The Excellence Awards team is proud to unveil the recipients of the CEO of the Year Awards Southeast USA 2025. These awards honor CEOs who are leading transformation through vision, resilience, and innovation — each shaping one of the most vibrant and fast-growing regions in the United States.

Redefining Leadership in the Southeast USA

From Miami to Atlanta, from Charlotte to Nashville — this year’s honorees embody the entrepreneurial and community-driven leadership spirit of the Southeast. Known for its diversity, creativity, and rapid economic growth, the region is home to thriving sectors such as finance, healthcare, logistics, tourism, technology, and education.

Leaders in the Southeast are driving advancements in sustainable energy, smart infrastructure, digital transformation, and inclusive innovation — demonstrating that purposeful leadership can both strengthen communities and inspire global impact.

“From coastal innovation hubs to emerging business centers, the Southeast USA is a region where tradition meets transformation — and its leaders are setting new standards for growth and resilience.” – Dr Yasemin Yazan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Excellence Awards

CEO of the Year Awards Southeast USA 2025

Celebrating the Winners:

• Adnan J. Shah – IT Solutions

• Alexis Castro – Real Estate Title Services

• Ali Derakhshani – Sustainable Housing Development

• Alysson Bourque – Book Marketing & Publicity

• Andrew Cagnetta – Business Brokerage & Mergers & Acquisitions

• Brenda Christensen – Strategic Corporate Communications

• Cole Koeberer – Specialty Coffee Beverages

• Dr Nadine Spring – Health Equity & Clinical Research Training

• Dr Robert Ryan – Rare Disease Therapy Development

• Dr Romanda Hammond-Murphy – Women Entrepreneur Leadership

• Dr Sarah Hadid – Alternative Asset Management

• Dustin Johnson – Transportation Services

• Erica Zangwill – Aviation Community Building

• Esther Marrero – Outsourced Accounting Services

• James Swartwout – AI Trading Platforms

• Janera Echevarria – Mental Health Counseling

• Jennifer Sparks – Digital Health Records

• Johnny Wilson – Community Development & Empowerment

• Joshua Beron – Unifying AI Platform

• Karen Stawicki – Wealth Management

• Katie Miller – Personal Injury Law

• Katisha Shipp – Creative Event Design

• Kelly Shea – Youth Entrepreneurship

• Kennette Burgess – Brand Development & Strategy

• Kerri Paizzi – Event Innovation in Hospitality

• Kiana Childs – Senior Support Services

• Kim Locklear – Innovation in Phlebotomy

• Kimberly Borman – Autism & Behavioral Health

• Kristy Busija – People & Culture Consulting

• Krystal Clemons – Education Consulting

• Kyle Brookes – Physical & Mental Transformation

• Laura Stephens – Event Decoration Planning

• Laura Winkel – Child Literacy & Reading Promotion

• Leigh Anne Payne – Consulting Services

• Lexi Applequist – Innovation in Drug Development

• Lisa Holt – Real Estate Risk Management

• Maggie Lattin – Youth Education & Development

• Makaila Kelsey – Marketing Agency

• Maria Rigotti – Customized Logistics Solutions

• Minerva Salles – Executive Communication Training

• Natalia Grozina – Marketing & Communications

• Nelson Leiser – Sales Recruiting & Consulting Services

• Onahira Rivas – Organic Cotton Manufacturing

• Rachel Boltz – Brand & Digital Marketing Consulting

• Ryan Elkins – Addiction Prevention Support

• Sarah Soliman – Video Marketing & Visual Communication

• Scott Schlimmer – Data Security Solutions

• Shahzib Sarfraz – Software Development

• Stephanie Morales Santiago – Functional Fitness

• Stephanie Wade – Innovation Culture Consulting

• Steven Salaets – Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Theresa Depasquale – Brand & Social Media

• Tilly Samuel Sojwal – Education Leadership Development

• Toni Bucci – Sustainable Food Technology

• Treacy Dobbins – Homeless Social Services

• Yesenia Sevilla – Education Technology & Coaching

Each of these CEOs was nominated and selected following a merit-based review conducted by the Excellence Awards Nominations Team. Selections reflect measurable impact, innovation, and leadership excellence within their industries and communities.

Global Visibility & Ongoing Impact

All awardees will be:Featured in the official Excellence Awards MagazineIncluded in the Hall of Fame A–Z Listing — a permanent digital archive celebrating leadership excellence worldwide

“Recognition is not the end — it’s the beginning of a wider conversation about leadership and impact.” – Mona Tenjo, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Between vibrant business ecosystems, growing innovation corridors, and a strong sense of community, this year’s Southeast USA leaders show what it means to build lasting impact — not only through success but through purpose.

“The Excellence Awards celebrate those who inspire others to aim higher, lead smarter, and drive meaningful change.” – Almaz Andezion, Co-Editor-in-Chief.

About the Excellence Awards

The Excellence Awards, hosted by Dr Yasemin Yazan LLC, recognise professionals and organisations across the world whose work exemplifies excellence, innovation, and impact. With a global reach and local relevance, each awards round focuses on specific regions and industries.

To learn more about the awards and view past recipients, visit: www.excellenceawards.global

Media Contact
Company Name: Dr Yasemin Yazan LLC
Contact Person: Dr Yasemin Yazan
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City: St Petersburg
State: Florida
Country: United States
Website: www.excellenceawards.global