The PS27 Foundation announced Delores Kesler as the 2021 PS27 Entrepreneur Award recipient today. The award was presented to Kesler by Jim Stallings, Chairman of the PS27 Foundation Board of Directors, with members of her family and staff present.
Delores Kesler is an extraordinarily successful entrepreneur and founder of multiple companies who has lived the journey of the PS27 motto: “Think Big, start small.” In 1978 Kesler started her company ATS Services, now a part of Adecco, when there were very few female business leaders. When Kesler retired as its Chairman in 1998, the company reported annual revenues of over $2 billion.
Empowering others to reach for their highest achievement, Kesler was the first keynote speaker at PS27’s Female Founders Forum in 2016. Today over 250 women attend the annual event that celebrates, inspires, and connects female entrepreneurs to successful founders and resources. The Female Founders Forum has become the largest event in celebration of International Women’s Day in Florida.
“We believe that Delores best exemplifies the spirit and success of the purpose-driven entrepreneurial leader. This award is a recognition of her business achievement and personal values,” said Jim Stallings, Chairman of the PS27 Foundation Board.
A role model for purpose-driven leadership, Delores has been on Boards of Directors for several publicly traded companies including, but not limited to; the First Coast Chamber of Commerce, University of North Florida’s Foundation Board, Florida Council of 100, Alliance for World Class Education, St. Vincent’s Medical Center’s Community Board, and the Hospice Foundation for Caring of Community Hospice Northeast Florida. Delores now spends her time with her family and friends on the First Coast.
