By Jeff Zbar – Correspondent, South Florida Business Journal, Jan 23, 2026

In the years that we have published our Power Leaders sections, there’s always been a mix of iconic, long-time leaders alongside those “newcomers” bringing about significant change to their industries and the local market alike.

This year is no different. This year’s 10 South Florida business icons, as well as scores of Ultimate CEO honorees, are joined by nearly 75 leaders new to the list. Together, they epitomize what’s unique to South Florida’s economy…

The honorees reflect sectors vital to the local economy. A shortlist would include law and accounting, banking and finance, construction and development, health care, real estate, technology, education, economic development – and the region’s most enduring industries, tourism and hospitality, and agriculture.

“Of all the packages we produce, Power Leaders is among the most insightful. It reveals the breadth and scope of the businesses and sectors critical to our region, while also offering a snapshot of these executives’ personalities. It reveals something we’ve known all along: The people leading South Florida’s economy are our neighbors who share a commitment to our region’s prosperity. To many, that’s what true leadership is all about.” -Melanie Dickinson, president and publisher of the South Florida Business Journal

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Jennifer Bales Drake
Board chair, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance; shareholder, Becker & Poliakoff
Fort Lauderdale

Along with chairing the Alliance, Drake serves as vice chair of Becker’s Public, Private Partnerships practice group. She is also on the board of Business For the Arts Broward and a member of United Way Broward’s Women United.

Birthplace: Knoxville, Tennessee

Education: J.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Contact: www.beckerlawyers.com, [email protected], 954-987-7550

Bob Swindell
President and CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
Fort Lauderdale

Named to his post in 2009, Swindell and his team market and promote Broward County as a desirable destination for business, bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs and diversifying the local economy.  The Alliance secured $139 million in investments and over 700 new jobs for Broward County in fiscal year 2025.

Birthplace: Grew up in greater Fort Lauderdale

Education: Attended University of Florida

Contact: www.lesstaxing.com, [email protected], 954-627-0131

 

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