Dr. Phillips Charities Announces Advisory Committee for Eatonville Initiative
ORLANDO, Fla. – [March 4, 2026] – Dr. Phillips Charities today announced the formation of an Advisory Committee to help inform and support the Eatonville Initiative. The committee brings together individuals with deep ties to the community, ensuring local voices, historical context, and community priorities remain central as conversations and planning continue.
The Advisory Committee will meet monthly to provide insight, share perspectives, and strengthen community dialogue throughout the initiative. Serving in an advisory capacity, members will help guide engagement efforts and ensure the process remains collaborative and community informed.
“Eatonville holds an important place in the region’s history and culture, and we are committed to approaching this work with care, humility, and deep respect,” said Ken Robinson, President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities. “This advisory committee represents an important step in ensuring we are listening, learning, and engaging in a way that reflects the priorities and perspectives of those who know this community best.”
The Community Advisory Committee includes:
•Dr. Bahíyyah Maroon
Eatonville Initiative Advisory Committee Chair
•Mrs. Carol Buford
Property & Asset Manager, Macedonia CDC of Eatonville
Eatonville Faith Community
•Dr. Candace Finley
Founder & Executive Director, Esteamed Learning,
Eatonville Business Owner, Resident, and Legacy Descendant
•Michelle Fort
Buyer, Orange County Government
Eatonville Legacy Descendant
•Joyce Irby
Eatonville Legacy Descendant
•Mr. Theo McWhite
Eatonville Legacy Descendant
•Bruce Mount Jr., Esq.
Attorney, Nunez Law Firm
Eatonville Business Owner & Legacy Descendant
•Simmon Reed
SVP, Corporate Responsibility and Labor Management, Travel + Leisure Co.
•Bea Hatler
Ex Officio
Hungerford Family Descendant
•Stephanie Vanos
Ex Officio
OCPS School Board Member District 6
As the initiative progresses, Dr. Phillips Charities will continue to share updates.
For more information, visit https://drphillips.org/eatonville-initiative/
About Dr. Phillips and Dr. Phillips Charities
Dr. P. Phillips was a visionary whose charitable contributions and entrepreneurship helped create a vibrant, thriving community in Central Florida. The Dr. Phillips name has been a major economic and philanthropic presence in the Central Florida community since the turn of the 20th century. Dr. Phillips Charities (Dr. Phillips Inc. and The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation) uses the earnings from its investment and real estate income to give financial assistance to hundreds of charities serving primarily in Orange and Osceola counties. Dr. Phillips has contributed more than $261 million in grants, pledges and program-related investments to Central Florida charities responding to the needs of the community and directly touching the lives of thousands of children and families. Learn more at www.DrPhillips.org.
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