ARMANDO PIMENTEL

PRESIDENT & CEO, FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY, JUNO BEACH

FPL employs 9,000-plus people and is America’s largest electric utility serving approximately 12 million customers. Pimentel was appointed to FPL’s top job in 2023 after previously serving as president and CEO of FPL’s sister company NextEra Energy Resources.

EDUCATION: Florida State University (BS)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would continue to work with the private sector to encourage teachers, health care workers and first responders to move to Florida and to develop vocational and apprenticeship programs for skilled trades to fuel Florida’s continued economic growth.

MENTOR: My parents came to this country as immigrants. Each worked two jobs for most of their lives to help my sister and me get a good education. They taught me the value of hard work and a good education.

RECOMMENDED READING: A Message to Garcia, by Elbert Hubbard

INSPIRATIONAL FLORIDIAN: Although not a native Floridian, Henry Flagler helped build our state before anyone else saw its potential. Using his own hard-earned capital, he transformed the state of Florida and laid the foundation for its fast-growing economy.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: 'In a year, you will regret that you did not start today.'