50 Most Powerful People 2025: Ones to Watch
These leaders each make their indelible mark on the Central Florida community in a unique way. They come from numerous passions and pursuits, and Orlando is all the better because of it.
Brendan O’Connor
Editor-in-Chief, The Orlando Shine
O’Connor has always been a pillar of his community, and after his tenure at Bungalower, moved on to a new venture with The Orlando Shine website and radio show. We’re excited to see what else he has up his sleeve.
Brooke Barnett
President, Rollins College
Barnett succeeded Grant Cornwell as the president of Rollins College in July 2025. Previously provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Butler University, she was drawn to Rollins’ mission to educate students for global citizenship and responsible leadership.
Azela Santana
Executive Director, Orange County Regional History Center
Santana oversees operations for Central Florida’s largest and most expansive history museum. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has said she “personifies the attributes of creativity, partnership and innovation that Orange County values.”
Richard Bilbao
Editor-in-Chief, Orlando Business Journal
Bilbao has been with OBJ since 2008, when he joined as a reporter. OBJ is consistently on the pulse of business news in the region, with Bilbao interviewing our top power players. Bilbao has won awards from the Florida Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists.
Mark Brewer
President & CEO, Central Florida Foundation
The Central Florida Foundation stewards philanthropic dollars on behalf of individuals, families and nonprofits. Brewer has been its leader since 2000 and builds community partnerships that meet issues head-on.
Eddy Moratin
Co-founder & President, Lift Orlando
Lift Orlando pairs business leaders with residents and community partners to strengthen neighborhoods so people can thrive. Moratin’s two decades of inner-city ministry, workforce solutions and social entrepreneurship make him ideal for the job.
Katharine Kennedy
Global GM, Software Development Companies, Microsoft
Kennedy is passionate about unlocking human potential through technology—especially where AI meets leadership, trust and transformation. At Microsoft, she focuses on building ecosystems that are not only intelligent, but empowering.
Frank Santos
CEO, Rosen Hotels & Resorts
Santos worked hand-in-hand with Harris Rosen in building Rosen Hotels & Resorts into the Southeast’s largest independently owned hotel chain and helped oversee the construction and opening of four hotels. He will celebrate 40 years with the company in 2026.
Manny Vivar
Founder & CEO, HostDime
Vivar started HostDime at the age of 20, with an investment of $60. Since then, he hasled the self-funded company to become one of the most reputable global data center companies in the world.
Danny Jenkins
CEO & Co-Founder, ThreatLocker
As an advocate for protecting businesses from cyberattacks, Jenkins is committed to delivering industry-leading technology and expertise so companies can protect their businesses, applications and software from being compromised.
Karla Radka
President & CEO, Senior Resource Alliance
With more than two decades of public service, Radka has been a tireless advocate, leader and agent for positive change in Central Florida.
She has been instrumental in expanding access to services that support dignity, wellness and independence throughout life.
David Barilla
Executive director, Orlando Downtown Development Board & Community Redevelopment Agency
Barilla oversees downtown Orlando’s real estate developments and economic development. He was instrumental in passing a plan for a $500 million entertainment complex across from the Kia Center.
Elisha Gonzalez
Senior Vice President of Public Engagement, FAIRWINDS Credit Union, and Executive Director, FAIRWINDS Foundation
Gonzalez is now in her sixth year of leading the FAIRWINDS Foundation and continues to champion financial literacy. She’s renowned for her expertise in supporting both for-profit and nonprofit sectors and her work building partnerships between industry and nonprofits in Florida.
Caroline Schumacher
President & CEO, Give Kids the World
Schumacher brings with her decades of experience working with nonprofit organizations to her role at Give Kids the World.
Charles Freeman
President of Business Operations,Orlando Magic
Entering his 30th season with the Orlando Magic, Freeman now leads business efforts for the franchise.
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