TAMPA, FL – We are thrilled to announce Gary T. Hartfield’s induction into the esteemed 2024 Class of the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor, bestowed by the Florida Council on Economic Education (FCEE), recognizes individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the Tampa Bay community through their outstanding business accomplishments and unwavering commitment to civic service.

Since 1988, the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame has celebrated exceptional leaders who exemplify integrity, vision, and dedication to improving our region’s economic landscape. The Hall of Fame’s members inspire future generations and demonstrate the importance of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

The induction ceremony will occur on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. This event will not only honor the Class of 2024 but also highlight the critical work of the Florida Council on Economic Education in promoting economic and financial literacy education in K-12 schools throughout the Gulf Coast region and Florida.

Gary is a distinguished serial entrepreneur, leader, author, and philanthropist whose impact spans multiple industries, including education, healthcare, real estate, and insurance. As the president and CEO of six residential group homes providing healthcare services for the elderly and developmentally disabled and the founder and CEO of Serenity Village and Serenity Village Insurance & Consulting, Gary has demonstrated exceptional leadership acumen and business expertise.

“Receiving this award is truly an honor,” Hartfield said. “I am incredibly grateful to the Florida Council on Economic Education and the community for their support and faith in me.”

Throughout his career, Gary has been a catalyst for job creation, employing over 100 Floridians across the state and serving more than 1,000 clients through Serenity Village Insurance & Consulting. His commitment to empowering others extends to his role as CEO and Chairman of Empower Florida, Inc., advocating for the needs of business owners serving the intellectually and developmentally disabled.

“We are excited to welcome guests as we celebrate the Class of 2024 and all leaders who are ‘Soaring To New Heights,’” said FCEE Executive Director Suzanne Constanza. “We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments, leadership, and service of the Honorees while supporting the critical work of the FCEE in preparing our young people for their financial futures.”

The induction ceremony will celebrate Gary’s remarkable achievements and support the vital work of the Florida Council on Economic Education in preparing future generations for their financial futures. Tickets can be found here: https://www.fcee.org/tbhof.

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About the Florida Council on Economic Education:

The Florida Council on Economic Education (FCEE) promotes economic and financial literacy education in K-12 schools. Through teacher training programs, curricula, student competitions, and educational resources, FCEE annually empowers thousands of teachers and students across Florida. Learn more. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Allysen Kerr
Prymel Elements
media@goprymel.com
813-710-0755

TAMPA, FL – We are pleased to announce Gary Hartfield’s appointment to the St. Joseph’s-Baptist Health Board of Trustees. Gary has served the organization since 2022, initially contributing his expertise to the St. Joseph’s-Baptist Board’s Clinical Excellence Committee. With a deep sense of commitment and gratitude, Gary is honored to extend his involvement with the organization by taking on a role on the board.

The St. Joseph’s-Baptist Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in overseeing the operations of several premier healthcare institutions, including St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa; St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz; St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview; and South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City. This network of hospitals forms an integral part of the renowned BayCare Health System.

BayCare, a powerful economic engine in Florida, boasts an annual $10 billion economic impact—a remarkable 17 percent increase from 2020. With 32,083 team members and counting, BayCare is one of West Central Florida’s largest employers, contributing $3.7 billion in household income annually.

Gary is enthusiastic about this new role and looks forward to continuing and expanding his commitment to supporting the BayCare Health System. His dedication aligns seamlessly with BayCare’s mission to provide exceptional healthcare services and positively impact the communities it serves.

TAMPA, FL  – We proudly announce that Gary Hartfield will be the Keynote Speaker for the 38th Annual Plant City Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Breakfast. This event, presented by Tampa Electric (TECO), Attorney Ted Taylor, and the City of Plant City, is set to take place at 7:30 A.M. on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the HCC Plant City Campus Trinkle Center.

Gary Hartfield, an award-winning serial entrepreneur, leader, and philanthropist, will share his insights and experiences, aligning with this year’s theme, “Our History, Our Responsibility.” 

The MLK Leadership Breakfast is the Improvement League of Plant City’s flagship event, drawing local dignitaries, businesses, churches, and civic leaders together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event raises support for the Sadye Gibbs Martin Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are awarded annually to deserving students who meet the specific “need” and “merit” based criteria.

The breakfast also serves to remember the significant contributions of Ms. Sadye Gibbs Martin, a trailblazer and role model. As the first African American elected mayor in the State of Florida, she served five terms as mayor of Plant City. Ms. Martin was also the first African American elected to the Florida Strawberry Festival Associate Board of Directors.

For more information and tickets, please click below.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Sunday, January 14, 2024
Time: 7:30 A.M.
Location: HCC Plant City Campus Trinkle Center

TICKET INFO

• Individual Tickets: $47.25 (Includes Service Fee)
• Table Sponsor: $500 (8 Tickets)
• Drum Major Sponsor: $1,500 (16 Tickets)

TAMPA, FL  – We are pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Hartfield to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s (HART) Board of Directors by the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners.

Hartfield’s extensive business and leadership background makes him an ideal candidate to join the HART Board of Directors, where he will actively contribute to shaping the future of public transportation in the region. During his tenure on the board, Hartfield will serve on the Finance and Audit Committee, which monitors the financial integrity and viability of the organization.

Established in October 1979, HART has been at the forefront of planning, financing, acquiring, constructing, operating, and maintaining mass transit facilities while offering vital transportation assistance throughout Hillsborough County. Over the years, the organization has evolved to adapt to contemporary lifestyles, and more people than ever are discovering the benefits of HART’s sophisticated yet accessible and rider-friendly network of transit options.

With a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the local transit needs, Hartfield is ideally positioned to impact HART’s mission of connecting the community to the opportunities that enrich their lives.

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority,” stated Hartfield. “HART plays a vital role in connecting our community and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. I am excited to work alongside the dedicated individuals on the board and the HART team to continue positively impacting our region.”

About HART:
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) was established in 1979 and is dedicated to providing accessible, rider-friendly public transportation options for Hillsborough County residents. With a mission to take people to the places that enhance their lives, HART continues to evolve and adapt to meet contemporary transportation needs.

MEDIA CONTACT

Allysen Kerr
media@goprymel.com
813-710-0755

TAMPA, FL – In a recent interview on “The Opening Statement,” entrepreneur, father, and community leader Gary Hartfield shared his inspiring journey with Rep. Dianne Hart. He discussed his experiences, what drives him, the challenges as an entrepreneur, his role as a dedicated father, and his contributions as a community leader. Hartfield’s story serves as a testament to the power of determination and community engagement in achieving personal and professional success.

Watch the interview below.

News Outlet: Tampa Bay Business Journal

TAMPA, FL – In a recent feature in the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Alexis Muellner, editor, profiles Gary Hartfield’s remarkable journey and accomplishments. With 24 years of experience in the assisted living facility industry, Hartfield’s career took a different trajectory than originally expected. His pioneering efforts in multicultural learning programs sparked a passion for assisting others and fostering small business growth. Hartfield’s influence extends beyond his business ventures; he leads the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs Leadership Institute, facilitating growth and opportunity for the Black community. His dedication to building diverse talent pipelines is evident in the success of the program, which to-date has graduated more than 70 cohort members. 

Read the article by clicking on the button below.