FSC’s Anne Kerr named among top educational leaders
Anne B. Kerr, president of Florida Southern College since 2004, was included as one of the state’s most impactful educational leaders in Florida Trend magazine’s Florida 500: Florida’s Most Influential Business Leaders. The editorial selection of Florida’s 500 most inspirational and influential executives – spanning more than 60 business categories – was based on extensive research, consultation and hundreds of interviews. Kerr receives accolades for leading FSC to national acclaim by providing a transformational education to students through a liberal arts and professional programs. Prior to her leadership role at Florida Southern, Kerr worked as an analyst at the State of Florida Board of Regents, as assistant dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, and as vice president of advancement and marketing at two private institutions.
Adams retires from Mahalak Auto Group
Dennis Adams of Winter Haven retired as a transportation supervisor for the four Central Florida dealerships of the Mahalak Auto Group. Adams retired in 1992 after more than 20 years in the military as a special forces intelligence sergeant and weapons sergeant. He moved to Winter Haven and served as sales manager and manager at Stock Building Supply before joining the Mahalak Auto Group in 2016, where he was responsible for the transportation of all new and used vehicles for the group. Adams plans to move to Missouri and enjoy his retirement fishing and hunting. Co-workers and well-wishers congratulated him on his years of hard work at a recent farewell event held at Red Lobster.
Lakeland Chamber names Athena Awards finalists
During the summer, more than 60 nominations for the Lakeland Chamber’s Athena Awards were received and more than 40 women/organizations applied for these awards in three categories. The finalists in the Chamber’s second annual Athena Awards are: Athena Leadership Award – Ann Claussen, Angela Garcia Falconetti, Mary Stephenson; Athena Organizational Award – Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, The Lunz Group, PACE Center for Girls, Polk; Athena Young Professional Award – Christina Criser Jackson, Callie Miller, Brenda Ramirez. The 2020 Athena Awards presented by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is set for Nov. 5 at 6 p.m., at the RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St. Tickets are $50 in-person and $20 virtual, purchased at www.lakelandchamber.com. Named for Athena – the Greek goddess of intelligence, wisdom, arts, and sciences – the award was created by the Lansing, Michigan, Chamber of Commerce in 1982. The Athena Award honors women who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and forge paths of leadership. The Athena Leadership Awards are presented to women and organizations for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. The Athena Organizational Award is presented to an organization based on the following criteria: the business or organization creates a culture that encourages women employees to achieve their full leadership potential; gives back to the larger community of women and girls by providing and/or supporting leadership development opportunities and initiatives; and supports and develops women’s leadership initiatives on a global scale. The Athena Young Professional Award honors emerging women leaders younger than 45 who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession. Recipients must also demonstrate their commitment to service by contributing time and energy to improving the quality of life of others in the community while serving as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.
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