1. Randy Haffner | President & CEO, AdventHealth Florida
Randy Haffner stands as a pivotal figure in the healthcare industry, guiding a network of 30 hospitals and 42 emergency departments that serve millions annually. Under Haffner’s leadership, AdventHealth Florida has flourished, becoming a cornerstone of Central Florida’s healthcare landscape and contributing significantly to the region’s economic vitality. His tenure at AdventHealth, which began in 1989, reflects a deep commitment to the organization, as he has held numerous senior leadership roles, including overseeing operations across multiple states.
AdventHealth’s recent accomplishments under Haffner’s leadership highlight the organization’s dedication to innovation and excellence. This year alone, AdventHealth has garnered significant recognition, being named the No. 1 hospital in the Orlando metro area for the 14th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report.
One of the most groundbreaking developments under Haffner’s direction is the planned construction of a new hospital in Lake Nona, a community known for its focus on health and innovation. Dubbed the “hospital of the future,” this facility is set to revolutionize healthcare delivery with cutting-edge technology and design, further solidifying AdventHealth’s position at the forefront of medical advancement.
Beyond these achievements, AdventHealth continues to make a profound impact on the community, investing over $1.1 billion annually in statewide community initiatives.
2. David Strong | President & CEO, Orlando Health
David Strong has been at the helm of Orlando Health since 2015. Under his leadership, Orlando Health has not only expanded its reach but also earned numerous accolades for its quality of care, innovative approaches and workplace environment.
One his most notable recent achievements is Orlando Health’s acquisition of five hospitals in Birmingham, Alabama, for $910 million. This strategic move marks a significant expansion of Orlando Health’s footprint beyond Florida.
As Strong explained, “We’re blessed to live in an area of growth, but we also try to put assets in place for the next 5, 10, even 20 years or more.”
Another major milestone was the unveiling of the new Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute at the downtown Orlando campus. This facility is designed to provide cutting-edge neurological care, featuring advanced technology and specialized services to treat a range of complex conditions.
Orlando Health has also continued to invest in community-based care. In July 2024, the organization broke ground on a freestanding emergency room in Longwood. It will provide critical emergency services to a growing community, ensuring that residents have access to high-quality care close to home.
3. Craig Ustler | Owner & President, Ustler Development, Inc.
Craig Ustler, a pivotal figure in Orlando’s real estate landscape, has been at the forefront of transforming the city’s urban fabric through his deep-rooted commitment to “new urbanism.”
One of Ustler’s most ambitious undertakings is the Creative Village master development. This 68-acre Urban Innovation District has been transformed into a vibrant hub that not only houses the UCF/Valencia Downtown Campus but also integrates residential, educational and commercial spaces.
“The big shift you’re hearing now is moving away from Central Business Districts (CBD) and gravitating toward a Central Activity District (CAD),” Ustler notes.
Beyond his large-scale developments, Ustler has also made a significant impact on Orlando’s dining scene and has been instrumental in establishing popular downtown dining destinations.
4. Tim Giuliani | President & CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership
Tim Giuliani, heading into his eighth year as head of the public-private Orlando Economic Partnership, spearheads its goal—to spread the word that the Orlando area is a great place to do business. The partnership takes in seven Central Florida counties, and during Giuliani’s tenure, it’s supported 160 business projects and expected to create 21,500 new jobs with average annual wages of $73,600.
Giuliani manages a team of 40 and an $11 million budget. “Over the last 12-18 months we’ve seen $500 million invested in NeoCity, we won the Build Back Better partnership worth $500,000, and National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engine’s $160 million grant toward Orlando’s semiconductor industry,” says Giuliani.
“I’m optimistic about where the future of downtown is headed,” he adds. “It’s a very complex ecosystem.”
5. Martha McGill | President, Nemours Children’s Hospital
Martha McGill felt her calling at an early age: to help children. It led her to a nursing career and a subsequent transition into hospital administration.
“Our clinicians are treating kids with complex illnesses, providing emotional support for families and putting smiles on the faces of children. That’s what it’s all about for me,” says McGill.
As president of Nemours Children’s Hospital, a role she’s held since 2105, McGill’s goal is simple: “create the healthiest generations of children.” This past year, the University of Central Florida College of Medicine—Nemours Children’s Health Department of Pediatrics came to fruition.
“The new pediatrics department is a critical part of our efforts to train and cultivate the pediatric physician workforce of the future,” says McGill. “As the need for healthcare services increases … we are committed to creating a pipeline of skilled, well-trained pediatricians to care for children across Central Florida and the entire state.”
“We’re serving more and more of Florida’s children, and we have programs that now rank among the best in the nation,” she continues. “We will continue to focus on providing the highest quality care, as well as building and integrating our network of practice sites and partnerships across the region.”
6. Pamela Nabors | President & CEO, CareerSource Central Florida
Pamela Nabors stands as a driving force behind transformative change in workforce development, not only at the local level but extending her influence on state and national platforms. As the leader of CareerSource Central Florida, the region’s official workforce development board, Nabors oversees a budget exceeding $38 million and leads a team of 225 professionals. Her vision impacts the lives of 2.8 million residents across five counties: Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Sumter.
Reflecting on the achievements of the past 18 months, Nabors highlights the organization’s focus on providing skill career training that aims to elevate starting wages. “For people getting skill career training, we aim at $18 an hour, but we are just shy of $20 an hour. For us, that is a substantial increase in where people start their careers,” she says.
With five generations currently in the workforce, Nabors recognizes the complexities of managing diverse expectations and values across different age groups. “What boomers and Gen Xers value isn’t what the others value,” she says, recognizing the ongoing need for adaptable and inclusive workforce strategies.
7. Tony Jenkins | Central Florida Market President, Florida Blue
Tony Jenkins is the Market President for Florida Blue’s Central Florida region, where he provides strategic oversight and leads a team in developing business plans to increase and retain membership, enhance brand visibility and coordinate employee engagement. He’s also the 2024 interim Market President for the North Florida region.
“I’m proud of the great work Florida Blue continues to do throughout Central Florida as we work towards helping individuals and communities achieve better health,” says Jenkins.
Jenkins was instrumental in establishing Florida Blue’s diversity efforts in 2001. He was previously the director of diversity for CSX Corporation, and spent 18 years in leadership with the Walt Disney World Company.
Under Jenkins’ leadership in Central Florida, Florida Blue has been recognized as a Best Place to Work, an Outstanding Diverse Organization and a Corporate Philanthropy honoree. He is an advocate for several causes throughout the Orlando community and beyond.
For the 2024 NFL season, Florida Blue became a community partner with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joining forces with hundreds of volunteers from local companies to give back to the community.
Florida Blue is headquartered in Jacksonville.
8. Chuck Whittall | President, Unicorp National Developments
Chuck Whittall, a prominent figure in Orlando’s development scene, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transforming landscapes and enhancing communities.
Recently, Whittall has solidified his reputation as an innovator in the field. One of his most significant accomplishments is the $30 million redevelopment project of Orlando’s renowned Restaurant Row. This project, which aims to rejuvenate one of the city’s most popular dining destinations, reflects Whittall’s dedication to elevating the local community through impactful development.
Additionally, Whittall has continued to expand Unicorp’s portfolio with the construction of up to four new apartment complexes, scheduled for completion by the end of the year. These developments are poised to address the growing demand for high-quality residential spaces in the region.
Beyond his professional achievements, Whittall is recognized for his philanthropic efforts. His work as an inspirational speaker and dedicated father underscores his multifaceted personality and his desire to inspire others to pursue their dreams with the same passion and integrity that has defined his career.
9. John Morgan | President & Partner, Morgan & Morgan
John Morgan, the polarizing founder of Morgan & Morgan, has established himself as a titan in the legal world, with a career deeply rooted in personal injury law—a path chosen after his brother’s paralysis in a heroic lifeguarding effort. Morgan has grown his practice into a formidable force, marked by his “For the People” brand and an unyielding commitment to fighting for the underdog. His law firm now boasts a workforce of 4,400 employees, including 1,000 lawyers spread across 125 offices nationwide.
One of Morgan’s most notable accomplishments is his ongoing advocacy for the legalization of medical marijuana. His efforts began with a ballot initiative in 2013 and culminated in the successful legalization of medical marijuana in Florida in 2016. He has remained at the forefront of the fight to expand access to medical marijuana, particularly in the face of legal challenges that sought to restrict the use of cannabis.
Morgan’s influence extends beyond the courtroom. He has been an active supporter and fundraiser for Democratic leaders, while also collaborating with Republican politicians, demonstrating his ability to bridge political divides.
10. Tanisha Nunn Gary| President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
As head of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, Tanisha Nunn Gary is responsible for cultivating strong relationships with key community leaders and corporate entities to enhance opportunities for members and engage partners on initiatives.
Gary oversees all outreach efforts for the Chamber, which encompasses six counties. She is an active member of several civic and professional associations, including the Truist Advisory Board, Orlando Economic Partnership Board, United Arts Board, CareerSource of Central Florida Board and the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.
In 2020, Gary was recognized as one of Onyx Magazine’s Women on The Move. In 2021, she was named one of the Orlando Business Journal’s CEOs of the Year and 50 Central Florida Power Players. Additionally, the Orlando Magic recognized Gary as a Hometown Hero in 2020 and a Social Justice Game Changer in 2022.
