FCSports Introduces President, Names Award Winners at Wachovia Member Celebration
Florida Citrus Sports celebrated its annual Wachovia Member Celebration at Church Street Station�s Cheyenne Saloon tonight, naming its president for 2008-09 while honoring its finest through the Member Service Awards. FSN Florida and Sun Sports senior vice president and general manager Cathy Weeden was inducted as the organization�s 32nd president, while Wachovia regional president Marshall Vermillion was named recipient of FCSports� highest service honor, the Howard Palmer Award.
The Wachovia Member Celebration celebrated the start of the 2008-09 Florida Citrus Sports (FCSports) season with the induction of its new president and honored members who have dedicated time and effort to the not-for-profit organization. Chief among those honorees was Vermillion, a long-time member of FCSports who has volunteered for the organization for 27 years.
�Marshall Vermillion is a perfect example of the type of selfless leaders who have built this association over the past 62 years,� said FCSports executive director Steve Hogan. �And when you look to the future, you know you are on the right track with someone like Cathy Weeden assuming the role of President.�
Weeden was promoted to senior vice president and general manager of Sun Sports and FSN Florida in July of 2007 after having re-joined the networks in March, 2002. Prior to returning to Orlando (she is a graduate of UCF), she served in the same capacity for FSN Arizona, a post she held for two years. In her current position, Weeden oversees the networks� programming, production, advertising sales, marketing and promotions, affiliate relations, media relations and administration.
The prestigious Howard Palmer Award is a tribute to the FCSports member who continually strives to make significant contributions to the organization and its efforts without regard for personal recognition. Presented since the 1989-90 season, the annual award recognizes a �lifetime� of service to FCSports. Past honorees include Vernon Hinely, Elmer Cook, George Nahas, Yogi Moore and 2006-07 recipient Mike Vestal.
Vermillion is the Regional President with Wachovia Bank, a position he has held since 1988. In that role, he oversees regional administration and general bank operations including retail banking, business banking, and commercial banking in Central Florida. Under his leadership, Wachovia has been a dedicated sponsor of FCSports, including the title sponsorship of the Member Celebration event where Vermillion was recognized.
As an individual volunteer, Vermillion joined FCSports in 1981 and was added to the board of directors in 1989. Moving on to the executive committee, he served as treasurer and vice president before being elected president in 1997. He has been instrumental in recruiting new members, including several who helped spearhead the organization�s leadership as well. Vermillion also currently serves on the board of the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation, the charitable arm of the organization.
In addition to the Howard Palmer Award, FCSports recognized other members who gave superlative efforts during the 2007-08 season. Those award-winners included:
Lolalisa King…………………………………………………………………………………… Rookie of the Year
Lisa Keating…………………………………………………………………………….. Chairperson of the Year
Ron Patterson……………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer of the Year
FCSports Presidents
Cathy Weeden…………………… 2008
Ford Kiene…………………………. 2007
Tony Martin………………………… 2006
George Nahas…………………….. 2005
Dick Rivera ………………………… 2004
Richard Jackson………………….. 2003
Jane Hames……………………….. 2002
Bill Dymond………………………… 2001
Jim Hinson…………………………. 2000
Bill O�Toole…………………………. 1999
Harvey Massey……………………. 1998
Marshall Vermillion……………….. 1997
Chuck Ogilvie……………………… 1996
Tommy Thompson……………….. 1995
Rich Fildes…………………………. 1994
Jack Prevost……………………….. 1993
Jeff O�Hara…………………………. 1992
Bob Moore…………………………. 1991
Butch Von Weller…………………. 1990
Bob Mathieson……………………. 1989
Paul Roddy………………………… 1988
Don Dizney………………………… 1987
Council Wooten…………………… 1986
Manny Garcia……………………… 1985
John Lord…………………………… 1984
C.K. �Pete� Cross………………… 1983
Vernon Hinely……………………… 1982
Sam Hines…………………………. 1981
Harold Holt…………………………. 1980
Jeff Clark……………………………. 1979
George Stuart……………………… 1978
Will Gieger…………………………. 1973-77