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Leader

Published 9/25/08

By Stephanie Lambert
Associate Editor

Last Thursday, many gathered at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center as Leadership Tallahassee took the time out to celebrate the true leaders of the community.

“Leadership Tallahassee not only helps us make leaders in our community, but leaders for our entire state,” said Pastor Calvin McFadden, who hosted the Distinguished Leadership Award on Sept. 18.

Dr. James H. Ammons, president of Florida A&M University, won the prestigious Leader of the Year Award.

A humbled Ammons, who has served as president of the historically black university for a little over a year, said he was grateful for the award.

“I want to thank you for giving the Rattlers a chance to strike again,” Ammons told the audience. “We’re going to have a better community, state and world because of Florida A&M University.”

Ammons, who thanked his family, members of FAMU’s Board of Trustees and the FAMU community for their respective support, said he couldn’t have met all of FAMU’s challenges without the help of many others.

“I am the recipient of this award, but it was truly a team effort,” Ammons said.

Attorney Steve Uhlfelder was honored with the Servant Leadership Award.

Uhlfelder, an advocate for children and mentor at Riley Elementary School, said he was taught that people shouldn’t do things for awards.

“I think the most important thing is that every kid has the opportunity to get an education and the opportunity to succeed,” he said.

Marjorie Turnbull was presented with the Lifetime Leadership Award for her work within the community.

“She has devoted her life to leadership and I just want to say thank you,” said Bill Law, president of Tallahassee Community College.

Turnbull said she felt there is no template for leadership.

“Leadership styles and demands are unique to the individual,” said Turnbull, who blew kisses to the audience while walking onto the stage to accept her award. “We are nurturing leadership in Tallahassee. When the task is done, the people can say, ‘we have done it ourselves.’”

Past recipients of the award include: Florida State University Head Football Coach Bobby Bowden, former FAMU Band Director William P. Foster, and former FAMU School of Business and Industry Dean Sybil Mobley.

The Leadership Pacesetter Award was given to Kimberly Moore, chief executive officer of Workforce Plus.

County Commissioner John Daley described Moore, who is the youngest and first African-American woman to hold the position at her company, as the perfect example of a pacesetter.

Judge James E. Joanos was presented with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce 2008 Godfrey Smith Past Chairman’s Award.

Ron Sachs, of Ron Sachs Communications, said Joanos was selected because he didn’t pick the easiest time to lead the Chamber.

“He has the courage to lead,” Sachs said.

Joanos said he is proud that the community has met many of the challenges that Tallahassee has faced over the past few decades.

“I am proud of this town and I am proud you all have let me be a part of it,” a smiling Joanos said.

The 14th Annual Distinguished Leadership Awards was a benefit for Youth Leadership Tallahassee, which is a year–long community leadership program that gives students an understanding of the meaning and responsibilities of personal, organizational and community leadership and to produce ethical leaders who are active in the community.

The mission of Leadership Tallahassee is to “cultivate a diverse network of emerging and experienced leaders committed to improving the community.”

 
Stephanie Lambert may be contacted at slambert@capitaloutlook.com

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