Dr. Daryl Ward has been named executive director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. A Polk County native, Ward previously served as executive director of the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance and spent 32 years with Polk County Public Schools, including seven years as principal of Harrison School for the Arts.

Gunster appointed Jessica Shapiro as a shareholder and managing director of its Family Office & Generational Wealth practice. She will help lead integrated services for high-net-worth clients across Florida. Shapiro previously served as vice president and brokerage manager at Sotheby's International Realty and has prior experience at Gunster.

Shutts & Bowen LLP is pleased to announce that Heidi Howard Tandy has joined the firm's Miami office as a Partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group. Tandy, who is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Intellectual Property Law, advises clients on corporate, licensing and litigation matters involving the internet, social media, privacy and technology.

Hudson Leogrande, founder and CEO of Comfrt, was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Florida Award finalist by Ernst & Young. Founded in August 2022, Comfrt is a wellness-driven lifestyle and apparel brand rooted in community, inclusivity, and mental health. The bootstrapped company has become the fastest-growing DTC apparel brand in the U.S. and the #1 lifestyle and apparel brand on TikTok Shop.

The LifeLink Foundation announced the appointment of Dr. Clark Kensinger as Chief Medical Officer, further strengthening the organization's clinical leadership and ongoing commitment to advancing organ donation. A nationally respected multi-organ transplant surgeon and board-certified intensivist, he will oversee LifeLink Medical Directors and Associate Medical Directors.

Randy Morton has been named President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, managing the iconic Guitar Hotel integrated resort and reporting to David Hoenemeyer, COO of Seminole Gaming. Morton brings extensive industry experience, including over 12 years as President and COO at Bellagio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas for MGM Resorts International.

Shutts & Bowen LLP announced today that Jordan P. Clark has joined the firm's Orlando office as a Partner in the Government Law Practice Group. He brings more than 25 years of experience advising large and complex organizations on corporate governance, strategic transactions and regulatory matters. Clark also joins the firm's new Education Section.

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida has appointed Christopher Carrere and Scott Bores to its Board of Directors. Carrere, a fifth-generation Floridian and Tampa native, is a top-performing yacht broker with Galati Yacht Sales, governance committee chair for Lykes Bros. Inc. and a 2025 appointee to the Tampa Port Authority. Bores, president of Florida Power & Light, previously served as president of finance and brings experience in utility leadership, operations and financial strategy. "Together, they add strong business acumen, governance experience and a shared appreciation for wild Florida as the Foundation continues advancing conservation and outdoor recreation for all," said Board Chair Laura Russell.

Eric E. Ludin, a renowned attorney and leader in the legal community, has joined Shumaker's St. Petersburg office as Of Counsel. In practice for over four decades, Eric's experience and insights gained throughout his career will bolster the firm's commercial real estate capabilities.

Shutts & Bowen LLP is pleased to announce that Lanny Russell has joined the firm's Jacksonville office as a Partner in its Construction Litigation Practice Group. Russell brings more than 35 years of experience representing clients in complex construction and commercial disputes.

Mark Metheny, President of Casa Fresca & Homes by West Bay Land Development, has been tapped as CEO of Casa Fresca, West Bay's attainable housing brand. Additionally, it was announced last year that by the end of 2027 Metheny will succeed Willy Nunn, as President and CEO of West Bay. In his new role, Metheny will continue to oversee all Land Development for the company.

Richard Thompson will succeed Mark Metheny as President of Casa Fresca Homes. With more than 23 years of experience in senior leadership roles for large homebuilders, he will guide Casa Fresca in its expansion throughout Central and West Florida. Thompson also has also served as West Florida Division Manager and Vice President of Construction Operations for Casa Fresca.

Cowbell Agency, a full-service digital and integrated marketing agency serving the Space Coast and beyond, has promoted Sean Williams to Partner and Vice President of Business Development. Williams, who joined the agency in 2023 as Vice President of Strategic Marketing, has been a driving force behind its expansion through multichannel marketing strategies, brand development, and strategic partnerships.

BayCare has announced that it has named Nicole (Nikki) Johanson, RN, MSN, MBA, as the First Leader for its new medical group dedicated to women's health. Johanson began her role as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of BayCare Women's Medical Group on March 30. In this role, Johanson will oversee the strategy, operations and performance of the BayCare Women's Medical Group.

Jones Walker LLP has announced that two new attorneys, Partner Pedro Herrera and Special Counsel Madison Levine, have joined the firm as members of the Tax Practice Group and employee benefits team. Pedro is nationally recognized for his ability to guide plan trustees, sponsors, and fiduciaries through the full spectrum of regulatory, legislative, and operational challenges. Madison focuses on representing governmental and private sector pension plans throughout Florida.

Conservation Florida welcomes Chad Crawford of “How To Do Florida” as Director of Strategic Partnerships. Former CEO of Crawford Entertainment, he co-produced and hosted the nonprofit's Emmy Award-winning series “Protect Our Paradise,” bringing Florida’s wild places to life. He will lead strategic collaborations to protect the state’s water, wildlife, and wild places.

ServisFirst Bank welcomes Susan S. Thompson, founding and managing member of Smith, Thompson, Shaw, Colón & Power, P.A., to the Northwest Florida Advisory Board. A Florida native, Thompson co-founded the Tallahassee-based real estate law firm and is widely respected for her leadership in real estate law and service to community and professional organizations in the region.

Stonehill promoted Shannon Weisgal to Director of Project Management and Post-Merger Integration. With 10+ years of experience, she leads integrations for private equity-backed clients, driving disciplined execution, governance, and operational alignment to accelerate value realization across acquisitions and complex transformations.

W.W. Gay, a Jacksonville-based mechanical contracting company, has named Madelen Salter as the company’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs. Salter will lead the company in building, developing and managing relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities, community leaders, industry partners, media and advocacy groups.

Bill Lewis of William E. Lewis Jr. & Associates, in Vero Beach, provides nationwide consulting in credit reporting accuracy, identity theft resolution, consumer rights advocacy and complex record correction. He also holds licensure in multiple tribal jurisdictions and advanced Florida certifications in crime prevention, victim services and human trafficking response.

Shutts & Bowen LLP announces that Christine Anchía Crousillat has joined the firm’s West Palm Beach office as a Partner in its Real Estate Practice Group. Crousillat has more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate law with a focus on commercial leasing, including retail, office, and industrial properties.

Eric Almon has been appointed to serve as executive partner of Holland & Knight's Tampa office. Mr. Almon advises companies, boards of directors and their committees in connection with securities offerings, corporate governance, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, private equity financing and general corporate matters.