The annual Fierce Awards, presented by Scorpio, are doing something new to showcase the women in the community who are influencers, leaders and game-changers dedicated to improving Greater Gainesville.
Fierce is introducing the Lori Emmer Cain Legacy Award to recognize one fierce woman who exemplifies Lori’s qualities as a trailblazer committed to continuous improvement of the local community.
For the first winner of this new award, Fierce has chosen Mary Chance. She is the president of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.
“I always admired Lori’s steadfast leadership in business and our community,” said Mary. “She was someone who just got things done, never seeking personal attention or glory. If Lori was leading a school or community activity, I never hesitated to volunteer to help. I knew she would be organized and respect the efforts of everyone involved. She prioritized her family and friends while juggling significant work responsibilities. I am humbled to receive an award named for such a tremendous person.”
Mary has been president of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations since 2008. As president and CEO, her responsibilities include supervising board development, public affairs, partnership and resource development, program and administrative activities and overseeing compliance with all local and state regulations regarding the organization.
Through her life, she wants to impact students and education in Florida.
“I look for common ground between our mission and the goals of the businesses and organizations we interact with in Florida and nationwide,” she said. “I get energized and my entrepreneurial spirit kicks in when we discover alignment and can make things happen for students and teachers.”
Mary was chosen as the recipient by True North Florida, the parent company of the Fierce Awards in collaboration with Lori’s family, the McGriffs.
“My brothers and I always knew our mother was amazing, of course we were biased but for good reason,” said Lori’s son Ryan McGriff. “Her support and involvement in our schools, sports and community were obvious to us because they were aspects of our daily lives. During the six years of working alongside my mother I gained a higher knowledge of her professional influence in this community and the tremendous impact her intellect and generosity had professionally as well. Because of the remarkable attributes our mother lived her life by, we knew it was a given to partner with Fierce and accept the honor establishing the Lori Emmer Cain Legacy Award.”
Lori was committed to her family, business and community. She began her career in 1985 at Emmer Development Corp. following the leadership of her father, Phil Emmer. Lori worked her way up from entry-level to president in 2002. She led The Emmer Group for 20 years with a passion to provide homes in the community she loved.
Lori’s service to the community includes 26 years on the Builders Association of North Central Florida’s Board of Directors, including being the second female president in its history. She served on the boards of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Education Foundation of Alachua County, and as a mentor for Take Stock in Children. Lori was recognized as Builder of the Year in 2006 and received the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Women Who Make a Difference award in 2016.
Lori’s greatest treasure was her family. Her three sons, Ryan, Nicholas and Kyle continue her legacy and are focused on improving the lives of others.
By Celia Goodyear.