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Trendsetters: Today and Beyond
High-impact leaders who are making a difference in Florida and beyond -- but whose biggest contributions may be yet to come. The governors also make their picks.
 Anand Pallegar |
Anand Pallegar
» Anand Pallegar wanted to go to med school. But while still in college he started a web-hosting business in his dorm room. Now, at 30, he heads a Sarasota interactive agency, atLarge, that builds online branding strategies for companies. Clients signing on for his firm’s use of innovative technologies include Chevrolet, Ford and J.D. Power. His employees get paid time off to volunteer, and the company donates branding and creative work to non-profits.
Governor’s
Choice
Alex Sink
Florida Trend asked Gov. Reubin Askew to write about a Floridian who’ll change the state in the coming years.
 Alex Sink |
In her role as Florida’s chief financial officer, Alex Sink embodies this leadership. Whether it is calling an end to sloppy government contracting or demanding more accountability over tax dollars, Sink has been a leading force in reforming Florida government. Sink loathes “politics as usual” and uses her sharp business sense to advocate the solutions Floridians really need. A former president of Florida’s largest bank, she has been an outspoken force for change and reform, problem solving and accountability. She is, without a doubt, one of the most able persons during my memory to ever serve state government, and she’ll help change Florida for years to come.
I am most impressed with her perspective on the long term. Sink stands up to those who only think about the short term and demands more responsible policies that serve the best interests of the people of Florida before anything else. If we are looking for a stronger Florida in which to work and raise our families, we need courageous leaders like Alex Sink to continue to navigate the way.”
— Gov. Reubin Askew (1971-1979)
