Local Businesses and Professionals Recognized for Excellence in the Palm Beaches

The event, attended by 500 business and civic leaders and streamed to over half-million followers via the Palm Beach Post’s platforms, marked a pivotal moment for the county’s oldest and largest Chamber, which has been experiencing tremendous growth and renewed vitality in 2025. Awards winners were announced for the following categories:

Non-Profit of the Year, awarded to Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park

Founded in 1990, Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park (Friends) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation. In 2001, Friends made a dedicated effort to support environmental education (EE), launching the education program, free to all PBC students, 1st – 12th grade. Serving 4,000+ students annually, we focus on experiential, hands-on learning. We are teaching the current and next generation the definition of what it means to be a good steward through their actions. Being at the Park, attending a class or having a positive experience here gives the public more knowledge about various subjects of conservation. From being able to do a beach cleanup, to recycling, all of our small actions matter. Every student that attends an EE program learns Leave No Trace ethics, learning how to be a good steward, and is empowered to be able to make decisions for the future. Our nature center and theatre is built to educate and inform anyone who wants to learn how they can make a difference. Friends work to make this planet a little bit better and a little more sustainable while preserving this amazing piece of land and have people connect to nature.

Health & Human Services Organization of the Year, awarded to Palm Beach Food Bank

The mission of the Palm Beach County Food Bank is to nourish our neighbors and improve their lives, one meal at a time. Our vision is to alleviate hunger in Palm Beach County. The Food Bank is committed to being a strong leader for the other stakeholders and organizations that join us in addressing the issues surrounding hunger in our county. There is a collective resolve to work together to help everyone in need in our county. We fight hunger through five programs: Childhood Hunger Initiatives, Partner Marketplace, Pop-Up Farmer’s Market, Benefits Outreach, and Senior Hunger Initiatives. Each week the Food Bank prepares and delivers weekend backpack food with nine take-home meals for 5,200 children at 50 sites, including elementary schools, afterschool programs and libraries. We partner with 121 food pantries and soup kitchens and provide weekly boxes of food for 700 low-income seniors at congregate meal sites.

Young Professional of the Year, awarded to Kirby Davis, NAMI Palm Beach County

Kirby Davis has been an active member of the Palm Beach County community for nearly a decade, building meaningful connections and growing as a young professional leader. She is a graduate of the 2025 Leadership Focus Program and a proud participant in Nonprofits First’s Advancing Leaders initiative, where she found inspiration among peers. In 2024, Kirby joined NAMI Palm Beach County as Director of Development, where her dedication and impact earned her a nomination for the “Rising Star” Award by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Passionate about mental health advocacy, Kirby is committed to sharing the stories of individuals living with mental health conditions and ensuring continued access to NAMI PBC’s free programs and resources. Kirby lives in Boynton Beach with her three huskies—Oliver, Zara, and Sami—and enjoys running with local run clubs in her free time.

Small Businessperson of the Year, awarded to Dr. Serge D’Haiti, Serge W. D’Haiti, CPA PPLC

Dr. Serge W. D’Haiti, CPA, Ph. D., was born in Pahokee, FL, and is a long-time West Palm Beach, FL resident. He graduated from Palm Beach Lakes Community High School. He attained his BBA from Florida Atlantic University and Master of Accountancy at Nova Southeastern University. He completed his doctoral studies at Capella University in the School of Business, Technology, and Healthcare Administration, specializing in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in Florida. He serves the Broward and Palm Beach County community under through Serge W. D’Haiti, CPA PLLC, offering public accounting services and mortgage loan origination.

Serge served in the Student Government Association at Palm Beach Community College and Florida Atlantic University. He is a member Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. and Florida Free and Accepted Mason. He has volunteered for the Internal Revenue Service’s VITA program through the United Way of Palm Beach County, mentored students with Take Stock in Children of Palm Beach County, and tutored athletes at Florida Atlantic University’s Oxley Center and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. Protecting citizens through the Department of Financial Services, he has worked with the Florida Department of Revenue on child support, business tax matters, and the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County.

Serge currently serves as a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, a member of the 2023 Class of Leadership West Palm Beach, was appointed by Mayor Keith James to the Water Advisory Board of the city of West Palm Beach, was appointed by Mack Bernard to the Palm Beach County Planning Commission Board and serves as President of Lakeside Green Homeowners Association.
Dr. Serge W. D’Haiti found a way to serve and improve his community with his skills and talents.

Hospitality and Tourism Organization of the Year, awarded to Kravis Center

Founded in 1983, the Kravis Center is a premier performing arts center with a growing national and international reputation. The Center is an economic catalyst and magnet for cultural tourists and the local community seeking artistic excellence. In 2023-2024, the Kravis Center welcomed 500,000 people on its campus for a wide range of activities, including activities in its concert halls and for education and cultural programs.

The Kravis Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; offering comprehensive arts education programs; providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations in which to showcase their work, and providing economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County.

Business of the Year, awarded to Florida Power & Light Company

As America’s largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to more than 6 million accounts, or approximately 12 million people. FPL’s core business revolves around generating reliable and efficient electricity through advanced technology and robust infrastructure. FPL is dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service and maintaining a resilient power grid. Beyond its business operations, FPL is deeply committed to giving back to the communities it serves across Florida through various initiatives that support economic development, education, disaster recovery efforts and more. FPL is committed to ensuring the company is not only powering homes and businesses but also making a positive impact on the lives of the people in the communities it serves.

“The Business Awards Breakfast is one of the Chamber’s most important traditions,” said Michael Zeff, President & CEO. “It’s our opportunity to shine a light on the businesses and individuals who are driving Palm Beach County forward. Each of this year’s finalists and winners exemplifies excellence, leadership, and a true commitment to our community.” The event concluded with a toast among sponsors, finalists, recipients, and attendees.