The University of West Florida College of Business and the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola named William J. Dunaway and Connie Bookman as the 2017 recipients of the annual Ethics in Business Award on May 1 during a luncheon at New World Landing in downtown Pensacola.
The Ethics in Business Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the concept of “service above self†and work to build a positive sense of self-worth within both the business community and the broader community as a whole. Criteria for the award is based on adherence to the high ethical standards of honesty, integrity and consistency in dealing with employees, contractors and customers, while positively enhancing the economic well-being of the firm’s stakeholders and providing jobs, opportunities and profits.
Dunaway, shareholder with the law firm of Clark Partington, P.A., was recognized for the large business sector, organizations with 50 or more employees. Bookman, chief executive officer of Pathways for Change, earned the honor for the small business sector for organizations with 49 or fewer employees.
“This is the 15th year that the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola and the UWF College of Business recognize community leaders who demonstrate the highest standards of honesty and integrity in their dealings with customers, employees and contractors, as well as the Rotary value of service above self,†said Dr. Ed Ranelli, professor and Dean Emeritus for the UWF College of Business. “It’s our pleasure to acknowledge Will and Connie as the 2017 winners of the Business Ethics Award.”
Dunaway, a retired U.S. Navy Lt. Commander, began his association with Clark Partington more than 10 years ago. In his practice, he focuses on real property, land use and environmental issues, and he has developed relationships with governmental entities, judges, attorneys and clients throughout Northwest Florida.
A member of local, state and national bar associations and real estate and environmental organizations, Dunaway also served on the Sacred Heart Foundation Development Board, and volunteers with his church and other organizations. As an Eagle Scout, he coordinates review boards for Boy Scouts seeking to become Eagle Scouts. Dunaway’s pro bono service includes assisting the homeless and advocating for other individuals and families in need. He is a member of Rotary Club of Pensacola, Inc., Cordova chapter.
“The community recognizes that ethics matters in business, because that’s what Rotary stands for,†Dunaway said. “I’m just proud to be a part of it.â€
Bookman founded Pathways for Change in 2004, developing the faith-based addictions treatment program that has become a viable sentencing option in Escambia County. Applying more than 10 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and Christian counselor, Bookman‘s leadership expanded Pathways from a 13-bed facility into a robust non-profit organization combatting the negative effects of drug abuse and poverty through a mens’ residential treatment program, family center, transitional housing, and outpatient women’s treatment program.
“This group of leaders, for them to recognize the work Pathways for Change is doing and my leadership, it is very humbling,†Bookman said. “I’m speechless, actually. I’ll never forget this.â€
An alumnus of Leadership Florida and Leadership Pensacola, Bookman has received multiple awards and appointments throughout her career at the local, state and national levels. She is currently a member of the Escambia Coalition on the Homeless and the National Association of Social Workers.
