15 minute read
Visionary Voices
PAM RAUSCH
Rauch is the Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), one of the nation’s leading electric utilities. She is responsible for local government relations, community engagement, corporate philanthropy, and economic development. Before her current role, Rausch served as an associate general counsel for FPL. She is active in her community and throughout the state. She is a board member and past chair of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, a member of the Orange Bowl Committee, a member of the American Heart Association’s Founder’s Circle, a board member for Student ACES, a board member of the Florida Venture Forum, and a member of Leadership Florida, Cornerstone Class XXVII.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” —Albert Schweitzer STARTS HER DAY: With an iced mocha latte FIRST JOB: Tennis camp counselor in Lighthouse Point, Florida ADMIRES MOST: My dad, because he was the most humble, successful person I ever met, and my mom, because she was the most loyal person I ever met. GUILTY PLEASURES: Netfl ix series binging and dark chocolate BEST ADVICE: Don’t do your job the way your predecessor did it. Bring your skills and your specifi c attributes and qualities to your job and you will add much more value. FIND HER ON WEEKENDS: With my family, on a golf course, on a paddle board, or in the water WHAT MAKES HER SMILE: My boys, every day TOP TRAVEL PICK: Santa Fe, New Mexico
MIKE BAUER
General Manager Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
A Florida native, Bauer is in his thirteenth season at the helm of America’s busiest ballpark, serving as general manager of Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium and Jupiter Stadium Ltd. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the 110-acre complex, which is home to six teams and year-round baseball. When he’s not at the ballpark, the University of Florida graduate is often found supporting Palm Beach County and serving on various boards. Bauer is heavily involved with the Jupiter Police Foundation, United Way of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission; he also was recently named president of the Leadership Palm Beach County board.
TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FACED: Managing a baseball complex during the COVID-19 pandemic. STARTS HIS DAY: I run through my daily calendar over a Diet Coke. I have tried co ee, but never grew to like it. I then listen to a podcast or YouTube to learn something new while getting ready. TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Yellowstone National Park. I cannot wait to see the mountains and natural beauty of that area.
DAVID FITZPATRICK
CEO, Scientific Director Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Since his appointment as scientifi c director and CEO of Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience in 2011, Fitzpatrick has led the institute’s expansion to eight research laboratories that are exploring fundamental questions critical to understanding brain function, development, and disease. Prior, he was the James B. Duke Professor of Neurobiology at the Duke University School of Medicine and founding director of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Fitzpatrick’s research has earned him international recognition as a leader in the fi eld of neuroscience, with discoveries that have profoundly changed our understanding of the brain’s neural circuits.
HOMETOWN: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania STARTS HIS DAY: A good cup of co ee and an hour of exercise AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: I would really like to go on an African safari. It would bring together two of my favorite things: nature and photography. BEST ADVICE: Take the time to really listen, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Aspen, Colorado; the Dolomite Mountains of Italy; and Shanghai, China
ALAN BOTTORFF
Co-Founder, CEO Teledactyl Blockchain
While on active service in the U.S. Navy, Bottorff earned one of the highest ranks as an enlisted member. He was instrumental in worldwide operations that included the tsunami in Indonesia, the rescue of Captain Phillips from Somali pirates, and the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Bottorff acquired almost 30 years of professional leadership, entrepreneurship, and business/team development experiences. He has successfully founded fi ve startup companies in the past 10 years. He developed Teledactyl Blockchain (health-care technology), Calla Genics Med Spa, and SugarKane Cigars. Bottorff enjoys being involved in his community. In addition to serving as a board member, trustee, and chairman of fi ve organizations, he also is the fi nancial secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Delta Lambda, and Prince Hall Freemasonry Thurgood Marshall Lodge No. 121.
EDUCATION: Duke University, Strayer University, and The Fuqua School of Business PERSONAL MOTTO: The power is never in the position, but in the people who got you there. HIDDEN TALENT: I’ve always been great at inspiring people when speaking or as an emcee.
LIA T. GAINES
Executive Director Center for Enterprise Opportunity
Gaines is the co-founder and executive director of the Center for Enterprise Opportunity. Since 1996, the center has provided $20 million in direct loans, grants, and community investments to small, Black, women-owned, and community-development enterprises. Gaines has been recognized at the local, regional, and national levels for her leadership and work in racial, economic, and social equity. Throughout the pandemic, she led the Center for Enterprise Opportunity in advocating for and assisting more than 200 micro-enterprises, including small, Black, and women-owned businesses, in successfully securing more than $3 million in local CARES Act grants from Palm Beach County.
TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FACED: Learning that respect is more important than being liked. WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Tessa Thompson because she is brave and beautiful. TOP OF HER BUCKET LIST: Attend the Havana Jazz Festival GUILTY PLEASURE: Any kind of potato chips—the whole bag! SECRET TO HER SUCCESS: Being prepared for failure.
DANIEL HOSTETTLER
President, CEO The Boca Raton
Hostettler is guiding The Boca Raton’s evolution into an unrivaled luxury resort destination. An esteemed luxury hospitality leader with 25 years of experience, he is known for his innovative management approach. Prior to joining The Boca Raton, Hostettler was president and group managing director of the Ocean House Management Collection for 12 years, where he oversaw fi ve award-winning New England properties, including Rhode Island’s Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn.; they are part of the Relais & Châteaux collection of luxury hotels and restaurants around the world, for which Hostettler served as North American president for four years. He is a member of the Cornell Hotel Society and a trustee of the Culinary Institute of America. He was recently appointed to the advisory board of the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality at New York University.
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, California HIDDEN TALENT: I’m a Culinary Institute of America–trained cook, which means I have been known to roll up my sleeves and help in hotel kitchens when things get extra busy. WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Tom Selleck. He’s a great actor, and my wife loves him.
CYNTHIA MCCAULEY
CEO St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital
McCauley is the CEO of St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, which boast many signature services designed to elevate health care offerings in Palm Beach County. She is responsible for all strategic growth and operations of both facilities, including a Level 1 Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Program, and Level 3 NICU, the highest level of care available in the state. She has served as the CEO of Tenet Florida Physician Services and the CFO at Good Samaritan Medical Center, West Boca Medical Center, and North Ridge Medical.
EDUCATION: Long Island University and Adelphi University PERSONAL ACCOLADES: Named one of the “25 Most Infl uential Business Women in South Florida” by South Florida Business Journal SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HER: I am fl uent in Spanish and Italian. WHAT MAKES HER SMILE: My new grandson STARTS HER DAY: At Pilates ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Don’t be afraid of failure. Use it to make you smarter and stronger. Be resilient.
MICHELE JACOBS
President, CEO Economic Council of Palm Beach County
Michele F. Jacobs has 30-plus years of leadership experience in marketing, fundraising, strategic planning, client development and prospecting, budgeting and operations, and administrative oversight. Jacobs joined the Economic Council in 2017 as chief strategy offi cer and was quickly promoted to president and CEO in 2018. Before this, she spent 10 years at The Forbes Company and nearly 20 years in the retail industry as a senior executive at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. She volunteers for many charitable organizations and sits on the board of organizations such as The Honda Classic, Friends of Manatee Lagoon, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, and the American Heart Association, among others. She has been recognized for her work by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, Kid Sanctuary, and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.
EDUCATION: University of Florida FAVORITE BOOK: Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier TOP TRAVEL PICK: Bar Harbor, Maine
DAVID MCCLYMONT
CEO Palm Beach Symphony
As a Certifi ed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt executive, McClymont combines bold innovation with strategic business insight that results in transformational change. McClymont took the helm at the Palm Beach Symphony in 2014 and erased its existing defi cit in only one year. He then delivered a yearly positive balance sheet and a 100 percent increase in revenue in fi ve years. In 2019, McClymont gained international acclaim for the Palm Beach Symphony by appointing Emmy Award–winning conductor Gerard Schwarz as music director. He is active in the community and sits on the board of trustees for the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and on a panel for the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs. A founding board member of the Palm Beach Book Festival, he is a prior board member of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc.
STARTS HIS DAY: With my personal mantra: “I’m alive, I’m alert, and I feel great.” TOP TRAVEL PICKS: Nicaragua, Maldives, Bali, and Utah PERSONAL MOTTO: Work hard and play hard!
WILLIAM A. MEYER
Chairman Meyer Jabara Hotels
Following his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania, London School of Economics, and Georgetown Law School, Meyer became a member of the New York and Florida Bars. He later graduated from Harvard Business School. He is presently chairman of Meyer Jabara Hotels, which owns and operates 30 hotels from offi ces in Danbury, Connecticut, and West Palm Beach, Florida. His real estate projects in Palm Beach County include offi ce buildings, shopping centers, large raw land tracts, hotels, and Devonshire at PGA National. Meyer serves as head of the Operations Committee at the Kravis Center and on the Investment Committees of the Jewish Federation, the Community Foundation, and the Quantum Foundation; he is also a board member of the West Palm Beach Police Fund and the Palm Beach United Way.
STARTS HIS DAY: With 40 minutes of stretching and calisthenics ADMIRES MOST: Bill Marriott. He started with a single co ee shop. COLLECTS: Watches and cars PERSONAL MOTTO: You get what you inspect, not what you expect.
DIANE QUINN
CEO The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Prior to her appointment as CEO of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Quinn was the chief creative offi cer for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment, overseeing show creations and innovation. Quinn has helmed several other arts organizations—including The American Repertory Theatre and the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University—and was the producer for Soulpepper Theatre Company and Festival of Classics. Quinn has taught at several universities and spoken at events including SXSW, C2MTL, and in Scandinavia on topics including creativity, innovation, and arts management.
HOMETOWN: Toronto, Ontario, Canada PERSONAL MOTTO: Say yes. It’s incredible what can happen! HOBBY: Watching live theater—I never tire of seeing great work. FAVORITE QUOTE: ”We rise by lifting others.” —Robert Ingersoll FIRST JOB: I worked for a local farmer picking tomatoes. I am still not fond of tomatoes all these years later! HIDDEN TALENT: I am licensed to race motorcycles.
AVA L. PARKER
President Palm Beach State College
For Parker, the success of Palm Beach State College’s students and Palm Beach County go hand in hand. Under her leadership, PBSC has emerged as a leading provider of workforce development training and was named an Aspen Prize Top 150 Community College by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. Parker’s vision of preparing a technologically capable labor force makes PBSC the go-to institution for students on the path to STEM careers. PBSC is one of 70 community colleges selected to participate in the Artifi cial Intelligence Incubator Network, where colleges collaborate on creating an AI curriculum, teaching best practices, and lab development.
EDUCATION: University of Florida STARTS HER DAY: With meditation and exercise. Food for the soul and movement to keep the engine running. GUILTY PLEASURE: Red velvet cake with ice cream BEST ADVICE: Always challenge yourself to do more. Dive into the deep end of the pool—just make sure you avoid the sharks. HIDDEN TALENT: Singing
BURT RAPPOPORT
President Rapoport’s Restaurant Group
A visionary third-generation restaurant afi cionado and award-winning restaurateur, Rapoport has led an impressive legacy in the South Florida restaurant scene for more than four decades. Rapoport started his career in New York City, where his family owned and operated a successful kosher dairy restaurant for 50 years. He is recognized for his dedication to providing highquality cuisine for a good value, a warm and welcoming ambience, and truly attentive service at all his restaurants.
HOMETOWN: Long Beach, New York EDUCATION: Arizona State University WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Larry David AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Bike trip in Portugal PERSONAL MOTTO: Do what you say you’re going to do. FIRST JOB: Other than working in my grandfather’s restaurant when I was young, I was an ocean lifeguard during college summers. FAVORITE BOOK: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway GUILTY PLEASURE: Ice cream
AMIT RASTOGI
President, CEO Jupiter Medical Center
Rastogi, MD, MHCM, is president and CEO of Jupiter Medical Center, an independent, not-for-profi t regional facility. In his current role, Rastogi is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the medical center’s expanding clinical programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge technologies. Rastogi has more than 20 years of experience as a health care executive and a practicing, board-certifi ed internal medicine physician.
EDUCATION: Harvard University BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Treat each patient as the most important person. STARTS HIS DAY: I wake up at 3:30 a.m. every day and begin charting my course for the day ahead. AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: To author a book PERSONAL MOTTO: Never compromise your integrity HOBBY: Golf FAVORITE BOOK: Good to Great by Jim Collins FIRST JOB: Baking breakfast biscuits at McDonald’s. COLLECTS: Cars
SARAH WETENHALL
President, CEO The Colony Palm Beach
Wetenhall is the owner and CEO of The Colony Hotel. A love of travel and storytelling honed over a decade-plus spearheading public relations and marketing for major fashion houses like Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, and Hugo Boss proved essential in molding this natural-born hotelier. After acquiring The Colony Hotel in 2016, Wetenhall commenced a devoted restoration and relaunch of the hotel. In addition to leading The Colony Palm Beach, Wetenhall is a mother of three and a board member of the Worth Avenue Association, the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the East Hampton Historical Society. She is a committee member of the Central Park Conservancy, Palm Beach’s Old Bags Luncheon, and the Kips Bay Designer Show House.
PERSONAL ACCOLADE: Most recently named one of Hotel Magazine’s Top 10 Independent Hoteliers in 2021 WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Reese Witherspoon STARTS HER DAY: Making homemade crepes for my kids before school. It’s their favorite breakfast.
KELLY SMALLRIDGE
President, CEO Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc.
As the longest tenured economic development president in Florida, Smallridge has a track record in facilitating some of the largest job creation projects for Palm Beach County. She oversees all operations of the Business Development Board, one of only fi ve accredited economic development boards in Florida. In 2004, she became the fi rst female president of a South Florida economic development board. Under her leadership, the BDB has transformed the economy of Palm Beach County and the organization has received numerous state and national awards. Her aggressive style in facilitating relocations and expansions has led to big announcements of jobs for the county from companies like Carrier Corporation, Amazon, Fed Ex, and TBC Corporation, to name a few.
HIDDEN TALENT: Tap dancing STARTS HER DAY: My morning ritual includes getting up at 5 a.m., cooking breakfast for my husband, walking two miles, co ee, prayer, and out the door for meetings. CAUSES SHE SUPPORTS: Education Foundation, HomeSafe, South Florida Fair, and Habitat for Humanity
MARLON D. WHITE
President Palm Beach County Black Business Investment Corporation and Pathway Capital Funding, Inc.
White retired from commercial/retail banking after 41 years. During that time, he served in numerous roles, such as senior vice president/regional manager, executive vice president of business development, and business banker. In 2018, White became the second president and CEO of the Palm Beach County Black Business Investment Corporation (PBCBBIC) in its 30-year history. He brings an extensive experience in banking, fi nance, and business to the position. He holds a bachelor of arts in accounting from Dillard University in New Orleans and is also a graduate of the University of South Alabama School of Banking.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.” GUILTY PLEASURE: Chocolate FAVORITE BOOK: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens PERSONAL MOTTO: When you lose, say very little. When you win say even less. FIRST JOB: Home delivery of newspapers for the Miami newspaper as a 12-year-old WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: My granddaughter
