WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 26, 2016) – Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest and largest full-service business law firms, is pleased to announce that shareholder Lila Jaber has received a commission of Kentucky Colonel by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. It is the highest title of honor bestowed by the state's governor, according to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. The honor is given to individuals of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation.
Jaber has a tremendous passion for serving her community and state and has had the great privilege of multiple opportunities to do so.
“I am extremely honored and humbled by this designation and will accept this recognition by renewing my commitment to service with the hope that my passion will inspire others,” she stated about her nomination.
With more than 25 years in regulatory policy and government practice, Jaber leads the government affairs practice for Gunster and is the founder of Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum. A former chair of the Florida Public Service Commission, Lila provides strategic and regulatory advice to clients on a number of business and economic development issues that include utility-specific matters in energy and water, as well as general business strategy implementation for some of the largest companies doing business in Florida. Her work includes C-level consulting to clients with priority for growth in Florida, most recently as the lead Florida counsel for Emera, a Canadian energy company, that acquired TECO Energy. On behalf of Gunster clients, Jaber’s advocacy extends to the Florida attorney general’s office, the Florida Legislature, and the office of the governor.
After a distinguished career in public service, including service on Workforce Florida’s board and as former chair of Leadership Florida, Jaber remains actively involved at the state and local leadership levels, helping to promote civic engagement and economic development. As a local businesswoman and entrepreneur, Jaber is a founding member of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, where she promotes growth and support for women and minority-owned businesses, which earned her recognition by the Tallahassee Democrat in 2015 as one of the “25 Women You Need to Know.” She earned her B.A. from Stetson University in 1988 and her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 1990.
About Kentucky Colonels
According to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the Kentucky Colonel honor was first established in 1813, following a successful campaign in the War of 1812. Kentucky Colonels are devoted to faith, family, fellow man and country, and are unwavering in their commitment to the compassionate care of those who are less fortunate. The certificate, signed by the governor and secretary of state, has hung on the walls of such distinguished leaders as former President Lyndon B. Johnson and former English Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Astronaut John Glenn, America’s first person in space, was commissioned during his historic mission while orbiting Earth. Other well-known Kentucky Colonels include: Harland David Sanders (“Colonel Sanders" of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame), Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, and actors Betty White, George Clooney, Ashley Judd and Johnny Depp. You can learn more about the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels by visiting their website at http://kycolonels.org.
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