Tallahassee People on the Move: September 2023

Capital City Bank Group Announces New Wealth Advisors

Capital City Investments, a subsidiary of Capital City Bank Group, Inc., recently announced David Tyson has joined its team of advisors to help serve the investment needs of clients in the greater Tallahassee area.

The press release states that “Tyson draws upon three decades of experience in the financial services industry in his advisory business, with an emphasis on transactional business, retirement, estate and tax planning.”

In his role, Tyson will focus on developing comprehensive financial plans based on individual goals and aid in mapping out financial futures for individuals, families, and businesses.

Tyson holds Series 7, 63 and 65 securities registrations with LPL Financial and state Life, Health and Variable Annuities licenses.

Capital City Bank also recently announced that Mike O’Connor has joined its team of wealth advisors, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry, including an extensive background in Wealth Management.

O’Connor will be teaming up with Capital City Trust Company, Capital City Investments and Capital City Strategic Wealth to provide expertise in investment strategies, retirement planning, estate and tax planning and risk management.

O’Connor most recently served as a private wealth advisor at Synovus Bank and was previously with SunTrust and Bank of America. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in economics.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend Announce New Board Member

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend recently announced that Board Member Jason Hollister has joined their Board of Directors. Jason is the Business Development Manager at Indoor Environmental Management. Jason has worked with young people in different capacities over the past 20 years and has a passion to see youth flourish in our community.

Kilpatrick Named TCC Trustee Chair

Tallahassee Community College District Board of Trustees elected Jonathan Kilpatrick as chair at their August meeting this week. Trustee Kilpatrick was appointed to the board in 2014 by Governor Rick Scott. He represents Wakulla County and takes the gavel from outgoing chair Eugene Lamb, Jr.

Kilpatrick has spent over 30 years of his career leading innovative technology solutions. He is the founder and CEO of Trulight LLC where he specializes in technology strategy, regulatory compliance, and cyber security. He previously served as the Chief Information Officer for the City of Tallahassee.

Kilpatrick is a Major in the Florida Air National Guard serving as a Cyber Systems Officer with 101 Air Communications Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base where he is responsible for the 101 Mission Defense Team’s requirement of cyber security for the Falconcer Weapon System. He also serves as the pastor of First Baptist Church of St. Marks. Kilpatrick represents Wakulla County.

Trustee Frank Messersmith put forward the motion to nominate Kilpatrick, which was approved unanimously.

“Jon has a wealth of personal, professional, and theological experience that will guide him, and us, quite admirably,” said Messersmith.

“Jonathan is a dedicated public servant with a heart for our mission here at TCC,” said Dr. Jim Murdaugh, president of TCC. “I am grateful for his positivity and commitment to our students and am looking forward to working with him during what will be an exciting year ahead at the College.”

FAMU Names Mary Simmons Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences

Florida A&M University (FAMU) has announced the appointment of Mary Simmons, Ph.D., RRT, as the new dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences (SOAHS), effective immediately.

Simmons is a tenured professor with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. She has served as interim SOAHS dean since the 2022 retirement of longtime Dean Cynthia Hughes-Harris, Ph.D. Throughout her career at FAMU, Simmons has secured more than $4.5 million in funding for programs, research, and student advancement.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D., acknowledges Simmons’ distinct focus on FAMU Health initiatives to support the University’s pursuit of R1 research status with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education. “It gives me great joy to select Dr. Mary Simmons as the top candidate for dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences,” Watson said. “Her leadership, community commitment, level of service, and research will be a highlight of her visionary leadership for cultivating our Strategic Plan, ‘Boldly Striking.’”

Simmons is well known for her work in the local community. During the pandemic, she secured COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for more than 1,000 Leon County residents. She is the 2022 recipient of the FAMU President’s Award for Exemplary Service and the 2021 Homecoming Humanitarian Award for Health Services. Additionally, she has chaired the Faculty Planning Conference for FAMU faculty members, advisors, and academic coaches for the last 10 years.

In her new role, Simmons will engage with health professionals, industry leaders, and campus partners to foster a transdisciplinary impact within the community. “I am eager to embark on a journey of innovation, collaboration, and excellence as the newly appointed dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences,” Simmons said.