Eric Eikenberg

CEO, The Everglades Foundation, Palmetto Bay

The restoration of the Everglades is one of the biggest environmental engineering projects in the world, and Eikenberg oversees a team of 40 scientists, educators, lobbyists and communication and development professionals working to restore and protect 3 million acres of endangered habitat that’s also the drinking water supply for millions of Floridians. Eikenberg is a seasoned political strategist and environmental policy expert who previously served as chief of staff to former Gov. Charlie Crist and former U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw Jr., who authored the landmark $8.4-billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

EDUCATION: The American University (BS)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: Florida’s tourism-based economy is dependent upon clean, fresh water and pristine beaches, so I would continue and redouble existing efforts toward Everglades restoration.

READING: Michael Grunwald’s book, The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise. Grunwald tells the story of efforts to save America’s Everglades in a compelling narrative.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, whose book The Everglades: River of Grass awakened the nation to the importance and uniqueness of this ecosystem, and whose constant advocacy did much to save it.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: I’ve learned the importance of working with a sense of urgency. Each day is fleeting.