Chamber announces PACE 2025 award winners

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The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce held its annual Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence (PACE) Awards last night at the Pensacola Beach Hilton. Sue Straughn from WEAR-TV Channel 3 once again served as emcee.

“It always inspires me to hear the stories of the PACE Award winners,” stated Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce President Todd Thomson. “Once again, the Chamber is honored to celebrate those who contribute so much to our community.”

Advocate Leader: Cindi Bonner, Director, Rally Gulf Coast

Leader in Education: Dr. David Bellar, Dean of the UWF Ushu Kundu, MD College of Health

Business Leader: Brett Aldridge, Chief Operating Officer, Baptist Health Care

Community Leader: Kristin Longley, Director of Public Affairs, Cox Communications

Professional Leader: Will Condon, President/CEO, Ascension Sacred Heart

Emerging Leader: Sam Young, Chief Executive Officer, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

Spirit of Pensacola: Jen Grove, VP of External Relations, Baptist Health Care

Pioneer Award: Dr. Marcus Paul, Dr. Marcus Paul, DMD

The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our 65th Annual PACE Award sponsors for their generous support.

Title Sponsor: Emmanuel, Sheppard, and Condon, Attorneys at Law

Gold Sponsors: CareerSource Escarosa and Pensacola News Journal

Award Sponsors: Ascension Sacred Heart, Baptist Health Care, Cox Communications, International Paper, Landrum, University of West Florida, Florida Blue, and Anglin, Reichmann, Armstrong.

VIP Reception Sponsor: CatCountry 98.7 Radio / NewsRadio 92.3

Wine Sponsor: One Digital

Bar Sponsor: Florida Power & Light

The PACE awards began in 1959 as the Business, Industry & Professional Awards, sponsored by the Pensacola Chamber and the Pensacola News Journal.

PACE Awards – 10 Years Ago

Emerging Leader: Jonathan Griffin, executive VP of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, for “his involvement with governing and operating one of the most successful minor-league franchises in the nation.”

Professional Leader: Denny Wilson, former Oakcrest Elementary School principal, for “his effort that eventually led to his school receiving an ‘A’ rating for the first time in its history.”

Community Leader: Beverly Zimmern, Gulf Breeze mayor, for managing “the city during several major disasters.”

Business Leader: Dr. Sunil Gupta, top retinal surgeon, for “his research and clinical trials that have paved the way for several advancements in retina therapies and treatments worldwide.”

Spirit of Pensacola: Eric Nickelsen, retired banker, for “his lifetime service to the local business and professional community.”

Pioneer Award: Jerry Maygarden, former Pensacola mayor and state lawmaker, for “his distinguished professional career and lasting impact on Northwest Florida.”

PACE Awards – 15 Years Ago

Emerging Leader: Debbie Calder, Senior VP of Navy Federal Credit Union. Top executive of the Beulah campuss with 1,200 employees.

Professional Leader: Dr. James Andrews, namesake of Andrews Institute, president of the American Orthopedics Association

Community Leader: Dr. Coy Irvin, for leading the year-long 450th anniversary of Pensacola’s founding.

Business Leaders: Dave & Mary Hoxeng, owners of Cat Country.

Spirit of Pensacola: James & Betty Salter, founders of Pensacola Habitat For Humanity. for having “built more than 650 houses in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties”

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Chamber announces PACE 2025 award winners

PACE Awards – 10 Years Ago

PACE Awards – 15 Years Ago

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