The Healthy Community Initiative of Greater Orlando recently recognized several members of myregion.org’s volunteer leadership as “Champions of Sustainability” , for being change agents in the community and for making a positive difference in the areas of nature, economy, society and individual well- being.

The selection panel researched, nominated and selected 25 of Central Florida’s most significant leaders in the areas of sustainability, including former Orange County Chairman and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez; Orange County Chairman Rich Crotty; former Mayor of the City of Orlando Bill Frederick, and organizations such as the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, the Junior League of Greater Orlando and the Orlando Utilities Commission.

myregion.org salutes these “Champions” and congratulates them for their dedication, leadership and continued efforts in preserving, conserving and protecting Central Florida’s most precious resources in order to ensure a better future for all.

The Foundation - Nature Category

• Randy Morris, Seminole County Commissioner and myregion.org Co-Chair-at-Large, was honored for spearheading The Natural Lands referendum, approved by voters in 2000. His efforts accelerated the process of developing a regional trail system by providing $20 million in funds.
  
  
• CEO Roundtable and Technical Committee member Linda Chapin, former Orange County Chairman for 8 years, was recognized for her strong role in the development of several sustainability initiatives in Central Florida during her tenure as Chairman. In addition, Ms. Chapin supported efforts to build 27 miles of trails that connect parks, schools and neighborhoods throughout Central Florida.
  

Quality Place – Economy Category

• Florida Secretary of State designee and Former Mayor of Orlando, Glenda E. Hood, has served on myregion.org Leadership Council. Her legacy includes revitalizing neighborhoods on the brink of destruction, providing venues for arts and culture, developing multimodal transportation systems including Lynx Lymmo bus systems, 130 miles of bike paths and efforts to bring light rail to downtown Orlando.
  
  
• Leadership Council member Tom Kohler, was recognized for his involvement with the Downtown Development Board, providing the venue for the preservation of history through the creation of Heritage Square. With Kohler’s influence, the Lynx Lymmo bus system became a reality.
  

Connecting Community Issues – Social Category

• Leadership Council member and University of Central Florida President, Dr. John Hitt, was instrumental in the development of the Central Florida Research Park, located adjacent to the University of Central Florida campus in East Orlando. Government, researchers, private companies and UCF students and professors work together to provide the community with the technology and talent for its future competitive advantage.
  

Building Healthy Neighborhoods (Individual Well-Being Category)

• Executive Committee member, Randy Lyon, President and CEO of Lake Nona Property Holdings, Inc, and CEO Roundtable member, Jim Ferber, President of the Central Florida YMCA have made NorthLake Park Community School a national model of student, family and community building. Embracing a non-traditional combination of private, public and not-for-profit entities, the school represents a model of financial, physical and operations performance.
  

To learn more about this year’s 25 honorees, visit www.hciflorida.org.