By Laureen Young
Bradley Gamble
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention has appointed Bradley Gamble as CEO following a nationwide search. A University of Florida alumnus, Gamble co-founded the Selling Factory in 2016, aiding numerous businesses and generating nearly $5 million in revenue. He previously served as vice president of sales and marketing at Infinite Energy in Gainesville. Gamble, who officially took the helm on April 15, expressed enthusiasm for the Cade museum’s mission in fostering creativity and innovation. Phoebe Miles, co-founder and interim CEO, praised Gamble’s sales and marketing expertise, anticipating his leadership to propel the museum forward. Former CEO Stephanie Bailes, who served for six years, remains as a senior advisor.
Cynthia Tennell
Rawlings Elementary School
Cynthia Tennell, a fifth-grade teacher at Rawlings Elementary School, emerges as a Florida finalist for the esteemed Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Established in 1983, these awards, the pinnacle of recognition by the federal government for K-12 STEM teaching, honor 110 educators annually nationwide. Tennell, nominated in 2023 by her former principal Laura Creamer, represents one of six finalists from Florida. Her application, scrutinized by a state selection committee, highlighted her profound subject knowledge, exemplary teaching methods and leadership fostering student advancement. Tennell, who is well known for her dynamic teaching style and is classified as a “Highly Effective” instructor based on her students’ test scores, awaits the national committee’s decision later this spring.
Joseph Peters
High Springs Fire Department
The High Springs Fire Department (HSFD) has appointed a new fire chief. Joseph Peters assumes the role starting May 6, according to a press release from the City of High Springs. With 30 years of diverse experience across multiple departments, including 14 years at the Mount Dora Fire Department where he attained the rank of captain, Peters brings extensive expertise. He has previously held positions as lieutenant at The Villages Public Safety and fire chief in Ford City, Pennsylvania. Peters serves as a training coordinator at the Havana Volunteer Fire Department and a life support educator at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Expressing gratitude, Peters said, “It is an honor to be chosen as the next fire chief of High Springs,” emphasizing his eagerness to integrate into the community. Highlighted in the release are Peters’ proficiencies in emergency response, community engagement and personnel management, deemed invaluable for his new role. He succeeds Bruce Gillingham, the former HSFD chief, who retired in October. High Springs City Manager Jeremy Marshall expressed enthusiasm about Peters’ appointment, citing his extensive skills and experience as assets for the department’s success.
Jonathan Martin and Selman Hershfield
University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Two professors from the University of Florida’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have been appointed as Distinguished Teaching Scholars by the Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars. This advisory board recognizes teaching excellence and acknowledges faculty who exceed expectations for student engagement. Jonathan Martin, from the Department of Geological Sciences, and Selman Hershfield, from the Department of Physics, will serve on the Provost’s Office advisory board for three years. Their responsibilities include developing programs and advocating for policies to enhance faculty career development. Designation as Distinguished Teaching Scholars will stay with them throughout their careers, acknowledging their commitment to teaching excellence and ongoing contributions to the Academy.
Martin, a professor and associate chair in Geological Sciences since 1994, focuses on hydrogeochemistry, examining groundwater interactions and environmental impacts. He implements Team-Based Learning (TBL) in his classes, fostering collaborative learning and deeper understanding. Hershfield, a professor since 1992, specializes in theoretical condensed matter physics. He champions active learning, involving students in hands-on projects to enhance comprehension and engagement. Both express gratitude for the recognition and acknowledge colleagues who have supported their teaching endeavors.
Jonathan Ramsey
Alachua County Court
Jonathan Ramsey of Gainesville has been appointed by Governer Desantis to the Alachua County Court. Ramsey, previously an associate at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. since 2018, has also served as an assistant state attorney in the Eighth Judicial Circuit. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and earned both his master’s degree and juris doctor from the University of Florida. This appointment marks Ramsey’s inaugural venture into a judgeship, filling the vacancy left by Judge David Green, who retired after 27 years on the county bench.
