What do you do for a living?
I’m the General Manager of Ocala Symphony Orchestra, Inc., a non-profit arts organization that presents concerts and educational programs to over 10,000 residents annually.

What is your favorite weekend activity?
Outdoor activities such as kayaking, gardening, hiking and also hanging out with friends.

What is the best annual local event?
The Fine Arts For Ocala Mother’s Day Symphony Under the Stars concert. I’m not a mom but I love this event because it brings families together to hear great music on one of Ocala’s beautiful golf courses and of course it’s my orchestra!

What do you want all of ELO to know about you?
I LOVE Halloween and horror movies!!!

What is your favorite Ocala/Marion County hang-out?
Anywhere on the downtown square, especially when the weather is nice.

What are your volunteer and professional activities?
League of American Orchestras, Stetson University Alumni Association, Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Business Council, Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Club

Filed under: Emerging Leaders Ocala General Posts, Member Spotlight by Ben Gumpert | No Comments »

What do you do for a living?
Chiropractic Physician

What is your favorite weekend activity?
Sleeping in, Watching movies/hanging out with my boyfriend, friends and family.

What do you want all of ELO to know about you?
I have always liked helping others, whether it be mowing the lawn or cleaning.

 What is your favorite Ocala/Marion County hang-out?
Regal Hollywood 16

 What is the best annual local event?
Light up Ocala

What are your volunteer and professional activities?
Ocala Southwest Rotary-President, BNI, American Cancer Society, MTRA, Healthy Ocala.

Filed under: Member Spotlight by Ben Gumpert | No Comments »

Medley In Design won the Award of Excellence, the highest honor, for “Central Florida College: Wait Until You See What Happens Next” in Commercials / Education / College / University / Trade. This will be the second time Medley In Design has placed in the International arena for their work.

The Videographer Clapboard Award is one of the most coveted awards in the video industry. Winners range from network news operations to local television stations and work from major advertising agencies to independent artists. It is an international competition designed to recognize excellence in Video Productions, TV Commercials/ News/ Programs and New Media. The mission of the Videographer Awards is to provide meaningful recognition to hard-working, creative companies, individuals and their clients. (more…)

Filed under: Member Activities, Member Spotlight by admin | No Comments »

What do you do for a living? 
Operations Engineer LDP at Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control.  I transferred in January 2010 from the Lockheed Martin M&FC in Dallas, TX looking for an opportunity to work at a fast-paced atmosphere and experience a different area of the country.

 What is your favorite weekend activity?
Exploring Florida!  Being new to the state I like to check out new places as often as I can.  Of course there are great beaches and golf courses (which I frequent), but there are some unexpected surprises as well!  I was amazed at all of the miles and miles of mountain biking trails right here in Marion County.  I hope to get out to one of the nearby natural springs in the near future.

 What do you want all of ELO to know about you?
I am a huge fan of all things in relation to Oklahoma State University (my alma mater).  I know you probably do not share my enthusiasm, but I will probably bring it up somewhere during just about any conversation. Go Pokes!

 What is your favorite Ocala/Marion County hang-out?
I can usually be found at least 1-2 nights a week taking in a book or magazine at the downtown Starbucks.  When I want to take in a sports game with friends, BFE is a great location.  I really enjoy the downtown atmosphere with local shops/restaurants and the square.

 What is your favorite local summer activity?
I really like to take advantage the mountain biking trails.  The Santos trailhead is as good a place to spend a summer afternoon as any!

 What has been your favorite volunteer experience in Ocala/Marion County?
Habitat for Humanity.  We were able to place siding on almost three-quarters of a house in only a few hours. I enjoyed the tangible results from a hard day’s work with colleagues and friends.  A few of us are actively looking for a good weekend to get back out to help out Habitat again!

Filed under: Member Spotlight by Ben Gumpert | No Comments »

What do you do for a living? 
I am the Development Specialist with the City of Ocala in the City Manager’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability.  Our office works with economic development initiatives.  It’s a very exciting time to be working with the City, with the various changes and adaptations that are being made.

What is your favorite weekend activity?
I love to spend time with my family and friends, at times this includes taking advantage of the revitalized nightlife that Ocala now features.

What do you want all of ELO to know about you?
I love meeting new people.  I’ve only been a member for a short time; if I haven’t gotten a chance to meet you yet and you see me out and about please come chat with me!

What is your favorite Ocala/Marion County hang-out?
Lately, I’ve really enjoyed hanging out Downtown.  I love the ambiance of the Square and the crowds; generally there are a lot of things to do.  Of course, all the ELO activities are always a lot of fun.

What is the best annual local event?
I haven’t really had a chance to participate in many annual events since coming back to town.  However, when I was in high school we used to come out to Light Up Ocala, which was great!  The St. Patrick’s day festival on the Square was also a lot of fun. 

What are your volunteer and professional activities?
I try to get involved with various activities in town, I am on the Community Service Committee with ELO and I’ve been to several of the IHMC lectures which are really interesting!  I’m also currently going through the City of Ocala’s Citizen’s Academy.  Even though I work with the City, it seemed like a great opportunity to learn what other departments are currently working on.  I would encourage anyone who’s interested in learning more about the community to get involved with the Marion County or City of Ocala’s Citizen’s Academies.

Filed under: Member Spotlight by Ben Gumpert | No Comments »