May 25, 2013

community portrait

Jacksonville

More than just gathering data, we're capturing elements that make each community distinctive.

Leaders

Must-Know Leaders

> Zim Boulos is chairman of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission and president of Office Environments & Services.

> U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, a Jacksonville native who has served in Congress for 17 years, is mulling a U.S. Senate bid against Gov. Charlie Crist.

John Delaney
> John Delaney, a former prosecutor and two-time mayor of Jacksonville, is president of the 16,500-student University of North Florida.
> Marty Fiorentino, a former CSX communications executive, heads the Fiorentino Group, a government relations and business development firm.

> Bill Foley, chairman of Fidelity National Financial, moved the giant company from Santa Barbara, Calif., to Jacksonville. He also heads other businesses, including resorts, a winery and restaurants.

> A. Hugh Greene, president and CEO of Baptist Health has pushed Baptist’s expansion from a downtown medical center to five hospitals, including Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

> Michael Hightower, a vice president at Blue Cross and local Republican Party official, chairs the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce.

> Preston Haskell, founder and chairman of local design-build powerhouse Haskell Co., is an important voice in industry issues statewide but also is extremely involved in the Jacksonville community.

State Sen. Tony Hill
> State Sen. Tony Hill was an early supporter of Barack Obama. He still has Obama’s ear.
> Martha “Marty” Lanahan, north Florida executive and Jacksonville city president of Regions Bank, is known for her work on behalf of the community.

> Dr. Robert I. Lufrano is chairman and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, the largest private employer in the city.

> Kelly Madden, First Coast market president for Wachovia, is heavily involved in the community and will serve as chairwoman of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2010.

> Audrey McKibbin Moran, president and CEO of the Sulzbacher Center, which houses and feeds Jacksonville’s homeless, is influential in city politics and policy.

Lee M. Thomas
> Lee M. Thomas is chairman, president and CEO of Jacksonville-based Rayonier, one of the largest timber companies in the nation. He’s the retired president and COO of Georgia-Pacific.
> Joan W. Newton, chairman emeritus of Regency Centers Corp., is a longtime business and civic leader who serves on the University of North Florida’s board of trustees.

> Lynn Pappas, a real estate attorney, is active in civic and business affairs and has served on the state Board of Governors.

> Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton leaves office in 2011, at which time he will return to lead his family’s business, Gate Petroleum.

> David A. Smith, chairman and CEO of PSS World Medical, is also chairman of Florida TaxWatch.

> Michael J. Ward is chairman, president and CEO of CSX Corp.

Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver
> Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, co-owners of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, are also some of the most generous philanthropists in the city. The Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation and Weaver Family Foundation have invested more than $100 million in educational, social and other non-profits in Florida. [Photo: credit]

Florida Business News

  • State releases FCAT scores

    The scores released today are the first wave of marks expected from the 2013 administration of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test and the state's new end-of-course exams.

  • Three Florida beaches make Dr. Beach Top 10 list for 2013

    The smile of Dr. Beach still shines on the Sunshine State as three Florida beaches made his annual Top 10 beaches in the U.S. list.

  • U.S. weather-watcher satellite fails just before hurricane season

    A key satellite positioned to track severe weather in the eastern United States has failed, just as the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season is about to start.

    FRIDAY PREVIEW:
    Coming next week to FloridaTrend.com:

    • Florida Icon: C.C. 'Doc' Dockey - The businessman tells us: "I've learned that both political parties in Florida do better running and building than they do governing."
    • CEO Sounding Board - Florida CEOs talk about a recent settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
    • Bearing Down in Jacksonville - Chinese company HCH targets north Florida for distribution.
    • Florida Life - Surfing spots in the Sunshine State.

Florida Trend Video Pick

Summertime at Florida's theme parks
Summertime at Florida's theme parks

A Brief look at Florida's theme parks' upcoming attractions opening this summer.

Earlier Videos

Ballot Box

Apart from remembering and honoring the men and women who lost their lives in military service, do you have any plans for the extended Memorial Day weekend?

  • Yep! Taking a trip, barbecuing, or shopping, with friends and/or family! Can't Wait!
  • Sure, I definitely intend to spend time with loved ones, but I'll be keeping it very low-key.
  • Nah, just gonna take it easy...
  • I'm not taking Monday off...Too much work to be done!

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