As the nonprofit arm of First Commerce, the FCCU Foundation focuses on fostering financial literacy for all age groups across North Florida and South Georgia. At Leon High, the Foundation led an interactive, game-style Financial Fitness Fair designed to help students build strong financial fundamentals as young adults.

During the Financial Fitness Fair, students received fictional identities that came with simulated real-world expenses, including transportation, housing, groceries, entertainment and childcare. Students rotated through a series of stations representing different expense categories, working one-on-one with First Commerce financial professionals to navigate budgeting decisions tied to each.

First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison staffed one of the stations, talking with students and advising them on hypothetical budget choices. She said the experience encouraged students to think critically about financial decisions in a safe, supportive environment.

“It’s really exciting because you can start to see them thinking, ‘Hey, I get to make these choices,’ and wanting to be in control,” Homison said after the event. “At the same time, the reality starts to sink in as they see how quickly costs add up and how their job and family situation influence the choices they can make.”

As part of the visit, First Commerce also presented Leon High School with a $1,000 check to support campus beautification efforts by planting new trees. The trees serve as a lasting symbol of the growth and opportunity fostered through financial education initiatives like the Financial Fitness Fair.

Leon High School Assistant Principal Linda John said the Financial Fitness Fair delivers practical lessons students can carry with them long after graduation.

“We truly appreciate you being here today and not only investing in Leon High School, but also investing in financial literacy in our community,” John said following the event.

Members of First Commerce’s volunteer Board of Directors also participated alongside credit union team members, reinforcing the board’s commitment to financial education and community impact.

Alan Neubauer, chairman of the First Commerce Board of Directors, said the event helps prepare students for the financial realities they will face after graduation.

“The goal is to have fun while empowering generations of families to achieve their financial aspirations,” Neubauer said. “These students will soon be navigating the real world, and this gives them valuable perspective on what everyday costs look like and how quickly they add up.”

Board member Shonda Knight, a Leon High School graduate, said the Financial Fitness Fair showcases the credit union’s mission in action.

“As we celebrate the FCCU Foundation’s 10th anniversary alongside First Commerce’s 85th anniversary, we’re incredibly proud that our team members have contributed more than 25,000 volunteer hours empowering generations to achieve their financial aspirations,” Knight said.

The April 2 event reflects First Commerce’s growing commitment to financial education. In 2025, more than 4,000 people of all ages participated in FCCU Foundation financial fitness fairs and customized learning experiences offered throughout the region.

First Commerce and the FCCU Foundation are providing the communities they serve with financial literacy content, lessons, resources and tools throughout Financial Literacy Month in April, all of which are accessible at FirstCommerceCU.org/FLM2026.

“Dr. Tony Lee’s breadth of experience across Florida’s higher education landscape brings instant momentum and strategic insight to his new role as Florida A&M University’s interim chief of staff. His leadership is a welcome addition to the executive team as we advance our mission and continue to prioritize student success, research innovation and academic excellence,” said President Johnson.

Carmen Cummings-Martin, who most recently served as acting chief of staff, will return to the Division of University Advancement as the assistant vice president for Community Affairs.

“Carmen Cummings-Martin exemplifies the standard of excellence with caring that defines FAMU. Her leadership during this critical period of transition has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the foundation she has helped establish. I look forward to building on that work as we deepen our partnerships across the Tallahassee community and beyond,” said Johnson.

Lee’s strategic leadership has driven key initiatives that have advanced the mission and impact of the SUS. Notable achievements include securing increased funding for the System, launching the strategic plan “SUS 30,” organizing the inaugural SUS Fly-In in Washington, D.C., and conducting engagement visits across all 12 universities. His advocacy has been instrumental in shaping higher education policy through collaboration with legislative stakeholders.

“It is a privilege to serve at the number one public HBCU during this transformational time in FAMU history. Together with President Johnson, the Board of Trustees, and our administrative colleagues, I look forward to identifying best practices, advancing our shared strategic goals, and contributing to the continued excellence of this great institution,” said Lee.

Previously, Lee served as the director of University Relations at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Over his nine-year tenure, he was dedicated to strengthening the university’s community partnerships, enhancing alumni engagement, and advancing institutional outreach. In addition to his administrative role, Lee contributed to academic life as an adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Florida State University, a Master of Science in global and strategic communications from Florida International University, and a Doctorate in education from the University of Miami.

“Today is about turning a world-class event into real, lasting impact for our students,” said County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “By reinvesting a portion of the World Athletics Fun Run proceeds into our schools, we are strengthening athletic programs and creating more opportunities for young people across Leon County to thrive.”

The 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships drew more than 15,000 people, including nearly 11,000 visitors from outside the county and around the world, and generated more than $6 million in total economic impact for the local economy — exceeding early projections by more than 50 percent when accounting for the full ripple effect of visitor spending.

The funds will go towards supporting the school district’s cross-country and track and field teams, enabling more opportunities for the students to excel in these sports. This investment fulfills Leon County’s pledge to dedicate a portion of proceeds from the international championship event to benefit local athletics, ensuring a lasting community impact beyond race day.

“Leon County’s Apalachee Regional Park was built on a long-term vision of transforming a former landfill into a world-class venue that put our County on the global stage for cross country,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Directing these proceeds to student-athletes is how we make sure the benefits of that investment reach every corner of our community, not just on race day but for years to come.”

This effort is part of a broader strategic initiative in partnership with World Athletics to introduce, grow, and sustain the sport of cross country to the next generation of athletes. Leon County Schools will determine how the funding is distributed among its cross-country and track and field programs districtwide.

“We are grateful for this investment in our student-athletes and athletic programs,” said LCS Superintendent Rocky Hanna. “Support like this helps us provide valuable opportunities for students to build discipline, teamwork, and confidence through sports.”

The check presentation took place in the Montford Middle School gymnasium, where Leon County and Leon County Schools officials were joined by the Montford Middle School boys’ and girls’ cross country teams, both reigning district champions.

“For our students, this support shows them that their community believes in them,” said Montford Middle School Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach Brad Busboom. “This investment will have a direct impact on our ability to grow the sport and support young runners at every level.”

Khari James serves as Senior Counsel for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. In this role, she litigates civil cases involving sexual exploitation throughout the United States. She also works as an adjunct professor at the Florida State University College of Law.

Prior to her current role, Khari was a prosecutor. She served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida and as a state prosecutor. Khari prosecuted a wide range of federal and state offenses involving homicide, illegal reentry, human trafficking, domestic and sexual violence, narcotics, money laundering, and firearms. Khari has also worked at the Department of Homeland Security: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and clerked for the federal judiciary in Chicago.

She attended Florida State University College of Law for law school and the University of Central Florida for undergraduate, where she majored in criminal justice and victim advocacy.

For more information, please visit: bigbendmentoring.org

The release noted that “Danielle is a seasoned healthcare communications and marketing leader with deep roots in the Tallahassee community. She brings extensive experience helping healthcare organizations grow, transform, and connect meaningfully with patients and stakeholders.”

Most recently, Danielle served as Senior Marketing Director for Diagnostic Services at Quest Diagnostics. Many in our community will also remember her impactful nearly decade-long tenure at TMH, where she led marketing, communications, and media relations.

Danielle holds a degree in economics from the University of Vermont and a healthcare marketing certificate from the Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development. She has proudly called Tallahassee home for more than 20 years with her husband and their two sons.

ATD is a national nonprofit organization that partners with more than 300 community colleges nationwide to help institutions improve student outcomes and strengthen their capacity to support learners from enrollment through completion and career success.

Leader Colleges of Distinction represent the highest level of recognition within the ATD Network. Colleges earning the designation demonstrate strong and sustained progress in improving key student success outcomes, including retention and completion, while building a culture of data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

“Tallahassee State College is deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed,” said Dr. Jim Murdaugh, President of Tallahassee State College. “Being recertified as a Leader College of Distinction reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff and our continued focus on implementing strategies that help students achieve their academic and career goals.”

Tallahassee State College has been a member of the ATD network since and has long been recognized as a national leader in student success. The College was named an ATD Leader College in 2009and first earned the Leader College of Distinction designation in 2022, becoming the first college in Florida to receive the honor. In that same year, ATD awarded Tallahassee State College the prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, recognizing institutions that demonstrate outstanding and sustained improvements in student outcomes.

“The 2026 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices, and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting the focus, discipline, and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”

Apply at LeonCountyFL.gov/JRApprentice by Tuesday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m.

Leon County is committed to fostering talent and creating a robust workforce by equipping students with the hands-on skills necessary for skilled trades that are imperative for today’s workforce.

Since 2017, the program has placed students in a variety of positions across the county to build valuable workplace skills and earn hourly wages. The program is currently looking to fill positions in the following areas:(1) Computer Aided Design (CAD), (1) Construction Contract Management, (2) EMT Paramedic, (1) Fleet Mechanic, (1) Graphics and Digital Design – Community and Media Relations, (2) IT Tech Support, (1) Medical Administrative Associate, and (1) Web Development.

To participate, students must be enrolled in or have completed a high school-level Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program. Over the course of a semester, students work directly with skilled Leon County staff members in fields they are interested in pursuing. Students in the program will earn an hourly wage and elective credit towards their high school diploma, preparing them to enter the workforce after graduation.

The Leon Works Junior Apprenticeship Program plays a pivotal role in preparing youth for well-paying job opportunities in the future. By the year 2032, more than 38,000 skilled jobs are projected to be available in Leon County and the surrounding region. To meet the needs of growing job sectors, Leon County aims to achieve the strategic goal of connecting 7,000 students to middle-skilled careers that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree.

For more information, contact Hadassah Israel, Leon County Employee Development Coordinator, at 850-606-2418 / IsraelH@LeonCountyFl.gov, or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

“Misty is a visionary and transformative leader. She has achieved high employee engagement, significant improvements in patient experience, reputation scores, and quality of care,” says, Josh Woodruff, Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. “She will continue our mission of: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.”

# # #

About HCA Florida Capital Hospital
HCA Florida Capital Hospital is a fully accredited healthcare facility with more than 1,400 employees and 500+ providers. We are a 288-bed, acute-care hospital that offers 24/7 Emergency Services in Leon and Gadsden Counties. Offerings also include a Behavioral Health Center, Cancer Center, Chest Pain Center w/PCI-Resuscitation, Family Center, Heart & Vascular Center, Imaging Services, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Orthopedic/Spine Center, Physical Therapy Services, Rehabilitation Center, Stroke Center, Surgical Services, Surgical Weight Loss Center, Network-of-Care Affiliated Physician Practices, and more.

Ms. Lollis also served as Vice President of Human Resources at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital and HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital, where she played a pivotal role in the growth and establishment of a new hospital in the Orlando market at that time. “In all of her roles, Ms. Lollis fosters a strong, collaborative culture and cultivates a true team-oriented environment. She consistently makes an extra effort to build meaningful, personal connections with colleagues and patients,” says, Dale Neely, Chief Executive Officer at HCA Florida Capital Hospital.

HCA Florida Capital Hospital is a fully accredited healthcare facility with more than 1,400 employees and 500+ providers. The hospital has a 288-bed, acute-care hospital that offers 24/7 Emergency Services in Leon and Gadsden Counties. Offerings also include a Behavioral Health Center, Cancer Center, Chest Pain Center w/PCI-Resuscitation, Family Center, Heart & Vascular Center, Imaging Services, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Orthopedic/Spine Center, Physical Therapy Services, Rehabilitation Center, Stroke Center, Surgical Services, Surgical Weight Loss Center, Network-of-Care Affiliated Physician Practices, and more.

At the tournament, every TSC team member earned an award, placing in seven of the tournament’s 11 individual events.

Leading the charge was Lillyana Humphreys, who won first place in After-Dinner Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking, while also claiming third place in Informative Speaking and Impromptu Speaking.

Natalie Gordon and Samuel King won first place in Duo Interpretation. Gordon also secured second place in Program Oral Interpretation and third place for Overall Individual Speaker.

Additional TSC finalists included Grace Hartman, who placed seventh in Informative Speaking and sixth in Duo Interpretation alongside Olivia Shull. Shull earned sixth place in Dramatic Interpretation.

Jack Hopkins rounded out the team’s success by earning fifth place in Impromptu Speaking and sixth in Informative Speaking.

“The team this year is one of the hardest-working and tenacious teams ever,” said John Schultz, the faculty advisor for the Speech and Debate team. “They are always up for the challenge. I believe if you want to be a champion, you need both talent and a great work ethic. These students have both, and I predict they will win both state and junior college regional championships.”

This victory marks the team’s sixth first-place finish of the season.

Next, the team will compete at the Florida College System Activities Association State Championship, where TSC has claimed the state title 24 of the past 26 years.

Florida State University College of Law is celebrating 60 years since welcoming its first students in 1966, marking six decades of leadership in public legal education, scholarship and service.

FSU Law began with a bold vision: to expand access to high-quality legal education and prepare graduates to serve Florida and the nation with integrity and excellence. From its early days in the historic Longmire Building, the college has grown into one of the nation’s leading public law schools.

FSU Law welcomed its inaugural class of about 100 students under the leadership of founder Dean Mason Ladd. With a small but dedicated faculty, the young law school quickly established a reputation for academic rigor, public engagement and student-centered learning.

Over the decades, successive leaders — Joshua Morse III, L. Orin Slagle, Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte, Don Weidner, and current dean Erin O’Hara O’Connor — guided the college through expansion, innovation and national recognition.

“As we mark FSU Law’s 60th anniversary, we honor a legacy of excellence in scholarship, teaching and public service that has shaped generations of lawyers and strengthened communities across Florida and beyond,” said O’Hara O’Connor. “Our story is one of growth, innovation and an unwavering commitment to student success. While we proudly celebrate our past, we are also building momentum for the future as one of the nation’s top law schools.” 

Over the past 60 years, the institution has evolved, growing from a single building into a law school campus that includes two academic buildings, four historic houses, a student lounge, specialized research centers and robust academic programs.

FSU Law’s reach extends well beyond Tallahassee through nationally recognized centers and clinics, as well as an international study-abroad program at the University of Oxford in London.

FSU Law has produced leaders in the judiciary, government, private practice, public service, and academia. Its graduates serve as judges, legislators, advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders throughout Florida and around the world.

FSU Law’s faculty has earned national and international distinction for their scholarship, teaching and public engagement. Faculty members are regularly cited by courts, policymakers and the media, publish in leading law reviews and academic journals, and shape legal discourse in fields ranging from constitutional law and environmental policy to business regulation, technology and public interest advocacy.

Through their work in the classroom and beyond, FSU Law professors mentor students, advance knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the development of law and policy.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary milestone, the College of Law will host a yearlong celebration featuring special events, programming, alumni engagement opportunities and historical exhibits highlighting the people and moments that have shaped the College of Law.

For more information on FSU Law’s 60th anniversary, visit law.fsu.edu/60th.

Conducted as part of Premier’s Top Hospitals program, this independent study recognizes cardiovascular service lines nationwide through an unbiased evaluation of hospitals, using publicly available data. Premier’s cardiovascular assessment uses a balanced set of metrics, encompassing hospital clinical outcomes, cost and process efficiency, and patient experience. 

“The prevalence of heart disease and the need for advanced, specialty care continues to grow across the country,” shared Mark O’Bryant, CEO of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. “For our patients, this recognition means they can access nationally recognized cardiovascular care right here at home – with the goal of helping people live longer, healthier lives and stay close to the families and communities who support them.” 

TMH’s Heart and Vascular service line provides comprehensive, patient-centered cardiovascular care, from prevention and diagnosis to minimally invasive procedures and advanced surgical treatment options – helping patients receive high-quality care close to home.

“Achieving Top 50 status reflects the clinical strength of our cardiovascular program — including our focus on safety, outcomes and continuous improvement,” shared Daniel Cavallo, Vice President of Service Lines and Allied Health. “Our teams use the latest advancements in cardiovascular care and a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to deliver the right care at the right time for every patient.” 

Compared to peer hospitals, those in the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals delivered better results across all 21 measures, including clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, extended outcomes and patient experience.

Key national performance observations include:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) inpatient mortality showed a 56 percent difference in index value between benchmark and peer hospitals (0.43 vs. 0.99, respectively).
• In complication measure results for the two surgical patient groups (CABG and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)), the PCI group outperformed the CABG group by a 10 percent difference (31.4 percent vs. 21.4 percent, respectively).
• The CMS Care Compare 30-day mortality measure for CABG patients had the largest difference between benchmark and peer hospitals (16 percent), with index values of 2.1 vs. 2.5, respectively.
• Average cost per case showed the most notable difference in the heart failure patient group, with a 19.6 percent difference ($9,859 vs. $12,264, respectively).

“We’re honored to be recognized as a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital, as our cardiovascular team is dedicated to providing the best care using the most advanced technology to achieve positive outcomes for our patients,” shared Thomas Noel, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, TMH. 

These outcomes add up to meaningful differences. According to the study’s analysis, if all U.S. hospitals’ cardiovascular service lines performed at the level of this year’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals, the impact could include over 14,000 additional lives potentially saved, more than 27,000 additional bypass and angioplasty patients experiencing fewer complications, and over $2.0 billion in potential savings.

About the Study
The 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study is based on quantitative research that uses a balanced scorecard approach, based on publicly available data, to identify the top cardiovascular hospitals in the U.S. The program focuses on short-term, acute care, nonfederal U.S. hospitals that treat a broad spectrum of cardiology patients. It includes patients requiring medical management, as well as those who receive invasive or surgical procedures. Because multiple measures are used, a hospital must provide all forms of cardiovascular care, including open heart surgery, to be included in the study. Each patient group is mutually exclusive by design. Read more about the metrics and performance used in the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study at Premierinc.com.