Gary Hines: Farewell to a Trusted Partner

PICK A MARKET-CHANGING business expansion in or relocation to Palm Beach County, and chances are, Gary Hines had a hand in the company’s decision.

In his 35 years with the BDB, he helped lure Scripps (now the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology) to expand its operation to Palm Beach County, launching a regional transformation that created a multibillion-dollar life sciences hub. Under Gary’s guidance, expansions by UPS and, more recently, Amazon, not only elevated the companies’ footprints in the county but also brought significant opportunities to the region’s workforce.

Gary’s skillful management ensured the seamless expansion of DePuy Synthes and CSL Plasma, both of which bolstered medical advancements and health care services. He also helped strengthen the county’s role as an aerospace hub with the expansion of Belcan, which fostered further technological progress and innovation.

His trusted counsel was invaluable, said Michael Renner, M.D.T., CEO of Precision Esthetics Dental Laboratory in West Palm Beach. Gary aided its 2019 expansion by guiding the permitting, county connections and city resources. “He was pretty much the frontman for the BDB’s involvement, very active and energetic,” Renner said. “He was the architect of a smooth expansion.”

Gary has been a known entity throughout the state’s economic development community. For 27 years, John Diep, Director of International Trade and Development for Select Florida, has worked with—even beside—Gary on projects critical to county and state growth.

Gary introduced Diep to executives across the business community and connected him with state trade and direct investment projects. Gary has been “one of the most respected, responsive and responsible professionals, who’s very empathetic,” Diep said, adding that Gary’s sense of humor is always close at hand, whether at business meetings or their frequent lunches. “That always helped strengthen a relationship at a comfortable, personal level.”

Put Gary in front of the most influential executive or public servant, and he will represent the county with strength and confidence, said Fabiola “Fab” Brumley, BDB board member and President of Palm Beach County for

Bank of America. She also recalled him in the parking lot with an umbrella to ensure they both had a decent parking spot and cover from the Florida summer rains.

“Gary Hines is nothing short of a class act,” she said. “He is the epitome of humility, integrity, and kindness. A gentleman by the standards of old. There is no one like him, and I will miss him greatly.”

Driven by his faith, love for family, and a strong commitment to the people with whom he works and the community he serves, Gary has enriched the BDB workplace beyond the remarkable projects he’s overseen, said BDB President and CEO Kelly Smallridge, who has known Gary since he joined the BDB in 1989. From the start, Gary went to work building alliances with municipal and county officials and local employers to create opportunities. In his formative days with the BDB, he drew hundreds to a luncheon, after worrying that attendance would be weak—cementing his impact early on.

His dedication, mentorship, and collaborative spirit have influenced colleagues and shaped the very culture of the organization.

“Throughout his remarkable tenure, Gary has exemplified unwavering commitment and vision,” Smallridge said. “As Gary embarks on this new chapter of life, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for his exceptional contributions and wish him a retirement filled with well-deserved relaxation and adventure. While he may be stepping away from his role, his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

Speaking this summer at his last BDB task force meeting that he led, Gary commented about his blessings—a proud career, the love of his grandchildren, being blessed by the Lord. As for tomorrow, he wasn’t sure what it would hold.

“Maybe I’ll get bored after a year or so,” he joked. As his wife reminded him, “retirement means twice the husband, half the income.”

We doubt we’ve heard the last of Gary Hines. We certainly hope not.