Thad is President and Principal Owner of Boyd Development, a firm engaged in real estate and management. He is married and is the father of three. Active in community leadership and charity work, Thad lists the Children’s Home Society, Gateway Bank, Habitat for Humanity, the College of Central Florida Foundation, Marion County Economic Development Council, The Children’s Advocacy Center, Kimberly’s Cottage, The Salvation Army, Gator Boosters, United Way, and the Women’s Pregnancy Center among those organizations to which he devotes support and leadership.
Judge Cochran is currently the Public Information Officer for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. His daily responsibilities are working with media professionals to present daily news in a most accurate effort possible. Cochran has more than 20 years of professional media experience. Judge has worked as a producer, reporter and corporate executive for the New York Times Broadcast Group; worked as a reporter, photographer and outreach coordinator for the News-Press; and has worked as a radio personality for several stations. Judge was born in Naples (FL) but grew up in Fort Myers (FL). Judge has a degree from the University of South Florida. Judge is a semi-pro photographer with several photo publishing credits, including the Star-Banner, Ocala Magazine and Ocala Style. Judge is married to Donale and they have one son – Donovan, who attends Hale Academy.
Doug is the President and CEO of Cone Distributing, Inc., a wholesale beverage distribution business with locations in both Ocala and Tallahassee. A native of neighboring Tampa, Doug is a graduate of Berkeley Preparatory School and Centre College with degrees in history, philosophy and business/economics. Doug and his wife, Deborah, are founders of Hale Academy and are the parents to three children (Sadie – Hale Class of 2006 and a current graduate student at the University of Florida, Douglas III – Hale Class of 2008 and William – Hale Class of 2011, both current Furman University students.)
Doug serves on the CFC Foundation Board and on the President’s Councils of both the University of Florida and the College of Central Florida. Since 1985 he has served thirteen terms as Chairman of his statewide trade association and currently serves on the Board of Directors for his nationwide trade association. In addition, he sits on numerous other industry related boards and committees and is current chairman of the newly merged Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Council.
When not engaged in business or charity work, Doug enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
Tom is a native Oklahoman and is the Owner and Director of Central Florida Eye Institute. A graduate of Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma Medical School, Tom is the father of Courtney (a Hale Academy middle school student). In addition to his professional work in the field of ophthalmology, Tom is a thoroughbred horse breeder, a seasoned pilot, and a great fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Walt Driggers III, CAI, AARE is a seasoned auctioneer and real estate broker who has successfully conducted auctions for thousands of pieces of real estate including commercial, industrial, development properties, acreage, multi-family and single family residential properties. A professional auction strategist known for his expertise in dealing with complex business transactions, Mr. Driggers has built a team well versed in auction marketing and client-driven results.
Mr. Driggers served on the board of the National Auctioneers Association, is past president of the Florida Auctioneers Association, has received many awards and honors over the years including awards from the National Association of Realtors, the Certified Auctioneers Institute, the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, and has been inducted into the Florida Auctioneers Hall of Fame.
Mr. Driggers is a co-founder, and member of the Managing Board of Tranzon, LLC and serves as President of Tranzon Driggers. Mr. Driggers son attends Hale Academy.
Born in Hillsdale, Michigan, Randy moved to Ocala with his family as a young boy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Florida and serves in the role of engineer with his firm, Class 1. Randy’s deep community involvement includes the Marion Regional Manufacturers’ Association, Ocala Economic Development Council, Chamber of Commerce, Marion Technical Institute, Manufacturing Advisory Committee, Transportation Planning Organization, Tourist Development Council, and the Heart of Florida Regional Board. In his leisure time, Randy enjoys playing basketball, volleyball, and golf and supporting the Gators.
Merritt is a native Ocalan and a graduate of the University of Florida’s Engineering and Law Schools. A “gentleman lawyer,” Merritt is the owner of a Burger King franchise. He and his wife, Nancy, are the parents of three adult children (Merritt III, Mac, and Natalie). Merritt has served on the St. John’s River Water Management District Governing Board and on the Advisory Board of the Appleton Museum. Merritt enjoys hunting, golf, and traveling in his leisure time.
Allan is a Florida native who attended Florida State University as an undergraduate and the University of Florida for Law School. He is senior management partner with Gilligan, King, Gooding & Gifford, P.A. and enjoys hunting, fishing, NASCAR racing, and Gator sports. Allan’s wife, Frances, serves as a Circuit Court Judge and the couple are parents of two adult daughters (Mary Grace Williams and Kelly Ann King). Allan serves as Hale Academy’s Chairman of the Board.
Allan’s other senior partner, Pat Gilligan, serves as Attorney for the City of Ocala.
Phil, an Ocala native, is the Senior Director of Development for the University of Florida’s athletic fundraising arm, Gator Boosters, Inc. He is an alumnus of the University of Florida, where he received his bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations. Phil is married, (Taryn) and enjoys golf, travel, and art.
