The Northeast Florida Regional Council hosted the 22nd annual Regional Awards for Excellence and Elected Officials Luncheon on Jan. 8.
The event honors Northeast Florida’s elected officials for the work they do for the region and recognizes the winners of the 2025 Northeast Florida Awards for Excellence for the projects and individuals that strengthen communities, improve quality of life and advance regional collaboration.
“This year marked a record-breaking number of award nominations in my tenure. That milestone speaks to the innovative work happening throughout our communities and to the leaders who make the work possible,” Beth Payne, Northeast Florida Regional Council CEO, said in a Jan. 12 news release.
The council’s Regional Leadership Award was awarded to the Rev. Allison DeFoor.
He is president and CEO of the North Florida Land Trust and a trustee of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund.
DeFoor is an Episcopal priest who served as Canon to the Ordinary to the Bishop of the Diocese of Florida. He has degrees in geography, law, criminology and theology.
Other awards presented:
• Special Recognition: Jessica Beach and Anne Coglianese, co-chairs, Resilient First Coast Collaborative.
• Cultural & Historic Preservation: Community Planning Collaborative for the Durkeeville Revitalization Study.
• Economic Development: Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
• Environmental Stewardship: Flagler County Acquisition and Management of Environmentally Sensitive Lands.
• Healthcare Emergency Preparedness: Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville.
• Flood Mitigation Project Planning & Growth Management: Nassau County Vision 2050.
• Public Safety: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Training Facility.
• Quality of Life: Baker County Community Organizations Active in Disaster.
• Resiliency: City of Fernandina Beach Adaptation Plan.
• Tourism: Clay County Tourism Wheel the World.
The Northeast Florida Regional Council is a planning agency serving Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties. It supports local governments through collaboration, planning and technical assistance.