4:30 p.m. - Red Carpet Arrivals
Enjoy photos on the red carpet with VyStar, live music by the Jacksonville Symphony, a photobooth, signature cocktails by Minden Mill Distilling, craft beer by Myrtle Ave Brewing, and passed hors d'oeuvres by Chef’s Garden.
6:00 p.m. - Dinner and Awards
Hear from emcee Melanie Lawson with News4Jax and leaders at the City of Jacksonville, JP Morgan, FIS, 35 Mules, and Fidelity National Financial, who will present the award categories.
8:45 p.m. - Event Wrap Up
Enjoy a Sundae Bar by Kilwins and live music by the Jacksonville Symphony.
On behalf of the entire city of Jacksonville, it is my profound pleasure to welcome you to the PS27 Entrepreneurship Awards!
Tonight, we don't just celebrate award winners; we celebrate the very spirit of innovation, dedication, and relentless optimism that is defining the future of our great city. Our startup ecosystem is not just growing, it is thriving, fueled by the passion and creativity of incredible individuals like those we honor this evening.
Jacksonville is rapidly becoming a beacon for entrepreneurs, a place where bold ideas find fertile ground and where collaboration turns visionary concepts into reality. The energy in this room is a testament to the vibrant, supportive community we have built together.
Thank you for being a part of this inspiring night. May the stories and achievements we recognize tonight ignite your own entrepreneurial flame and strengthen our collective commitment to making Jacksonville the ultimate city for innovation.
Donna Deegan Mayor, City of Jacksonville
Melanie Lawson, News4Jax
Melanie Lawson is no stranger to Florida. She grew up in Longwood, just two hours south of Jacksonville. She attended Hampton University in Virginia before beginning her career in journalism at WBOC-TV in Salisbury, Md., and Dover, Del.
While at WBOC, she covered Delaware legislature, Dover Air Force Base and in-depth health stories, to name a few. After covering stories in Delaware, she left to become the station's noon and 7 p.m. news anchor, as well as the health reporter. She received an Associated Press award for a half-hour health special that she wrote, co-produced and hosted. It focused on three deadly health conditions that plagued the community.
Yara Banks, CEO & Principal Consultant, BNX Business Advisors
Yara Banks is an award-winning strategist, author, and world champion martial artist who brings the same discipline and focus from the dojo into boardrooms and classrooms across the country. As CEO of BNX Business Advisors, Yara leads a firm known as a Profit Protector—helping organizations strengthen their people, processes, and performance to achieve measurable growth and long-term sustainability.
With more than two decades of experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors, Yara has built a reputation for creating people-centered solutions that drive real business results. Her expertise covers organizational design, strategic planning, government contracting, and leadership development, and her signature framework, Lead Like a Black Belt™, inspires professionals to lead with focus, resilience, and purpose.
Beyond her professional achievements, Yara is a proud wife and mother of six, whose journey reflects the power of perseverance and faith. She has founded and led multiple nonprofits, received nominations for numerous community and business awards, and continues to champion equity, excellence, and entrepreneurship in every space she enters.
Steven J. Davis, President and CEO of Construction and Engineering Services Consultants, Inc.
As President and CEO, Mr. Davis leads with vision and heart, guiding a team that delivers exceptional civil engineering, construction management and inspection, and construction and administration support services across Florida.
Under his leadership, C&ES has recently secured multiple high-impact contracts — including civil engineering and construction inspection services for Duval County Public Schools, the City of Jacksonville, JEA, and Clay County. These achievements reflect the firm’s technical excellence and the strength of its trusted partnerships. C&ES maintains ongoing relationships with key municipalities and agencies, including JAXPORT, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, and other surrounding counties, underscoring the firm’s reputation for reliability, innovation, and long-term collaboration.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Davis is deeply committed to mentorship and empowering the next generation of industry professionals. He creates opportunities for growth and career development, helping individuals turn potential into purpose. Mr. Davis can often be found lending a helping hand — distributing food, school supplies, and other essentials to families in need. His actions reflect the same care and commitment that define his leadership, leaving a lasting impact both in the field and throughout the community he proudly serves. His passion for innovation and community advancement shines through every project, inspiring others to lead, serve, and build a brighter future — one foundation at a time.
Summer Vyne, CEO of AnuVision
Summer Vyne is the Chief Executive Officer and visionary leader/founder of AnuVision Technologies, a Jacksonville-based company redefining the world of commercial audio-visual solutions.With a passion for merging design, innovation, and technology, Summer has built AnuVision into a trusted partner for organizations seeking transformative display experiences—from interactive flat panels and LED walls to transparent LED film, holograms, innovative cutting-edge, and immersive environments.Under her leadership, AnuVision has evolved beyond integration to become a creative and strategic technology partner.
Summer spearheaded the development of the AnuVision Innovation Lab, a hands-on experience center where clients and partners can interact directly with next-generation technologies. Her forward-thinking vision also led to the creation of Nteractix, an emerging venture dedicated to immersive holographic content production and storytelling. A recognized voice in Jacksonville’s growing tech and entrepreneurship community, Summer champions collaboration and innovation across education, business, and creative industries. Her partnerships—with like-minded organization leaders launched the creation of tech-focused events like Disrupt IT—reflect her commitment to building a thriving ecosystem that connects people, ideas, and technology.Summer’s leadership is marked by creativity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to push boundaries—qualities that continue to position AnuVision Technologies at the forefront of the modern AV industry and Florida’s innovation landscape.
Deborah Magyar, Regional Director, Florida SBDC
Deborah Magyar is a visionary leader, AI strategist, and ecosystem builder who serves as the Regional Director of the Florida SBDC at the University of North Florida’s Coggin College of Business. She leads a high-impact team serving an 18-county region, driving economic growth through innovative programs that empower entrepreneurs and strengthen small businesses.
A serial entrepreneur and innovation-driven strategist, Deborah brings firsthand insight and cutting-edge expertise in entrepreneurial leadership, business development, commercialization, and program design. As Chair of the Florida SBDC’s AI & Innovation Task Force, she is pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence into small business support across Florida. Her certifications from Google AI U and Harvard Business School Impact enable her to deliver advanced training in AI-driven consulting, intelligent agent development, and data-informed decision-making. Through these efforts, she is contributing to Florida’s growing reputation in AI-enabled entrepreneurship.
In 2024, Deborah’s leadership helped over 2,100 clients, launched 190 new businesses, delivered nearly 13,000 consulting hours, and secured more than $32 million in capital. She also led the launch of the APEX Accelerator, helping small businesses win over $62 million in government contracts. By the end of 2025, Deborah and her team were on track to surpass the milestones achieved in 2024. Her collaborative leadership and bold vision continue to shape a resilient, future-ready entrepreneurial landscape.
Troy McNair Sr., Co-Founder, Think Bold
Troy McNair Sr. is a visionary entrepreneur, cultural architect, and community builder dedicated to transforming Jacksonville into a hub of innovation, creativity, and economic empowerment. As Co-Founder of the Think Bold Festival & Conference and B.E.S.T. Bootcamp (Boldpreneur), he has built one of Florida’s most dynamic ecosystems connecting entrepreneurship, workforce development, and culture.
With over three decades in the music and entertainment industry—including leadership roles with Def Jam Music Group and Disney Entertainment—Troy has produced multi-platinum projects and global live events. He now channels that expertise into developing programs that bridge education, innovation, and opportunity for the next generation.
Through his agency, Generation Media Group, and his partnership with the tech venture AMFM Technologies, Troy continues to drive innovation across entertainment, media, and technology. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to empowering small businesses, students, and creators to “Think Bold” and shape the future of work through culture, technology, and purpose.
Raghu Misra, Founder, The Link & Sapna Foundation
Raghu is a builder who loves to break old rules and make better ones. He creates places where people connect, learn, build, and win together. As the founder of The Link, he turned a simple idea into a home for creators, startups, families, and young leaders in North Florida.
He is known for spotting what a community needs before anyone else sees it — and then turning it into real systems that help people grow. His work through Sapna Foundation brings big dreams, real skills, and new chances to students and families.
Raghu’s mission is simple: help people rise, help ideas spread, and make serendipity happen every day. Raghu is a Serial Entrepreneur and long time resident of Jacksonville. He is building the future of community — one connection at a time.
Charles (Charlie) B. Jimerson, Partner and CEO of Jimerson Birr
A proud graduate of Leadership Jacksonville’s Class of 2013 and lifetime member of the organization, Charlie remains deeply committed to advancing leadership and civic engagement across Northeast Florida. Under his direction, Jimerson Birr has become a pioneer in legal innovation, launching subscription-based legal services, integrating AI into operations, and expanding across Florida.
Charlie’s leadership philosophy centers on building high-performing teams, fostering community impact, and embracing change as a catalyst for growth. He was appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration to serve on the Board of Task Force Movement, a national initiative focused on workforce development and veteran transition support.
Locally, he serves on the Jacksonville Civic Council and Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute Advisory Board. His professional journey began in the U.S. Air Force, where he was named Airman of the Year and became the youngest operationally certified meteorologist in military history.
Anthony B. Miles, Founder & CEO/COO, Bon Vivant Safety Eyewear Company
Anthony B. Miles is a U.S. Navy Trident Nuclear Submarine Force Veteran and the founder of Bon Vivant Safety Eyewear Company, Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned business headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Guided by the discipline and precision of his military service, Anthony leads the creation of Firstline—a next-generation eyewear brand delivering premium ANSI Z87.1-certified safety goggles for healthcare professionals, industrial teams, and everyday consumers.
At the heart of his innovation is Nirtech IR Lens Technology, a patented advancement that provides 4-in-1 protection against infrared, UV, blue light, and impact—empowering professionals to see clearly and stay protected in every environment.
Driven by service and purpose, Anthony’s mission is to protect the vision of those who protect others. Through Firstline and community initiatives like Vision Strong Duval, he’s redefining what it means to merge veteran leadership, healthcare innovation, and American manufacturing excellence.
Anthony is also the author and an international speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment around the world. His entrepreneurial journey reflects resilience, precision, and purpose—proof that the same courage required under the ocean can illuminate new horizons in business and impact on land.
Quang X. Pham, Chairman and CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics
Quang X. Pham is a successful serial entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry, currently serving as Chairman and CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company (Nasdaq: CVKD) he took public, marking the first and only such listing in Northeast Florida. He is a popular public speaker and has received the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® award. Quang is also an acclaimed two-time author with a notable personal story, having transitioned from a Vietnamese refugee to a decorated U.S. Marine Corps aviator who served in Operation Desert Storm and Somalia.
Quang is also on the board of Cognition Ads, a leading digital marketing agency and one of the top five fastest-growing companies in Northeast Florida. He is a past director of Volunteers in Medicine-Jacksonville, Chair of the Ponte Vedra High School Biotechnology Academy, and director of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. He is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard’s Global Health Care Leaders Program.
Jim Evanger
Jim Evanger is a proud husband of his college sweetheart, Michele, and father of their two Florida State Seminoles, Sydney and Carson.
During his diverse leadership career, Jim has built executive teams in Fortune 100, middle-market, and entrepreneurial start-up businesses. His industry experience spans throughout healthcare, retail, B2C, franchising, light manufacturing, and private equity.
Jim came up through the ranks at Merck & Co., beginning as a sales professional. He was promoted into sales management, and before he was 25 years old was entrusted with building a team across 33 states and Canada. He earned his MBA and was tapped to lead Global Accounts across the world.
After almost 10 years in corporate America, Jim and Michele launched a business and franchised it across the US for a decade before selling it. Since then, he has built and led high performing teams in diverse small to mid-sized businesses, some private equity owned. This experience helped propel him into various mentoring roles with firms such as Dubin Clark, Trivest, and Latticework Capital, where he sits on Boards and mentors CEO's on strategy and execution.
Jim climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro last January and proudly serves on the Vestry of Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Dan Glunt
Dan Glunt is an accomplished investor, board member, and graduate of Stetson University. Dan began his career with Chubb Insurance Group, where he held various positions in Tampa, St. Louis, Kansas City, and San Francisco. During his tenure in San Francisco, he managed insurance carrier relationships for the online insurance marketplace, InsWeb. As an entrepreneur, Dan founded Fort Point Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most esteemed private client specialty insurers, which he successfully sold to HUB International in 2012.
Presently, Dan is an active angel investor in privately held companies and real estate. He is dedicated to raising capital for entrepreneurs and fostering connections among extraordinary people. In 2019, he co-founded the Hatter Angels Investment Program, a student-led venture capital program at Stetson University, where student analysts research real-world startup companies for angel investor alumni.
Dan is also committed to volunteer work, actively engaging with the Columbia Correctional Institute and assists high school and college students with internships and full-time career opportunities. He is a self-proclaimed “mediocre fisherman” and resides with his family in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
T. R. Richardson, Chief Training Officer at Richwood International
T. R. Richardson is a renowned Speaker, Trainer, and Facilitator dedicated to empowering individuals to create solutions and achieve their goals. With a background in Psychology, Business, and Leadership Development from Florida International University, he has trained over 400,000 people nationwide through in-person and virtual sessions.
As the Chief Training Officer at Richwood International, T.R. specializes in Executive Leadership Coaching, Workforce Development Training, and GovCon Business Development Consulting. He serves as a Board Member of The $1,000 Start-Ups Consortium, and the previous Executive Director of The Nassau Racial Equality Coalition.
His successful entrepreneurial efforts in business and government contracting birthed the Professional Procurement Program (P3), a curated government contracting education program that helps service-based businesses under $2 million in annual revenue start, scale, and sustain success in the GovCon space on a local, state, and/or federal level(s). Through the success of P3, he has been able to help small businesses and entrepreneurs reduce the time invested in GovCon before seeing on ROI from over 3 years (average) to less than 3-6 months!
Committed to excellence and persistent through failures, T.R. Richardson continues to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.
FIS, Representing FIS is Alexis Anderson
FIS is a financial technology company providing solutions to financial institutions, businesses, and developers. We unlock financial technology to the world across the money lifecycle underpinning the world’s financial system. Our people are dedicated to advancing the way the world pays, banks and invests, by helping our clients to confidently run, grow, and protect their businesses. Our expertise comes from decades of experience helping financial institutions and businesses of all sizes adapt to meet the needs of their customers by harnessing where reliability meets innovation in financial technology. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, FIS is a member of the Fortune 500® and the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index.
VyStar, Representing VyStar is Pablo Diaz De Sandi
VyStar Innovation and community impact are at the heart of VyStar’s story. Guided by our purpose to Do Good, we lead the way by trying new things and making them work, not just in technology, but in how we serve members and strengthen communities. From pioneering high school branches that give students real-world banking experience to launching programs that expand access for small businesses, VyStar consistently sets new standards for what a credit union can achieve.
Our commitment to innovation goes hand in hand with social responsibility. In 2024 alone, VyStar donated $7.2 million to more than 400 nonprofits and employees contributed over 40,000 volunteer hours, proving that leadership begins with service. These efforts reflect our belief that ethical, forward-thinking business practices create lasting impact.
Today, VyStar serves over one million members, including 60,000 small business owners, through 78 full-service branches, 19 high school branches, and access to more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide. As Florida’s second-largest credit union, managing $14 billion in assets, VyStar continues to innovate, delivering financial solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive.
NLP Logix, Representing NLP Logix Ted Willich
NLP Logix, founded in 2011, is one of the fastest-growing artificial intelligence (AI) consultancies in the United States. We help organizations transform their data into powerful, real-world solutions through services such as Generative AI, predictive modeling, advanced analytics, natural language processing, and custom application development.
Our motto, Data Science is a Team Sport, reflects our collaborative approach where data scientists, engineers, and developers work together to solve complex challenges. We partner with clients across all industries to deliver measurable impact and scalable AI solutions that drive smarter decisions and better outcomes.
Matthew Chang, P.E., Founder of Chang Robotics
Matthew Chang, PE, is an engineering expert and founder of Chang Robotics, with extensive experience in deploying advanced autonomous systems and collaborative robotics. Holding engineering licenses in the U.S. and China and an Executive MBA from Jacksonville University, he has led transformative projects including the world’s largest deployment of autonomous vehicles in a manufacturing environment and the launch of Jacksonville’s U2C autonomous transit program.
Matthew brings unparalleled expertise in integrating cutting-edge technology with real-world applications and is known for his future-focused, visionary mindset that drives innovation in solving complex challenges.
Robert Dahlstrom, Founder and CEO, Apellix
Robert Dahlstrom is the founder and CEO of Apellix®, a groundbreaking robotics company that developed and patented the world’s first tethered Power Wash drones. These aerial robotic systems provide a safer, faster, and more cost-effective solution for cleaning and maintaining large-scale facilities and infrastructure, including warehouses, hospitals, apartment complexes, and industrial assets.
Motivated by a passion for safety, Robert first began experimenting with window-washing drones in 2013. Today, Apellix Power Wash drones carry out the dirty and dangerous work of surface cleaning, reducing risks to workers while enabling organizations to extend the life of their assets. In 2023, Apellix designed a prototype autonomous drone for the U.S. Army to wash and decontaminate (paint) equipment, demonstrating the adaptability of the technology across industries.
Called the “father of Working Drones”—drones that don’t just observe but directly interact with the built environment—Robert has become a leading voice in how technology can transform facility maintenance. He holds seven U.S. patents, has authored more than 50 papers and articles, and is a frequent conference speaker. His work is helping property owners, facility managers, and industries worldwideimprove safety, reduce operational costs, and unlock new efficiencies in asset care.
Andrew Rush, President and CEO, Star Catcher
Andrew Rush is the President and CEO of Star Catcher, a pioneering company advancing the development of the world’s first space-based energy grid. A seasoned space industry executive, Andrew is widely recognized for scaling groundbreaking ventures and driving transformational growth across the commercial and defense space sectors.
He first gained prominence as President and CEO of Made In Space, where he led the company from its early startup phase into a profitable leader in space manufacturing technology. Under his leadership, Made In Space achieved historic milestones, including the first-ever manufacturing in space and the creation of the first satellite capable of in-orbit manufacturing and assembly. Andrew also guided the company through its successful acquisition by Redwire Corporation in 2020.
At Redwire, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing strategic execution, investment planning, and expansion across civil, defense, and commercial markets. During his tenure, Redwire enhanced the International Space Station’s power systems, scaled to over 700 employees, and went public on the New York Stock Exchange.
Today, Andrew continues to lead at the forefront of space innovation, shaping the future of space infrastructure and sustainable energy through his leadership at Star Catcher.
To cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives innovation and impact throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding region.