October 2, 2023 (Foley, AL) – The Highland Group’s Senior Project Manager, Jeff Wiater, P.E. has been chosen to join an elite leadership program led by Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation. This initiative, aimed at promoting regional collaboration, is a unique opportunity to build community relationships, generate valuable content, and broaden networks. Jeff is one of only 22 leaders selected to be part of the program’s ‘Class II’, representing a variety of sectors. This program is an unparalleled chance for professionals to enhance their knowledge, connections, and skills within the 12-county region of Florida’s Great Northwest. The FGNW Foundation Board sought out individuals who could use their leadership skills for the long-term betterment of Northwest Florida. Jeff will be carrying out this prestigious role from The Highland Group’s Panama City Beach Office.
Jeff’s wealth of experience, leadership skills, and commitment to community development have drawn the attention of Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation, leading to his selection into their program. His extensive experience in project management spans a diverse range of sectors and disciplines, having managed projects with a cumulative value of over $830 million throughout his career. As a Senior Project Manager, Jeff has successfully led numerous high-profile projects, including the construction of senior living facilities, university campuses, sports medicine buildings, and cancer treatment centers. His expertise also extends to the healthcare sector, where he has managed projects totaling over $205.5 million. Jeff’s proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget underscores his unwavering commitment to excellence and precision.
Jennifer Conoley, President and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest & FGNW Foundation says, “Our mission for Leadership Northwest Florida is to cultivate a pipeline of engaged and empowered leaders through regional collaboration resulting in long-term influence for the betterment of Northwest Florida.” The leadership program will last for seven months, immersing participants in an educational journey alongside other leaders from Northwest Florida. The program offers a comprehensive view of the region’s conditions, challenges, and opportunities, with a focus on Business Vitality, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Infrastructure, Talent, and Quality of Place. The journey begins with an opening retreat in November and runs until May 2024.
“We are incredibly proud of Jeff’s selection into this prestigious leadership program. His dedication to not only achieving, but exceeding the highest of standards, is a true testament to his commitment to our company mission. At The Highland Group, we strive to build stronger communities, and Jeff’s role in this initiative will undoubtedly contribute to that goal. This opportunity will allow him to further enrich his leadership skills and apply them to the betterment of Northwest Florida. Jeff’s selection is a clear reflection of his expertise, dedication, and the positive impact he continues to make in our industry.” – Ryan Long, VP of Al Gulf Coast / Northwest Florida for The Highland Group.
For Northwest Florida to continue to compete, diversify and thrive, it will take informed, dedicated leaders who understand the complex and competitive environment of economic transformation. Leadership Northwest Florida is designed to be an educational program offered for professionals in all industry sectors desiring to grow their knowledgebase, network, and skillset in the 13-county region of Florida’s Great Northwest footprint. This experience will ultimately result in long-term influence of the leadership graduates for the betterment of Northwest Florida.
The Highland Group is a real estate development and commercial construction firm that specializes in real estate development, preconstruction services, general contracting, construction management, and design-build delivery. Their mission is to develop leaders committed to higher standards who have an impact on their firm and the communities in which they work and live by developing trusting relationships and building quality projects. The Highland Group has offices located in the Gulf Coast Region (501 South McKenzie Street, Suite 2, Foley, Alabama, 36535), the Tennessee Valley Region (1300 Meridian Street North, Suite 300, Huntsville, Alabama, 35801), and the Florida Panhandle Region (130 Richard Jackson Blvd., Suite 104A, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32407). They have been proudly serving clients throughout the Southeastern United States since 2005. Learn more at www.TheHighlandGroup.com