Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Mori Hosseini, James “Bill” Heavener, and Fred Ridley to the University of Florida Board of Trustees

Press release from the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Mori Hosseini, James “Bill” Heavener, and Fred Ridley to the University of Florida Board of Trustees. 

Mori Hosseini
Hosseini, of Ormond Beach, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Intervest Construction Industries and the current Chairman of the University of Florida Board of Trustees. He is also the current Chairman of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Board of Trustees and serves on the Board of Directors for Enterprise Florida and Space Florida in addition to being a former Chairman of the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida. Hosseini earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering and holds a bachelor’s degree, master of business administration, and honorary doctorate degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. 

James “Bill” Heavener
Heavener, of Winter Park, is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman of Full Sail University and has been a member of the University of Florida Board of Trustees since 2013. He is a Past President and Legacy Director of the University of Florida Gator Boosters and a recipient of the 2018 Golden Gators Lifetime Philanthropist Award. Heavener is also involved with the University of Florida Alumni Association, University of Florida Foundation, University of Florida Warrington College of Business Advisory Council, and the University of Florida Athletic Association. He earned an associate’s degree from Jacksonville University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida. 

Fred Ridley
Ridley, of Tampa, is an Attorney and Partner at Foley and Lardner specializing in real estate and corporate transactions. He is the former chair of the firm’s national real estate practice group and is a member of the firm’s transactions practice group. Ridley also served on the firm’s management committee from 2007-2014. He won the 1975 United States Amateur Championship and has served as Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters Tournament since 2017. Ridley is also a former President of the United States Golf Association and sits on the board of Starwood Property Trust and several private companies. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Ridley earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from the Stetson University College of Law. 

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.