HEALTH CARE
Senior Vice President, Northeast Florida Regional President, UF Health
The primary economic issue is increasing financial pressure driven by a combination of factors: rising costs, workforce shortages, the uncertainty of reimbursement for the care we provide plus a growing demand for services.
At UF Health Jacksonville, we are committed to finding solutions and providing outstanding care.
We have made it a top priority to invest in recruiting new health care professionals and retaining our experts.
It is clearly a challenge, as the need for care continues to outpace the number of people entering the field.
To counteract the rising costs that squeeze our budgets, we are evaluating our processes to be more efficient, looking for ways to reduce costs and identify the best use of our resources.
We are also analyzing our facilities and operational structures to find opportunities to streamline our delivery of services and increase access to care.
These challenges remain difficult, but we will continue our mission and service to the community with high quality and safety.
GOVERNMENT/POLITICS
Attorney, Author, Former City of Jacksonville Chief of Staff
In 2026, the road to Northeast Florida’s future goes through Tallahassee.
In 2026, Tallahassee decisions will have major Northeast Florida impacts.
The Florida Legislature will convene for its annual session Jan. 13.
One of the top priorities will be proposed constitutional amendments to reduce property taxes.
For local governments, the stakes are high: Hanging in the balance are hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for core services like first responders, public works and parks.
A recent University of North Florida poll showed an uncertain electoral path, but the issue could linger until the November election.
After the election, Northeast Florida will hold uncommon sway in the Florida Capitol, with Rep. Sam Garrison of Fleming Island taking the gavel as House Speaker and Sen. Tracie Davis of Jacksonville becoming Senate Democratic Leader.
Despite different party affiliations, they have forged a strong working relationship which could pay dividends for the region.
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
Executive Officer, Northeast Florida Builders Association
The primary economic issue is housing affordability.
The Northeast Florida Builders Association is working to address this issue on a multifront effort.
First, NEFBA is advocating for local governments and elected officials to reduce fees and red tape, which accounts for almost 24% of the cost of a new home, according to NEFBA.
Several area counties are considering dramatic increases to their impact fees, which will drive the cost of new homes even higher.
NEFBA is also working to increase the number of skilled tradespeople with our new Workforce Education Center.
This new facility will have four construction labs and 11 classrooms and will be the home for our NEFBA Apprenticeship Program. Finally, our Builders Care arm continues to help area homeowners stay in their homes with emergency repairs and ramps for accessibility.
TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS
CEO, Global Business Logistix LLC; President, Jax Chamber Transportation & Logistics Council
The primary economic issue is ensuring that companies can continue to grow and compete amid fluctuating transportation costs and evolving global trade conditions.
In Northeast Florida, we are tackling this challenge through innovation, strategic investment and strong industry collaboration.
By bringing the Florida Supply Chain Summit to Jacksonville this fall, we elevated our region’s visibility as a logistics powerhouse and highlighted JaxPort’s leadership as a major economic engine driving jobs, commerce and global connectivity.
Regional organizations such as the JAX Chamber Transportation & Logistics Council unite leaders across maritime, trucking, rail, air cargo, information technology and supply chain service sectors to strengthen competitiveness and support business growth.
These engagements are essential — fostering professional development, relationship-building and strategic partnerships.
As CEO of Global Business Logistix, I know that staying engaged in Northeast Florida’s transportation and logistics ecosystem is vital for growth.
FILM/TV
CEO/Producer, Lindsey Films
The primary economic issue is AI.
After more than 40 years as a producer and production company owner, I’ve seen the industry shift many times — but, in my opinion, the biggest challenge today is the rapidly changing complexion of AI.
Its capabilities evolve daily, and clients are discovering that spending time prompting AI and finessing in post-production can cost far less than hiring a full live production team.
I recently bid on a live project that was ultimately replaced almost entirely by AI — video and voiceover — simply because it was dramatically cheaper.
That’s the landscape we’re all navigating. Lindsey Films is adapting to this shift and embracing AI where it adds value, while still bringing irreplaceable human creativity, judgment and experience to the work.
What 30 Northeast Florida leaders are saying about the issues and challenges in the year ahead. Their insights will be published online over the next several days:
Jan. 2: John Avendano, Allison Bovee, Debbie Buckland, Harrison Conyers and Brittany Cooney. Story here
Jan 5: Michael Corrigan, Brian Coughlin, Julia Epstein, Cindy Funkhouser and Eric Green. Story here
Jan. 6: Patrick Green, Chris Hand, Jessie Spradley, Joanne Kazmierski, Pepper Lindsey.
Jan. 7: Lauren Little, Steve Livingstone, Albert Loh, Tyler Mathews and Sabeen Perwaiz. Story here
Coming up....
Jan. 8: Lisa Rinaman, Jackie Rowland, Gracie Simendinger, Buck Smoak and Bill Sorenson
Jan. 9: Jim Stallings, Colin Tarbert, Aundra Wallace, Travis L. Williams Sr. and Chris Wilson