Movers and Shakers
A list of some of Greater Gainesville’s notable folks and their latest achievements.
Mayor Gib Coerper
At the City of Alachua Commission Meeting, Mayor Gib Coerper was recognized with an award from the Florida League of Cities for his 20 years of service. He has served continual terms since 1999 but has been part of Greater Gainesville since 1979.
As an active member of his community, Mayor Coerper has been recognized by the Florida League of Cities before. In 2022, he was a recipient of the Home Rule Hero award for his efforts advocating for the community throughout the legislative season.
International Olympiad
Two Buchholz High School students, William Guan and Jimmy Jiang, are two of only 20 students still battling for spots on two US science teams set to head for the International Olympiad.
William Guan is a junior Bobcat and one of the finalists for the US Physics team. As one of the top 20 performers on the Olympiad exam, it was his test scores that earned him his spot on the team. This month, Guan will attend a training camp where the top five students, and one alternate, will advance to the Physics competition in Tokyo, Japan.
Jimmy Jiang, who is vying for his spot on the US Chemistry team, is only a freshman. He also received one of the top 20 scores on the Olympiad exam and will be attending a study camp of his own. The two-week program will take place at the University of Maryland where four students will advance to compete in the Chemistry competition in Zurich, Switzerland.
Willie Jackson Jr.
P.K. Younge’s Blue Wave football team welcomed Willie Jackson Jr. as the next head football coach. As a former football star himself –– and not just any football star, but a Blue Wave and Gator alum –– there is no one better suited for the team.
Prior to joining P.K. Younge, Jackson served as Eastside High School’s offensive coordinator. In an effort to keep his players thriving on and off the field, he will also hold an on-campus position. This will allow him to be heavily involved in the team’s academic pursuits.
Bryan Smith
Bryan Smith announced he is joining Stryker Neurosurgical as their new sales representative. Prior to his nine years of experience medicine and sales, Smith served in the United States Navy for five years. He comes to Stryker from mdxhealth.
In 2005, Smith graduated from Coastline College with an Associate of Arts degree in general studies before joining the military. He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and exercise science.
Christopher Griggs
As new supply chain coordinator of Dynatest, Christopher Griggs will play a vital role in ensuring a seamless flow of operations, maximizing efficiency and maintaining strong relationships with the company’s valued partners.
Griggs has a background in logistics and supply chain. His contributions will further elevate the supply chain processes and continue to bring Dynatest to new heights. Griggs also served with the United States Marine Corps in multiple leadership capacities.