Mark Brewer

President & CEO, Central Florida Foundation, Orlando

Founded in 1994, the Central Florida Foundation stewards philanthropic dollars on behalf of individuals, families and nonprofits. The organization also oversees public, private and independent sector collaborations to target community challenges. Brewer has led the foundation for 24 years.

EDUCATION: University of Phoenix (BS), Walden University (MA)

INSPIRING FLORIDIANS: Lawton Chiles and Bob Graham are commendable Floridians who inspired my belief in active civic engagement being an essential part of democracy. They were also compassionate people who typically didn’t let politics get in the way of progress, championing that idea that we get more stuff done when we do it together.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: You’re a part of a team, whether you like it or not. Remember that it’s never just about you and your goals, regardless of how laudable they may be. It is also about learning the other players, their goals and how everyone can come together to make our shared goals happen.