The Catalyst

Get to know the incoming  Mayor of Ocala, Ben Marciano. With his first term starting this December, he won the election uncontested thanks to his popularity and widespread support in the community.  Ben has become a well-known figure in Marion County since opening his highly successful gym, Zone Health & Fitness nine years ago. Learn more about his priorities for Ocala and why he felt called to public service.

Nonprofit Featured in this Episode: Kut Different

Ben Marciano
Mayor-Elect, City of Ocala
Owner, Zone Health and Fitness, Mayor, City of Ocala

Ben began his career in the fitness industry more than 20 years ago as a health trainer, quickly advancing to become the executive director of the Frank DeLuca YMCA in Marion County. Under his leadership, the facility grew in reputation and membership. With successful partnerships and philanthropic support, new programs were implemented to benefit members as well as the greater community.

In 2014, Ben and his wife Danielle became business owners, opening the first Zone Health and Fitness near downtown Ocala. Their second location, Zone West, opened in 2017 and is currently undergoing expansion to better serve the growing population on the Southwest side of Ocala. Zone Health and Fitness serves thousands of members with the goal of keeping Ocala safe and healthy for generations to come. 

He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from The College of Central Florida and remains active with local law enforcement to help drive community awareness and assist in youth outreach. He was instrumental in the creation of the Chief Greg Graham Legacy Foundation and is active with many charitable organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, Project Hope, the American Heart Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Men’s Prayer Breakfast and many others. 

Ben announced his candidacy for Mayor of Ocala in December of 2022. After drawing considerable support from the community and endorsements from the Professional Fire Fighter of Ocala and Ocala’s Fraternal Order of Police, he ran uncontested and became Ocala’s Mayor-Elect. His term will begin in December of this year. 

Ben and his wife have 3 children and are members of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. 

The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

As the Horse Capital of the World®, Ocala/Marion County has long been known for its abundance of horse farms and rolling pasture land.  But today, the Ocala Metro is also gaining attention as one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. Hear from Sara Fennessy with Horse Farms Forever, as she shares how her organization advocates for smart growth, educates the broader public on the importance of conservation, and works to preserve all that makes Ocala/Marion County such a special community to live, work, and play. 

Nonprofit featured in this episode: Horse Farms Forever

Sara Fennessy
Sara Fennessy is a fifth-generation horsewoman with a lifelong family history focused primarily on the Thoroughbred and show-horse sectors. She currently serves as director of community affairs for Horse Farms Forever, a nonprofit focused on inspiring the conversation of horse farms by preserving the natural pasture land for horses and their habitats, and to protect the soil and water on which they depend, while minimizing land use conflicts in Ocala/Marion County, Florida. 

During her 12 years in Marion County, Florida, she has devoted herself to a career of outreach, communication, management, and promotion in the local community and equine industry. Today, she now owns, rides, and shows hunter jumpers.

The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

With 24 years of service to the City of Ocala, including 12 as mayor,  hear from Kent Guinn as he completes his term and reflects on major accomplishments, challenges he continues to be passionate about addressing, and his favorite part about serving the citizens of Ocala.

Nonprofits featured in this episode: Open Arms Village and Children's Home Society

Kent Guinn
Kent Guinn assumed the office of Mayor in December 2011 after serving the City of Ocala for 12 years as the Councilman representing District 4.

Mayor Guinn has been in the financial services business for the past 41 years and is owner of the firm Guinn & Company, LLC. He has served on many local boards. He is a current member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Florida Advisory Committee, U.S. Conference of Mayors, where he serves on the Criminal Justice and International Affairs Committee and is a Member of the Ocala Horse Alliance.

Mayor Guinn is a 5th generation Ocalan. His family has been in Ocala since 1850. He and his wife Sandra have been married for 43 years, have two sons and one granddaughter.

The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Hear from a real power couple for music and the arts in Ocala. From the opening of the Reilly Arts Center in 2015, to the recent expansion and creation of the Community Music Conservatory, Matt and Pamela Wardell have truly created a destination for the arts in Ocala. 

Nonprofits featured in this episode: The Reilly Arts Center, the Marion Theater, and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Community Music Conservatory

Pamela Calero Wardell
Pamela is a seasoned performing arts management professional. She became Executive Director for the Ocala Symphony Orchestra in April 2014, and led the organization through a capital campaign to build and open the Reilly Arts Center, a 700-seat performing arts center that serves as the permanent home of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, in October 2015. During her tenure with the Ocala Symphony, she has led two capital campaigns raising more than $9 million for building and expansion, directed two institutional rebrands, launched the Symphony’s first Community Music Conservatory, and was instrumental in taking management of Ocala's historic Marion Theatre. Pamela serves on the board for several organizations including Pace Center for Girls Marion and the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission and is currently a participant in the Anne Parsons Leadership Program as well as the Essentials of Orchestra Management Program through the League of American Orchestras. Honors include the FPRA Communicator of the Year Award, Emerging Leader of the Year by the Marion County Chamber, and the Marion Cultural Alliance Spirit Award. Pamela holds a master’s in business administration from Webster University and a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida. Pamela is an avid lover of music, cinema, and animals. 

Matt Wardell
Matt has served as the Music Director and Conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra since 2009. He is a member of the College Orchestra Directors Association and the American Symphony Orchestra League. In addition to his success at the podium and in the orchestra pit, Matt has been a driving focus behind the creation and successive expansion of the Reilly Arts Center, the NOMA black box, and the Ocala Symphony Community Music Conservatory. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Matt received his Bachelor of Music at the University of North Florida, and subsequent Masters and Doctoral degrees from the University of Florida. Matt spent five summers at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestra Musicians in Hancock, Maine under renowned conducting teacher Michael Jinbo. He has been recognized as both an Osher and Quimby Family Foundation scholar. Matt has also had the privilege to participate in master classes with Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops and BBC Orchestra. Matt serves or has served on a number of boards including Arts in Health Ocala/Marion, Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC), and Young Professionals of Ocala (YPO). He was elected to Ocala’s City Council in 2015, where he served from six years. Matt and his wife, Pamela have one dog, Buckley. They enjoy traveling together and are both actively involved in serving their community.

The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

As a growing community in a growing state, Marion County is welcoming approximately 225 new residents a week. Attracted by job opportunities, affordable living, and that Florida sunshine. Coordinated planning, smart resource allocation, and efficient project execution by our local government entities help ensure our roads, water management, and other local infrastructure can keep up.  Hear from Tracy Straub, PE, Assistant County Administrator, Marion County Public Works and Growth Management as she highlights the wins and challenges of leading these initiatives for Marion County.

Nonprofit featured in this episode: The Rock

About Tracy Straub, PE:
Tracy is the Assistant County Administrator for Marion County’s Public Works and Growth Services. She began her tenure with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners in 2001 as a Drainage Engineer, where she was responsible for developing the County’s stormwater program. She progressively gained responsibilities in transportation infrastructure planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance and was appointed the County Engineer in 2015. In 2021, she assumed her current expanded role where she oversees the Office of the County Engineer (Road Maintenance, Stormwater, Transportation Design, and Traffic Management), MSTU/Assessment, Building Safety, Community Services, and Growth Services (Planning, Zoning, and Code Enforcement). 

Tracy is a graduate of the University of Central Florida’s environmental engineering program and is a Florida-licensed professional engineer with 25+ years of experience in engineering and management.  Tracy is an Ocala native and fifth-generation Marion County Floridian.  She is married to Brian Hershberger, the owner of a small business that provides awards, recognition, and engraving for the business and industrial market. They both enjoy how they make their living, and they further boost their quality of life by enjoying fishing, travel, and their dogs.  Tracy takes great pride in her community and helping to shape its public infrastructure while preserving the beauty and environment of her home.   

The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Leaders have the unique privilege to serve as teachers. Teams look to their leaders as mentors in building future career paths and the skills needed to get there. Hear from Angie Lewis, Owner of Angie Lewis State Farm Agency as she shares how her background in education prepared her to lead and grow her team.  Learn more at AngieLewis.com

Nonprofit featured in the episode: Wear Gloves

About Angie Lewis:
Angie is the Owner of Angie Lewis State Farm Agency, which opened its doors in Ocala in 2006. Her agency has continued to grow since its founding and serves clients throughout the Ocala Metro with their insurance needs. Angie and her team are known for being actively involved in the community, particularly in support of education and the arts. 

She grew up in Southern Illinois where she pursued her dream of becoming a primary educator. She later served as an Independent Education Consultant, while pursuing and achieving the Illinois Master Teacher Certification. Angie and her family saw an opportunity in the growing community of Ocala, Florida, and relocated in 2005 to pursue a new career with the State Farm Agency. 

 Angie is a respected leader, speaker, mentor, and volunteer for several agencies and organizations including the Reilly Arts Center, Ocala Film Foundation Board, and the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP). She has also served as president of the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, the Ocala Sunset Rotary Club, the Marion Cultural Alliance, Ocala Main Street, and the Ocala Metro CEP.

Angie and her husband Clint share two children, Jake who is married and lives in Los Angeles, and Alexis who lives in Paris, France. Angie and her family enjoy traveling together and music. 

The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

With limited funding opportunities and aging facilities, CF has overcome a number of challenges to create new programs and degree tracks to align with a growing Ocala Metro area. Hear from Dr. Jim Henningsen, President of College of Central Florida as he shares how CF has defied convention to become a state leader in responding to the workforce development needs of our community.  Learn more about the College of Central Florida the CF Foundation and the Appleton Museum of Art.

Nonprofits featured in the episode: United Way of Marion County and the Humane Society of Marion County.

About Dr. Jim Henningsen:
Dr. Jim Henningsen has served as President of the College of Central Florida since January 2012. With a current enrollment of nearly 9,000 students, CF has been named among the top 15 percent of colleges in the nation four times by the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence and is currently ranks in the top 1 percent for affordability.

Born in North Bennington, Vermont, Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont. He started his career in higher education at Valencia State College, after relocating to Orlando. Jim earned his master’s degree in business administration and doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida. After departing from Valencia, he held leadership roles at Seminole State College in academic affairs, student success, and student affairs.

Jim serves on the board of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, the Humane Society of Marion County, and Chair of the United Way of Marion County. Nationally, he has served on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Community Colleges. He currently serves on the Commission on Public Relations Advocacy and Advancement and is a member of the Program Initiatives Workforce Training for the ACCE. He is a member of Association of Florida Colleges Council of Presidents and has served as a past chair. 

Jim and his wife, Jeanne have one daughter. He has a passion for collecting cars, his favorite being his 61 Triumph TR3A named Neville.

The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

A CEP podcast on bold leadership in the Ocala Metro.  Hear from CEOs, entrepreneurs, and community leaders as they share their stories of successes and setbacks that have made these trailblazers the leaders they are today. 

The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.