CAPITAL 

LOCAL HONORS

» Florida State University’s Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) announced Alex Riensche’s appointment to lead advanced manufacturing initiatives. He is currently heading the ASTRO | FSU InSPIRE 2026 Tech Challenge, now in its second year, where companies compete on distortion prediction and compensation for laser-based powder bed fusion parts—an increasingly critical capability for producing high-performance aerospace and defense equipment.

Riensche brings deep expertise as an advanced manufacturing scientist with ASTRO America, specializing in thermal modeling, digital twin technologies, and additive manufacturing (AM) property prediction. His work focuses on improving precision and reliability in advanced manufacturing processes, helping bridge the gap between research and real-world application. His research has been published in leading journals including Additive Manufacturing, Materials & Design, and the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. He joins from the University of Oklahoma and is based in Panama City, Florida. Riensche holds a doctorate in industrial and systems engineering from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and materials engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

» Tallahassee State College has been recertified as an Achieving the Dream (ATD) Leader College of Distinction, recognizing sustained excellence in advancing student success and closing equity gaps. ATD partners with more than 300 community colleges nationwide to improve outcomes from enrollment through completion and long-term career success.

This designation represents the highest level within the ATD Network and reflects strong, measurable progress in retention, completion, and data-informed decision-making. A member since 2004, Tallahassee State College was named an ATD Leader College in 2009 and became Florida’s first Leader College of Distinction in 2022. That same year, it received the prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award for outstanding and sustained improvements in student outcomes, further solidifying its reputation as a national leader in student success and institutional effectiveness.

» ServisFirst Bank announced the addition of Susan S. Thompson to its Northwest Florida Advisory Board, effective February 2026. Thompson is the founding and managing member of Smith, Thompson, Shaw, Colón & Power, P.A., a Tallahassee-based real estate law firm that handles thousands of transactions annually and is widely recognized for its expertise across the region.

A graduate of the University of Florida with degrees in finance and law, Thompson made history as the first female officer of Florida Blue Key Leadership Honorary. She is licensed to practice in Florida and Georgia and admitted to multiple federal courts. Her extensive community involvement includes leadership roles with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, the Community Foundation of North Florida, and the Economic Development Council. She currently serves as general counselfor the Tallahassee Board of Realtors and is a past president of the Tallahassee Lenders’ Consortium, bringing decades of legal and civic leadership experience to the advisory board.

» Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) has been named one of the nation’s top-performing hospitals in the 2026 Modern Healthcare 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals^® list. Conducted by Premier, the independent study evaluates hospitals using publicly available data across clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, cost, and patient experience.

Hospitals recognized on the list outperformed peers across 21 key measures, demonstrating excellence in cardiovascular care delivery, operational performance, and patient outcomes. The recognition underscores TMH’s continued investment in advanced cardiovascular services and its commitment to delivering high-quality care to patients across the region.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

» Elementary students took center stage at the Florida Capitol during “KidCasting at the Capitol,” a Children’s Week event hosted by The Children’s Movement of Florida. Held in the Capitol Rotunda, students from Brownsville Preparatory Institute interviewed lawmakers, agency leaders, and early learning advocates on issues including education, safety, opportunity, and leadership.

The event flipped traditional advocacy by placing children in the role of interviewer, encouraging direct and meaningful engagement with policymakers. More than 30 participants attended, reinforcing the importance of early childhood policy and investment while providing a powerful reminder of the real-world impact legislative decisions have on young Floridians.

» Business and community leaders from across Northwest Florida gathered in Tallahassee for the fifth annual Northwest Florida Days, organized by Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW). Representing 13 counties, attendees collaborated with legislators on shared priorities that support long-term economic competitiveness and regional growth.

The multi-day event included meetings with policymakers, networking opportunities, and a Legislative Appreciation Breakfast recognizing the delegation’s accomplishments while providing updates on key initiatives. As the region’s economic development organization, FGNW works to attract investment, support business expansion, and strengthen Northwest Florida’s position as a premier destination for industry and talent.

EMERALD COAST  

LOCAL HONORS 

» The Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Bay County Tourist Development Council (TDC) reported continued tourism growth, with collections up 7% in November and 10.7% in December 2025, bringing fiscal year-to-date growth to 7.8%.

This momentum reflects a diversified strategy that blends sports tourism, seasonal programming, and signature events. Initiatives such as Beach Home for the Holidays and the nationally recognized Beach Ball Drop helped attract visitors during traditionally slower months, encouraging longer stays, repeat visitation, and sustained economic activity throughout the late fall and early winter season.

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast was named to Newsweek’s 2026 Best-in-State Hospitals list, one of only 30 hospitals in Florida and the only one in the tri-county area to receive the distinction.

Rankings are based on quality metrics, reputation, patient experience, and outcomes. The hospital also earned a 4-star CMS rating and a 5-star patient recommendation score, with continued national recognition for excellence in maternity care and overall patient experience.

» Cyndi Warren, CPA and Local Partner in Charge – Growth for Warren Averett’s Daphne and Pensacola offices, was named Professional Leader of the Year at the 2026 PACE Awards. Presented by the Greater Pensacola Chamber, the award recognizes individuals whose leadership and service make a lasting impact on the community.

Warren, who joined the firm in 1990, specializes in tax planning and compliance with a focus on the construction industry. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she remains actively involved in numerous nonprofit and civic organizations, contributing to the continued growth and vitality of the Pensacola area.

» ESA South ranked 220 nationally and 114 among general contractors on Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2026 Top Performers lists, recognizing excellence in safety, quality, and project performance.

The company achieved Diamond status in ABC’s STEP^® Safety Management System and holds Accredited Quality Contractor credentials, reflecting strong performance in safety, workforce development, and community engagement. These distinctions highlight ESA South’s commitment to maintaining high standards while contributing to the advancement of the construction industry.

» PenAir Credit Union closed 2025 with strong financial performance, strategic expansion, and a deepened commitment to the communities it serves, positioning the organization for continued growth in 2026. The credit union expanded its footprint with a new branch in Crestview, began construction in Panama City Beach and Fort Walton Beach, and entered new markets in Virginia and Alabama through acquisitions.

The organization saw growth in consumer and commercial lending, strong deposit performance, and high member satisfaction scores. During community challenges, including a government shutdown, PenAir provided relief through zero-interest loans, payment deferrals, and community partnerships. Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions, PenAir plans to continue investing in technology, services, and regional expansion.

» EPSD announced the appointment of Steve Schwartz as executive vice president of revenue. With more than 20 years of experience, Schwartz has built and led global revenue organizations while advising technology companies, founders, and boards on growth strategy and execution.

Previously with Bishop Fox and BINARLY, he is known for translating complex technical capabilities into clear, actionable insights for executive decision-making. In his new role, he will focus on revenue generation, partnerships, and developing scalable offerings aligned with EPSD’s mission to support leadership teams navigating complex technology and governance challenges.

NEW & NOTABLE

» Capital Veterinary Specialists broke ground on a 20,000-square-foot specialty veterinary hospital in Santa Rosa Beach, marking a significant expansion of advanced animal care in Northwest Florida. The facility will anchor a 7-acre campus, create approximately 100 jobs, and serve a broad regional population.

Once complete, it  will be the only facility of its kind within nearly 300 miles, featuring advanced diagnostics, specialty services, emergency care, and a helipad for rapid response—bringing academic-level veterinary medicine to a community setting.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

» SecureVision LLC announced the acquisition and integration of IPacket Networks and ENCO’s bulk connectivity business, expanding its footprint across key Gulf Coast markets including Destin, Panama City Beach, and Highway 30A.

Backed by Snowhawk since 2024, SecureVision has grown rapidly and now serves more than 30,000 units, making it the region’s largest MDU bulk broadband platform. The expanded network enhances service reliability and coverage, while customers benefit from fiber-fed infrastructure, 24/7 local support, rapid response, and proactive monitoring tailored to multifamily and vacation-oriented properties.  

Ascension Sacred Heart Medical Group opened its first urgent care location in Walton County, expanding access to convenient, walk-in care for residents and visitors along 30A. Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the clinic operates seven days a week and will add primary care services later this year to further enhance access to care in the growing region.