2018 Orlando Economic Partnership Annual Dinner - J. Thomas Gurney Award Nominations
J. Thomas Gurney Public Service Award
Philanthropist. Visionary. Inspiration. Doer. Giver. Statesman. Community Servant.
These are the qualities that best describe J. Thomas Gurney, Sr., whose lifelong enthusiasm for volunteerism and giving symbolizes our community’s heart.
Born and raised on a Mississippi farm, Tom Gurney went onto establish one of Orlando’s prominent law firms, Gurney & Handley, P.A., representing such clients as Minute Maid Corporation and Orlando Utilities Commission. His reputation as a wise and skillful counselor led him to work on committees for the American Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, Florida Supreme Court and Florida Parole Commission.
Yet his greatest contributions were made outside professional life. Gurney’s list of charitable and volunteer activities is extensive. He served in leadership positions for countless organizations including Florida’s Board of Regents, Orange County Budget Committee, Florida Council of 100 Rotary Club of Orlando, First Baptist Church of Orlando, Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, Children’s Home Society of Florida, and many more.
Award Criteria
Candidates for the J. Thomas Gurney, Sr. Community Service Award is an individual who, like the man for whom this honor is named, exhibits a lifelong commitment to selfless community service.
Please note that elected and appointed officials of government organizations are not eligible for any Orlando Economic Partnership award while they hold that position. Such officials can, however, be nominated after they leave office or public service. Additionally, current Partnership officers are not eligible for any award.
