40 UNDER 40

Energy and confidence help catapult these leaders to the top

(page 1 of 7)

Their backgrounds, interests, education and careers are varied. Some were born in Northwest Florida. One was born overseas. Despite their differences, they are all super achievers, leaders in their community and making a difference with the work they do.  

Farron Cousins, a member of MENSA, has gained prominence through his work as a magazine editor, a radio producer (Ring of Fire, with hosts Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mike Papantonio) and a blogger. Time.com put him on its list of 2011’s Top 25 blogs, and he gained national attention for his writings about the 2010 oil spill.

Veronique George earned her MBA from Florida A&M University and studied business at Shanghai University. She founded a consulting firm while in school, has executed dozens of marketing campaigns and interned for Proctor and Gamble, assisting with branding and market research.

Terrie Glover Ard was promoted to a vice president post at Moore Consulting Group at the age of 29 — and now she is senior vice president of the firm. She leads a team of 20 who provide counsel for clients such as Ford Motor Company, Eli Lilly, Anheuser Busch and Workforce Florida. She was instrumental in the development and launch of the company’s pro bono outreach programs, which began in 2010.

Hugh Lochore is an entrepreneur running three businesses at once, with ideas for plenty more if he had the time. Known locally for the jumps and cross-country courses he developed for the Red Hills Horse Trials, he designs courses around the world. He also runs a business called Luna Pavilions, where he builds African thatch pavilions and wooden furniture that he sells. He is a developer, manages rental properties, is a consultant for a new equestrian drug to help injured horses — and will be in London this summer to help his brother, who is in charge of equestrian events at the summer Olympics.

Clint Mizell works with clients in Bay, Jackson, Gulf and Walton counties to help them with their business banking needs. Born in Panama City, he has worked for SunTrust in offices across Northwest Florida, including Pensacola and Tallahassee. His community involvement is wide-ranging, he has a major interest in the region’s economic development and serves on the Bay County Economic Development Alliance.

David Tuyo started with Pen Air Federal Credit Union in 2009 as the chief financial officer, a position he used to help boost employee benefits — including wellness/sports programs that help with fitness and team building. He helped develop a think tank to promote innovation within Pen Air and the local community and established a foundation within the credit union to coordinate fundraising. In his spare time he is working on a doctoral degree.

I think you will agree that these six — the third installment in our 40 Under 40 series — represent some of the best that Northwest Florida has to offer, serving as a credit to their community and the entire region. If you have someone you’d like to have considered as one of 850’s 40 Under 40, please send a nomination to lkleindienst@rowlandpublishing.com.