Last night, the Greater Pensacola Chamber announced its 56th Annual PACE Award recipients:
Patrick Elebash, president of Elebash’s Jewelers, was named Emerging Business Leader of the Year for his efforts to make Pensacola a vibrant and progressive city. Elebash, a Leadership Pensacola graduate, has served on multiple boards of directors and continues to lead both personally and professionally. Patrick is an Inweekly Rising Star (2015).
Stacey Kostevicki, executive director of Gulf Coast Kid’s House, was named Emerging Advocate Leader of the Year for bringing services with lasting improvements to children and families in crisis. Kostevicki was recently elected president of the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy and continues to expand children’s advancement along the Gulf Coast. Stacey is an Inweekly Rising Star (2011).
Sacred Heart Health System’s chief executive officer Susan Davis Ed.D, RN was named Professional Leader of the Year for directing a top health care system. Her efforts continue to transform our community into a truly regional healthcare center, promoting Pensacola as a national player in the healthcare industry.
Sue Martin was named Community Leader of the Year for her dedication to improving the lives of numerous children over the years. Martin is the founder of Mall Ball, which is the largest fundraising ball in Pensacola, collecting over $4 million in 21 years for Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.
Chef Joe Abston, owner of Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, The Tin Cow, and Edible Invaders, and overseer of culinary direction at Pot Roast & Pinot, was named Business Leader of the Year. Chef Abston was pivotal on the growth of the downtown area and continues to further the downtown scene, advocating for Gallery Night and chairing Palafox Wine Walk.
Mort O’Sullivan, III, CPA was awarded the Pioneer Award for his professional career with Warren Averett and his many contributions to Northwest Florida. O’Sullivan has over 38 years of experience in public accounting and is a past chairman and current board member for the Greater Pensacola Chamber.
Molly McGuire Martin was awarded the Spirit of Pensacola Award for her many accomplishments as a successful businesswoman and entertainer. She passed away in 2014, but her spirit lives on through the restaurants she built with her husband McGuire – McGuire’s Irish Pub (Pensacola and Destin), Flounders (Pensacola Beach), Crabs (Pensacola Beach) and Vinny McGuire’s Pizza (Destin).