JOHN KIERNAN

PRESIDENT & CEO, ALICO, FORT MYERS

Alico is a 127-year-old agribusiness and land management company with 194 employees, approximately 54,500 acres of land and 49,500 acres of oil, gas and mineral rights across seven Florida counties. Alico is the largest citrus grower in the U.S. and seeks to provide its investors with the benefits and stability of a conventional agriculture investment and the optionality that comes with active land management. Kiernan joined the company as CFO in 2015 and became CEO in 2019. He's led the integration and modernization programs that reshaped Alico into the largest citrus grower in Florida. He’s also navigated the company through the post-Ian challenges that all citrus growers face.

EDUCATION: University of Virginia (JD/MBA), Saint Vincent College (BA)

MENTOR: Adam Putnam has been a most valued member of the Alico Board of Directors since 2020. His experience as a Florida citrus grower, his professional network throughout the nation and his ability to remain focused, calm and good-natured throughout any crisis has been especially beneficial to me as CEO. He has been, and continues to be, a tremendous role model.

READING: A Land Remembered, by Patrick D. Smith

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Ben Hill Griffin Jr. was a self-made man who struggled through the Great Depression, then built an empire from a 10-acre citrus grove in Frostproof. He was an Alico board member for 45 years who eventually became chairman. I am reminded of his vision, leadership, and commitment to philanthropy every day in Fort Myers when I pass by FGCU. It is humbling to work in the shadow of such a giant.

IF I WERE GOVERNOR
“I would prioritize the protection of the agricultural operations of the thousands of Florida farmers who are struggling to remain viable.”