This article appeared in the August 2025 edition of Palm Beach Illustrated.
Meet this year’s cohort of 100 Palm Beach County residents who are making their mark on business, community, and philanthropy. Their leadership and vision have helped shape Palm Beach County into the thriving, dynamic destination that we’re all proud to call home. Turn the page to read more about the remarkable individuals who made this year’s list.
DANITA DEHANEY
President, CEO
Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
DeHaney brings an expansive skill set to her executive leadership of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. In addition to 25 successful years in higher education managing a portfolio of major donors and prospects, she has 14 years of private industry experience working at global giants like Xerox Corporation. As the foundation’s president and CEO, DeHaney provides leadership in all aspects of the organization’s operations, emphasizing long-term goals and growth.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Immerse yourself fully in the culture of the organization. When you understand the culture, you are better able to navigate through challenges and issues as they arise. When you have a sense of the politics, the people, and the systems involved, you are better able to achieve efficiencies with your work.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Maintain joy. It should be fun.
TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: The U.S. National Parks
WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Sade
FAVORITE TEAM SPORTS: Paris and Monaco
GUILTY PLEASURE: Gummy bears
FIND HER ON WEEKENDS: Beaching it or playing tennis
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JEFFREY A. STOOPS
Chairman, SBA Communications Corp.
Board Chairman, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Stoops became board chair of the foundation in 2023, following years of other leadership posts within the organization, including chair of the executive committee. He is also chairman of SBA Communications Corp., where he was CEO from 2002 to 2023. He joined the company in March 1997 and served in several leadership positions. SBA is one of Florida’s largest public companies by market capitalization and a member of the S&P 500. In recognition of SBA’s success, Stoops has been the recipient of multiple awards, including Florida Atlantic University’s Business Leader of the Year, the South Florida Business Journal’s CEO of the Year, and the Sun Sentinel’s Excalibur Award. He has been extensively involved in philanthropic activities.
EDUCATION: Florida State University
ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF: Always sleep on a major decision.
HOBBIES: Fishing, salt hunting, and bicycling
FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOT: Africa
HOW HE GIVES BACK: President of the Stoops Family Foundation, which supports a variety of children’s, educational, cultural, social, and other causes through grants of approximately $3 million per year.
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KEN WEST
President, CEO, HCA Florida JFK Hospital
Board Member, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
West believes that health care is a sacred calling that allows him to have a positive impact on people’s health and well-being. Over a 15-year career, West has held executive roles in Virginia, Florida, and California, with expertise in operations, strategic planning, construction, and labor relations. He was tapped to steward the $100 million expansion and renovation of JFK Hospital in Atlantis. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, West has been honored by Modern Healthcare, Becker’s, and multiple business journals. He serves on boards at Georgetown University and Louisiana State University and is active in mentorship and leadership development.
EDUCATION: Louisiana State University and Georgetown University
BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: “Work smarter, not harder.” —Mom
STARTS HIS DAY: With a moment of gratitude and then checking the quality of my sleep through an app on my health wearable.
HOBBIES: International travel, college and professional sports, and listening to live and recorded music
WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: Seeing his children, 5 and 6, discover new things.
