Andrew Duffell, President and CEO of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, Recipient of

For the second time in just three years, the South Florida Business Journal named Andrew Duffell, president and CEO of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University an Ultimate CEO honoree.

Although Ultimate CEO Award recipients typically perceive this as “an honor of a lifetime,” Duffell was pleased to accept it one more time. “It is an honor to be recognized by the South Florida Business Journal. This award is special to me because I view it entirely as a reflection on the work that my team and I have done,” said Duffell.

The 2017 Ultimate CEO Awards presented by Comcast Business and sponsored by AvMed and Wells Fargo, in partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, recognized 15 of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties’ top chief executive officers for their business acumen, leadership skills and community involvement.

“Each of the honorees has been a leader within their organization, throughout the business community and through their countless hours donated to the communities in which they live and work,” said Melanie Dickenson, publisher, South Florida Business Journal.

Duffell is a recognized thought leader on the strategic role of business creation, recruitment, retention and expansion as a foundation for the Florida economy. A frequent speaker and panelist, Duffell presents a pragmatic approach to working with start-ups and Fortune 100 companies on market entry and development strategies.

Since becoming president & CEO of the Research Park at FAU in 2011, the Research Park’s contribution to the region’s economy has surged, due largely to the repositioning strategy Duffell has spearheaded. The rebranded Research Park has gained high visibility, while engaging with the business and high education communities, ultimately strengthening its relationships with leaders throughout the region. It is perceived as a significant economic asset for South Florida.

Duffell’s current civic leadership roles include serving on the board of directors of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and the Children’s Home Society – Palm Beach Division, as well as other advisory boards related to economic development.

In addition to being names a 2015 Palm Beach CEO by the South Florida Business Journal, Duffell was recognized in 2015 as a “40 under 40 Rising Star in Economic Development” by Development Counsellors International (DCI) at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Leadership Summit.