOMETOWN: Bordeaux, France
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Japan CAUSES HE SUPPORTS: Bahamas Relief Cruise and Feeding South Florida ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Only do it if you are passionate about it.
TOP TRAVEL PICK: The Basque Country GUILTY PLEASURE: A good croissant
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS TO EAT: Avocado Grill in West Palm Beach, Café Sapori in West Palm Beach, and Trevini in Palm Beach
Since the beginning of her career, Berg has been immersed in luxury fashion. She has held executive leadership roles at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Henri Bendel. Prior to rejoining The Royal Poinciana Plaza, Berg was the vice president of retail at Baha Mar in the Bahamas. Berg is deeply ingrained in the Palm Beach community, serving on multiple charity leadership boards and committees as well as the board of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Find a mentor and recognize that with every action in your career, no matter how big or small, you are building your reputation.
FAVORITE BOOK: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
PERSONAL MOTTO: Another day in paradise!
WHY SHE CHOSE HER LINE OF WORK: I’ve always known my path. I’ve loved fashion since childhood, and that love has always steered the course of my career.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be di erent.” —Coco Chanel
HOBBIES: Being on the water…boating, beach, pool!
COLLECTS: Shoes and handbags
Founder Titou Hospitality Restaurant GroupGeneral Manager The Royal Poinciana Plaza ANTHONY BURKS SR. President ATB Fine Art Group, Inc.
A Palm Beach County native, Burks Sr. has more than 30 years of experience in the field of fine and commercial art. He is a visual artist, curator, mentor, art educator, and co-founder of ATB Fine Art Group Inc., an art-based consulting firm that creates, sells, promotes, and teaches about art of different disciplines. He provides exhibition opportunities to emerging, mid-career, and established artists with his business partner and wife, Trina Slade-Burks. Two of his works, Mirror Black and Juneteenth, were acquired by the Norton Museum of Art and put into the R.H. Norton Permanent Collection. Burks Sr. has received numerous awards, grants, and other honors throughout the years.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Less is more.
HIDDEN TALENT: I bake a mean pound cake.
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Petanque in Northwood
STARTS HIS DAY: I pray and thank God for my blessings.
WHY HE CHOSE HIS LINE OF WORK: It chose me. From the time I was a little boy I always knew I wanted to be an artist.
TODD
As a New York native, Herbst has been in the restaurant business since he was legally allowed to work. After dropping out of the University of Colorado, Herbst moved to Marco Island and opened his first dining establishment, Todd’s at Tigertail Beach, followed by John Bull English Pub in 1993. He later partnered with Lisabet Summa and opened the first critically acclaimed restaurant, Big City Tavern in West Palm Beach. Herbst now is a partner in 18 restaurants, which all operate under the umbrella of Big Time Restaurant Group. He resides in Palm Beach with his wife, Brandie, and their three daughters.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: A young Robert Redford
FAVORITE BOOK: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Don’t get discouraged. There will be hard times and good times.
SECRET TO HIS SUCCESS: Perseverance
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Italy, France, and England
PERSONAL MOTTO: Never give up, never give up. Never, never, never.
Ford founded Seabreeze Building, LLC in 2014 to fill the need for a “best in class” custom home building company to serve the clients of his successful cabinet and millwork business, Leeds Custom Design. The company has grown to include more than 40,000 square feet of showroom, design, workshop, and finishing facilities. Ford, a native of North Palm Beach, graduated from St. Andrews High School and received a bachelor of science degree from Vanderbilt University. Ford is also a licensed Residential Building Contractor in the state of Florida and has built luxury homes throughout the Palm Beaches.
BEST ADVICE: My dad used to say, “You’ll never get ahead working an eight-hour day.”
HIDDEN TALENT: Picking talented people
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Architectural wonders throughout America and Europe
FAVORITE BOOK: The Toyota Way by Je rey Liker
HOBBY: Tennis
FAVORITE QUOTE: “There is nothing quite so useless, as doing with great e ciency, something that should not be done at all.” —Peter Drucker
Producing Artistic Director, Chief Executive Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Kato is celebrating his seventeenth season at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. During his tenure, he has produced more than 70 productions and the theater has grown to be one of the most successful regional theaters in the Southeast. Kato was the creative consultant/coordinating producer on the Tony Awards for 13 years. He was a producer on the Broadway productions of Jelly’s Last Jam and Angels in America and the Off-Broadway production of Cryptogram. He received the 2012 Council’s Choice Muse Award from the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, the 2013 Silver Palm Award from the South Florida Theatre League for Outstanding Contribution, and the 2019 Richard G. Fallon Award for Excellence in Professional Theatre.
EDUCATION: Florida State University
TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FACED: Building a $40 million building through a pandemic
STARTS HIS DAY: Co ee, brought to me every day by my partner, Jay, of 18 years. That’s true love.
FIRST JOB: A busboy at the Log Cabin Restaurant making $15 a night. I thought I was rich.
WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Be yourself. Because it’s okay.
After moving to Palm Beach in the 1990s, McCann founded the interior design firm McCann Design Group in 2000. Recognizing the need for a high-end home store in the area, she opened Hive Home, Gift & Garden in 2013 as a showcase for her fresh, elegant style. McCann expanded the Hive brand in 2019 to include the apparel boutiques Hive for Her, Hive for Him, and Hive for Kids. Spring 2021 brought the opening of Hive Trade Showroom and Hickory Chair Palm Beach, trade showrooms for luxury brands of furniture, textiles, and wall coverings. McCann’s latest venture, Hive Bakery & Café, opened in March 2022.
INSPIRED BY: Ina Garten for cooking, baking, and e ortless entertaining
STARTS HER DAY: Breakfast and co ee at 7 a.m. at Hive Bakery & Café
AT THE TOP OF HER BUCKET LIST: Potentially opening a boutique hotel
WHAT MAKES HER SMILE: Every time I see the flock of green parrots in front of The Breakers—a nice reminder of how special and magical Palm Beach is.
SECRET TO HER SUCCESS: I surround myself with talented people I can learn from.
FIND HER ON WEEKENDS: Visiting our daughter in Washington, D.C.
EMILY PANTELIDES President Pantelides PR & Consulting
For more than 10 years, Pantelides has worked as an award-winning news anchor and reporter for TV stations across the nation. She left news and opened her own PR firm, Pantelides PR & Consulting, because she could offer something other PR firms couldn’t—a direct connection to the media. Pantelides PR is now one of the most influential and best-recognized public relations brands in Palm Beach County.
HOMETOWN: Athens, Greece
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): I wish somebody told me when I got started that failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of your success.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADE: I was voted woman of the year by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.
INSPIRED BY: Strong women. I truly study the habits of women who work and have children and somehow manage it all. I compare them to gorgeous diamonds that can’t be broken.
BEST ADVICE: Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. That really resonates with me. Don’t stop working on something because it’s not 100 percent perfect. Sometimes the good really does turn into the perfect.
A fourth-generation Palm Beacher, McMakin is the founder of Kemble Interiors. She began her firm in 1982, and it has since become multigenerational, with her daughters expanding the business to New York and London. With more than 40 years of experience consulting and working with licensed architects and contractors, she is recognized for her distinctive fusion of whimsy and respectful and appropriate residential and commercial restoration.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Never give up. Be polite. Always return phone calls. Be humble; this is not a business for people who find themselves overly entitled.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Design is the process by which imagination and memory become reality.” —Celerie Kemble
FIRST JOB: I rode my bike to a photo studio where I assisted the assistants in retouching.
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Cape Town, South Africa
FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK: Swifty’s at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach GUILTY PLEASURES: Hollandaise sauce, whipped cream, white wine, fresh flowers, and Jack Russell Terriers.
J. MICHAEL PRINCE
USPA Global Licensing, Inc.
As president and CEO of USPA Global Licensing—the official licensor and broadcaster for the United States Polo Association—Prince leads the U.S. Polo Assn. brand, which has a multibillion-dollar global footprint, distribution in 190 countries, and more than 1,200 retail stores and 7 million social media followers. The business broadcasts high-profile polo sporting events on ESPN, reaching millions of viewers worldwide. Ranked among the five largest global sports licensors in the world, U.S. Polo Assn. takes its place alongside iconic sports brands like the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
HOMETOWN: Ada, Oklahoma
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Never surrender.” —Sir Winston Churchill
PERSONAL MOTTO: Lead by example.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Be innovative. Think out of the box and execute.
GUILTY PLEASURES: A bottle of red wind and a full season of Yellowstone
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS TO EAT: Leftovers and Dune Dog in Jupiter and the Palm Beach Grill
President, CEO
With a background in design and public relations for local, national, and international brands, Sabin created Brickhouse Public Relations & Special Events to provide a unique experience and unlimited opportunities for clients. As a passionate foodie, he organizes the annual Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival. Sabin’s commitment and tenacity have brought star talent and legendary celebrity chefs to the Palm Beaches for this annual event.
TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Finding the right amount of balance each day.
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Using an out-of-o ce reply for the first time. I’ve always wanted to do that.
COLLECTS: I have 150-plus pairs of rare sneakers new in the box.
ACTOR WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: The Rock
GUILTY PLEASURES: My wife’s cooking and rerun episodes of The O ce
FIND HIM ON WEEKENDS: At The Regional in West Palm Beach or Honeybelle in Palm Beach Gardens
FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK: The Parched Pig in Palm Beach Gardens
ROB SAMUELS President, CEO Provident Jewelry
As president and CEO of Provident Jewelry, Samuels oversees a chain of South Florida stores and locations in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, Naples, Fort Myers, and Palm Beach. He is co-founder and vice president of the Palm Beach Show Group, which produces both trade and luxury consumer shows in convention centers around the country. He is also founding partner of CJS, a multistate, hospitality-specialized janitorial company that serves more than 500 restaurants in the United States.
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: The Amalfi Coast, Mykonos, and St. Barts
FIND HIM ON THE WEEKENDS: Cooking, enjoying the sunrise, and spending time with friends and family.
WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Enjoy the process more.
HOBBIES: Food, traveling, and family
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Find people you respect in the industry that you would like to pursue. Figure out what they are doing well and emulate it. Figure out what they can improve on and help them improve it.
Founder and Executive Director Path to College Fellowship
Sylvain is the founder and executive director of the Path to College Fellowship, whose mission is to secure the acceptance of as many high-achieving, low-income students into top-tier universities as possible. Her vision is to answer and address one of society’s most urgent educational inequities: access to higher education. Path to College Fellowship is the way beyond these obstacles for the most overlooked and most hardworking students.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADE: The Palm Beach Chamber’s Nonprofit Leader of the Year 2020
PERSONAL MOTTO: The path to success is not linear.
WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: I would be honored to be played by Zendaya or Halle Berry.
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Florida Freshwater Springs
WHAT SHE WOULD TELL HER YOUNGER SELF: Cut out anything that brings you down. Create rituals and go, baby! There are no limits.
HIDDEN TALENTS: I can throw pottery on a wheel and I can sing.
FIRST JOB: Radio Shack
FAVORITE BOOK: Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
STARTS HER DAY: With co ee and a dog walk
GUILTY PLEASURE: Fried food
As senior director of community relations for Florida-based GL Homes, one of the largest private homebuilders in the nation, Alsofrom manages statewide philanthropic giving for the company. Each year, GL Homes donates to 150 charities in the Sunshine State and beyond. A Florida native, Alsofrom’s professional background includes careers in the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. She is a past president of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches and past chair of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. Alsofrom is the Leadership Florida co-chair for its annual meeting in 2023 in Boca Raton, which will host 800 statewide business leaders.
HOBBIES: Pilates, yoga, gardening, and letter writing
AT THE TOP OF HER BUCKET LIST: Attend the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
FAVORITE QUOTE: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” —Milton Berle
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Don’t burn bridges. In this town, everyone and everything is connected.
MICHAEL J. BURKE Superintendent School District
of Palm Beach County
As the superintendent of the A-rated School District of Palm Beach County, Burke is passionate about ensuring academic excellence and paving the way to post-graduate success for the district’s approximately 170,000 students. With a district employing more than 23,000 people, he oversees Palm Beach County’s largest workforce. His tenure as superintendent began in July 2021 when the school board unanimously elected him, a testament to his extensive experience with all aspects of district operations and administration spanning 25 years.
EDUCATION: Florida State University and Florida Atlantic University
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Greece
IF HE COULD START OVER, HE WOULD: Be in the U.S. Coast Guard
FAVORITE QUOTE: “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt
HIDDEN TALENT: I’m pretty good with basic carpentry.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Edward Norton
HOBBIES: Fishing
FIND HIM ON WEEKENDS: On the boat
GUILTY PLEASURE: Potato chips
Bellissimo is the founder, managing partner, and largest shareholder of a series of business entities focused on real estate, construction, commerce, and equestrian sport management (entertainment/lifestyle). Equestrian Sports Productions, an entity Bellissimo founded in 2006, is credited with developing Wellington as the world’s premier equestrian lifestyle and sports community, contributing close to $200 million of annual economic impact to Palm Beach County.
EDUCATION: Middlebury College and Harvard Business School
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Fortune favors the bold.”
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Don’t let others define you.
STARTS HIS DAY: Telling my wife I love her.
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Dramatically increasing accessibility of workforce housing through my construction technology company, Buildz.
HIDDEN TALENT: Creating fireworks displays.
FIRST JOB: A paper route when I was 10
CEO
Alliance of Help & Hope
Collemer moved to South Florida in 1980 and began a 16-year career in hospitality at the renowned resort The Breakers Palm Beach. Stanton took his work ethic to the nonprofit sector, and from 1996 through 2015 he held positions at the Intracoastal Health Foundation benefiting Good Samaritan and St. Mary’s Hospital, followed by launching Palm Healthcare Foundation. He later joined the Center for Family Services as chief fundraising officer. In 2016, he sought new challenges as CEO of the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope, where he has grown the organization from small, grassroots beginnings to a mainstream agency, increasing the annual budget from $250,000 to $2.3 million.
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Listen more than you speak.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Hugh Jackman, obviously. Uncanny resemblance.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.” —Mahatma Gandhi
HIDDEN TALENT: I’ve been told recently that my culinary skills are top notch.
HOBBIES: I am an avid gardener and I love to host dinner parties at my home.
CancerANDY DEHART President, CEO Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Dehart has more than 30 years of experience working in the public aquarium industry. In this time, he served in many capacities at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Dehart has been fortunate enough to be part of the construction and opening teams for three world-class aquarium facilities, including Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska; Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto; and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami. He brings his passion for education and research to Loggerhead Marinelife Center to promote conservation of ocean ecosystems with a focus on sea turtles.
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Diving with a leatherback sea turtle.
SECRET IDENTITY: Aquaman, but I know everyone would much rather see Jason Momoa.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” —Baba Dioum
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Matt Damon
FIRST JOB: Volunteer docent and admissions representative at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
Hathaway oversees a modern, world-class library in the heart of West Palm Beach, providing resources, services, and programs to support and benefit people in all aspects of their lives. With a vision to encourage a love of literacy for all ages and backgrounds, Hathaway has also established the Mandel Public Library as a vital community gathering space that supports job seekers, economic redevelopment, and lifelong learning. Under her leadership, the library has become among the country’s best, earning numerous national and state awards, grants, and accolades, including being named one of the 11 most beautiful libraries in 2022 by Fodor’s Travel
FAVORITE BOOK: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
WHAT SHE WOULD TELL HER YOUNGER SELF: Live in the moment, yet also realize it’s never too late to make a change.
IF SHE COULD START OVER, SHE WOULD: Be an investigative reporter. It’s a combination of my love of mysteries, writing, and solving problems.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Anything with pasta and cheese!
Executive Director Spady Cultural Heritage Museum
Farrington is the executive director of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, a Delray Beach nonprofit established to preserve and share Black history through educational programming and exhibitions. Farrington has a bachelor’s of business administration from Mercer University and most recently received the Twenty-First Century Innovative Leader certification from Carolina Christian College. She holds leadership positions in the South Florida branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and the local chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She is also a member of the Palm Beach County Public Art Committee.
BEST ADVICE: Everything will be alright in the end…if it’s not alright, then it’s not the end.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Guard your karma
FIRST JOB: Part-time sales at Jordan Marsh
GUILTY PLEASURE: Candied pecans
FAVORITE QUOTE: “You can’t teach what you don’t know and you can’t lead where you won’t go.” —Rev. Jesse Jackson
HAZLE Executive Director
Boca Helping Hands
Hazle is the executive director of Boca Helping Hands, a multiservice agency that helps meet the basic needs of underserved residents of Palm Beach County and helps them achieve self-sufficiency through job training. Prior to this role, he served as a senior executive at local Fortune 500 companies NextEra and Cemex. Hazle and his wife, Tina, live in Boca Raton and have two daughters and three grandkids.
HOMETOWN: Kingston, Jamaica
PERSONAL MOTTO: What’s the worst that could happen?
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Denzel Washington
FIND HIM ON THE WEEKEND: Making bogeys.
FAVORITE BOOK: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Eat more vegetables.
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Bamboo Fire in Delray Beach
COLLECTS: Kindle books
WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: My grandchildren
Lawrence serves as the chief advocate for the arts and cultural community, leads constituent engagement, and represents the cultural sector in local, regional, and national matters. Since joining the Cultural Council in 2018, he has worked to rebrand the organization, build a robust artist services team, and launch new initiatives to provide direct funding to the sector. He created the Artist Innovation Fellowship program, awarding established Palm Beach County artists with career-enhancing funding, and the Cultural Resiliency Fund to help cultural organizations recover post-pandemic. Lawrence led the development of the first Arts & Tourism Summit for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in 2021.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” —Walt Disney
HOBBIES: Pottery and riding rollercoasters (currently 635 coasters all over the world)
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Australia
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Keep it about the work.
IF HE COULD START OVER, HE WOULD: Be a theme park designer
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Renato’s in Palm Beach
President M.C.O. Construction and Services, Inc,; Constructively Speaking Inc.; MCO Consulting, Inc.; National Association of Black Women in Construction
McNeill is the “Master Wealth Builder” helping entrepreneurs gain greater clarity in the highest income-producing areas of their business and life. She’s an expert speaker, coach, author, contractor, and the president and CEO of one of South Florida’s few African American female-owned construction companies, a multimillion-dollar construction company. She is the 2022 awardee of the Better Investing Founder Award and has been featured on CBS, Black Enterprise, and World News and in USA Today and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. M.C.O. Construction and Services Inc. was founded more than 40 years ago and is still one of the leading Black-owned firms in Florida in construction management and project controls.
BEST ADVICE SHE’S RECEIVED: Invest and max out all my retirement accounts every year.
PERSONAL MOTTO: You must have a dream to have a dream come true.
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Senegal and Cape Town, South Africa
STARTS HER DAY: With a daily date with myself by writing my daily a rmations and goals.
HOBBIES: Reading, walking, and traveling
Prior to his current role with Baptist Health, Lazo served nine years as CEO of Doctors Hospital, home to the world-class Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. Prior to leading Doctors Hospital, Lazo enjoyed being a resident of the Upper Keys when he served as CEO of Baptist Health Mariners Hospital for three years. Before joining Baptist Health, he served in executive roles for several health-care organizations, including HealthSouth Corp., Parkway Regional Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Make connections, ask lots of questions, and always be yourself.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Family first.
TOP TRAVEL PICK: My home in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina
GUILTY PLEASURE: Onion rings
FIND HIM ON WEEKENDS: At the beach or fishing
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Prime Catch in Boynton Beach
HIDDEN TALENT: I am an amateur ghost hunter.
President, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is the fifth largest Boys & Girls Clubs organization in the nation. Under Miranda’s leadership, the organization has flourished with the opening of seven club locations, including the Smith and Moore Family Career Readiness Teen Center in Belle Glade. Today, 20 clubs are strategically located throughout Palm Beach County, with plans to expand current clubs, build new clubs, and increase the endowment to guarantee the organization’s future success. Revenue has increased by 80 percent over the last five years to meet the growing demand in the community. As a result, the clubs now serve more than 11,000 children annually.
EDUCATION: University of Miami
INSPIRED BY: The overwhelming, personal feeling of accomplishment when you reach a goal. I just want to do it all over again!
AT THE TOP OF HER BUCKET LIST: Transatlantic cruise
HIDDEN TALENT: I can sleep anywhere.
STARTS HER DAY: With HEW Fitness and co ee
GUILTY PLEASURES: Spending the day in bed napping, eating, and binging on Netflix.
Nicholson is a philanthropist, serial entrepreneur, and wealth manager with a demonstrated history of successful results in financial services and education initiatives. He’s a former hedge fund pioneer skilled in asset management, quantitative model building, modern portfolio theory, and advanced investment strategies.
HOMETOWN: Ottawa, Canada
PERSONAL MOTTO: Is there a better way?
HIDDEN TALENT: Mr. Fix-it
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Ireland, Nova Scotia, and Lake Muskoka HOBBY: Golf
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Leave the world a better place.
ADMIRES: Elon Musk. He thinks outside the box.
FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club in Jupiter
WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: My grandchildren and my dogs
BEST ADVICE: You learn more from listening than talking.
FIRST JOB: Systems engineer at IBM
Formerly a television news anchor for more than a quarter century, Roby now enjoys a successful career as a nonprofit leader. He took the reins of American Red Cross Palm Beach and Treasure Coast chapter during the post-pandemic recovery, charged with re-engaging volunteers, supporters, and crucial programs. During his short tenure, Roby has focused on humanitarian recovery efforts across Florida after the costliest natural disaster in the state’s history while relaunching the much anticipated Sixty-Second Annual International Red Cross Ball.
EDUCATION: American University ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Know there will be scary and di cult days, but trust that your passion will lead you in the right direction.
AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Visiting Machu Picchu. One of my clearest memories is opening a book in the fifth grade and seeing the Peruvian archeological wonderland of Machu Picchu. This year, to celebrate my fiftieth birthday, I will make this lifelong dream come true. To make it even more special, I will get to experience it with my two sons and my husband.
FIRST JOB: While looking for a job to earn money for college, I found an apprentice position as a professional dog trainer. I held this position in high school and through college for nine years.
RICKY PETTY Director Healthier Boynton Beach
Petty is the project director of Palm Beach Health Foundation’s Healthier Boynton Beach initiative led by Pathways to Prosperity. He also owns Petty Capital Realty Inc., a real estate brokerage firm located in Boynton Beach. Petty’s dedication to and passion for his community are driven by his upbringing in his hometown. He understands the importance of mentorship and giving back. He pays it forward through motivational speaking and mentoring youth and young adults to help them overcome adversity and obstacles. He serves on the board of several organizations and is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
EDUCATION: Bethune Cookman University HOBBIES: Sports, reading, and traveling
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Omari Hardwick
HIDDEN TALENT: I’m a pretty good baker.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Omega Man of the Year; Bethune Cookman University 40 under 40 Movers & Shakers Award; Alumni of Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2021
Head of School
The Greene School
Spirou, founding head of The Greene School (“TGS”), is an accomplished educator and leader. She is the founding principal responsible for leading the development and expansion of TGS from serving six grades to now a total of 11, recruiting expert educators, and establishing an academic environment that not only meets the needs of the gifted academically but emotionally as well. Spirou has created and fostered the vision of the school during her tenure: “Embracing lifelong learning beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge, we prepare students to analyze situations, make decisions, solve problems, and communicate effectively in a dynamic world.” The school launched its new high school beginning with ninth grade in the 2022-2023 school year under Spirou’s leadership.
WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Marisa Tomei
TOP TRAVEL PICKS: St. Augustine and Tennessee
FAVORITE BOOK: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
WHY SHE CHOSE HER LINE OF WORK: I love working with children and watching them grow into amazing adults.
Trethewey
the 97-year-old Independent Catholic School tradition. Her 30 years of experience include roles as an administrator in Maryland Public Schools and the Archdiocese of Miami. Among the initiatives she has undertaken at Rosarian Academy, she partnered with the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to expand the STEM program and allow students increased opportunities in robotics and coding beginning in kindergarten. Having earned her doctorate in education, Trethewey continues to guide the school as it grows to meet the needs of the community. She and her husband have four children and one granddaughter.
HOMETOWN: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
EDUCATION: Chatham University, Towson University, and St. Thomas University SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HER: I have an identical twin sister.
CAUSES SHE SUPPORTS: Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies; Dance Marathon benefiting Shands Hospital; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Virgin is a professional ballerina-turned-land development engineer. After nearly 20 years of working in both commercial real estate and the performing arts, the Boca native decided to combine both passions with her love of the community to spearhead the proposed Center for Arts & Innovation, filling a 60-mile cultural gap that’s existed for decades. Since co-founding the center, she has amassed nearly $13 million in donations and in-kind support, engaged major stakeholders and world-renowned consultants, will soon secure a 94-year ground lease with the city, and has commenced exciting and meaningful discussions for major philanthropic support.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “It always feels impossible until it’s done.” —Nelson Mandela
BEST ADVICE SHE’S RECEIVED: When they go low, we go high.
HOBBY: Ballroom dancing! If I’m not working, with family or friends, or volunteering, you can find me at Boca’s Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
STARTS HER DAY: I try to get up before the family, sip on co ee, and meditate before the madness of the day begins.
President, Chairman of the Board The Center for Arts & Innovation
Almira, Manuel 37
Alonso, Alina 36
Alsofrom, Sarah 52
Arrizza, Kate 47
Bauer, Mike 42
Beaud, Thierry 47
Bellissimo, Mark 52 Bennett, Blake 47 Berg, Lori 47
Betten, Margie 37 Bone, Bill 27 Bottorff, Alan 42
Brinker, Nancy 27
Brumley, Fabiola 32 Burke, Michael 52 Burks Sr., Anthony 48 Cavers, Kelly ...................................................37
Collemer, Stanton 52 Dehart, Andy 53 Diament, Scott 46 Dreyfoos, Alex 26 Elmore, George 27 Farrington, Charlene 53 Faus, Dave 37 Fitzpatrick, David .............................................42
Ford, George 48 Frisbie, Dave 27 Gaines, Lia 42
Ganzi, Melissa 28 Hathaway, Lisa 53 Hazle, Greg 53 Hearon III, Fanning ..........................................38
Hedrick, Dale 28
Herbst, Todd 48 Hoffman, Michael 28 Hostettler, Daniel 43 Jacobs, Michele 43 James, Barbara Minelli 32 Johnson, Cassius 32 Johnson, Jeremy Wayne 32 Kato, Andrew 48 Kelly, Eric 33 Korniloff, Nick 33 Lawrence, Dave 54 Lazo, Nelson 54 Leone, Paul .....................................................28
Lesser, Gary 33 Levine, Drew 38 Maurer, Ralph 38
McCann, Sara 49
McCauley, Cynthia 43
McClymont, David 43 McDonald, Patricia 33 McMakin, Mimi 49 McNamara, Patrick 34 McNeill, Ann 54 Melby, Gina 34
Mendez, Lincoln 38
Menor, Arthur 34 Meyer, Bill 44 Mickens, Donté 34 Miranda, Jaene 54
Murphy, Penny .................................................29
Nardi, Tim 39 Nicholson, David 55 Paley, Dror 29
Pantelides, Emily 49
Parker, Ava 44 Perry, Bill 35 Petty, Ricky 55 Phillips, Calvin 31 Pope, Lois .......................................................29
Prince, J. Michael 49 Pumo, Michael 39 Quinn, Diane 44 Rajegowda, Gopal 39 Rappoport, Burt 44 Rastogi, Amit 45 Rausch, Pam 41 Roby, Eric 55 Ross, Kevin 35 Sabin, David 50 Samuels, Rob 50 Schack, Ryan 35 Schwinn, Debra 39 Shapiro, Ethan 35 Shearouse III, Joseph 29 Smallridge, Kelly 45 Spirou, Denise 55 Spoont, Ben 40 Stewart, Heather 40 Sylvain, Christine 51 Tahan, Pam 40 Trethewey, Linda 56 Virgin, Andrea 56 Volnick, Stacy 40 Webb, Joe 30 Wetenhall, Sarah 45 Whaley, Suzy 30 White, Marlon 45
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts 47 Allied Universal 38 American Red Cross Palm Beach and Treasure Coast 55 ATB Fine Art Group 48 Bank of America 32
Baptist Health Foundation ..................................32
Benjamin School, The 37 Bethesda Hospital East and West 54 Big Time Restaurant Group 48 Boca Helping Hands 53 Boca Raton, The 43 Boca Raton Center for Arts and Innovation 56 Boca Raton Regional Hospital 38 Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County 54 Breakers Palm Beach, The ..................................28
Brickhouse PR & Special Events 50
Business Development Board of Palm Beach County 45 Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope 52
Cassius Johnson Social Impact Solutions 32 Center for Enterprise Opportunity 42 Colony Hotel Palm Beach, The 45 Constructively Speaking, Inc. 54 Cox Science Center and Aquarium 47
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County 54
Discover The Palm Beaches 37
Dreyfoos Foundation, The 26 Duffy ’s Sports Grill 30
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa 39
Economic Council of Palm Beach County ............43
First Bank of the Palm Beaches 29
Florida Atlantic University 40
Florida Department of Health PB County 36 Florida Power & Light 41
Frisbie Group ..................................................27
GL Homes 52
Grand Champions Polo Club 28
Greene School, The 55
Gunster, Florida’s Law Firm for Business 35
Hardrives of Delray 27
HCA Florida JFK Hospital 34
Healthier Boynton Beach 55
Hedrick Brothers Construction 28
Historical Society of Palm Beach County 32
Hive Collective/McCann Design Group 49
Informa Markets Art 33
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County 28
J.P. Morgan Private Bank 37
Jupiter Medical Center 45
Kemble Interiors 49
Larmoyeux & Bone 27
Leaders in Furthering Education (LIFE) 29
Leeds Custom Design 48
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith 33
Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches 34
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems .......40
Loggerhead Marinelife Center 53
Lord’s Place, The 31
Lois Pope Foundation, The 29 Lynn University 35
Maltz Jupiter Theatre 48
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach 53
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience 42
MCO Construction and Services 54
Meyer Jabra Hotels 44
Misfits Gaming Group 40
Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation 33
Oxbridge Academy 38
Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute 29
Palm Beach Atlantic University 39
Palm Beach Day Academy 38
Palm Beach County Black Business Investment Corp 45
Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival 50
Palm Beach Show Group 46
Palm Beach State College 44
Palm Beach Symphony 43
Palm Health Foundation 34
Pantelides PR & Consulting 49
Path to College Fellowship 51
PGA of America 30
Pioneer Linens 29
Port of Palm Beach 37
Promise Fund of Florida, The 27
Provident Jewelry 50
Quantum Foundation 33
Rapoport’s Restaurant Group 44
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts 44
Related Southeast 39
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 42
Rosarian Academy 56
Royal Poinciana Plaza, The 47
Saint Andrew ’s School ......................................35
School District of Palm Beach County 52
Seabreeze Building 48
Shutts & Bowen 34
Sinclair Broadcasting/Compulse Digital 39
Spady Cultural Heritage Museum 53
St. Mary ’s Medical Center 43
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company 35
Stiles -Nicholson Foundation 55
Teledactyl Blockchain 42
Titou Hospitality 47
USPA Global Licensing 49
Wellington Equestrian Partners 52
Wellington Regional Medical Center 40
Everyone has to start somewhere. We asked this year’s Palm Beach 100 honorees what words of wisdom they’d offer to their younger selves or anyone needing a bit of encouragement on their path. Here are a few of their insights:
“Cut out anything that brings you down. Create rituals and go, baby! There are no limits.”
—Christine Sylvain, Founder and Executive Director of the Path to College Fellowship
—Andrew Kato, Producing Artistic Director/Chief Executive of Maltz Jupiter Theatre
“Try to inspire people and not wear them out.”
—Nancy Brinker, Founder of Susan G. Komen and Promise Fund of Florida
“Be patient; good things will come.”
“WHEN DOORS CLOSE, IT’S USUALLY BECAUSE A BETTER ONE IS OPENING.”
–Andrea Virgin, President and Chairman of the Board for The Center for Arts & Innovation
—Tim Nardi, General Manager of Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
“Never worry what they say you can or cannot do. Stay passionate with your dream, go out there, and just take it.”
—Alan E. Bottorff, Co-Founder and CEO of Teledactyl Blockchain
“There is nothing wrong with you. Your passions, drive, and uniqueness are the fuel you will use to realize your destiny and meaning on Earth.”
Cassius Johnson, Social Impact Entrepreneur
“Learn to invest your time, talents, and your treasure earlier in your youth.”
—Elizabeth Ann McNeill, President of M.C.O. Construction and Services, Inc.
“Take the time to savor the moments along the journey. We all have big goals but every small achievement along the way is worthy of celebrating, and those small wins lead up to that big goal.”
—Stacy Volnick, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Administrative Affairs at Florida Atlantic University
“The climb up the company ladder isn’t a race. Enjoy each step/position that you take. You don’t know everything. There is so much to learn along the way.”
—Mike Bauer, General Manager of Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
Leading the way in health care innovation, the new 90,000-square-foot, $100 million Surgical Institute Expansion is now underway at Jupiter Medical Center. State-of-theart surgical suites will combine proven surgical methods with advanced image-guided interventional technologies to create “operating rooms of the future.”
The care you deserve close to home.
