Board Chair Victoria Tschinkel

I'm pleased to share the news that 1000 Friends of Florida's Board of Directors has chosen Victoria Tschinkel of Tallahassee to be its new Chair. Vicki is one of Florida's most accomplished and respected leaders on environmental policy, with decades of experience at public, private and nonprofit organizations. In addition to being a longtime member of the Board of 1000 Friends, including a previous stint as Chair, she has served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, a senior consultant specializing in environmental matters with the law firm of Landers and Parsons and the State Director of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, among many other leadership roles.

F. Gregory Barnhart of Palm Beach was named Vice Chair. Another veteran Board member at 1000 Friends, Greg has been a partner in Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A., in West Palm Beach since 1981. He has held numerous offices with the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, including serving as its president from 1993-1994, and has been a leader in numerous other professional legal organizations. He is listed in the national publication The Best Lawyers in America.

Timothee Sallin of Clermont was named Secretary of the Board. Timothee is President of Cherrylake, a vertically integrated landscape company and the largest grower of ornamental trees, palms and shrubs in the State of Florida. In that role, he has been actively involved in water conservation, sustainable landscaping and responsible agriculture in Florida over the past 15 years, and is passionate about connecting people to plants and promoting healthy ecosystems within our urban environments.

Tim Jackson of Longwood, a 23-year member of the Board, was named Treasurer. Tim, who previously served as the Board's Chair, has been involved professionally in growth management for over 35 years. He is currently employed as a Director of Real Estate for Weyerhaeuser (formerly Plum Creek Timber Company) in Gainesville. In 2018, he was chosen as one of Florida's 500 top leaders by Florida Trend magazine, who called him "a top advocate for creating livable and sustainable communities in Florida."

I'm also delighted to announce that the Board has added a new member, Jim Swann of Cocoa. Jim, an investor and developer, is also vice chairman of Eckerd Connects, a nonprofit founded 50 years ago by Jack and Ruth Eckerd. Jim has an extensive and exemplary record of public service and leadership in environmental, social service, business and civic organizations. He and his wife, Jonnie, were honored by FLORIDA TODAY in 2016 for a lifetime of philanthropic achievement.

Leaders of the high caliber of Vicki, Greg, Timothee, Tim and Jim will ensure that 1000 Friends of Florida continues to be our state's most trusted and effective advocate for managing growth to protect our environment, economy and quality of life. But your role is also essential. Please donate now to support our work and share your good ideas.

Paul Owens,
President