A group of young adults smiling and engaging in conversation at a social event. The atmosphere is lively and informal, with people wearing casual clothes and mingling in the background.

Class Notes

Share your news with the Business Gator Nation

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Kevin Boone

BSAc ’00

Kevon Boone

Boone has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at CSX.

Boone joined CSX in 2017 and has held several key leadership roles. Most recently, he served as executive vice president and chief commercial officer. He brings exceptional expertise to the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer, a position he previously held for two years during the company’s navigation of supply chain challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Boone also served as vice president of corporate affairs and investor relations at CSX.

Prior to joining the company, he spent nearly two decades in the investment industry, specializing in finance, accounting, and mergers and acquisitions. 

October 2025

Jose Godoy

BSBA ’02

Jose Godoy

Godoy transitioned into the role of Director of Business Development at Vertix Group LLC. He previously spearheaded Portfolio Management functions at the group.

With nearly 20 years of experience in private credit, capital markets, and wealth management, Godoy brings deep industry expertise and a robust professional network.

October 2025

Glenn Cooper

BS ’95

Glenn Cooper

Cooper joined Shutts & Bowen as a Partner in its Tax & International Law Practice Group, based in the firm’s Miami office.

Cooper brings more than 25 years of experience advising international companies, investors and entrepreneurs on cross-border business transactions, corporate law and U.S. immigration matters. His practice focuses on helping foreign companies establish and grow their U.S. operations, obtain business and investor visas and navigate complex corporate and regulatory requirements.

Fluent in French and proficient in Spanish, Cooper has been a frequent speaker on international business and immigration issues in Europe and North America, addressing organizations such as the French-American Chamber of Commerce, the Canada Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s South Florida District Export Council and has held leadership positions with multiple business development organizations throughout Florida.

October 2025

Taylor Cole

MBA ’07

Taylor Cole

Cole was named as an operating partner focused on industrial investments at Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC, a middle market private equity firm specializing in the industrial and healthcare sectors.

Cole brings more than 35 years of operational and executive leadership experience across the industrial and heavy equipment manufacturing sectors. His background spans public and private companies in both U.S. and international markets, including the Asia-Pacific region, where he spent over a decade working in Indonesia and Singapore.

He most recently served as CEO of Canam Steel Corporation, a private equity-sponsored supplier to the commercial construction industry, where he oversaw the company’s growth from $400 million to $1.5 billion in revenue and led operations across a multi-site domestic manufacturing network.

Prior to Canam Steel Corporation, Cole served as President of Firestone Building Products, where he led a four-year turnaround of the global business. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Bridgestone, Howden North America, Intergraph Corporation, Sandvik Mining and Construction, Freeport McMoRan, and International Shipholding Corporation.

October 2025

Vivian (Lee) Wong

DBA ’25

Vivian (Lee) Wong

Wong’s abstract, “Conscientiousness and Neuroticism Interact to Affect Job Performance: The Mediating Roles of Goal Commitment and Goal Orientations,” was accepted for presentation at the International Conference of Applied Psychology (ICAP 2026).

She is an adjunct business lecturer at the University of Colorado – Boulder and Chinese Agricultural University.

September 2025

Billy Gilchrist

BSBA ’07, MSE ’09

Billy Gilchrist

Gilchrist was named Senior Vice President – Originations at Peachtree Group, a leading commercial real estate investment firm overseeing a diversified portfolio of more than $8 billion. In this role, Gilchrist will be responsible for originating commercial real estate and hotel investments across Peachtree’s lending platform.

Gilchrist brings more than a decade of leadership experience in finance, real estate and hospitality to Peachtree. He has a proven track record in executing large-scale acquisitions, new construction and capital improvement projects totaling more than $400 million. His expertise spans debt structuring, capital raising and asset management, making him a strong addition to the firm’s credit platform.

Before joining Peachtree, Gilchrist served as chief financial and investment officer of ARK, where he oversaw investment strategy, financial planning and operations. Previously, he held senior executive roles with Hotel Development & Management Group where he was instrumental in driving the company’s development pipeline, acquisitions and investor engagement. Earlier in his career, he held positions with Insight Credit Union and BB&T, managing credit portfolios and small business relationships.

September 2025

Anu Rajakumar

BSBA ’08

Anu Rajakumar

Rajakumar was named one of Pensions & Investments’ 2025 Most Influential Women in Institutional Investing. She is Managing Director and Multi-Asset Advisor at Neuberger Berman in New York. 

She has been with Neuberger for 16 years and has played a pivotal role in transforming and elevating the company’s Multi-Asset platform. Beyond her business impact, Rajakumar is a respected thought leader in the industry and is admired for fostering a collaborative culture, mentoring colleagues and empowering others to innovate.

September 2025

Flavia Vaduva

MSM ’15

Flavia Vaduva

Vaduva was recently awarded recognition as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) – Nutrition College.

Vaduva joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition in 2024 as a Scientific Communications Senior Specialist and is a valued member of the USPVA team. She is a 2016 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Before specializing in veterinary nutrition, she served as a general practitioner and held several roles in the veterinary industry.

September 2025

Shannon Taylor

MBA ’24

Shannon Taylor

Taylor was named to Influential Women’s 2025 list, highlighting her remarkable contributions at the intersection of healthcare, business strategy, and behavioral health. Taylor is a dynamic leader known for her operational expertise, strategic insight, and commitment to driving meaningful impact across both clinical and business environments.

Currently serving as Director of Operations and Business Development at Burton Capital Group, LLC, Taylor partners with executive leadership to oversee daily operations, manage real estate portfolios, and align business strategies with long-term financial objectives. In addition, she serves as a Business Process Consultant, specializing in optimizing clinical workflows, leveraging data analytics, and implementing innovative solutions that enhance service delivery and financial performance. Her dual expertise in healthcare and business uniquely positions her to create sustainable operational excellence.

As the Director of Operations at Burton Capital, in 2025, she spearheaded a major expansion initiative by cultivating key partnerships that led to the launch of a new $55 million line of business—set to be completed over three years and projected to create hundreds of jobs. Leveraging deep industry insight and operational expertise, Taylor leads cross-functional teams, drives growth through market analysis and data-informed strategies, and fosters long-term client relationships that position Burton Capital for sustained success.

August 2025

Diane Childs

BSBA ’81

Diane Childs

Childs recently joined the Alachua County Library District as a Library Assistant. After experiences at the University of Florida and Scripps Research Institute, she is back in the college town of Gainesville, enjoying the springs, beach and visiting friends. Childs is open to networking with Delta Sigma Pi and others, past and present, especially librarians.

August 2025

Steven McComas

BSBA ’90

Steven McComas

McComas is CEO of Responsive Technology Partners, which was named to the annual Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

Responsive Technology Partners is No. 4,238 on the list, which provides a data-driven snapshot of the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle and Patagonia.

August 2025

Michael Craven

MBA ’02

Michael Craven

Craven was appointed President of East Coast Powera fast-growing electric utility services provider with operations throughout the Northeast region of the United States.

Prior to joining ECP, Craven served as Vice President of Electric Operations at Avangrid, where he oversaw New York electric line operations, distribution engineering, integrated planning and design, substation operations and stores operations for over a decade. Prior to Avangrid, Craven was a Manager of Systems Operations for New York State Electric & Gas (a subsidiary of Avangrid) from 2005 to 2015.

August 2025

Wyn Elder

MBA ’01

Wyn Elder

Chainalysis Government Solutions has promoted Elder, most recently chief operating officer, to president and CEO.

He brings to the role his experience as a corporate strategist and core competencies in budgetary and strategic planning, congressional engagement and interagency collaboration, among other areas.

Elder joined Chainalysis Government Solutions in March as a vice president responsible for overseeing the company’s go-to-market strategy.

Chainalysis Government Solutions helps U.S. defense, intelligence, law enforcement and civilian agencies disrupt criminal operations by conducting cryptocurrency investigations and providing advisory, analysis, cybersecurity and data engineering support.

Before Chainalysis, he was managing director of global and U.S. public sector at Box, where he led the go-to-market strategy for public sector customers in the cloud content management category.

The U.S. Air Force veteran previously served as defense and national security innovation and readiness leader at Deloitte Consulting and as director of strategic initiatives and business development for the government and public sector at Apple.

His government career included time as a partner at Defense Innovation Unit Experimental and executive assistant to the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The University of Virginia mathematics graduate has a master’s degree in national security policy studies from the National War College and an MBA from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business.

August 2025

Robyn Crawford

MSE ’25

Robyn Crawford

Crawford’s business Eden Books, an online romance and women’s fiction bookstore, was featured in a recent Forbes article about e-commerce businesses. Check out the story, 15 profitable e-commerce business ideas, today.

August 2025

Drew Cappello

BSBA, MSF ’14

Drew Cappello

Cappello was named to the 2025 Forbes “Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list. He is Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch in Tampa.

Cappello began his career at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Palm Beach, FL where he worked for 3 years prior to joining Merrill in 2017. In his role, Drew works closely with clients to develop customized financial strategies while providing ongoing advice and guidance. Within the team, he is also responsible for relationship management, investment analysis and performance reporting.

Cappello is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) Charterholder and holds the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®, CPFA® designation. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations as well as a license in Variable Life and Health insurance. He was named to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list as a member of The Cappello Group.

August 2025

Bryant Rafferty

BSAc ’11

Rafferty was promoted to Audit Senior Manager in James Moore & Company’s Gainesville office. He joined James Moore in 2019. 

July 2025

Sumit Dhawan

MBA ’03

Dhawan was elected to the Moody’s Corporation Board of Directors, effective July 16, 2025. He will join the Board’s Governance & Nominating and Compensation & Human Resources committees. With the election of Dhawan, Moody’s Board will consist of ten directors.

Dhawan has over 25 years of experience building and leading security, cloud and end- user computing businesses. Dhawan has been the CEO of Proofpoint, Inc., a cybersecurity and compliance company, since November 2023. Prior to that, he held several senior executive positions at VMware, Inc., a cloud software company, culminating with his role as President. Previously, he served as CEO of Instart, a technology company that delivered web application performance and security services.

July 2025

Nermine Khouzam Rubin

BS ’83, MBA/MHS ’86

Nermine Khouzam Rubin

Rubin, the Founder and CEO of Water 4 Mercy, as named among Inc Magazine’s “5 Best Iconic Business Leaders to Follow in 2025.” Rubin, a passionate humanitarian and global peace advocate, is being celebrated for her pioneering work in sustainable development, humanitarian innovation and her deep-rooted commitment to upholding human dignity in some of the world’s most underserved regions.

Rubin’s recognition comes as no surprise to those familiar with her work. Since founding Water 4 Mercy in 2018, she has led a transformative movement that merges Israeli innovation, interfaith collaboration, and practical on-the-ground implementation to solve three of Africa’s most persistent challenges: thirst, hunger and poverty.

July 2025

Clifford Wilson

BSBA ’04

Cliff Wilson

Wilson was recently appointed as Lovelace Health System’s new president and chief executive officer, effective August 11. Wilson brings nearly two decades of healthcare leadership experience and a strong track record of operational excellence, clinical performance and strategic growth.

Wilson most recently served as market president and CEO for Lifepoint Health’s Central Kentucky region, where he oversaw four acute care hospitals and led initiatives to improve patient outcomes, expand access to care and strengthen community partnerships. Under his leadership, the market experienced significant improvements in quality, recruitment and financial performance. During his 14-year tenure with Lifepoint, he held a variety of leadership roles including hospital CEO, COO and senior director of physician services.

July 2025

Macy Trizonis Finn

BSBA ’18, MSRE ’19

Macy Trizonis Finn

Finn has been honored by Connect CRE with the outlet’s prestigious 2025 Next Generation Award. This recognition solidifies Finn’s reputation as a standout young talent in the industry and acknowledges her growth, impact and burgeoning leadership role with Monday Properties.

Finn serves as Vice President of Acquisitions and Capital Transactions at Monday Properties, a real estate investment firm and industry-leading multifamily developer.

Since joining Monday Properties as an intern in 2018, Finn has earned five promotions and has played a pivotal role in eleven office and multifamily acquisitions, totaling $847 million in value across 2.8 million square feet. She plays a significant role throughout all phases of the firm’s acquisition process, which includes the multifamily, commercial office and life science asset classes. She is integral during the initial underwriting and due diligence, as well as the capitalization and closing process.

Most recently, Finn has played a key role in Monday Properties’ expanding multifamily platform, focusing on the acquisition of value-add assets in high-growth markets. She supports the acquisitions process through hands-on asset management and helps oversee capital improvement initiatives across the newly acquired properties.

Notable deals in her repertoire include a diverse set of commercial office assets like Shirlington Tower and Beauregard Professional Center in Alexandria, VA and Park Plaza I & II in Rockville, MD; as well as multifamily acquisitions like Villas at Princeton Lakes in Atlanta, GA and 75 Tresser and Harbor Landing in Stamford, CT.

July 2025

Wonder Victor Kutor

MSM ’24

Kutor was appointed by Ghana’s President John Mahama to the Board of the Volta River Authority (VRA)—Ghana’s largest power generation and infrastructure agency.

The VRA Board is tasked with steering the Authority through a new phase of operational revitalization, green energy transition, human capital development, and enhanced public engagement.

Kutor’s appointment reflects a growing recognition of globally trained talent in advancing Ghana’s strategic energy and sustainability goals.

June 2025

Victor Acevedo

BSBA ’95

Acevedo is retired from a career in business but continues to play small acting roles in commercials and also perform voiceovers.

“I’m having fun and hoping we have a great football season while also enjoying what the basketball team did,” he shared. 

June 2025

Kevin Sowers

MBA ’09

Kevin Sowers

Sowers has been named Associate Vice President for Business Affairs at the University of Florida. Sowers joins UF from the University of Central Florida, where he served as Assistant Vice President of Business Operations.

At UCF, he oversaw several auxiliary operational units for budget administration and third-party contract management. His expertise will help UF’s Business Affairs division review and guide revenue and operations strategies, develop and implement policies and procedures, and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement across operations.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Central Florida. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with concentrations in Marketing and Public Relations from Radford University.

June 2025

Carrie Knowles-Atkinson

MBA ’04

Carrie Knowles-Atkinson

Knowles-Atkinson was appointed a Principal at BDC Advisors, a leading healthcare strategy consulting firm. Knowles-Atkinson brings over 25 years of leadership in provider network strategy, contract negotiation, and payer-provider collaboration to support BDC’s growing practice focused on payer-provider strategy, innovation and value-based contracting.

Knowles-Atkinson has held senior leadership roles across the healthcare industry, including nearly two decades at UnitedHealth Group (UnitedHealthcare and Optum), where she served as National Vice President of Provider Networks and Regional Vice President of Government Network Programs. Most recently, she served as a Senior Healthcare Advisor at Oliver Wyman, where she worked with leading payers to optimize provider networks and contracting strategies. Her experience spans all major lines of business including Commercial, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Exchange, and Federal programs.

At BDC, Knowles-Atkinson will work with health systems, provider organizations, and health plans to align contracting strategies with service line transformation efforts and enterprise growth. Her appointment comes as BDC Advisors continues to expand its payer-provider innovation services, including product development, go-to-market strategies, revenue enhancement, market competitive repositioning, development of value-based payment models, and implementation of sustainable contracting cycles.

June 2025

Chris Pernicano

MBA ’93

Chris Pernicano

Pernicano was reappointed to the North Broward Hospital District by Governor Ron DeSantis. Pernicano is the Chief Technology Officer for Synergist Technology, LLC. Previously, he served as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pernicano Enterprises, Inc. and the Vice President of Engineering and Information Technology for Netsmart. A recipient of the 2020 GATOR100 Award, Pernicano earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, his master’s degree in environmental engineering, and his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida. 

June 2025

Fred Ridley

BSBA ’74

Fred Ridley

Ridley was reappointed to the University of Florida Board of Trustees by Governor Ron DeSantis. Ridley is a Partner at Foley & Lardner, LLP. Active in his community, he currently serves as the Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament and previously served as the National Chair of Foley’s Real Estate Practice.

June 2025

Shannon Ludlow

MBA ’19

Shannon Ludlow

Ludlow is the founder and CEO of Pine Claims Solutions, a tech-forward independent adjusting firm serving the property insurance industry. After nearly 20 years in claims and vendor strategy, he left his corporate role to launch Pine.

Connect with Ludlow on LinkedIn

June 2025

Meredith Hirsh

BS ’96, MBA ’16

Meredith Hirsh

Hirsh is the CEO of The Hirsh Center, where she leads a team of rheumatologists, advanced practice providers and 50 dedicated professionals on a mission to provide exceptional patient experiences. With nearly 20 years working in healthcare, Hirsh has built a distinguished career rooted in a lifelong connection to medicine, shaped by her upbringing as the daughter of a physician and a social worker.

In addition to her leadership role at The Hirsh Center, Hirsh serves as an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, where she mentors the next generation of healthcare professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry. In 2023, she was honored with the Florida Medical Association’s Distinguished Layman’s Award for Helping Physicians Practice Medicine.

A respected consultant, Hirsh collaborates with national decision-makers and healthcare organizations, offering her expertise to help shape policy and improve systems. She is also the creator and host of Working Healthcare, a podcast aimed to provide trustworthy and reliable insights into the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Hirsh was recently featured in the Boca Raton Observer.

June 2025

Brett Owens

BS ’10, MS ’11, MBA ’14, JD ’14

Brett Owens

Owens, a Partner in Fisher Phillips’ Tampa office, became Board Certified in Labor & Employment Law by the Florida Bar on June 1, 2025. Only 169 lawyers are currently recognized as Board Certified Specialists in Labor & Employment Law by the Florida Bar. The purpose of the certification is to identify lawyers who practice labor and employment law and who have demonstrated special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in their practice.

Connect with Owens on LinkedIn.

June 2025

Jason Perlewitz

BSBA ’03, MS-ISOM ’08 

Perlewitz is senior staff engineer with ServiceNow, a software company that supplies a cloud computing platform for the creation and management of automated business workflows. 

May 2025

Brian Bailey

MBA ’98, DBA ’26 

Brian Bailey

Bailey began a new role as Global Head of Research at Trimont, a global commercial real estate loan services provider. Previously, he served as Subject Matter Expert of Commercial Real Estate & Senior Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. 

The commercial real estate subject matter expert with over 30 years of Commercial Real Estate experience is also pursuing his DBA at the University of Florida.

May 2025

Tyler Reed

MBA ’16

Tyler Reed

Reed is Principal at Bizwrite, LLC, which is celebrating its five-year anniversary. Specializing in digital PR for law firms, Bizwrite excels at crafting strategies that elevate visibility, amplify brand voices, and cultivate strong public connections. For fellow Gator business leaders aiming to expand their reach and foster trust, exploring the power of strategic public relations can unlock significant opportunities both inside and outside their organization.

Connect with Reed on LinkedIn

May 2025

J. Stephen Becker

MBA ’71

Becker is retired from his role as Controller at Carespring Health Care Management. He and his wife, Judy, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married in Tallahassee on April 23, 1965. Both of their children are UF alumni.

May 2025

Updated October 2025

Robert A. Rothberg | BABA ‘54 | 2025 | Rothberg, of Dillard, Georgia, passed on August 12. After graduating the University of Florida with a degree in business, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He later focused his life on teaching at both the youth and graduate level. Rothberg put servitude and education at the forefront of his life and wanted to extend it to everyone, especially youth people. He was preceded in death by his mother; his wife, Bobbie; and his half-brother. He is survived by three children, Rick, Ron and Nanci; and their children. 

Halie Nabi | BABA ‘57 | 2025 | Nabi, of Conyers, Georgia, passed on May 10. During his time at UF, Nabi studied business and played the tuba in the University of Florida Fightin’ Gator Marching Band. He will be forever remembered for his gentleness and kindness toward everyone he met. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Layla. He is survived by his brother, Michael; his children, Debbie, Donnie, Jason and Elizabeth; and his grandchildren.  

James B. Newman | DBA ‘58 | 2025 | Newman, of Alachua, Florida, passed on September 12. Post-graduation, Newman worked in insurance and eventually started Newman-Crane and Associates. He worked at the agency for 36 years until retirement. Newman was a model of resilience and warmth to his family. Newman was predeceased by his grandson Blake. Newman is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years; his children, Jamie, Tracey, Allison and James; and extended family. 

Ervin A. Lovett Jr. | BABA ‘60 | 2025 | Lovett, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on September 2. He graduated from UF with a degree in business and spent two years in the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer. He was also awarded a Lifesaving Medal from the Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department for saving a child’s life. Lovett later earned his CPA and served as an accountant for various companies across Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Henry. He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Marcelle; his sister, Lina; his four children; and his extended family. 

James A. Landon | BABA ‘60, MS-Marketing ‘61 | 2025 | Landon, of Gold Canyon, Arizona, passed on July 6. He obtained his business degree and masters in marketing at the University of Florida. He brought his marketing expertise to several notable organizations including WJT TV, Cox Broadcasting Corp, Swensen’s Ice Cream and NOLL & ASSOCIATES. His selfless, loving heart was exhibited through his work and care for his wife, Gaynor, throughout her battle of ALS. Jim was preceded by his wife and their daughter, Jessica. He is survived by his children, Kim and Brad; his grandchildren; and his two great-grandchildren. 

Michael K. Herron | BABA ‘62 | 2025 | Herron, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed on July 12. Herron had a heart for his country as he served as a resident legal officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and practiced law across the US. Herron was a man of adventure who loved riding his Harveys and outdoor activities with his wife of 51 years, Isabell. He is survived by his wife, sister-in-law and cousins. 

Henry James G. Moxon | BSBA ‘65 | 2025 | Moxon, of Ocala, Florida passed on July 8. After studying business at UF, he worked and ran his family lumber and cattle businesses (Ocala Lumber Sales Co and G & M Cattle Company) for his whole life. Moxon cherished his family and had a passion for history. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Marjorie; and his parents. He is survived by his daughters, Marnie, Marjorie and Michelle; his grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. 

Louis J. Macloskey | BSBA ‘69 | 2025 | Macloskey, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, passed on July 1. He graduated UF with a degree in finance and became a Certified Financial Planner, eventually opening his own firm Financial Planning Investment Group. Macloskey had a heart for helping his clients achieve their goals and leave lasting legacies. He also had a passion for fishing. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judish; his daughters, Renne and Monique; and his grandchildren. 

Danny R. Hines | MBA ‘71, DBA ‘75 | 2025 | Hines, of Greenville, North Carolina, passed on August 22. He pursued his graduate and doctoral degrees at the University of Florida, which began his teaching career as a teaching assistant. Post-graduation, he worked in various chairs, professor and advising positions to pursue his passion for teaching. After 30 years of teaching, he became a licensed minister at Macclesfield Christian Church to share his faith in Jesus Christ. Above all, he placed his family first in his heart and prioritized his time with them. He is survived by his wife, Earle; his daughters, Amanda and Laura; two sisters; and six grandchildren. 

Sanford H. Barber III | BSAc ‘75 | 2025 | Barber, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed on September 8. He was a proud Gator and graduated with a degree in accounting. In 1984, he founded Barber, Stowe & Company where he worked diligently until retirement. Sandy shared 46 years of marriage with his wife Carol, who supported him throughout his battle of cancer. He was preceded in death by his sister, Allison; and his parents. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Andrea and Leah; stepdaughter, Darcy; and grandchildren. 

Charles M. Moorman | BSAc ‘78 | 2024 | Moorman, of Ocala, Florida, passed on August 8. After graduating from UF, he ran Your Local Fence and worked in real estate. He later served on the board with Monroe County Cares and coached a girl’s softball team. He is remembered for his love, humor and excellent music taste. He is preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Marshall. He is survived by Kathleen Moorman; his daughter, Elizabeth; his grandchildren; and his siblings. 

Douglas J. Davis | BSBA ‘81 | 2025 | Davis, of Pensacola, Florida, passed on July 2. His bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida was the start of his 40-year award-winning banking career where he worked with Barnett Bank, SunTrust, Whitney Bank, Synovus and Harvesters Credit Union. He was also a member of the University of Florida Alumni Association, several community service organizations and St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church as a youth leader and member of the endowment board. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Gina, of 39 years; his children, Kristina, Alecia, Lindsay and Adam; grandchildren; and extended family. 

Jay E. Esche | BSBA ‘82 | 2025 | Esche, of Dawsonville, Georgia, passed away on August 18. Post-graduation from the University of Florida, he worked for the State of Florida Department of Financial Services and later started JE Compliance Consulting LLC in Georgia. He was a man of unwavering faith and deeply involved in the Living Faith Lutheran Church as an elder. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Danica; his son-in-law, Jeremy; his daughter-in-law, Michaela; and extended relatives. 

Jean Dickinson | BSAc ‘82 | 2025 | Dickinson, of Ocala, Florida, passed on August 13. She attended the University of Florida where she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Professionally, she became a CPA and was involved in the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was also a devoted member of her church where she met her husband, David, of 39 years. Dickinson’s life reflected compassion, generosity and unwavering love. She is survived by her beloved husband; her son, Dale; her stepdaughters, Michelle and Angie; her grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. 

Mary J. Walsh | BSAc ‘82 | 2025 | Walsh, of Alachua, Florida, passed on August 2. After studying accounting at the University of Florida, she became a respected CPA in Gainesville. Her whole career, she worked with James Moore & Co where she later became a partner. She also served on the AGN Tax Core Leadership Team. She is preceded in death by her father, John. He is survived by her mother, Claire; three sisters; and extended family. 

David A. Briggs | MBA ‘84 | 2023 | Briggs, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on January 8. 

Cecil D. Rolle | BSBA ‘00, JD ‘03 | 2025 | Rolle, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on July 3.

Benjamin L. Brodbeck | MBA ‘03 | 2025 | Brodbeck, of North Palm Beach, Florida, passed on July 16. He earned his MBA at the University of Florida specializing in Product and Operations Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Finance. He worked for Florida Power & Light Company for 21 years and supported emergency response efforts across the state. He was honored as Leader of the Year for Integrated Supply Chain for leading the most effective logistic performance in company history in 2022. He was best known for being a family man and shared his passion of being on the water with his boys, Rollin and Max. He is survived by his wife, Renne; his two sons; and extended family. 

Glenmuir L. Minto | BABA ‘04 | 2024 | Minto, of Montgomery, Alabama passed on July 22. He served his country as a Major of the US Air Force for 10 years. He is survived by his parents, siblings and extended family.