Alexis George
Elite Central Florida Awards
Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine created the Elite Central Florida Awards to celebrate the businesses, non-profit organizations, and community leaders who support, enrich, and go above and beyond in their communities.
To Rich Maladecki, our MC, the Ette Hotel, our host, and Freixenet Mionetto, our Platinum Sponsor, we extend our deepest gratitude.
Let’s meet the 2023 winners!
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- Dr. Robert Masson- Masson Spine Institute
Dr. Robert Masson of Masson Spine Institute is an internationally acclaimed neurosurgeon and founder of Florida’s first JCAHO Spine Center of Excellence. He now leads Expanded Existence (ExEx), a mixed-reality tech company that enhances surgical performance and efficiency. ExEx recently celebrated a significant milestone with the first European hospital to adopt its advanced technology to improve surgical teams’ capabilities. As pioneers, they have launched the world’s first ai-enhanced surgical software platform and are developing a surgical metaverse to elevate surgical excellence universally.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- John Riordan – Community Health Centers
John Riordan is the Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Community Health Centers. Community Health Centers has been a beacon of healthcare for the underserved since its founding in 1972. John continues to advocate for those in need of healthcare and raises awareness about Community Health Centers and their mission. In addition, he has been a board member of the Rotary Club of Winter Garden for over three years and is the board treasurer for the Children’s Safety Village of Central Florida.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- The William Daniel Mills Theatre Company
The William Daniel Mills Theatre Company was created in honor of Daniel Mills. The WDM Theatre makes theatre accessible to diverse professionals and students and promotes development in young adults by offering an apprentice program, agency services, and world-class productions. The apprentice program provides free training with paid work on stage and backstage with Orlando Shakes, Rollins College, Orlando Fringe, and Weathervane Theatre.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- The Alfond Inn
Located near Rollins College in Winter Park, the Alfond Inn is the only hotel in the United States that serves as a formal extension of an art museum. Boasting a AAA four-diamond rating, the Alfond Inn is recognized on condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ choice award as one of the best hotels in Florida from 2014 to 2019. Proceeds from the Alfond Inn help fund the Alfond Scholars Program for Rollins College students in the College of Liberal Arts and the Rollins Museum of Art. They remain committed to innovation, quality design, and philanthropy.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- 4 Rivers Smokehouse
4 Rivers, founded by John Rivers, is more than a BBQ chain: it blends passion, community service, and sustainability. Rivers, transitioning from a healthcare executive to a BBQ enthusiast, found his calling in the “barbecue ministry,” a project supporting local communities since 2004. opening in 2009, 4 Rivers has grown beyond traditional BBQ, establishing the 4R foundation and the 4 Roots farm campus. This 40-acre Orlando project promotes responsible farming and nutrition education, impacting over 40,000 students and providing 500,000 community meals annually.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- Ducati Sanford
Ducati Sanford, Orlando’s exclusive Ducati dealership, has been dedicated to serving Central Florida since 2018. More than just a dealership, the passionate team actively engages in community initiatives, including school supply drives, a bicycle drive for underprivileged children, support for International Female Ride Day in collaboration with a domestic violence resource organization, and an annual toy drive with AdventHealth for children in Orlando. In October, they were awarded the title of “Best Ducati Dealership in North & South America” at the Ducati global conference in Italy.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- Jackson Law, P.A.
Jackson Law, P.A. is led by the esteemed founding partner Kristen Jackson, who brings over 25 years of expertise and guides a team with a collective experience exceeding 75 years. The firm distinguishes itself through a client-centric approach, ensuring legal strategies are tailored to each client’s needs. The team, known for its ethical, dependable, and responsive nature, excels in everything from crafting personalized estate plans to efficiently managing probate complexities. They are mentors and allies, deeply committed to building lasting, trust-based relationships with clients, families, and businesses.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.
Michael B. Brehne, with a background in law enforcement and a distinguished career as an attorney, is known for his strong sense of justice. He combines his assertive courtroom presence with a compassionate advocacy for his clients. His office actively engages in community support, notably through the Ribbon Riders’ Pink Elves program, which aids women battling breast cancer. Additionally, Brehne has been a significant supporter of youth initiatives, being the first private donor to the Nope to Dope Program by the Altamonte Springs police department, providing funding and essential media equipment. Furthermore, he sponsors scholarships for high school JROTC members and student-athletes.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- Linda Costa Communications Group
Linda Costa Communications Group has evolved from a humble writing company in 1985 to an award-winning, full-service agency renowned for robust communication, branding, and public relations. Over nearly three decades, LCCG has become a byword for quality, integrity, and creativity. Their diverse portfolio spans various sectors, including non-profit, senior living, financial services, healthcare, and more. They have significantly influenced legal marketing since 1986 and have made notable contributions to education through founder Linda Costa’s initiatives, which significantly impact educational institutions and foundations.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- Matthew’s Hope Ministries
Matthew’s Hope Ministries, initiated in 2010 by pastor scott billue in response to a severe cold snap, began as a temporary shelter for the homeless at the West Orange Church of Christ. Pastor Scott and others founded Matthew’s Hope Ministries to recognize the community’s ongoing needs. Based in Winter Garden, this independent, faith-based, 501(c)3 non-profit exclusively serves the local community, offering various resources and services to people experiencing homelessness. The ministry operates without government funding, relying solely on local support. They are committed to providing a hand-up rather than just a handout.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- One Heart for Women and Children
Stephanie Bowman, celebrated as “the modern-day wonder woman,” is the founder and CEO of One Heart for Women and Children. Her organization offers essential services like hunger relief, education, and community resources to the homeless and underserved. She’s a multi-award-winning servant-leader, providing humanitarian aid and empowerment locally and internationally. For 13 years, the organization has served over 20,000 people monthly and provided resources for over 6 million meals.
2023 Elite Central Florida Winner- Linda Aponte Lopez- Prime Mortgage Capital
Linda Aponte Lopez with Prime Mortgage Capital is a distinguished loan officer in Central Florida with over 15 years of experience. She is renowned for assisting first-time homebuyers and leading financial education workshops, earning the title “the queen” of mortgages in Orlando, FL. Linda has consistently been a top producer, celebrated for her high customer satisfaction and favorable lending outcomes. Beyond her professional success, she is deeply involved in community and church activities, including outreach programs for disadvantaged families and leading a community-based housing assistance program.
Congratulations winners! We truly appreciate all your hard work and dedication to our Central Florida community.
Stay tuned for updates regarding our 2024 Elite Central Florida Awards.
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