News Summary
Tallahassee is preparing to recognize outstanding community leaders at its annual awards ceremony, set for September 25. The event will celebrate the achievements of individuals making significant impacts in various areas, including leadership awards in multiple categories. The ceremony emphasizes the need for effective leadership in the face of economic challenges currently facing the community. Proceeds will support the Youth Leadership Tallahassee program. The event also comes as the local chamber addresses ongoing economic issues and transitions its leadership.
Tallahassee is set to honor a group of outstanding community leaders at its annual awards ceremony on September 25, 2025. This prestigious event recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the community, highlighting the importance of leadership within Tallahassee.
The awards ceremony will feature several esteemed individuals, distinguished in different categories. The Lifetime Leadership Award will be presented to Ed Murray from NAI TALCOR. Awards for Leadership Pacesetter will be given to Chirag Shah of The Current Agency and Made Equal Clothing, Mary Stafford from Prime Meridian Bank, and Jovita Woodrich of AARP Florida. The coveted Leader of the Year title will be awarded to one of three nominees: Jon Brown from Black Men’s Health, Sarah Doolin Roy of Young Actors Theatre, or Ricardo Schneider of Danfoss Turbocor. Additionally, the Servant Leadership award will recognize exemplary contributions from Paula DeBoles Johnson of Capital City Youth Development, Kim Gay from Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, and Byron Greene of Florida A&M University.
The winners of the Leadership Pacesetter, Leader of the Year, and Servant Leadership awards will be announced during the ceremony. Proceeds from the event will support Youth Leadership Tallahassee, a program dedicated to high-school juniors who demonstrate leadership potential, preparing them for ethical leadership and community involvement.
For those interested in attending, table reservations and ticket purchases can be made by contacting Barbara Boone at (850) 521-3112 or via email at [email protected].
Economic Challenges in Tallahassee
Tallahassee is currently experiencing significant economic challenges, which will also be a focal point at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Conference, scheduled for August 15 to August 17, 2025. Recent assessments indicate a workforce crisis in the area, with over 12,000 job openings reported and approximately 7,000 residents unemployed. According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, more than 14,660 new jobs will be needed in Leon County by 2030.
The upcoming chamber conference aims to address these economic issues, featuring economist Ron Hetrick and communication expert Henna Pryor as speakers. Workshops, including a “Shark Tank”-inspired session, will allow local industry leaders to pitch solutions to the existing economic challenges.
Leadership Transition at the Chamber
Transitioning leadership at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce is also on the agenda. After a notable tenure of 30 years, including 25 years in leadership roles, Sue Dick, the current President and CEO, will be stepping down. A transition plan has been put in place to ensure a smooth leadership handover. A search committee, led by Becky Tolnay, has been tasked with finding a successor to continue the important mission and growth of the chamber.
Conclusion
The celebration of community leaders on September 25 is not just an event to honor distinguished individuals; it underscores the pressing need for effective leadership in addressing the economic hurdles that Tallahassee currently faces. Both the awards ceremony and the subsequent chamber conference are vital components in fostering a robust framework for cultivating future leaders, particularly in light of the ongoing workforce demands in the region.
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Additional Resources
- WTXL
- Tallahassee.com: Chamber Conference 2025
- Tallahassee Reports: TMH Leadership
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- Tallahassee.com: All America City Contest
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
