Hearsay: OCBA Member Recognition

I hope you are soaking in the summer sun. I’m sure you’ve taken this month’s edition of The Briefs to enjoy reading at the beach or pool. (Kidding!) There’s a lot of news regarding our fantastic OCBA members. Without further ado –

Awards, Accomplishments & Professional Recognitions

• Vince Citro, Esq., an attorney with the Law Offices of Mark L. Horowitz, P.A., was recently honored by receiving an award from the Justice Department’s National Security Division for his work in Washington, D.C., in 2015 and 2016. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to the National Security Division. What is more, Vince has the distinction of receiving the award even after leaving government service. Congratulations, Vince!
• Amy Hamlin, Esq., of The Aikin Family Law Group in Winter Park, recently was sworn in as the treasurer of the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar. She previously served as the Family Law Section’s secretary.
• Philip “Phil” A. Diamond, Esq., recently became the Orange County Comptroller. He was elected county-wide by the voters of Orange County in 2016. As comptroller, he serves as the chief financial officer, as well as the county auditor and clerk to the Orange County Commission. Congratulations, Phil!
• Frank Pohl, Esq., a shareholder in Gunster’s Central Florida offices, received the City of Winter Park’s 1st Quarter 2017 Business Recognition Award. Winter Park’s business recognition program was designed to honor those businesses that have contributed to the economic well-being of the city and demonstrate a commitment to the vitality of the Winter Park business climate.
• Ben W. Subin, Esq., a partner in the Orlando office of Holland & Knight, LLP, was named a 2017 Client Service All-Star by the BTI Consulting Group, Inc. Ben is one of 319 BTI Client Service All-Stars who are identified solely and exclusively by corporate counsel.
• Andre T. Young, Esq., of The Young Law Firm of Florida, was inducted into the 100 Black Men of Orlando, Inc., which is a chapter of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. The organization is focused on improving conditions within the African American community.
• Lynne R. Wilson, Esq., a partner in Shuffield Lowman’s Orlando office, was selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America. Since 1983, the Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.
• Annie P. Kwong, Esq., an associate with Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.; Lauren L. Millcarek, Esq., an associate with Holland & Knight, LLP;and Lorraine N. Pitre, Esq., were recognized as 2017 Leaders in the Law for the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (CFAWL). Congrats, ladies!

Speaking Engagements & Community Involvement

• Matthew G. Brenner, Esq., a partner with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A., took office as the immediate past president of The Florida Bar Foundation. The foundation is a statewide charitable organization whose mission is to provide greater access to justice. Matt has served on the board since 2008.
• Christopher V. Carlyle, Esq., of The Carlyle Appellate Law Firm, spoke at the Environmental Law Institute’s Annual Law and Policy Review in Washington, D.C., on the topic of climate extractions.
• John Gihon, Esq., a partner with Shorstein, Lasnetski & Gihon, presented “Hot Topics in Immigration” to the League of Women Voters. John is board certified in immigration and nationality law.
• Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, Esq., of Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A., will serve as vice chair of The Florida Bar Grievance Committee A for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit is comprised of Brevard and Seminole Counties.
• Fermin Lopez, Esq., of Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter, was elected to the board of directors for the Colombo American Medical Association’s Foundation. The Colombo American Medical Association is a non-profit made up of professionals originating or having a direct relationship with Colombia and residents of Central Florida.
• Michael Brady Lynch, Esq., and The Michael Brady Lynch Firm donated $2,000 to The Notre Dame Club of Greater Orlando in mid-May at their charity golf tournament, which benefitted New Hope for Kids. New Hope for Kids helps provide grief services to children who have lost a parent. (Fun fact: Lee Corso, an ESPN sportscaster, attended the check presentation event.)
• Tony Sos, Esq., of Dellecker Wilson King McKenna Ruffier & Sos, LLP, presented the continuing education seminar “Mastering the Deposition: A Critical Skills Workshop” at the PINCUS Professional Education in March. He also participated in a panel discussion on “Witness Preparation” with Tiffany Fadis, Esq., of Fadis & Fadis, P.A.

On the Move

• Michael S. Kraynick, Esq.,has been named a partner at the law firm of Godbold, Downing, Bill & Rentz, P.A. Michael focuses his practice on complex commercial disputes, business litigation, real estate litigation, construction litigation, homeowner’s association law, and condominium association law.
• Christopher E. Brown, Esq., recently joined Kelley Kronenberg. Christopher’s practice includes property and casualty claims, personal injury, construction litigation, productions liability, and complex general liability matters.
• Rebecca Palmer, Esq., joined The Orlando Family Firm, specializing in family law. She has a broad background in providing ADR, general litigation, and collaborative law issues.
• Robert D. Sowell, Esq., has joined the Orlando office of BakerHostetler, focusing on complex commercial litigation.

As always, the “Hearsay” column is for OCBA members. Feel free to send any news and achievements for publication to me by email. See you next month!

Vanessa A. Braga, Esq., is an associate attorney with Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A., practicing in the areas of nursing home and assisted living defense litigation, premises liability, employment, and medical malpractice defense. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2014.