2015
INWEEKLY
POWER LIST by Rick Outzen
I
nweekly readers love lists. The Power List is one that has attracted attention since the first time we published it in June 2007. Created on an Atlas Oyster House cocktail napkin, the first Power List was a halfhearted attempt to rank the most influential people in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. No one had ever dared rank people based on their ability to get things done. The 2007 Power List was published under the title, “Who’s the Man?” Fred Levin topped the list, followed by Judge Lacey Collier, Ted Ciano, Jim
April 9, 2015
Reeves, Lewis Bear Jr. and included 45 other men and women. The list was published without fanfare, and we had idea how it would be received. Within hours of the paper hitting the newsstands, our phones began ringing. Some appreciated being on the list, others were upset they had been omitted. From the reactions, we knew that we had a hit. Over the past eight years, the list has grown to 100 people. We get more input from the community, asking past honorees and others to submit their top nominations. The screening process takes weeks as
people are moved and down the list as we get closer to publication. This year we broke out whom we consider the top most influential families—couples, siblings, parents and children. It gave us more spots for the Top 100 list, but it was difficult choosing only 10 families. The Power List has grown beyond the cocktail napkin and has become much harder to rank. The degrees of separation are slight and are what make this list fun to write and debate. We hope you enjoy reading the 2015 Power List edition.
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2015 INWEEKLY POWER LIST
#1. Stan Connally: Taking A Team Approach
S
tan W. Connally, Jr., the president and CEO of Gulf Power Company, tops the 2015 Inweekly Power List. He controls the Pensacola-headquartered utility that provides energy services from Northwest Florida communities stretching from Perdido Key to Apalachicola and has over 1, 400 employees.
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Since arriving here in July 2012, Connally and Gulf Power have stepped up the utility’s role in economic development. Gulf Power launched the state’s first regional site certification program, Florida First Sites, to develop, identify and promote project-ready industrial sites in Northwest Florida. The first certified sites were announced last fall. In an interview last week in his office that overlooks Pensacola Bay, Connally said he sees economic development as a team sport in which no one entity can do it all. He believes Gulf Power should be a strong partner and raised the company’s profile in attracting businesses to Northwest Florida. “The hallmark of this company, for a long time, has been the feeling that when our communities are successful, Gulf
Power will be successful,” he said. “Coming out of the recession, economic development was a place that we needed to ramp up our efforts.” Connally also understands economic development begins at home, at kitchen tables across the region. “We’re a company that has remained committed to its community over time in terms of keeping local employment,” he said. “I think we've been relatively successful as a team across the region,” he told Inweekly. “There's more we can do; there's more we will do. I get back to the hallmark of this team, 1, 400 people that live and work here. They’re going to church here. They’re playing baseball with their neighbors, they’re in community groups. We have a team that wants to be involved and it's a great formula for us.” In an age when most utilities and big corporations do most of their customer service over the phone or on computers, Gulf Power still has storefronts. “I think that's important,” Connally said. “We only have a relatively small segment of our customers walk through those doors, but they’re the ones that need to talk to us and we need to be there. It’s us staying local, it’s us staying present, and I just think that matters when it comes to helping the communities be successful.” The Georgia Tech graduate began his career with Southern Company in 1989 as a co-op student at Georgia Power’s Plant Yates and has held positions in various functional areas, including Customer Operations, Sales and Marketing and Power Generation. He has managed plants for both Mississippi Power and Alabama Power. Before moving to Pensacola, Connally was Senior Vice President and Senior Production Officer for Georgia Power Company. It hasn’t taken long for Connally and his
family to become a part of this community. He said, “This has been the most welcoming community that I have lived in my career. I'm 25 years into a career at Southern Company. My wife, Amy, and I have moved six times, all across the south, across four states, and by a long shot, this has been the most welcoming community we've ever been a part of.” The Gulf Power CEO credited the culture of Pensacola for the hospitality his family has been shown. “We’re a Navy town,” he said. “We’re used to people coming and going, we welcome them, we bring them into the community, we let them contribute.” Connally said the Pensacola is a town with plenty of heritage, but the heritage doesn't get in the way of people being willing to engage with you. “I've lived in other towns where if you weren't from that town, you’re never going to be from that town,” he said. “I have never sensed that here. Some people talk about other towns having old money or old heritage, that they want to run the show. Look, I haven't had anybody turn me away when I've gotten an idea or I wanted to get involved.” When asked what are the hot button issues we need to get done as a community, Connally didn’t hesitate. “Diversifying our economy,” he said. “I've been on the record and very public talking about an outcome from good economic development must be diversifying our economy. By that, I mean increasing the impact of the innovation space. You've got a group called Innovation Coast that's working to do that. Working to grow the impact of clean manufacturing. We've got a manufactures council now that's working on that.” Connally also talked about the importance of education. Innovation and manufacturing can diversify the local economy
inweekly.net
2015 INWEEKLY POWER LIST and create jobs, but our schools need to about how Navy Federal Credit Union has create people who can fill those positions. raised the bar for other employers. “There are thousands upon thousands “It’s the total work experience out of jobs in this community and sometimes there I'm starting to hear more about,” he young people just don't know about [them],” said of Navy Federal’s campus in Beulah. he said. “They don't know how to progress “It’s how they treat their folks; they've got and matriculate through the school system, onsite facilities for health care, those kinds through high school or college or university of things. You don't see people doing that systems to go into those jobs.” anymore or have ever done it.” He said the region’s manufacturers He admitted Gulf Power has been council supports six sets of manufacturing forced to up its game to keep its good academies across Northwest Florida, with employees. “We have some of the same the intent of growing that talent here. kinds of people, customer service repre“We don't need to go to Louisiana to sentatives,” Connally said. “We’re relatively find the talent; we don't need to go to Atcompetitive on a lot of things, but I hear lanta or Birmingham,” Connally said. “Let's every now and again, ‘Navy Federal has got grow it right here, and the beauty of some a cafeteria, they have a good gym or they've of those jobs is got child care.’” they’re here, and Laughing, he “If there's anything that keeps I think there's a added, “Yeah, we me up at night, it’s making sure ought to think number of young people that want the team around me is the right about that a to stay here.” little bit. They've team.” Stan Connally He said the raised the bar for jobs created will a lot of us. The provide good wages to support families. people who moved here from Virginia, I'm A lot of them don't require anything more sure you've talked to them too, they love it than a high school diploma or two-year here. Absolutely love it.” certification. The students don't have to Connally shrugged off being called go rack up hundreds of thousands of dolpowerful or influential. He credited his lars worth of debt getting the necessary employees for any influence he may have. training. “We’re a big team, I think you know this Connally said, “I think that's part of about us, we’re a huge team,” he said. “I the educational conversation. I don't think think we’re all rowing in the same direction enough of our school systems are talking here and every now and again somebody about the jobs right here in our backyard. I gets tired, somebody gets real full. I think my think that's an element of things we got to legacy—whether I'm here 10 years, 20 years keep working on.” or however many years I'm here—has just He would like to see more career got to continue to strengthen this team.” counselors in our high and middle schools. Connally said, “I wish this recognition “They ought to be talking about how you was about Gulf Power Company and not can turn this education into a career, to about me. I just get the privilege of leadraise a family,” Connally said. “There are ing them. They’re doing all the work, and pockets of excellence in public education, I think that's got to be a big piece of my but we've got to grow that much broader legacy—making sure we’ve got people that than it is now.” are going to carry on.” He said another benefit in diversifying He said, “If there's anything that keeps the region is the improved quality of life me up at night, it’s making sure the team and work environments. Connally talked around me is the right team.”
How do you define power? It's the ability and judgment to exercise influence. Many leaders view power as something that comes simply by gaining a position. I see it as something that is earned from serving others and building relationships. How do you use your power to get things done? Selectively, timely and meaningfully. Power is finite—you've got to choose to influence the right things at the right time and in a mean-
April 9, 2015
SE RVAN T L E A D E R
OF BAPTIST HEALTH CAR E Mark T. Faulkner serves our community as chief executive officer and president of Baptist Health Care (BHC). Under his leadership, BHC has realized remarkable accomplishments, including our collaboration with Mayo Clinic, A ratings from top bond rating agencies and the growth of Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute and the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Faulkner is focused on innovative solutions and resources to support BHC’s Mission to improve the quality of life for our entire community. We are proud to celebrate his recognition on this year’s IN Power List.
ingful way or risk having only marginal influence on too many issues. If you could have a super power what would it be? The vision to see clearly around the next bend. That vision would be very helpful in navigating through uncertain conditions. Who do you think is powerful? I think the most powerful people use their power to serve and advance the causes of others.
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2015 INWEEKLY POWER LIST
#2. Julian MacQueen Founder/CEO, Innisfree Hotels How do you define power? I love the quote, “No one is as powerful as we make them out to be.” How do you use your power to get things done? What ever perceived power I have has more to do with being proactive, tenacious and sticking
#3. Teri Levin
with the business model behind the issue versus making it personal. Being collaborative with stakeholders is essential for success. If you could have a super power what would it be? In Pensacola I would break the cycle of poverty. And
of course, peace on earth. Who do you think is powerful? I resonate more toward passive power based on principle. Will Rogers always comes to mind when I think of influence and power.
#4. C. Edward Meadows President, Pensacola
#5. Ji m Reeves
How do you define power? Power can be defined by money, social status or fear; however I define power by honorable leadership that earns the respect of others.
How do you define power? Authority with the responsibility and opportunity to have a positive and meaningful impact, and the influential ability to persuade in a positive and meaningful way.
How do you define power? Power is the ability to persuade or influence through example based on experience and/or demonstrated hard work.
How do you use your power to get things done? I respect others and give them my attention, honesty and positive energy.
How do you use your power to get things done? Act as a facilitator and attempt to build consensus, with the authority to influence the speed and direction needed.
How do you use your power to get things done? Pick your battles and always keep your eye on the big picture! It's always helpful to allow others to take the credit for what has been done. Determine what is right, not who is right.
If you could have a super power what would it be? To help all achieve their potential.
If you could have a super power what would it be? The ability to be effective 100 percent of the time.
Who do you think is powerful? Those we love and those we fear.
Who do you think is powerful? Ronald Reagan was powerful because of his ability to communicate his ideas. He could influence Democrats although he was Republican!
Co-owner Levin Rinke Resort Realty
Attorney At Law
State College
If you could have a super power what would it be? The power to give every child a happy, healthy life. The power to abolish violence in the entire world. Who do you think is powerful? Superman, Mother Teresa , John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Oprah, The Fairy Godmother, Fred Levin, Lewis Bear, Quint Studer and Mayor Ashton Hayward.
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2015 INWEEKLY POWER LIST
#6. John Peacock Financial
#7. Fred Donovan Jr.
#8. Tamara Fountain
#9. Martha Saunders
How do you define power? Power is often the result of credibility obtained through years of contributions to the community. Power is the ability to act or produce an effect.
How do you define power? The ability to make a difference. This extends beyond good ideas; there are plenty of creative thinkers in the world. Implementation is the key.
How do you define power? In my mind, power is the ability to influence people to consider your ideas and point of view.
How do you define power? Power is a person's ability to effect desired outcomes. The greatest test for the powerful among us is their willingness to help the least powerful.
How do you use your power to get things done? Any "power" or influence attributed to an individual is an extraordinary compliment earned over time. That recognition comes from demonstrating your commitment to the community above self and desire to do the right thing.
How do you use your power to get things done? I like to keep a mental list of good ideas and the corresponding obstacles. The opportunity to deal with an obstacle often develops very quickly, and always involves working on a well-integrated team.
If you could have a super power what would it be? Decrease the poverty level in Escambia County by increasing work and educational opportunities for everyone in our community.
If you could have a super power what would it be? According to my son, Charles: “To fly, because then I could see the earth.”
Advisor, CFP(R), Edward Jones
Who do you think is powerful? Lincoln, JFK, Reagan, Churchill, Thatcher and Clinton.
Principal, Baskerville-Donovan, Inc.
Chief Operations Officer, City of Pensacola
Vice President & Provost, University of West Florida
How do you use your power to get things done? I use my power to build strong teams and lifelong relationships. Working together, we then get to see our work come alive in a way that makes the community better.
How do you use your power to get things done? Like water or electricity, power is most effective when channeled. I use what I have to include and empower more people.
If you could have a super power what would it be? If I could have a super power it would be to add more time to the day!
If you could have a super power what would it be? Harry Potter’s Expecto Patronum. It protects you from dark forces.
Who do you think is powerful? Pope Francis
Who do you think is powerful? The American voter.
Who do you think is powerful? My wife, Leslie, is one of those evenkeel, super content people. It’s almost like a super power.
# 10. Clay Ingram
State Representative, District 1; President & CEO, Greater Pensacola Chamber How do you define power? I have always felt those with power have great influence. I would simply define power as influence. How do you use your power to get things done? Helping others begins by listening and intently trying to under-
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stand their needs. Whatever influence you may have can be used to meet those needs. If you could have a super power what would it be? The power of flight. It would make the trips to Tallahassee much faster. In the meantime,
I am trying to convince my wife to let me work on my private pilot's license! Who do you think is powerful? Outside of the Divine, political leaders with great courage in the face of tremendous odds have always intrigued me; Winston Churchill is one of my favorites.
inweekly.net
Join us on Sunday, April 12th from 11 am - 2 pm at Ever’mans Community Center as we welcome guest speakers Linda Young and Robert Randel. Linda will discuss our local waterways and Robert will discuss how we can all be (vegetable) gardeners.Lunch is being catered by Ever’mans and is free to attendees. There is a room size restriction and RSVP’s are required to mary.earthethics@cox.net.
Congratulations to President Ed Meadows and the 2015 InWeekly Power List Honorees! Pensacola State College is proud of our more than 65-year history of producing some of our area’s most powerful leaders. Associate Degrees | Bachelor’s Degrees Career and Technical Programs Adult Education and GED prep Continuing Education
Join us on Wednesday, April 22nd at Tree House Cinema in Gulf Breeze beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a reception to be followed by a viewing of Plastic Paradise. The film will be followed by a panel discussion discussing plastics in the environment, impacts, to other species, and our health. Tickets are required for this event and can be obtained at link: https://eventbrite.com/event/16344493821/. This event is being brought to you in partnership with Earth Day Pensacola, Taylor, Warren, & Weidner, Earth Ethics, League of Women Voters, and Florida Clean Water Network.
For more information about either event, visit www.earthdaypensacola.org
Go here. Get there. pensacolastate.edu | 850.484.1000 Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President of Institutional Diversity at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.
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2015 INWEEKLY POWER LIST
CONGRATULATIONS,
IWP MEMBERS
ON THE POWER LIST!
#11. Bentina Terry Vice President, Customer Service and Sales, Gulf Power Company How do you define power? The ability to influence outcomes and to work through others—the hardest way to exercise power is indirectly.
Lois Benson Diane Mack Amy Miller Sherri Myers Melanie Nichols Women in leadership doing powerfully good work
www.iwpflorida.org
Ad paid for by Diane Mack Advertising, Inc. Design by Stephanie M. Powell Branding & Design
inspire others to have confidence in following my ideas and decisions.
How do you use your power to get things done? Through building coalition and where appropriate, consensus. If you could have a super power what would it be? Reading minds or healing powers.
If you could have a super power what would it be? The ability to help other people in need. Who do you think is powerful? Jesus. His life not only altered the course of history, but also the lives of people like me.
#14. Carol Carlan President, Sacred Heart Foundation
Who do you think is powerful? My first thought is Jesus. Mainly because of the power he has by giving others power and how much salvation influences those that believe.
#12. Grover Robinson, IV Escambia County Commissioner, District 4 How do you define power? The ability to make good things happen for a community or region. How do you use your power to get things done? I work hard to collaborate with other community leaders and citizens to see that good ideas for our community do happen. If you could have a super power what would it be? Be in multiple locations at the same time. Who do you think is powerful? Rick Outzen and any past recipient of the top spot on this list.
#13. Sandy Sansing President, Sandy Sansing Automotive How do you define power? Being able to influence others through words, deeds and actions. When I can be an influence, I want to be a positive one. How do you use your power to get things done? Hopefully,I live my life in a way to 818 1
benefit others.
How do you define power? I like positive power: those that add value to people rather than manipulating others or putting themselves first. Always thinking of ways to
How do you use your power to get things done? By valuing, respecting and understanding the strengths each person represents and recognizing the talents they bring to the table. It calls for leaving the ego at the door. Understanding what's in it for them. If you could have a super power what would it be? The power to stop fighting and end war. Everyone would value and respect each other for who they are. Who do you think is powerful? Some of my favorites are Daughters of Charity, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi; powerful and influential beyond measure, yet without personal resources.
#15. Troy Rafferty Shareholder, Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Rafferty and Proctor, P.A. How do you define power? The ability to convince others of your vision and then
the perseverance to use that vision to effectuate positive change in the community. How do you use your power to get things done? I try to surround myself with positive people and help give them the tools and support they need to be successful. If those around you understand your vision and are successful, everyone benefits. If you could have a super power what would it be? The ability to fly! Not only would it be cool but no more long security lines at airports or canceled flights. Plus I could be home to my wife and daughter a whole lot more! Who do you think is powerful? My wife, Ashley and daughter, Lilly. They have an incredible ability to positively change someone's mood with their smile and a few kind words.
#16. Ken Ford Director & CEO, IHMC How do you define power? In physics, power is the rate of doing work. In human affairs, those that aspire to power probably should not have it. How do you use your power to get things done? I do not think much about personal power. My three P’s of getting things done successfully are passion, persistence and persuasion. If you could have a superpower what would it be? I would like the apparently superhuman power of living this all too brief life as a fully engaged authentic human being. Who do you think is powerful? Seneca is said to have observed that the “Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power."
#17. Sunil Gupta, MD Physician, founder Retina Specialty Institute & Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems How do you define power? The ability as an individual to be able to impact other people's lives in a positive way. inweekly.net
2015 INWEEKLY POWER LIST Greater the number, the more power you have created.
responses to humanity's hurts are powerful influencers.
How do you use your power to get things done? Fortunately I have been given the ability to help save sight for my patients, a critical sensory organ in determining quality of life. We are working on scaling that to the underserved populations of patients.
How do you use your power to get things done? I try to exercise personal influence by practicing "servant-leadership." I live three simple rules: Do no harm, do as mush good as possible, and trust God. I'm also inspired by Rotary's motto: service above self.
If you could have a super power what would it be? The ability to transfer knowledge and embed confidence in an individual to use it. With knowledge comes empowerment to achieve. Who do you think is powerful? Ben Franklin, a statesmen and an inventor. Mahatma Gandhi, seeking change, nonviolently.
#18. Debbie Ritchie COO, Studer Group How do you define power? Simply put, power is having the ability or capacity to make something happen. How do you use your power to get things done? I make things happen by making myself part of the solution. I prefer authentic leadership, which I believe is power derived through influence, inspiration and collaboration. If you could have a superpower what would it be? Superhuman intelligence. I often tell our team to find ways to work smarter not harder. With this super power, I could definitely help the team (and me) get more done! Who do you think is powerful? God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13
#19. Jerry Louis Maygarden Executive Director, Pensacola Chamber Foundation How do you define power? I suppose "power" is the ability to "influence" social interaction within a given community. Individual or personal April 9, 2015
If you could have a super power what would it be? Grace. Who do you think is powerful? William Wilberforce
#20. Susan Davis, RN, Ed.D,
President and CEO Sacred Heart Health System, Market Executive, Ascension Health Florida/Alabama/ Community Health Ministries How do you define power? I define power as the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. Personal power begins with self awareness, demonstrating confidence, having passion and empathy for others as well as the capacity to tolerate conflict. How do you use your power to get things done? You get things done by having clear expectations, maintaining a focus, having drive and energy and most importantly making sure you develop others and help them be successful. If you could have a superpower what would it be? I would like an unlimited supply of focus and energy as my super powers. Who do you think is powerful? I think of God as the most powerful force in my life. He gives me purpose.
#21. Buzz Ritchie CEO, Gulf Coast Community Bank How do you define power? Power is using commitment, dedication, involvement and attitude to make positive changes occur. How do you use your
power to get things done? Gather the facts and articulate the cause. Be the first to volunteer, the first to take a stand, the first to praise others for their efforts and involvement. If you could have a super power what would it be? To bring peace to the world. To stop the hundreds/thousands of years of pain and suffering caused and justified by differing beliefs and ideologies.
Who do you think is powerful? God, of course. The all-powerful one who is creator and sustainer of all.
#24. Brian Spencer Architect, SMP Architecture How do you define power? Power is the ability to influence the behavior of yourself and others. It can alter predictions and expand expectations.
Who do you think is powerful? Anyone who has a special wonderful pet that gives unquestioned love knows the power of that gift. My little Yorkie , Millie, is powerful!
#22. Tad Ihns President, Avalex Technologies How do you define power? The ability to bring about change or to influence an outcome. How do you use your power to get things done? To build consensus among technology companies and members of Innovation Coast, and to further aerospace and technology initiatives for job growth. If you could have a super power what would it be? To cure disease. Who do you think is powerful? Elon Musk
#23. Mark Faulkner President and CEO, Baptist Health Care How do you define power? To me, power is the capacity to create influence in order to drive desired outcomes; a force to create and sustain movement. How do you use your power to get things done? I spend more time visioning a desired state or result than I do thinking about use of power. If we focus on the tool (power) instead of the outcome, I think we're missing the boat. If you could have a super power what would it be? The ability to travel forward and backward in time in order to shape and influence situations.
How do you use your power to get things done? By recognizing how immeasurably brief and fragile my life is, I feel compelled to act swiftly and with courage. If you could have a super power what would it be? To erase bias and prejudice thinking. Who do you think is powerful? All elementary grade teachers and coaches of youth sports.
#25. Michael Murdoch President & CEO, AppRiver How do you define power? Power is just the ability to make things happen. We all have it. What counts is how we use it. How do you use your power to get things done? I see my role at AppRiver as making sure that the collective power of our team is working toward productive, profitable and ethical objectives. If you could have a super power what would it be? Time travel would make it a lot easier to be all the places I want to be at once. Who do you think is powerful? People with ideas and the discipline to bring them to life are always powerful. AppRiver’s cofounder, Joel Smith, is a great example of someone who wields a lot of power based on the strength of his ideas and his ability to make them real. 19
SHOPPING, DINING & CULTURE.
THIS SATURDAY April 11 • 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Join the merchants of the SOGO DISTRICT, SOUTH OF GOVERNMENT at Palafox, for a day filled with shopping, great food, live music and fun.
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LIVE WEEKDAYS 7 – 8 AM & ON DEMAND AT BLABTV.COM
Tune in each morning to The Daily Brew on BlabTV and catch guest interviews and local stories from the Pensacola area.
Tune In & See Special Guests* Thurs. 4/9 - Wed. 4/15 *Guest schedules are subject to change.
Cyndi Warren • Jennifer Jackson • Frank Dailey Brian Freeman • Stacey Vann • Mark Klass • Brad Dennis Capt. Katie Higgins • Rick Outzen
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4/6/15 10:54 AM
2015 INWEEKLY POWER LIST
Top 10 Power Families
The Inweekly staff felt the need to create the Power Families division for the 2015 Power List because some are even more influential when they join forces with their parents, siblings and spouses. We limited the inaugural list to 10 families.
#1. The Bear Family
Photo by John Blackie, courtesy of UWF
F
ounded in 1876, The Lewis Bear Company is the oldest privately held corporation in Florida, as well as AnheuserBusch's oldest continuous distributor. Unlike many locally-started businesses that either merged or been sold, the company has remained family owned and has been operated by five generations of the Bear family.
The Bear Family Foundation gave $1, 482,272 to area organizations in the 2014, the largest being a $1 million to build a new downtown Pensacola YMCA. In 2013, the family gave $1,000,000 to the University of West Florida for its engineering department and to support an endowed professorship in Supply Chain Logistics. Belle Bear, co-founder of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay, attributes the fam-
Marital and Family Law New Location: 127 Palafox Place Suite 100 Pensacola, Florida | 466-3115 April 9, 2015
ily’s philanthropy and volunteerism to her husband, Lewis Bear, Jr. “I think it just goes from one generation to another, which I think is great,” said Belle. “I think that's where it all started—with Lewis.” Lewis, who topped the 2009 Power List, outlined how the family foundation determines where to make its donations. “Number 1, we're looking for immediate need from organizations that serve the
less fortunate people in the community,” he said. “Number 2, we're looking forward to the things that we can do for this community today that will pay dividends in the future.” He said all the family members and their spouses—Lewis, Jr. and Belle; Lewis, III and his wife Jennifer; David and wife Cindi; and Cindi Bear Bonner and husband, Chad Bonner—decide on the donations. “We all have different interests,” said Lewis, who chairs the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. “Mine is in making sure that we've got a great work force for years to come by educating young people. The toughest part of that is getting them ready to go to school. Then on the other side of that is understanding what the needs are going to be five or six years in the future. At the university level, you can't start today to get a workforce ready for next year.” The level of donations made by the Lewis Family Foundation has even surprised the patriarch. Lewis said, “We never dreamed of giving a million dollars to a single organization. We've done that twice now.” For Cindi Bonner, the family’s philanthropy and volunteer is natural for her siblings and her family. She said, “It's never dawned on me that we won't help people. It's what we know. It's what we do. It's what our children do.” Belle said, “My feeling is coming from doing volunteering, doing the work, seeing the results of what we personally, bodily do. That's the good part.”
Voted “Best Lunch” 2 years running! Lunch Bar 11-4 * Tapas & Wine Bar 4-8 * Open Monday-Saturday 407-B S. Palafox St. | 850-542-4334 | facebook.com/carmenslunchbar 21
2015 INWEEKLY POWER LIST
#2. Quint and Rishy Studer The Wisconsin couple, who have made Pensacola their home for the past 20 years, have almost single-handedly launched the 21st century rebirth of downtown Pensacola, and they aren’t finished. Their focus has been on creating jobs and a vibrant downtown. Quint said, “Our Number 1 goal is absolutely to improve the quality of life in Pensacola.”
#3. Merrill Family The grandsons of lumber magnate Burney Henderson—Will, Burney and Collier—have leveraged their family's land holdings into condominiums, residential subdivisions and other properties along the Gulf Coast. They created the Great Southern Restaurant Group, which operates the Fish House, Atlas Oyster House and Jackson's Steakhouse. Their Merrill Land Company owns a number of historic buildings in downtown Pensacola, including Seville Tower and the Bass Building.
#4. Jim & Shirley Cronley Developer Jim Cronley and his wife Shirley,
the former executive director of the Pensacola Sports Association, give back passionately to the community. Shirley has spearheaded the efforts to create the Pensacola Sports Museum, and Jim has helped the county through the many hurdles to creating a firstclass commerce park at OLF 8. Jim said, “We don’t have much but we do our best to help those in need.”
#5. Switzer Family The Switzer brothers—John, Charlie and Bobby—were raised to give back to the community. Much of what they do is done anonymously, but the family announced recently a $500,000 contribution to the YMCA of Northwest Florida for its new downtown facility. Last year, Switzer family contributed a $1 million goes toward construction of the future Charles W. Lamar Studio at Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts on the Pensacola State College Campus.
#6. Corbett and Dee Dee Davis Pensacola’s odd couple could not be further apart politically, but are united in their love for Pensacola. The Davis family’s Jeweler’s Trade Shop has been a fixture of downtown
for more than 50 years. Corbett has been the anchor for downtown’s revitalization. Dee Dee, a former State Representative, is the champion of the little charities that don’t get attention. Together they have had a huge impact on Pensacola.
#7. May Family The late Rev. Theopolis and his wife Mary have created a family legacy that is reaping benefits not only in Pensacola, but also across the country. Lumon is the county commissioner for District 3. He and his wife Tammy run the Southern Youth Sports Association. Lutimothy is the pastor of his father’s church, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and the community outreach co-ordinator for Mayor Ashton Hayward. LaRuby, an attorney, is running for Washington, D.C. council seat once held by the late Marion Barry.4
#8. Woodbury/ Hess Family Charles Woodbury, a decorated Marine major and combat aviator, moved to Pensacola after World War II and created a financial empire. His family owns and operates American Fidelity, Bank of the South, Warrington Bank, and the Bank of Pensacola. Their Margaritaville Beach Hotel on Pensacola Beach has been very successful.
#9. Benson Family With all due respect to Dr. Scott Benson, the Benson women are a powerhouse. Mom Lois has served on the Pensacola City Council, in the Florida House of Representatives and currently is on the Emerald Coast Utility Board. Attorney Holly Benson served in the Florida House. In Governor Charlie Crist’s administration, Holly served as head of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Megan Benson Pratt served on the Pensacola City Council and is the founder of Pensacola’s MESS Hall.
#10. Beck Family Commercial real estate broker Gregg Beck and his children, Justin, who now heads the family business and Autumn, a family law attorney, take a divide and conquer approach to pushing Pensacola ahead, serving on various boards. Justin said, “We all three have pretty distinctly different personalities and so it ends up being our communication methods are different. Yeah, we reaching different people, but we are sending the same message.”
Congratulations to
Grover Robinson
for being named to the 2015 IN Power List. Your positive influence in the Pensacola and Northwest Florida area is leaving a lasting legacy. We are proud to have you as a valued member of the Coldwell Banker Commercial United, REALTORS® team.
cbcunitedgulfcoast.com 4475 Bayou Blvd. • Pensacola, FL 32503 • (850) 432-5320 222 2
CB0356_G-Robinson_IN.indd 1
inweekly.net
4/2/15 12:24 PM
Congratulations to
Danny Zimmern • C ommercial Realtor, Scoggins III Inc.
• P resident, Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. • V ice-President, Pensacola Little Theater • P resenter, Pensacola Pelican Drop • P resident, NWF Florida Gator Club • D irector, Temple Beth El • M ulti-time Past Champion, Team Superstars • Y Power - Shooting Guard/Captain City-Wide Championship Team (YMCA) • Father to Hannah Zimmern
Danny Zimmern - INWeekly’s Power List 2015 April 9, 2015
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Putting Pensacola First -Mary Hoxeng
THE LIST 1. Stan Connally, Jr., President/ CEO, Gulf Power Company 2. Julian MacQueen, Founder/ CEO, Innisfree Hotels 3. Teri Levin, Co-owner Levin Rinke Resort Realty 4. C. Edward Meadows, President, Pensacola State College 5. Jim Reeves, Attorney At Law 6. John Peacock, Financial Advisor, CFP(R), Edward Jones 7. Fred Donovan Jr., Principal, Baskerville -Donovan, Inc. 8. Tamara Fountain, Chief Operations Officer, City of Pensacola 9. Martha Saunders, Vice President & Provost, University of West Florida 10. Clay Ingram, State Representative, District 1; President & CEO, Greater Pensacola Chamber 11. Bentina Terry, Vice President, Customer Service and Sales 12. Grover Robinson, IV, Escambia County Commissioner, District 4 13. Sandy Sansing, President, Sandy Sansing Automotive 14. Carol Carlan, President, Sacred Heart Foundation 15. Troy Rafferty, Shareholder, Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Rafferty and Proctor, P.A. 16. Ken Ford, Director & CEO, IHMC 17. Sunil Gupta, MD, Physician, founder Retina Specialty Institute & Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems 18. Debbie Ritchie, COO, Studer Group 19. Jerry Louis Maygarden, Executive Director, Pensacola Chamber Foundation 20. Susan Davis RN, Ed.D, President/CEO Sacred Heart Health System 21. Buzz Ritchie, CEO, Gulf Coast Community Bank 22. Tad Ihns, President, Avalex Technologies 23. Mark Faulkner, President/ CEO, Baptist Health Care 24. Brian Spencer, Architect, SMP Architecture 25. Michael Murdoch, President/ CEO, AppRiver
PENSACOLA FIRST PENSACOLA FIRST PENSACOLA FIRST
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26. Debbie Calder, Senior Vice President, Navy Federal Credit Union 27. Steven Barry, Escambia County Commissioner, District 5 28. Ron Ellington, Executive Director of Strategic Planning, Innisfree Hotels 29. Jack Brown, Escambia County Administrator 30. Crystal Spencer, Attorney, Spencer Meador Johnson 31. Scott Remington, Attorney, Clark, Partington, Hart, Larry, Bond & Stackhouse, P.A. 32. Robert Rinke, Developer, Levin & Rinke Resort Realty 33. Julie Sheppard, General Counsel, IHMC 34. Scott Luth, President/CEO, CEDA 35. Stephen Sorrell, Executive Director, Emerald Cost Utilities Authority 36. Marcus Michles, Attorney, Michles & Booth 37. Brian Baumgardner, CEO, West Florida Healthcare 38. Jeff Helms, Vice President / Senior Practice Manager, Atkins North America, Inc. 39. Wilson Robertson, Escambia County Commissioner, District 1 40. Dick Appleyard, President, Appleyard Agency 41. Donnie McMahon, President, McMahon & Hadder Insurance 42. Michael Morette, President, Morrette Company 43. John Hutchinson, Chairman, CEDA 44. Ray Palmer, Executive Director, Pensacola Sports Association 45. Mark Proctor, Attorney, Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Rafferty & Proctor, P.A. 46. Malcolm Thomas, Superintendent of Schools, Escambia School District 47. Bryan Aylstock, Attorney, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC 48. Doug Underhill, Escambia County Commissioner, District 2 49. Pam Childers, Escambia County Clerk of Courts 50. Mark Lee, Broker, Levin & Rinke Resort Realty inweekly.net
THE LIST 51. David Peaden, Executive Director, Home Builders Association of West Florida 52. Justin Witkin, Attorney, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC 53. Ron Jackson, President, Saltmarsh Cleaveland & Gund 54. Henry Stovall, President, Sacred Heart Hospital 55. Lonnie Wesley, Pastor, Greater Little Rock Baptist Church 56. Patty Hightower, Chair, Escambia County School Board 57. Buck Lee, Executive Director, Santa Rosa Island Authority 58. Linda “Sonshine” Moorer, Radio Host, Magic 106.1 59. Chris Jones, Property Appraiser, Escambia County 60. Steve Hayes, President, Visit Pensacola, Inc. 61. Jay Bradshaw, Owner/President, Coastal Moving & Storage, LLC 62. Sue Straughan, Anchor, WEAR TV 3 63. Gloria Horning, Environmental Activist and Filmmaker 64. William Reynolds, Publisher, NorthEscambia.com 65. Ellis Bullock III, President, E.W. Bullock Associates 66. Melanie Nichols, President, North Hill Preservation Association, Inc. 67. Mort O’Sullivan, Managing Member, Warren Averett, LLC 68. Miller Caldwell Jr., President and Principal Architect, Caldwell Associates Architects, Inc. 69. David Stafford, Supervisor of Elections, Escambia County 70. Diane Mack, President, Institute for Women in Politics 71. Pete Moore, President, Pete Moore Chevrolet 72. Ryan Wiggins, Owner, Full Contact Strategies, LLC 73. Frank White, General Counsel, Sandy Sansing Dealerships 74. Charles Thornton, President, NAACP-Pensacola Branch 75. Bill Greenhut, President, Greenhut Construction 76. Andrew Rothfeder, Partner, Studer Community Development Group April 9, 2015
77. Andy Marlette, Cartoonist, News Journal 78. Gary Michael, Operations Manager, Levin-Rinke Resort Realty 79. Duane D. Thiessen, President/ CEO, Naval Aviation Museum Foundation 80. Danny Zimmern, President, Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. 81. Sherri Myers, Pensacola City Council Member, District 2 82. Ray Russenberger, Founder, Marina Management Corporation 83. John Griffing, President/CEO, NAI Halford 84. Bill Wein, President, IMS ExpertServices, Inc. 85. Charles Bare, Pensacola City Council Member, At-Large B 86. Neil Overholtz, Attorney, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC 87. Bernard Yates, Pastor, Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church 88. Mary Hoxeng, Owner/General Manager, Cat Country 98.7 & NewsRadio1620 89. Nicole Dixon, Executive Director, Gulf Coast African-American Chamber 90. Connie Bookman, Founder/ Executive Director, Pathways For Change 91. Michael Carro, Broker, Sperry Van Ness Commercial Real Estate Group 92. Bruce Baldwin, Board Chairman, Pensacola Blue Wahoos 93. Aaron Watson, Attorney, Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Rafferty & Proctor, P.A. 94. Keyontay Humphries, Regional Organizer, American Civil Liberties Union 95. Amy Miller, Port Director, Port of Pensacola 96. Michael Lowery, President, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1395 97. Neal Nash, Vice President, Martine's Corp. 98. Robin Reshard, Filmmaker, Robert Robino Productions 99. Dr. Joseph Marshall, Pastor, St. John Divine Missionary Baptist Church 100.Ben Galecki, COO/Founder, Heretic Films 25
2015 INWEEKLY POWER LIST
Inweekly Power List Hall of Fame
O
nce you’re named the most influential, you deserve a special place. All top finishers earn berths in this prestigious hall of fame.
Fred Levin (2007)
The flamboyant and outspoken Pensacola trial attorney has the University of Florida law school named after him. His biggest achievement was helping rewrite legislation in 1993 that led to a $13.2 billion settlement by the tobacco industry with the State of Florida.
J. Collier Merrill (2008)
This developer and restaurateur works behind the scenes for the maritime park, downtown improvement and political candidates and causes. With his brothers, Will and Burney, Merrill co-
owns Merrill Land Company, a real estate development and holding firm, along with The Fish House, Atlas Oyster House and Jackson’s Steakhouse in Pensacola.
Lewis Bear Jr. (2009)
It’s difficult to find a charity or community organization that hasn’t been helped by the Lewis Bear family. Bear was the driving force behind the Greater Pensacola Chamber’s economic development efforts and does a masterful job at reining the many political forces at play.
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(2011)
Pensacola’s young mayor came on in his first year as a superstar, accomplishing most of his top 20 campaign goals in his first year in office. In 2012 he tackled city pensions, getting the general employees and police unions to close their plans.
(2012)
The founder of Studer Group and co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos was the big champion for the Community Maritime Park. Autism Pensacola, Pensacola Business Challenge
When leaders endeavor to improve their communities, it can have a very powerful effect. Business, industry, the culture, the arts and all areas of life benefit. We salute Independent News’ top 100 most influential leaders who work tirelessly to make a better community for everyone.
Ashton Hayward
Dr. Judy Bense
Quint Studer (2010)
and the Pensacola Promise scholars have all benefited from his and his wife Rishy’s philanthropy.
She is the hero of every interim officer, turning what was originally only a 12-month gig into a full-time contract that was recently extended by her board of trustees. Bense is, by far, the best politician in the Pensacola area
and has substantial influence on the state level.
David Morgan (2013)
The Escambia County Sheriff handily defeated his opponents in the Republican primary and 2012 general election. His straightforward, direct approach to law enforcement has made him one of the most well-known sheriff s in the state.
Mike Papantonio (2014)
Considered the nation’s top trial attorney in the field of mass torts, Pensacola’s Renaissance man is a regular commentator on several news networks, author, jazz musician and co-hosts the nationally syndicated radio show “Ring of Fire” with Bobby Kennedy, Jr.
We’re especially proud of two of our own — Stan Connally and Bentina Terry, who were named to this list with many other deserving leaders. Together, we have the power to make our area a better place to live, work and play.
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