MITCH GLAESER

CEO, SYNVITTA DIAGNOSTICS, ALACHUA

Under the banner of his other business, the Emory Group of Cos., Glaeser, a serial entrepreneur, developed San Felasco Tech City, an 82-acre live-and-work development that's drawing innovative entrepreneurs and their companies to Alachua County. His latest venture, Synvittia Diagnostics, is a biotech startup based at the University of Florida's Sid Martin Biotech facility. It's focused on developing next-generation biomarkers for earlier, more accurate disease detection and currently employs five people. Glaeser has been involved with 25 different civic organizations during his four-decade career, serving as chairman or president of 20 of them.

EDUCATION: Attended Santa Fe College

PERSONAL RESET: I realized long ago that my abilities have limits — I'm not destined to be an astronaut or a brain surgeon. But you can always choose to learn, surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and focus on the areas where you can genuinely grow.

NEXT BIG FOCUS: I'm eager to help build Florida's next regional economic development organization and harness the incredible talent emerging from the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. With a coordinated regional strategy, we can drive meaningful wage growth and create lasting improvements in K-12 education and overall affordability for every resident.

FOOD FIX: Embarrassingly, pizza and a root beer float.