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FGNW NEWS


 

Florida’s Great Northwest CEO Recognized as One of Florida’s Most Influential Business Leaders Alongside Regional Investors

Posted: October 27, 2025

Jennifer Conoley, President and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW), has earned a coveted spot on Florida Trend’s prestigious Florida 500 list once again, marking her third consecutive inclusion. The editors of Florida Trend honor the state's leading business figures who have not only made remarkable strides in their respective fields but have also made significant contributions to their communities and industry sectors. This annual list showcases the 500 most impactful executives across Florida’s diverse economic landscape. 

This year, Florida’s Great Northwest is especially proud to celebrate several of our valued investors who have been named recipients of this distinguished recognition. Their leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing Northwest Florida continue to make a lasting impact on our region’s economic growth and prosperity. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each honoree for their well-deserved acknowledgment and for their ongoing dedication to strengthening our communities.  

“I’m truly honored to be included once again on the Florida 500 list,” said Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest. “Being recognized alongside so many impactful leaders, including our investors, is both humbling and inspiring. This acknowledgment reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire Florida’s Great Northwest team and the people who support our efforts.” 

FGNW Members in the Florida 500 included: 

  • Terrie Ard, The Moore Agency 
  • David Bear, The Lewis Bear Company 
  • Kevin Carr, FloridaMakes 
  • Cathy Chambers, Florida Power and Light 
  • Ron Christaldi, Shumaker 
  • Bech Cicchetti, Florida Economic Development Council/Wakulla County EDC 
  • Mark Faulker, Baptist Healthcare 
  • Jorge Gonzalez, The St. Joe Company 
  • Alex King, Port Panama City 
  • Richard McCullough, Florida State University 
  • Dr. Ed Meadows, Pensacola State College 
  • Stacey S. Patterson, Florida State University 
  • Armando Pimentel, Florida Power and Light 
  • Scott A. Remington, Clark Partington 
  • Martha Saunders, University of West Florida 
  • Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida 
  • William G. Smith Jr., Capital City Bank 
  • Gregory C. Yadley, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick 
  • Joe York, AT&T 

Florida Trend is a media organization that delivers essential business news and information through both print and digital channels. For over 60 years, it has served as a trusted source of business news, insights, and information for Florida's leaders. Additional details about the list of business leaders can be found at . 

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About Florida’s Great Northwest

Florida’s Great Northwest is the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app economic development organization for the 13-county region of the Florida Panhandle. The organization promotes Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocates for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborates to improve ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app competitiveness. Beyond our beaches, Northwest Florida offers business competitive, bottom-line advantages in workforce training, upgraded infrastructure, access to a host of defense assets and a diverse base of industries that already call the region home. For more information, visit FloridasGreatNorthwest.com and find us on social. 

 

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