Dr. Jon Prince honored with Pete Hegener Leadership Award
Superintendent Jon Prince of St. Lucie Public Schools was presented with the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award on April 30. MARYANN KETCHAM
PORT ST. LUCIE — Jon Prince, Ph.D., superintendent of St. Lucie Public Schools, was honored with the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County at its 12th annual Leadership Dinner on April 30.
The award is presented each year to a business leader who has made significant contributions to St. Lucie County’s economy and quality of life. The annual dinner, held at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club and attended by 200 business leaders, was sponsored by Bank of America.
Lee Dobbins, an attorney with Dean Mead and the 2025 Pete Hegener Leadership Award recipient, and Tammy Matthew of Bank of America presented the award to Prince.
In 2025, under Prince’s leadership, St. Lucie Public Schools earned its first A district rating, placing the district in the top third of all Florida school districts. The achievement is significant because companies, investors and families often consider school ratings when making relocation decisions, EDC President Wes McCurry said.
Prince also has strengthened the county’s workforce pipeline by building partnerships between education and economic development. As superintendent, he oversees nearly 6,000 employees whose salaries contribute significantly to the county’s economy.
“Dr. Prince works tirelessly to ensure every family, regardless of income, background or neighborhood, feels valued, informed and included in the district’s success. His work reflects a deep belief that public education is both the genius of our democracy and the heart of a thriving community, and that strong schools are essential to economic prosperity and quality of life,” the nomination submitted on Prince’s behalf stated.
“His bold initiatives have strengthened St. Lucie County’s workforce pipeline, elevated the district to historic academic success and deepened collaboration across business, civic and nonprofit sectors,” the nomination continued. “Dr. Prince leads with integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to children and families, transforming public education into a driving force for opportunity, prosperity and community pride. His leadership has not only reshaped St. Lucie Public Schools but has strengthened the economic and social fabric of the entire county, making him an exceptional and deserving nominee for this award.”
The 10-member 2026 Pete Hegener Leadership Award selection committee chose Prince from a field of 12 nominees, including five other semifinalists: Michael Ansorge, CEO of OCULUS Surgical; Azlina Goldstein, vice president of entitlements at GL Homes/Riverland; Kyle Greene, president of Kyle G’s Restaurants; Brandon Nobile, CEO of Remnant Construction; and Scott Van Duzer, owner of Big Apple Pizza and principal of the Van Duzer Foundation.
Recent Pete Hegener Leadership Award recipients include the late Bud Adams of Adams Ranch; Ken Pruitt, former Florida Senate president and former St. Lucie County property appraiser; Tammy Roncaglione, community president of CenterState Bank; Russ Blackburn, former Port St. Lucie city manager; and Richard Tambone of Tambone Companies.
In addition to Bank of America’s presenting sponsorship, Leadership Dinner sponsors included Cleveland Clinic, GL Homes, Ashley Capital, Dean Mead, Remnant Construction, Tambone Companies, BBL Hospitality, Hi-Tide Boat Lifts, Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors®, St. Lucie Public Schools, Verdex Construction, Bowman Consulting, CORE Construction, Cushman & Wakefield, HBK CPAs & Consultants, Indian River State College, KEITH, Lightbridge Academy, Treasure Coast Hospice, OCULUS Surgical and Seacoast Bank.