They are Central Florida's power players.
That's why, eight years ago, I created the annual list of "The 25 Most Powerful People in Central Florida" — to shine a light on those who shape our community.
I didn't determine this list. Instead, I tapped a panel of 14 plugged-in observers — leaders from the business, nonprofit, political, educational and grass-roots sectors. The panelists cast their votes. I simply tally them. Let's get started.
25. Sandy Shugart, Valencia College president (Last year: unranked.) Shugart's profile was raised this year when Valencia won the prestigious Aspen award as one of the best community colleges in America. In a changing economy, community colleges are needed to replenish and transform the workforce. And that's sorely needed in Central Florida's low-wage landscape. Said one panelist of Shugart, 55: "Valencia College doesn't get enough credit, and this man's vision puts him on my list!"
24. Rick Walsh, Knob Hill Group president. (Last year: unranked.) You may not know Walsh's current company. But you certainly know some of the beleaguered agencies this former Darden Restaurants exec has been tapped to reform — like Florida's Blood Centers and Workforce Central Florida. Walsh, 59, is viewed as a steady hand for troubled institutions.
23. Harris Rosen, hotelier (Last year: 21st). This self-made magnate remains one of the few independent and vocal titans of tourism. Rosen, 72, has broken ranks before and seems to be doing so again in testing the waters on casino gambling. He's also a philanthropic force, especially for the poor families that live in the shadows of Orlando's tourist strip.
22. Deborah German, University of Central Florida College of Medicine dean (Last year: 24th). If Central Florida truly intends to diversify its economy, then German, 61, is a key player. She's respected, involved in issues beyond her campus, and determined to put Florida's newest med school on the map.
21. Jacob Stuart, Central Florida Partnership president (Last year: Tie-25th) Businesses come and go. But the head of the region's multipronged chamber of commerce has been steady for years. The 63-year-old loves to convene folks to talk, think and vision. And most of the execs in town seem to jump when he summons, knowing that, at the Central Florida Partnership, it's all about Jacob.
20. Craig Ustler, Ustler Development (Last year: Tie-25th). With development mostly stalled, the 42-year-old who helped revitalize Orlando's Thornton Park is in charge of one of the few big projects downtown. Ustler was picked to turn the former Amway Arena into a mixed-use development. Whether he succeeds will determine his ranking in future years.
19. Tom Williams. Universal Parks and Resorts chairman. (Last year: unranked.) It's kind of a dragon-sized deal that Williams made this list. Universal has long been overshadowed by Disney in this town. But Harry Potter changed all that, with Universal now generating most of the latest tourism buzz. If Williams, 64, gets involved in more community projects beyond his theme parks, his stock may continue to rise.
18. Mike Haridopolos, state Senate president (Last year: 16th). The Brevard County Republican carries a lot of clout as dean of the state Senate. And he'd probably carry even more if he wasn't eclipsed by another Dean … Cannon, the House speaker who ran the legislative show. The future for Haridopolos, 41, depends on how he performs in 2012 — as well as his future plans.
17. Rasesh Thakkar, Tavistock Group (Last year: 12st). Much of Orange County's economic dreams have been pinned on the burgeoning Medical City in east Orange County. And Thakkar, 50, is in the middle of it. Tavistock, which developed the exclusive Isleworth and Lake Nona communities, is now helping lead the medical city. The government pieces are there. More from the private sector must follow.
16. John Morgan, attorney (Last year: 19th). Morgan, 54, is the only person on this list to host the president of the United States at his home … repeatedly. He's a Democratic Party bigwig who also has former Gov. Charlie Crist on his law firm payroll. Morgan also is a key funder for several local charities and markets himself the way Nike does shoes.
15. Bill Nelson, U.S. senator (Last year: 10th). 2012 is a big year for Florida's senior U.S. senator. The Orlando Democrat is facing re-election at a time when incumbents are about as popular as navel lint. But the field of GOP challengers is struggling to gain traction. And, as a moderate Dem who's been in public office for decades, Nelson is a formidable political force.
14. Lars Houmann. Florida Hospital CEO (Last year: 20th). Houmann was the region's first health-care exec to make this list, and his stock keeps rising. His hospital empire is expanding. And Houmann, 54, has involved himself in other community projects, including behind-the-scenes lobbying for SunRail.
13. Jim Pugh, developer/philanthropist (Last year: 15th). Earlier this year, Orlando's dreams for a performing arts center were in doubt. Now, they're back on track, thanks largely to Pugh's persistence and organization. The 73-year-old is a prolific fundraiser — for the arts, Democratic politicians and the University of Florida.
12. Belvin Perry Jr., chief circuit judge (Last year: 23rd). Nationally, the 62-year-old Perry is best known as the no-nonsense judge who presided over the Casey Anthony case. But here and around the state, he's known for combating everything from homelessness to the state's shameful record on wrongful convictions. With his elevated profile, the key question for Perry's future in Orlando is whether he stays put.
