ERNIE BARNETT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FLORIDA LAND COUNCIL, TALLAHASSEE/WEST PALM BEACH

For 11 years, Barnett has been executive director of the Florida Land Council, which consists of 20 principal members who own over 3 million acres throughout Florida. It was established in 1985 to protect the asset value of the members’ landholdings and proactively engages with regulatory and resource management agencies to help formulate public policies that allow landowners to continue their stewardship of their lands.

EDUCATION: University of West Florida (BS, MS), University of Florida (MS)

FIRST JOB: My first professional job was as an aerial photo interpreter for a statewide beach management planning effort. My first paying job ever was a newspaper deliverer for the Northwest Florida Daily News!

NONPROFIT PASSION: The Florida State University Dance Marathon. Proceeds go to Tallahassee-based pediatric care programs at FSU as well as funding the UF Children’s Hospital at Shands.

HOBBY
“I am an avid artist and work in oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics and airbrush.”