Tim Kinsella: Leadership Forged in Service and Guided by Purpose
By: Will Estell
For Tim Kinsella, leadership has never been confined to a single title. Instead, it is a lifelong commitment to service, adaptability, and impact. Today, as Vice President of Branch Operations for Navy Federal Credit Union, Kinsella draws on decades of experience shaped by military command, academic leadership, and a deep connection to the Pensacola community.
Kinsella’s journey began with a distinguished 33-year career in the United States Navy, culminating as Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Pensacola—a role of both operational significance and symbolic weight in a city known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.” His leadership during a particularly challenging tenure—including a terrorist attack, a global pandemic, and a major hurricane—reflected a steady, people-first philosophy rooted in discipline, accountability, and resilience.
Following his naval service, Kinsella was recruited by University of West Florida to create and direct its Center for Leadership within the College of Business. There, he guided the institution through growth and innovation, emphasizing student success and community engagement while reinforcing the evolving role of education in a rapidly changing world.
Today, in his leadership position at the world’s largest credit union, Kinsella oversees branch operations across a vast footprint of the country, stretching from New Orleans to Detroit, and from Oklahoma City to Charleston. When I asked about his role, he shared, “I love this position because of the mission-focused culture and incredible people I get to work with every day. Navy Federal is a people business that also happens to do banking very well. After 33 years in the military, joining Navy Federal truly felt like coming home.”
Reflecting on his time in Pensacola, he noted that while many remember his leadership during crises, he is most proud of advancing local education - helping establish a charter high school with Pensacola State College and supporting STEM initiatives like the National Flight Academy. “Nothing brings me more joy than seeing students discover that learning can be fun,” he said.
Guided by a simple philosophy, “Stay away from complainers” and “Go where you are valued,” Kinsella exemplifies the first principles of leadership, continuing to impact the community.
Jared Willets: A Welcome and Trusted Voice Across Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast
By Will Estell
For over a hundred thousand daily viewers across Northwest Florida and Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the day doesn’t truly begin until Jared Willets appears on screen. As a longtime anchor at WEAR ABC 3 News, Willets has spent more than three decades delivering the news with a steady, approachable presence that has become a cornerstone of the region’s morning routine.
Since joining WEAR in 1995, Willets has built a career defined by consistency, professionalism, and an authentic connection with his audience. Each weekday morning, alongside co-anchor Laura Hussey, he helps guide viewers through the day’s top stories on WEAR’s Morning News, their new in 2026 show, Morning Current, and the station’s 11:00 a.m. news broadcast. Together, they’ve formed one of the most trusted and recognizable on-air partnerships in the state of Florida, and one that viewers welcome into their home as much for its familiarity and fun as for its reliability.
What makes Willets especially compelling is not just his longevity, but the genuine passion he brings to the role. “I can only add that I love my job bringing folks the news and events that affect their lives and, to a small degree, being part of viewers’ daily routine,” he says. It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures his approach -grounded, service-oriented, and deeply appreciative of each and every connection he shares with his valued audience.
Before television, Willets honed his voice and storytelling skills in radio, a foundation that still informs his clear, engaging delivery today. Off camera, his adventurous spirit has taken him to even greater heights, quite literally. As a master jump instructor, Willets spent years leaping out of perfectly good planes, a pursuit that reflects both his discipline and his appetite for a challenge.
In an industry often marked by constant change, Jared Willets remains a steadfast presence. His decades of service, combined with his approachable style and genuine enthusiasm, have made him not just a news anchor, but a trusted part of daily life in Pensacola and the surrounding coastal cities and communities.
Hayden Cadwalader: The Art of Quiet Impact
By Suzanne Pope
In a community defined by ambition, Hayden Cadwalader quietly stands apart. Soft-spoken and understated, he avoids attention, yet steadily shapes Pensacola’s cultural and coastal landscape in ways both intentional and unforced.
Originally from Villanova, Pennsylvania, Cadwalader’s journey to Pensacola was anything but conventional. After starting his college career at Rollins College, he transferred to the University of West Florida for its marine archaeology program. Following graduation, Cadwalader transitioned through roles in beach operations and community work, driven by opportunities that aligned with his interests. Amid a period of personal transition, he temporarily stepped away from these roles to support his family's finances, each move marking a deliberate response to changing circumstances and values.
Today, Cadwalader plays a key operational role at Sara Saul Webb Studio, helping manage the gallery’s day-to-day rhythm, from inventory and sales to the overall client experience. His approach to the art world is refreshingly grounded. Rather than focusing on prestige or trends, he prioritizes connection, helping individuals discover pieces that bring a sense of calm, beauty, and personal meaning into their spaces.
Outside the gallery, his presence is most felt on the water. As Commodore of the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Cadwalader is at the heart of the sailing community, which he describes as uniquely inclusive where age, experience, and background yield to a shared love of the bay.
Cadwalader sees himself as "building toward the future," investing in people, places, and opportunities that feel meaningful rather than transactional. He doesn’t present himself as an investor or figurehead, but as someone quietly supporting the community’s growth. In many ways, that may be the point.
In his own way, Cadwalader represents a quieter kind of impact one built through consistency, intention, and a genuine connection to the community.
George Lazi: From Georgia to Pensacola: A Chef’s Journey Fueled by Purpose
Written by Suzanne Pope
For George Lazi, the path to becoming one of Pensacola’s most respected chefs began far from the Gulf Coast. Born in the Republic of Georgia, his early life was shaped by uncertainty following the collapse of the Soviet Union. With limited opportunity and an uncertain future, his mother made a courageous decision to leave everything behind and move to the United States in search of a better life for her family.
Years later, reunited in Queens, New York, Lazi found himself working his first job in a traditional kosher deli. It was there, unexpectedly, that everything changed. Surrounded by food, energy, and human connection, he discovered something deeper, a passion not just for cooking, but for creating experiences.
That passion led him to formal training at the Art Institute of New York City and into some of the city’s most respected kitchens, including an externship at Jean-Georges and a leadership role with the rapidly expanding Fig & Olive group. Over time, he rose from line cook to corporate chef, building both skill and vision.
In 2013, life shifted again. A family need brought Lazi and his wife, Luba, to Pensacola—a city that, at the time, was still finding its culinary identity. With no investors and little margin for error, they took a leap of faith, opening George Bistro + Bar through grit, resilience, and an unwavering belief in what they could build.
Today, with two thriving restaurants, George Bistro + Bar and Pearl & Horn—and a growing team, Lazi remains deeply hands-on. His philosophy is simple but powerful: hospitality is not a concept; it is the foundation of everything. “You can’t make guests happy if your team isn’t happy,” he says.
For Lazi, success is not measured by a single meal, but by what lingers long after. “I want people to remember a flavor,” he says, “something that stays with them.”
Because when food connects on that level, it becomes something more; it becomes a reason to return.
Stuart Shippey: Treating What Others Overlook
Written by: Suzanne Pope
Dr. Stewart “Chippy” Shippey didn’t begin his career in medicine. Trained as an engineer and serving in the Navy’s submarine force during the Cold War, he spent his early years rooted in precision, systems, and problem-solving. That mindset followed him into medicine and ultimately into a specialty many women don’t even realize exists: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.
After witnessing hundreds of childbirths early in his medical career, Shippey became fascinated not only with the miracle of life, but with what happens to the body afterward. Over time, he saw a pattern—women quietly living with symptoms they believed were simply part of aging: bladder leakage, pelvic pressure, chronic infections, pain, and changes in sexual function.
“They’ve been told, or they’ve decided, this is just how life is now,” he says. “It’s not.”
Today, at Ascension Sacred Heart, Shippey is helping redefine how these conditions are understood and treated. Using advanced, minimally invasive techniques, his work goes beyond restoring function—it restores dignity, confidence, and quality of life.
What sets his approach apart is not only his clinical expertise but his willingness to address what many avoid. “We talk about everything,” he says. “If we don’t talk about it, no one else is going to.”
He emphasizes that these conditions are common but not insignificant and that they are not something women have to endure. From innovative surgical solutions like mid-urethral slings to non-surgical therapies including pelvic floor rehabilitation, treatment options today are more effective and less invasive than ever before.
For Dr. Shippey, the most meaningful moments are simple: when a patient realizes she can return to the life she thought she had lost. “When she tells me she can do what she wants again, that’s the goal.”
What he hopes women understand is this: just because something isn’t life-threatening doesn’t mean it isn’t life-altering.
And for women in Pensacola, expert care is no longer something they have to leave town to find.
Christopher Villar: Precision, Purpose, and the Human Side of Neurosurgery
Written by: Suzanne Pope
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Dr. Christopher Villar brings both technical precision and a deeply human approach to his work at Ascension Sacred Heart. A first-generation Cuban American, his journey to Pensacola was shaped by a clear sense of purpose to deliver advanced neurosurgical care within a community that needed it.
Neurosurgery, often viewed as one of the most demanding fields in medicine, drew him in for precisely that reason. While many shy away from its intensity, Dr. Villar saw opportunity. A childhood memory of his grandmother’s neurological injury lingered, eventually guiding him toward a specialty where the impact is both immediate and profound. For him, the challenge was never a deterrent; it was the calling.
His training, including his time at Georgetown University School of Medicine, reinforced that instinct. Mentored by surgeons who balanced excellence with perspective, Villar reached a defining moment when he stepped into the operating room on his own for the first time as an attending physician. The complexity of that first case and its success confirmed that years of discipline had prepared him to lead with confidence.
At Sacred Heart, his presence reflects a broader shift in local healthcare. Historically, patients often traveled to larger cities for specialized neurosurgical treatment. Today, Villar is part of a movement bringing that level of care directly to Pensacola, allowing patients to remain close to home without sacrificing quality.
His philosophy is both structured and deeply personal. Surgery, he explains, is goal-oriented; every procedure is guided by a clear objective. Yet beyond the technical execution lies something more. Grounded in the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, “care for the whole person," a philosophy emphasized during his time at Georgetown, he approaches each patient not just as a case, but as an individual navigating a life-altering moment.
Clear communication is central to that approach. Patients often arrive overwhelmed and uncertain. Villar prioritizes ensuring they leave with an understanding of the risks, the realities, and the outcomes that can realistically be achieved.
Outside the operating room, balance comes through family, faith, and movement from triathlons to time on the water. Alongside his wife, he is actively involved in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, supporting its church and education programs. Looking ahead, his goal is simple yet powerful: to build a lasting standard of neurosurgical excellence in Pensacola, while helping shape a community where families and futures can thrive.
Lumon May: A Life of Service Powered By Commitment to Community
By Will Estell
For Lumon May, public service has never been about titles - it’s been about impact. Now serving his fourth term as Escambia County Commissioner for District 3, May’s journey is rooted in a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of those around him, always mindful of the communities who trust him to be their voice.
First elected in 2012, May built a reputation as a hands-on, deeply engaged public servant. His influence extends across numerous boards and initiatives, from public safety and transportation to youth programs and senior services.
When I ask what a typical day looks like, May offers a candid and revealing perspective.
“As a County Commissioner, my number one concern is the safety of the citizens,” he explains. “My day could be anything from someone calling because their grandson has been incarcerated, to someone whose power has been turned off, to attending economic development meetings or visiting schools and senior centers. It’s really something different every day.”
That unpredictability is precisely what fuels his purpose. “I tell my staff, every day is an opportunity for us to help somebody,” he says. “And if by 5:00 we haven’t helped anyone, we figure out how to help somebody.”
May traces his calling back to a formative moment in high school. “My 10th-grade teacher told me there are two ways to make a difference: economically or politically,” he recalls. “I chose the path of public service.”
Long before holding office, he was already making an impact, coaching youth sports when he was just 13 years old himself - a role he continues to embrace today. His philosophy is grounded in humility and perspective. “People don’t call you when things are going well. They call you when they need help,” he says. “My real satisfaction comes from seeing someone go from struggling to thriving.”
Despite the challenges, May remains resolutely optimistic. “It can be depressing at times,” he admits, “but I choose to see the glass as half full. There’s always a little sunshine if you look for it.”
For Lumon May, service isn’t a position, it’s a lifelong mission.
Paul Gillette: From Cockpit to Coastline
Written by Suzanne Pope
Paul Gillette’s life has been shaped by movement across cities, across skies, and now, across open water. Born in New Orleans to an Air Force family, his early years were defined by travel before settling in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where he spent much of his childhood. That upbringing instilled both adaptability and a quiet certainty about his future. Influenced by his father, Gillette knew early on that he wanted to become a pilot.
After studying aviation management in college, he chose a civilian path into aviation at a time when most pilots came through the military. What some considered the harder route became the foundation for a remarkable career. In 1985, he joined FedEx when it was still a relatively small operation. Over the next 39 and a half years, he witnessed and helped power its transformation into the world’s largest global cargo airline.
Gillette gravitated toward international flying early in his career, drawn to the complexity and challenge it offered. As FedEx expanded its global reach, so did his role, flying larger aircraft and navigating routes that took him far beyond the United States. Despite common misconceptions, he notes that flying cargo requires the same rigor, training, and discipline as any major passenger airline, just without the passengers.
When he retired at the end of 2024, just before his 65th birthday, the transition was smoother than expected. Rather than missing the cockpit, Gillette embraced a different kind of rhythm, one defined by choice rather than schedule. Today, his days revolve around family, travel, and a deep commitment to the sailing community in Pensacola.
He and his wife, Rachael, have built a life centered on both adventure and connection. They have two sons, one in Pensacola, Ian Gillette, who is the Executive Chef at Angelina’s, and another in San Diego, Kevin Gillette, who is a merchant sea officer, along with three grandchildren who keep them grounded in what matters most.
What began as a spark during a teenage trip to the Virgin Islands evolved into a lifelong passion. Now serving in leadership roles at the yacht club, Gillette has shifted from participant to contributor, giving back to the community that has given him so much.
In this chapter of life, success looks different. It is measured in time spent with family, meaningful travel, and the freedom to pursue what matters most. For Gillette, the destination was never just the horizon; it was the ability to choose how to navigate it.
Tyson Lamond: Building a High-Performance Legacy in Pensacola and Around the World
By: Will Estell
For Tyson Lamond, the pursuit of excellence isn’t a goal, it’s a standard. As Chief Operating Officer of American Magic and Chief Executive Officer of American Magic Services, Lamond stands at the helm of one of the most advanced high-performance organizations in sports today, where elite sailing, engineering, and innovation converge, right here in Pensacola.
Lamond’s journey began in South Australia, where as a teenager he sailed with the Cruising Yacht Club, and developed the instincts and discipline that have catapulted him into the upper ranks of international competition. Over the past 18 years, he built a career inside the intensely competitive world of the America's Cup, holding key roles from Boat Captain to Shore Operations Manager, with powerhouse teams like Emirates Team New Zealand and SoftBank Team Japan.
At American Magic’s High-Performance Center in Pensacola, his leadership extends well beyond sailing. Through American Magic Services, the organization now delivers cutting-edge solutions in marine engineering, aerospace systems, and defense innovation. All proof that the technologies forged in elite sailing can influence industries far beyond.
This momentum is evident in recent partnerships with global leaders like Saildrone, as well as American Magic’s founder’s 2026 acquisition of the ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team - a move that signals an even broader commitment to performance, innovation, and the future of professional sailing, says Lamond.
In my multiple interactions with Lamond I have found him to be immensely grounded in the place he now calls home, even expressing how friendly the people of our area are, and how welcoming Pensacola has been to his family.
“Sailing in Pensacola Bay is perfect for our team,” he says. “Beyond the work side of the equation, my wife and I really love Pensacola and the surrounding area, as do our three children.”
Equally important is the legacy he is building. Lamond is deeply committed to developing the next generation of engineers, sailors, and innovative leaders, defined not just by results, but by accountability and character.
From a sport where fractions of a second define outcomes, Tyson Lamond is helping to shape a culture of excellence designed to both win and lead.