Jacob V. Stuart’s positive influence on the Orlando community has led to monumental change in the areas of healthcare, regional leadership, technology, transportation, international business, regional research and workforce development. His work was recognized by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who declared November 9, 2017 as Jacob V. Stuart Day in the City Beautiful during a proclamation presentation.
Stuart’s lifelong interest in protecting and nurturing the quality of life in Central Florida has led to his pioneering of numerous award-winning initiatives including Leadership Orlando, a program that creates opportunities to observe, interact and learn from public, private and civic leaders across Central Florida, and City of Light, a community volunteer program.
Stuart, who serves as the Orlando Economic Partnership’s (the Partnership) advisor to the president and CEO and as the regional ambassador, is the former president and CEO of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and founder of the Central Florida Partnership (CFP). The CFP merged with the Orlando Economic Development Commission in early 2017.
Stuart established the Central Florida Partnership in 2007, and has been the driving force behind the Central Florida Transportation Task Force. The Orlando Economic Partnership is also honoring Stuart’s legacy by establishing the Jacob V. Stuart Leadership Orlando Scholarship fund to benefit an emerging community leader. Founded in 1975 by Stuart, Leadership Orlando is now one of America’s largest community leadership programs.
“Jacob Stuart is a community treasure who has played key roles in every major initiative in Orlando and Central Florida for decades, usually quietly and behind the scenes, and always while engaging and elevating the volunteers in the organizations he has shepherded. For me personally, he is an example of unselfish servant leadership who has had an important impact on my life,” said Jeffery Q. Jonasen, Shareholder, Gunster, and 2011-2012 Chair, Central Florida Partnership.
Jacob Stuart was honored with the J. Thomas Gurney Award for community service at the Orlando Economic Partnership’s annual dinner.