A list of some of Greater Gainesville’s notable folks and their latest achievements.
Heather Bentley Long Becomes UF Health Central Florida CEO
UF Health Central Florida named Heather Bentley Long, M.S.N., CEO in December.
Long advances to CEO after serving as COO since June 2021. In her previous role, Long led efforts to elevate UFHCF’s teamwork, employee engagement and a culture of excellence. She led the charge behind major improvements such as the launch of a new electronic health records system, EPIC.
“I am excited about the foundation we have put in place to take us into the months and years ahead, with the primary goal of advancing the quality of the care we offer and improving our patient experience journey,” Long said.
The UFHCF network includes the UF Health outpatient network, UF Health The Villages Hospital and the UF Health Leesburg Hospital.
Mary Reichardt named Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Concept Companies
Mary Reichardt joins Concept Companies as its new Vice President of Marketing and Communications, following a strong, 15-year career in the communications field.
Reichardt enters this role after serving most recently as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Butler Enterprises, the developer behind the Butler Shopping District with more than 2 million square feet of retail and restaurant space off Archer Road.
She is a 2005 graduate of the University of Florida and also brings experience from roles with Alachua County as Director of Marketing and startup company Reserveage Nutrition. Throughout her career in Greater Gainesville, Reichardt brings to Concept Companies an understanding of the local business community and culture.
“I feel like all my experience to this point has led me to this exciting opportunity with Concept Companies,” Reichardt said. “Working with companies that are growing extremely quickly and accomplishing so much for the community is something I feel privileged to be a part of, and the culture of candor, autonomy, mutual respect and fun here has further solidified my decision to join.”
First-Ever Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Awards Recognizes Community Leaders
The University of Florida presented local leaders with a brand-new award called the Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Award. It honors individuals and organizations who help strengthen relationships and build meaningful connections between the university and the Greater Gainesville community.
Award recipients include Eric Godet, president and CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber. Godet was recognized as a supporter of UF programs, efforts and economic development.
The Florida Department of Transportation and City of Gainesville received an award for improving safety and walkability on streets near the UF campus, benefitting students, employees and the community. District Director of Transportation Operations Travis Humphries and Gainesville Mayor-elect Harvey Ward both accepted the award on these entities’ behalf.
Finally, Nora Kilroy, director of the UF Office of Off Campus Life, received an award for enhancing the livability and safety of Gainesville neighborhoods.
The awards are named after Win Phillips UF’s longtime former vice president for research and most recently executive chief of staff, who also was instrumental in creating Gainesville’s Innovation District.
By Jewell Tomazin.