Class Notes
Share your news with the Business Gator Nation
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Jen Frazer
BS ’98
Frazer recently moved into a new position at Carter’s, Inc. as Vice President of Human Resources & Talent Acquisition. She has been with the baby and children’s apparel company for more than 10 years and previously served as Senior Director of Talent Acquisition. Prior to Carter’s, she served in several human resources roles for Target over 14 years, including Group Human Resources Manager – Atlanta.
January 2026
Tamas Kereszy
MSM ’20
Kereszy is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Fire Neural Network (FNN™), a wildfire detection company powered by AI. In his role, he oversees the company’s detector manufacturing and deployment operations. He brings extensive experience in engineering and operations, having previously served as a Technical Engineer at Procter & Gamble and as a Mechanical and Operations Engineer at Alchemr.
He was recently named to the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 Energy & Green Tech list.
January 2026
Stephen Bunch
BSAc ’98, MAcc ’99
Bunch is Partner In Charge at the Tampa Bay offices of Sorren. He was recently appointed to the Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Bunch is a member of the Fisher School of Accounting Advisory Board and previous member of the UF Alumni Association Board.
January 2026
Michelle Barnett
BSBA ’00
Barnett is an attorney and founding shareholder of Alexander, DeGance, Barnett, P.A. Active in her community, she is a member of the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute Board of Trustees.
She was recently reappointed to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
January 2026
Zack Seltzer
BSBA ’19
Seltzer is the Broker and Owner of Seltzer Real Estate in Panama City Beach, FL, a family-run boutique firm known for a client-first, no-nonsense approach. A born entrepreneur, Seltzer launched a successful mobile iPhone repair business at 16, building deep local ties across the Panhandle before moving full-time into real estate. Her earned his Sales Associate license in 2016 and Broker license in 2018.
January 2026
Adam Goldstein
BSBA ’01
Goldstein is Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation. The company recently announced its plans for a Miami area air taxi network that would connect Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale with 10-20 minute electric flights.
Read more about the plans from Archer Aviation.
December 2025
Patricia Goodwin-Peters
DBA ’25
Goodwin-Peters contributed a chapter to the book, “Shaping AI Without the Hype: How Women Turn Technology Into Real-World Impact,” which was recently published. In the book, the authors set out to tell a different story about AI: one rooted in real experiences, real challenges, and the real opportunities ahead when technology and humanity move forward together.
In her chapter, Goodwin-Peters shares why the future of AI depends on people—on the leaders who will design work differently, on the employees who bring insight and creativity, and on the cultures that make innovation possible. AI may scale intelligence, but people create meaning.
December 2025
Mauricio Quezada
BSBA ’92
Quezada was appointed President and CEO of Jiffy Lube International, Inc., an industry leader in automotive preventive maintenance. Quezada brings more than two decades of automotive OEM and aftermarket experience to the role, most recently serving as Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Direct Lubricants for The Pennzoil Quaker State Company (Shell USA).
The appointment marks a homecoming for Quezada, who served as Director of Operations of Jiffy Lube International from 2015-2018. In his new role, he will leverage his operational expertise to set the company’s strategic direction, including driving growth for the network of more than 2,000 independently owned Jiffy Lube service centers across North America.
Since joining Shell in 2005, Quezada has held a wide range of leadership roles across its downstream businesses in the U.S. and abroad. Previously, he also served as a Subway franchisee, giving him a unique perspective on the importance of franchise collaboration – an insight he brings to his leadership at Jiffy Lube.
November 2025
Mike Balter
BSAc ’88
Balter was honored by South Florida Business & Wealth magazine with a 2025 Apogee Award for Executive Excellence in Accounting. An awards ceremony was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 19, 2025. The Apogee Awards is a unique awards program created by South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW) magazine to recognize distinguished C-Suite leaders whose dedication to their industries and communities deserves particular recognition.
Balter is Regional Leader, Southeast at CBIZ.
Connect with Balter on LinkedIn.
November 2025
Edward Cohen
BSAc ’80
Cohen is Strategic Advisor at SprintRay, Inc.
From the Fisher School’s first graduating class, Cohen has lived and worked in 75+ countries. In 2026 he will publish Transforming Teams: A Six-Phase Path for Thriving Workplaces, Worlds Apart: A True Story of Courage, Connection, and Change, and Vulnerable: One Man’s Journey from Abuse to Abundance. His career includes leadership roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, Satyam, Amazon, SprintRay and his own firm.
Connect with Cohen on LinkedIn.
November 2025
Terri Pepper
BS ’79, MBA ’09
Pepper is CEO of TerraLex, an award-winning global network of law firms committed to collaboration. She’s been active in the legal community for more than 30 years, most recently serving in roles such as Chair Emeritus of the Law Firm Marketing Summit; Co-Chair of the Futures Conference of the College of Law Practice Management; and as a frequent speaker at leading industry conferences. During work travels, she volunteers around the world, focused on nutrition, wellness and yoga.
Connect with Pepper on LinkedIn.
November 2025
Gina Martin Adams
BSBA ’98
Adams has been appointed Chief Market Strategist and Key Investment Promotions at HB Wealth, one of the nation’s leading independent, fee-only wealth management firms. In her new role, the former Chief Equity Strategist and Head of Equity Strategy and Fund Research at Bloomberg Intelligence will collaborate with HB Wealth’s investment team to deliver timely market perspectives, share actionable insights, and enhance the firm’s visibility as a leading voice in the industry.
With more than 25 years of experience at leading global financial institutions, Adams brings deep expertise in market analysis, thematic research, and translating complex economic trends into actionable strategies. With a top-down perspective, she leverages fundamental, technical, and quantitative perspectives to inform investment decisions. She will also contribute to advancing proprietary research, supporting the development of new investment products, and enhancing the client experience through thought leadership and education.
Adams will also serve as a bridge between HB Wealth’s investment philosophy and the clients it supports, helping translate the firm’s market insights into meaningful conversations. As a member of HB Wealth’s investment committee, Adams will collaborate with the firm’s private and public market investment teams to shape portfolio construction and asset allocation decisions.
Adams serves on the Board of the CMT Association and the Advisory Council at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. She is also a member of the Economics Club of New York, 100 Women in Finance, and the Financial Women’s Association, and an advocate for mentoring emerging female professionals in the finance industry.
November 2025
Todd Wilson
BSBA ’99
Wilson has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at BJ’s Restaurants.
Wilson brings nearly two decades of exceptional financial leadership to BJ’s. Most recently and since November 2022, Wilson has served as the CFO of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a publicly traded full-service restaurant chain, where he played an integral role in improving restaurant-level margins and achieving improved financial results, while driving effective communication with the investment community. During his tenure at Red Robin, he was responsible for the company’s financial disciplines including accounting, financial planning & analysis, tax and treasury.
Prior to joining Red Robin, from 2018 to 2022, Wilson served as the CFO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar, a privately held L Catterton Growth portfolio company, where he engineered significant operating margin expansion, doubled unit count through organic growth & acquisition, and completed two successful debt refinancings. From 2016 to 2018, he was Vice President of Finance for Jamba Juice, leading finance & investor relations, and spearheading the process that culminated in a successful strategic sale of the company. Prior to that, he served in progressive financial leadership roles at Bloomin’ Brands from 2006 to 2016.
November 2025
Brendan McKitrick
BSAc ’06, MS-ISOM ’09
McKitrick was admitted to James Moore & Co.’s partnership. An employee of the firm for over 12 years, McKitrick is a highly regarded leader on James Moore’s Government Services team, where he helps lead the firm’s rapidly growing government practice that currently serves over a dozen counties, 50 municipalities and dozens of special districts in varying capacities. The work performed by him and his team ranges from traditional external auditor relationships to consulting-oriented services as part of the firm’s Municipal Finance Support Services.
In addition to McKitrick’s contributions to the government team and its clients, his unique background includes the Certified Information Systems Auditor designation and prior experience as an IT auditor with a national firm. This knowledge and experience have helped the firm’s audit department consistently stay ahead of the curve with the increasing impact of information technology systems on an organization’s financial operations.
November 2025
Barry J. Rassin
MBA ’73
Rassin recently published his memoir, The Rassin Story: Of Love, Loss & Leadership, through its official publisher, World Caribbean Books.
Rassin has devoted his career to advancing healthcare, education, and humanitarian service across the Caribbean and beyond. He currently serves as Trustee and Chair of the Advancement Committee at the University of The Bahamas, and is also Past President of Rotary International (2018–2019) and Chair of The Rotary Foundation (2023–2024).
The book reflects the very essence of Service Above Self, resilience, and leadership in action — shaped by his parents’ pioneering work founding The Bahamas’ first private hospital, the tragic loss of his father (whose passing following an act of kindness deepened his lifelong devotion to humanity), and his own journey from building a modern healthcare legacy to leading one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations. Above all, it is a heartfelt testament to his love for The Bahamas and the leadership values instilled during his time at the Warrington College of Business.
November 2025
Samir Yajnik
MSRE ’08
Yajnik has been named Managing Director of Investments at Momentous Sports, a global sports and real estate investment platform backed by quarterbacks Tim Tebow, John Elway, Blake Bortles, and other investors. With more than 20 years of experience and over $2 billion in real estate transactions, Yajnik previously held leadership roles at Satori Collective, Encore Capital Management and DeBartolo Development.
November 2025
Kevin Boone
BSAc ’00
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Craven was appointed President of East Coast Power, a 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Updated January 2026
Elizabeth A. Murray | BSBA ‘97, JD ‘00 | 2011 | Murray, of Noorco, Louisiana, passed on June 28.
Christine E. Feldman | BSBA ‘90 | 2019 | Feldman, of Lithia, Florida, passed on January 1. She was a devoted wife to Greg, her husband of 25 years and had three daughters: Claire, Mary Beth and Olivia. She is survived by her husband, daughters, parents, brother and extended family.
James W. Fillegar | BABA ‘66 | 2022 | Fillegar, of Saint Johns, Florida, passed on October 20. During his time at the University of Florida, he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity while pursuing a degree in business. Post-graduation, he owned and operated a wholesale business for 32 years. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; his son, Jeffrey; his daughter, Mandy; and his grandchildren.
James T. Medick | BABA ‘68 | 2022 | Medick, of Lafayette, California, passed on April 6. He founded and served as the CEO and director of Precision Opinion, Inc. until his passing. Above all, Medick had a heart for adventure and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sons, Christian Thomas and Alexander James Medick; his daughter, Meagan Medick Ourada; and his grandchildren.
Kathleen A. Willard | BSAc ‘76 | 2022 | Willard, of North Redington Beach, Florida, passed on August 5. She had a heart for service; she volunteered as the computer teacher at Cornerstone School, served as a librarian and collection counter at First Presbyterian Church and participated in several local charities and mission trips. She battled melanoma cancer with the support of her former husband, Mark and her children, Becky and Joshua. She is survived by her children, sister, granddaughter, niece and nephew.
Clayton C. Johnson | BSAc ‘73 | 2023 | Johnson, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed on October 7. He was a devoted member of St. Vincent’s Episcopal Church for more than 50 years. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sisters, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Jack S. Holtsberg | BSBA ‘49 | 2024 | Holtsberg, of Jupiter, Florida, passed on October 21.
Geoffrey Heekin | BABA ‘78, JD ‘81 | 2024 | Heekin, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on February 13. He was a former Captain in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, a retired litigator and a lifelong Catholic. He was known for his strength, inspiration and willingness to help others. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Karen; and his children, Kacey, Karly and Geoffrey.
Robert H. Butler | BSBA ‘52 | 2025 | Butler, of Decatur, Georgia, passed on November 7. He was in the US Army and served in Korea. His career path led him to be an owner and operator of several orange groves throughout Central Florida. He was also an active member of First United Methodist Church with his wife of 60 years, Charleton. He is survived by his three children, Patricia, Deborah and Stefanie; his grandchildren; and extended family.
Lieutenant Colonel Franklin | BABA ‘53 | 2025 | Franklin, of Fair Oaks, California, passed on August 24.
Gary R. Gerson | BSAc ‘54, MBA ‘55 | 2025 | Gerson, of Miami Beach, Florida, passed on October 22. At 21, Gary became the youngest CPA in the United States. He also served honorably as Assistant Gunnery and Operations Officer during the Korean War. At 25, Gerson founded the public accounting practice, Gerson Preston Robinson & Company, where he worked for more than six decades. His philanthropic efforts and familial devotion complemented his professional excellence. He was married for more than 60 years to Neity Gerson and had four children.
Mitchell L. Appelrouth | BABA ‘56 | 2025 | Appelrouth, of Richmond, Virginia, passed on October 31. Upon graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in marketing, Appelrouth served in the US Army as an active-duty Training Officer and Captain in the Army Reserve. After his service, he began a 40-year career as a residential real estate broker. Appelrouth was known for his kindness, wisdom and his connection to those he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and son, Ivan L. Appelrouth. He is survived by his wife, Eileen; his son, Scott; his daughter, Lisa; and his extended family.
Richard V. Veith | BABA ‘56 | 2025 | Veith, of Cobleskill, New York, passed on December 2. Veith was a successful salesman, owning and operating Sugar Maples Resort in New York. He was devoted to his family, a Freemason and a lifelong Christian. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Doris, and his daughter, Karalee Manda. He is survived by his son, R. Sherwood; daughter, Allison Parker; brother; grandchildren; and extended family.
James M. McMurry | BSAc ‘61 | 2025 | McMurry, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on June 15. He served in the Army, Army Reserves and Air Force National Guard from 1958 to 1964. Afterwards, he began his professional career as a CPA for more than forty-five years, working as a treasurer for the Jacksonville Ronald McDonald House. He was known for his generosity, kindness and loyalty. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Winnifred. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Faye; his children, Helen, Carol and Christopher; and his extended family.
Steve C. Horowitz | BSAc ‘62, JD ‘65 | 2025 | Horowitz, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed on October 30. After earning two degrees from the University of Florida, he had a remarkable 56-year career as a tax practitioner. He was a loving husband to Maxine for 37 years and a caring father to his five children. He will be remembered as a loyal friend, generous giver and a passionate leader.
Gerald D. Babbitt | BSAc ‘62 | 2025 | Babbitt, of Burtonsville, Maryland, passed on November 1. He began his studies at the University of Florida before pursuing law with the Internal Revenue Service. He also proudly served his country in the Coast Guard and the reserves. He also transformed his passion for baseball into a business called Babbitt Baseball for youth and founded the Ponce De Leon Baseball League. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith; his son, Tracey; his son, Carson; his siblings; and his grandchildren.
Judson I. Woods Jr. | BABA ‘63, JD ‘66 | 2025 | Woods, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed on October 9. After earning his bachelor’s and JD degrees at the University of Florida, Woods served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps. He also pursued a career in law, practicing in Daytona Beach for more than 50 years. Woods is preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by his children, Kelly, Judson and Client; nephews; grandson; and Carolyn Woods, the mother of his children.
John A. Cox | BABA ‘65 | 2025 | Cox, of Winter Park, Florida, passed on November 8. Throughout his time at the University of Florida, he studied finance, was active in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and met the love of his life Constance, who he shared 62 years in marriage with. He was a top producer at the firms he worked with, specializing in corporate risk management. He lived a life of love, loyalty and laughter, keeping his family as his greatest joy.
George M. Good Jr. | MBA ‘66 | 2025 | Good, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on January 29. He served in the United States Coast Guard and as a Deacon in the St. Mathew’s community. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Missy. He is survived by his children, Melinda, Meghan and George; his grandchildren; his siblings; and extended family.
Lynn Stokes | BAA ‘67 | 2025 | Stokes, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on April 21.
Hjalmar R. Berg Jr. | BABA ‘68 | 2025 | Berg, of Venice, Florida, passed on October 27. Post-graduation, Berg practiced law in Venice, beginning a fifty-year legal career. He was also an inventor, earning multiple patents for various inventions. He was known for his integrity and commitment to others, both professionally and personally. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Debra; his cousin Linda; his nieces; and his nephew.
Thomas H. Tyree | MBA ‘68 | 2025 | Tyree, of Ambler, Pennsylvania, passed on December 12. He served as a Naval officer and later founded his own company, Church Data Systems, which he operated out of an RV. He also fulfilled his goal of working at a large corporation through his success at Unisys Corporation. Above his professional life, he married the love of his life, Maxine, and was a devoted member of Jarrettown United Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by his sons, Ian, Ted, Ty and Rafael; his daughter, Tamara; his siblings; his grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
Nicholas T. Schroeder | BABA ‘69, JD 73’ | 2025 | Schroeder, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on November 19. After becoming a Double Gator, Schroeder dedicated his professional life to practicing law as an attorney. In 1969, he married Donna, together raising two daughters: Susan and Catherine. He was also a longtime member of Faith Presbyterian Church.
Fredrick M. Taylor Jr. | BABA ‘70, MBA ‘71 | 2025 | Taylor, of Crystal River, Florida, passed on October 12. After working in the corporate world after graduation, Taylor ran an Antique Furniture Restoration business, “Furniture Doctors,” with his wife, Gail, for 20 years. Throughout that time, he also taught classes and wrote books about his expertise. Taylor is survived by his wife; his two children, Fredrick III and Shana; his grandchildren; and his extended family.
Albert R. Cook | BABA ‘72, JD ‘75 | 2025 | Cook, of Lithia, Florida, passed on June 8. He shared his life with his high school sweetheart, Kathy. Together, they attended college and law school at the University of Florida and served in active duty in the Army JAG Corps. After service, they moved to Orlando where Cook practiced law and was involved with the Florida Bar for fifty years. He is survived by his wife; his two daughters, Elizabeth and Christina; his grandchildren; and his extended family.
Douglas F. Smith | BABA ‘72 | 2025 | Smith, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, passed on October 25. After studying at the University of Florida, he attended the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School and became a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard. He later worked as a CPA and CFO at various accounting firms and medical technology startups. He will be remembered for his listening ear, easy smile and dependable heart. He is survived by his wife, Rosamond; and his daughters, Cassandra and Deirdre.
Ronald W. Tacy | BSBA ‘73 | 2025 | Tacy, of Boca Raton, Florida, passed on September 2. He worked at Baer’s Furniture for 20 years and volunteered at Boca Hoops for more than a decade. Tacy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and member of Grace Community. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, John. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet; his daughter, Sarah; his granddaughters; and his extended family.
Barry I. Meyer | BSBA ‘74 | 2025 | Meyer, of Leland, North Carolina, passed on September 3. He spent his working career as an Area Supervisor and Direct Import Manager for the American Greetings Corporation. He spent his time volunteering and holding offices in various social clubs throughout his community. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Gail; his son, Kevin; and his granddaughter, Rayla.
Dale A. Davis | BSBA ‘74 | 2025 | Davis, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on November 11. His career was built in retail management, working at large corporations such as Winn-Dixie and Food Lion. He also served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is survived by his children, Jason and Meredith; his grandsons; and his brothers.
Larry A. Lennon | BSBA ‘74 | 2025 | Lennon, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed on November 28. He met his wife, Barbara, while studying at the University of Florida, and lived a life together of joy and infectious energy to everyone around him. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Kristen; son, Stephen; granddaughter, Kamdyn; and brother, Michael.
Walter G. Beasley IV | BSAc ‘77 | 2025 | Beasley, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed on October 14. After graduating from the University of Florida, Beasley worked with Piper Aircraft before joining Becker Holding Corporation for more than thirty years. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Eileen. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; children, Beau, Matthew, David, Tom and Jenna; his brothers; his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren.
Mary J. Humphrys | BSAc ‘77 | 2025 | Humphrys, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on October 16. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in accounting, she became a certified public accountant and worked in the Florida Community College system. She had a deep passion for travel and lived her life with love, laughter and spontaneity. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her daughter, Ginger; her brother Harold; and her parents. She is survived by his children, Margaret and David; her eight grandchildren; her great-grandsons; and her extended family.
Travis W. Pitts | BSBA ‘78 | 2025 | Pitts, of Chipley, Florida, passed on September 5. Apart from his time at the University of Florida, he was a lifelong resident of Washington County. He was known for his servant heart and worked as the county’s Clerk of the Court. He is survived by his sister, Carol; his brother, Larry; and extended family.
Mary Lou Nethers | BSAc ‘79 | 2025 | Nethers, of Winter Park, Florida, passed on September 19. After studying accounting at the University of Florida, Nethers built a career in tech support. She was also a passionate advocate for equality and justice. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Larry; daughter, Brittany; and extended family.
Lesley A. Grob | BSBA ‘79 | 2025 | Grob, of Long Beach, New Jersey, passed on November 11. After earning three degrees, including her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, she worked in finance, management and communications at Bowater and AT&T. She later moved to New York to pursue her passion as a reading specialist for children. Lesley is preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Phyllis. She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth; brothers, Jeffrey and William; and extended family.
Aldo J. Cattoi | BSBA ‘90 | 2025 | Cattoi, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed on October 9. After studying at the University of Florida, he served in the United States Navy for twenty-four years. Post-service, he worked as a senior accountant for the government. His character was marked by his quiet kindness. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Yon; his son, Aldo; his daughter, Bethany; his stepchildren, Sharon and Christopher; and extended family.
Thomas Hawkins Sr. | MBA ‘96 | 2025 | Hawkins, of Fort White, Florida, passed on January 27. His life was marked with servitude as he was a veteran of the Vietnam War and a retired Navy lieutenant commander. He also practiced radiology at Alachua General Hospital and was a past-president of the Alachua County Medical Society. His commitment to his community and Holy Trinity Episcopal church created a legacy of generosity and kindness. He is survived by his sons; Will, Alan, Matthew and Thomas; his siblings; his grandson, Rowan; and his former wife, Mary.
Matthew W. Sand | BSBA ‘07 | 2025 | Sand, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed on December 4. After studying economics at the University of Florida, he worked in financial services across the United States. He later shifted his career towards real estate finance and development. Above all, he kept his wife, children and faith as the center of his joy. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; his sons, Liam and Austin; his parents; and extended family.
Larry B. Glisson | BSBA ‘15 | 2025 | Glisson, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on October 3. He studied business and information systems at the University of Florida. He went on to publish several books and work as a reporter at the Alachua Chronicle. He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry; and his step-father, Robert. He is survived by his mother, Jane; aunt; uncle; and cousins.