Age: 52
Family: Son Ben, sweetie Susan Ponder-Stansel
Pets: Gator or two and numerous cottonmouths down by the creek, brown widows and pygmy rattlers in the uplands, frogs in the pond.
Education: B.A. from the University of Florida; J.D. from Hamline University; L.L.M. in Agricultural Law from University of Arkansas
Admitted to the Bar: 1986
Employed by: GrayRobinson
Field of practice: Environmental, land use and education
Professional organizations: Former chair of The Florida Bar Environmental and Land Use Law Section; incoming chair of the American Bar Association Section of Natural Resources, Environmental and Energy Law Constitutional Law Committee.
Community involvement: Counsel to West Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency; West Augustine Weed and Seed Committee; counsel to the Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind; counsel to Jewish Family & Community Services; Clara White Mission; counsel to Jewish Community Alliance; legal adviser to North Florida Land Trust; adjunct professor at Jacksonville University Marine Science Research Institute.
How did you become involved?
Never say no.
How can someone else become involved?
Just ask. I know it sounds trite, but people always need volunteers with a willing heart and a work ethic, but be willing to work, for their sake and yours. The needs are many, but the rewards are greater.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Have seed faith and nothing is impossible (Matthew 17:20).
What was the last book you read or are reading?
"Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World," by Mark Kurlansky.