Legacy 2016 South Florida: Power Issue | Page 4

4BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL FRIDAY MAY 13 , 2016

Legacy Power Award Honorees

By HCIII
Company of the Year - Suntrust
Margaret Callihan , Chairman , President and CEO , South Florida Division states , " As one of the nation ' s largest and strongest financial services companies , we offer a full suite of products and services designed to meet the needs of our consumer , business , corporate and institutional clients . We provide mobile banking options , financial planning , small business loans , treasury services , investment programs and a complete range of financial products . Our future work will continue to motivate individuals to pursue financial confidence and businesses to achieve solid financial planning . We are an organization driven by purpose and a personal touch . For over 100 years we have been passionate about Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being by helping clients , teammates and communities achieve financial confidence .”
Nonprofit of the Year
- Urban League of Broward
Founded in 1975 as an affiliate of the National Urban League , the Urban League of Broward County is a community based organization dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives in the areas of education , jobs , housing , and health .
“ 2015 was our 40th anniversary and we held the national conference ", recounts Dr . Germaine Smith-Baugh , President & CEO . " The fact that we make ourselves relevant and integral to the community ’ s needs by morphing and changing to meet the demands . We only achieve this because our organization stays responsive , relevant and transparent at all levels of the community from the business leader to the young person getting a G . E . D .”
Business Person of the Year - Claudienne Hibbert-Smith
As a mother at fourteen , Claudienne Hibbert-Smith had all the odds stacked against her but with determination she
overcame them . She continued her education and was accepted into University of Florida before returning to Broward and beginning a career as a businesswoman , philanthropist and motivational speaker . She now owns and operates one of South Florida ’ s best real estate businesses , Hibbert Group RE .
“ I want to do it better each time with the goal of achieving excellence . I wake up every morning and ask myself , “ How can I make today better than yesterday ! I was once asked how do I eat an ‘ elephant and I have learned to eat it one bite at a time .”
Trailblazer of the Year - Michael Hall
Michael Hall is the founder of several lifestyle brands , tech startups , and a trailblazer in technology , innovation and diversity in South Florida . He is also heads several civic organizations for the advancement and progression of our community .
“ One willing to lead , while being humble enough to follow . While to most it may appear that a trailblazer is the first to , but normally they have been inspired by someone else . The path they take may be a path not chosen by many , so at that point you start to leave a trail of your success , failures , hardships , wisdom ."
Educator of the Year - Robert Runcie
Superintendent Runcie was the first to attend college in his family , graduating from Harvard and earning an MBA from Northwestern University . He served leadership positions with Chicago Public Schools before joining Broward County
Public Schools in 2011 where he is now the Superintendent .
Superintendent Runcie heralds what he knows to be true , " Education changes lives , levels playing fields and creates greater opportunities for success . I am inspired by our students , their accomplishments and excitement about their futures . I was the first in my family to attend college and continued on to graduate school . Education transformed my life , and I believe every child deserves the same opportunities ."
Corporate Executive of the Year - Pauline Grant
Pauline Grant joined Broward Health in 1993 as director of Primary Care Services . Today , she is the first female top executive to the governing board of Broward
Health . “ It ’ s truly an honor to receive this recognition from Legacy Magazine ,” said Broward Health Interim President / CEO Pauline Grant . “ I consider it a privilege to lead more than 8,000 dedicated Broward Health employees who provide quality care to our patients . I ’ m proud to be part of a healthcare system that has been an institution in this community for more than 75 years and we will continue to impact lives for years to come .”
Elected Official of the Year - Mayor Wayne Messam
A first-generation Jamaican-American growing up in the Glades , Mayor Wayne Messam learned the value of hard work .
Primed for excellence , he earned an athletic and academic scholarship to Florida State University and was a member of the 1993 National Championship Team before being honored as " Student of the Year ." Mayor Messam ascended to prominence in the construction industry before serving as Mayor of the City of Miramar . In his words , " I am humbled and honored to be recognized for this award . I am proud of our city , our residents , businesses and the hard working employees that make Miramar what it is today ."
Legacy Award
- Eugine K . Pettis
Beginning as a star athlete and captain of Stranahan High basketball team , Eugene K . Pettis became Black Student Union President , and then Treasure of the University of Florida Student Government in college . His competitive nature developed an insatiable desire to win making him a shark in the courtroom .
Eugene Pettis is the first Black President of The Florida Bar after serving on The Florida Bar ' s Board of Governors . He is co -founder of Law Firm Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm and has received numerous accolades and awards as a star trial lawyer and for his engagement in society for public good .