Award Recipients - Dinner of Distinction 2026

JJ Grow is a businessman, entrepreneur, husband, father, grandfather, and community leader with more than 33 years of experience in the agricultural industry.

A lifelong advocate for agriculture, JJ’s passion for the industry began at an early age and led him to serve as Florida State FFA Vice President. He earned a degree in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2018 for his contributions to agriculture and the university.

In 2003, JJ and his wife, Jennifer, founded their first company. Together, they built successful businesses while raising their family and remaining deeply committed to their community. Today, JJ continues to give back through leadership roles with the University of Florida Foundation Board and the Food and Resource Economics Leadership Council, helping advance agriculture, education, and economic opportunity across Florida.

JJ proudly serves the people of Citrus County and surrounding communities in the Florida House of Representatives, where he works to promote economic growth, protect Florida’s agricultural heritage, and strengthen opportunities for future generations.

A lifelong public servant, philanthropist, and advocate for higher education, Marjorie Reitz Turnbull has dedicated her career to strengthening communities across Florida through leadership in government, education, and nonprofit service. A University of Florida graduate and lifetime member of the UF Alumni Association, she served six years on the Leon County Commission, represented Leon County in the Florida House of Representatives, and later led fundraising and institutional advancement efforts at Tallahassee Community College.

Throughout her distinguished career, Turnbull has remained deeply committed to the University of Florida and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. As the daughter of former UF President and Provost of Agriculture Dr. J. Wayne Reitz, she has honored his legacy through decades of service and philanthropy. She regularly engages with Reitz Scholars, supported the renovation and expansion of the J. Wayne Reitz Union, and recently established an endowment for the J. Wayne Reitz Medal of Excellence Award, ensuring continued recognition of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ most outstanding seniors.

Rachel Garland is the Senior Manager of State Government and Industry Affairs for Nutrien, where she represents the company's interests across eight states in the Southeastern United States. She works closely with elected officials, industry associations, and key stakeholders to advance policies and partnerships that support agriculture and Nutrien's grower customers. Rachel is committed to fostering strong relationships that strengthen rural communities and support the long-term success of the agriculture industry. She lives on her family's farm in White Springs, Florida, with her husband, Justin, and their daughter, Morgan.

Founded in 1914, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has grown into one of Florida’s premier conservation, education, and wildlife destinations. Situated on 122 acres along the Trout River, the Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals and over 1,000 plant specimens, creating a unique environment where visitors can connect with both wildlife and the natural world. Guided by its mission of “Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places,” the Zoo inspires stewardship through immersive exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and impactful conservation initiatives around the globe.

A valued partner of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing wildlife conservation through research, education, and philanthropy. Since 2018, the Zoo has invested in the work of UF/IFAS wildlife researcher Dr. Matt Hallett, helping establish and sustain conservation efforts in Guyana’s Rupununi region. Through this collaboration, local researchers have been trained, community-based conservation programs have expanded, and critical wildlife research has informed environmental stewardship and policy.

Through its dedication to conservation, education, and meaningful partnerships, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens exemplifies the power of collaboration in protecting wildlife, preserving ecosystems, and inspiring future generations to care for our natural world.

Vera Toole Damron is a dedicated supporter of UF/IFAS and a lifelong advocate for agricultural education, youth development and Extension programs. Introduced to 4-H at a young age, she met her late husband, Dr. Bobby Leon Damron, through the Florida 4-H camping program and remained connected to the organization for decades.

Building on a family legacy rooted in agriculture, beekeeping and service, Vera has played a vital role in preserving and advancing those traditions. She established the Damron Family Honey Bee Extension Endowment, the first fund dedicated entirely to supporting UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory programs, including Bee College and the Master Beekeeper Program. Through her philanthropy, she has also supported opportunities for Alachua County 4-H youth, helping future leaders grow through education and hands-on learning. Vera’s commitment ensures the Damron family’s legacy continues to inspire generations across Florida.

Florida native, Ken Griner, is Past President and Manager of Usher Land & Timber, Inc. in Chiefland, Florida, a family-owned logging, farming, and cattle company. He is a graduate of Dixie County High School and Davidson College.

Ken is Past President of the Florida Cattlemen's Association and former state chairman of the Log a Load for Kids campaign benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network at Shands Hospital. He has served on multiple industry boards, including as Past Chairman of both U.S. CattleTrace and the Cattle Enhancement Board.

Under his leadership, Usher Land & Timber was named National Logger of the Year in 2003. He was recognized as Outstanding Rancher and Leader in 2016 by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Farm Credit of Florida.

Lynetta Usher Griner is a generational logger, rancher, and timberland owner in Levy County, Florida, and serves as corporate secretary of Usher Land & Timber, Inc. She is a graduate of Chiefland High School and the University of Florida College of Law.

She served 14 years on the Suwannee River Water Management District, including 10 as Chairman of the Governing Board, and is the Agricultural Appointee to the Acquisition & Restoration Council. Lynetta was the first woman to serve as President of the Florida Forestry Association and was named Woman of the Year in Agriculture in 2013.

Her additional honors include Florida Farmer of the Year (2018) and the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture’s Environmental Leadership Award (2022). She also served two terms on the Board of Trustees for the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and participated in the 2017 White House Farmers’ Roundtable.

In 2018, Ken and Lynetta were honored by the Alachua Lions Club for their contributions to Florida’s cattle industry, and in 2020 they were named Partner of the Year by Florida’s Project Learning Tree. Ken and Lynetta host multiple University of Florida groups at their farm every year, including Florida Blue Key; groups from the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences and the Department of Animal Sciences; and Florida 4-H youth.

Ken and Lynetta live in Fanning Springs on the banks of the beautiful, historic Suwannee River. They have one son, Korey, who manages Usher Farm. Korey, his wife Brittany, and their son Riggs live on the farm near Chiefland.

Senator Gayle Harrell represents Florida Senate District 31, serving Martin and St. Lucie counties and part of Palm Beach County. Elected to the Florida Senate in 2018 after eight terms in the Florida House of Representatives, she has built a distinguished record of public service and legislative leadership.

With more than 30 years of healthcare experience, Senator Harrell managed a medical practice and founded a breast imaging center focused on preventive care for women. Her expertise has helped shape healthcare policy throughout Florida. She currently serves as Chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee and Vice Chair of the Health Policy Committee.

A longtime Treasure Coast resident and proud University of Florida alumna, Senator Harrell holds both a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master's degree in Latin American Studies from UF. Her dedication to education, healthcare, and community service has earned numerous state and national honors.

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