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Recognizing the importance of successfully educating and engaging ‘young minds’ in its important work, the Central Florida Partnership established the Central Florida Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC) in 2009. Representing the Partnership’s Investors, these young leaders who are appointed by their CEOs, provide their experience and expertise while serving as a sounding board for new concepts and ideas.

As Robert Stuart, Jr. and Chris Carmody, both representing the GrayRobinson law firm, conclude their two-year terms as the Inaugural Co-chairs of the Young Professionals Advisory Council, Jeffrey Q. Jonasen, Chairman of the Central Florida Partnership, has appointed Michelle Chandler as 2012-2013 Chair of the Young Professionals Advisory Council.

Michelle, a 27-year resident of Central Florida, is a Principal with SchenkelShultz Architecture, one of the region’s leading architectural firms. A member of YPAC since its inception, Michelle is also a graduate of Leadership Orlando Class 81.

"As the newest Chair of YPAC, I look forward to engaging diverse perspectives from other young professionals as we continue to dialogue on the key issues that our region faces," says Michelle. "I am passionate about the Central Florida community and am engaged in the future development of this region through my involvement in a number of organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Key Initiative and Rotaract of Metro Orlando."

"As the process begins to identify and confirm a new roster of Young Professionals to represent Central Florida Partnership Investors during our next two-year term, I look forward to building fresh relationships with, and among, the new YPAC team," Chandler continued.

"Consistent and thoughtful input from a younger generation is essential since they will be asked to live with the "opportunities exercised" and the "challenges met" when it comes to our "collective future," said Jacob V. Stuart, President of the Central Florida Partnership. "Michelle is the perfect fit to guide these conversations."

Investors in the Central Florida Partnership will be contacted to confirm their designee for 2012-2013. Questions regarding Central Florida Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC) should be directed to Kathy Panter, Vice President, Central Florida Partnership, Kathy.panter@ideastpresults.org.

Working together, through four lines of business – Orlando, Inc. (Regional Entrepreneurship), BusinessForce (Regional Public Policy Advocacy), myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves) and Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership) - the Central Florida Partnership is moving "Ideas to Results."