43 Tallahassee Leaders named to Florida Trend’s 2026 Florida 500 list

Tallahassee-Leon County’s business leadership is earning statewide recognition, with 43 local leaders named to Florida Trend‘s 2026 Florida 500 list. Representing 12 categories, this year’s honorees reflect the breadth of talent, expertise, and influence shaping Florida’s economy from the Capital City.

Published annually by Florida Trend, the Florida 500 recognizes the state’s most influential executives across major industries. Honorees are selected through an extensive research process that considers business leadership, industry impact, community involvement, and contributions beyond their organizations.

Tallahassee’s representation spans professional services, higher education, finance, healthcare, technology, energy, and nonprofit leadership. Professional Services leads with 13 honorees, followed by Education with five, and Finance/Insurance and Law with four each. The diversity of industries represented highlights Tallahassee-Leon County’s role not only as Florida’s capital, but also as a center for business, innovation, research, and statewide industry leadership.

Among those recognized is Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) Director Keith Bowers, who was selected for the second consecutive year in the Professional Services category. His inclusion reflects the importance of economic development leadership in advancing business opportunities, strengthening regional competitiveness, and supporting economic growth.

The list also recognizes leaders from several of the region’s major institutions and employers, including Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee State College, Capital City Bank, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, alongside executives of local businesses and statewide organizations headquartered in Tallahassee.

Tallahassee’s 2026 Florida 500 Honorees

The following individuals are recognized in the publication’s industry categories.

Professional Services (13)

• Terrie Ard — The Moore Agency
• Sarah Bascom — Bascom Communications & Consulting
• Keith Bowers — Office of Economic Vitality
• Beth Cicchetti — Florida Economic Development Council
• Rachel Cone — The Southern Group
• Brett Doster — Front Line Agency
• Chris Dudley — The Southern Group
• Dane Eagle — Ballard Partners
• Jeff Hendry — Florida State University Institute of Government
• Nick Iarossi — Capital City Consulting
• Ron LaFace Jr. — Capital City Consulting
• Bennett Napier — Partners in Association Management
• Gray Swoope — VisionFirst Advisors

Education (5)

• Bob Boyd — Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida
• Marva Brown Johnson — Florida A&M University
• Richard McCullough — Florida State University
• Jim Murdaugh — Tallahassee State College
• Ray Rodrigues — State University System of Florida

Finance/Insurance (4)

• Brittany Birken — Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
• Todd Kocourek — Florida First Capital Finance Corporation
• Kathy Kraninger — Florida Bankers Association
• William G. Smith Jr. — Capital City Bank Group

Law (4)

• Dean Cannon — GrayRobinson
• Benjamin J. Gibson — Shutts & Bowen
• Lori Killinger — Lewis, Longman & Walker
• Sean Pittman — Pittman Law Group

Energy (3)

• Mike Bjorklund — Florida Electric Cooperatives Association
• Lila A. Jaber — Jaber Group
• Amy Zubaly — Florida Municipal Electric Association

Philanthropy/Nonprofits (3)

• Jeff Kottkamp — Florida TaxWatch
• Robert McClure III — The James Madison Institute
• Melissa Nelson — United Way of Florida

Health/Life Sciences (2)

• Mary C. Mayhew — Florida Hospital Association
• Emmett Reed — Florida Health Care Association

Retail/Wholesale (2)

• Kim Rivers — Trulieve
• R. Scott Shalley — Florida Retail Federation

Tech/Information/Media (2)

• Kathleen Amm — National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
• Brittany Woodruff — Nova Technologies

Agriculture (1)

• Ernie Barnett — Florida Land Council

Logistics/Transportation (1)

• Alix Miller — TSG Transportation Advisors

Legends (3)

• Carol Dover — Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
• G. Mark O’Bryant — Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
• Wendy Spencer — Leadership Florida (Retired)

Recognizing Leadership That Drives Economic Vitality

The inclusion of so many Tallahassee-based leaders reflects the region’s diverse economic strengths and the influence of organizations operating here. From entrepreneurs and corporate executives to university presidents, researchers, and industry advocates, these individuals contribute to the connections, innovation, and opportunities that strengthen Tallahassee-Leon County’s economic landscape.

OEV congratulates all 43 honorees on this recognition and celebrates their continued contributions to our community and the State of Florida.

Explore the complete 2026 Florida 500 list and learn more about the leaders shaping Florida’s future.