Advisory Board

J. Charles Gray

Chairman of the Board and Founding Director of the Gray Robinson Law Firm

He practices full-time in Gray Robinson, a 250-lawyer firm. He has served as City Solicitor for the City of Orlando, Chairman of the Florida State Turnpike Authority, Chairman of the Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida, Chairman of the University of Central Florida Foundation, and in many other leadership positions. Charles also served for seven years as County Attorney for Orange County. Charles organized and served as General Counsel for the Orange County Health Facilities Authority and has represented major developers in large DRIs, comprehensive plan amendments, and major state- and county-negotiated property acquisitions.

Jerry Ross

Executive Director at the National Entrepreneurial Center

Jerry has been called a “virtual business incubator” by the Orlando Business Journal for his entrepreneurial success and his ongoing support of the business community. Jerry has more than two decades of leadership experience at AT&T, Ohio Bell, and Goal System Software. Under his management, the NEC has become a world-renowned model for other cities, counties, and nations that wish to foster and grow their business community. Jerry has spoken in hundreds of cities about his passion for business and his desire to help communities through innovation and commerce.

John Ritenour

Chairman of Insurance Office of America

Founded in 1988 by John with an innovative plan of ownership for sales associates, the company has grown to more than 650 employees, making it the eighth largest privately-owned insurance company in the country. You may see the IOA logo as partners with nine professional sports franchises including the Orlando Magic, San Francisco 49ers, and the New Jersey Devils. John puts an equal amount of passion in the community, where he and his employees support more than 15 local and international charities. He credits his success in no small part to his wife, Valli, who remains a critical part of the business.

Lars Houmann

President and CEO of Florida Hospital

Lars offers insight on how to better serve clients, employees and the community based on his 20-plus years of economic development experience and various leadership roles within Florida Hospital. Under his leadership since 2006, Florida Hospital has continued rapid growth, reporting revenues of over $2.2B for the last period. His addition of the state-of-the-art medical center near Disney’s Celebration hospital provided a blueprint for innovative delivery of medical services that has inspired hospital administrators internationally. Lars’ current projects include the development of a 172-acre Health Village in downtown Orlando.