GAINESVILLE, FLA.— November 8, 2022
Florida Trend, a leading media publication that has reported on the people and issues that have defined Florida and shaped its future for over 60 years, has named Stephanie Bailes, President and CEO of the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, a Florida 500 Influential in the category of Philanthropy and Nonprofit. Bailes is listed in the 2022 Florida 500 alongside industry leaders from around the state.
“To be recognized among the incredibly successful and talented list of individuals is humbling.”, says Bailes. “I am extremely honored to be included. I also recognize that this recognition comes in large part because of the vision and mission of the organization I am so fortunate to represent; an organization that is supported by the work of a tremendously talented and dedicated team of staff, board members, and founders.”
Now, in its fifth year, the Florida 500 is the product of a year-long research initiative by the editors of Florida Trend resulting in a personal, engaging look at the state’s most influential business leaders across more than 60 business categories including Energy, Education, Finance, and Life Sciences. The editorial selection of the 500 executives was based on extensive contacts in regional business circles, hundreds of interviews, and months of research, culminating in a highly selective biographical guide to the people who really run Florida.
Bailes was previously recognized by Florida Trend Magazine as a Person to Know in Technology and was also identified by Blooloop Magazine as a top 50 International Museum Influencer.
Under Bailes’ strong leadership of the Cade, which began in 2017 when construction was underway on the museum building, the organization has experienced tremendous growth in several areas. The Cade Prize for Innovation, once a modest cash award previously open only to Florida-based early-stage inventors, is now a national competition with a cash purse of over $100,000. The museum expanded its outreach operations during COVID, and over 121,000 guests have visited the Cade since its opening in 2018. However, it’s what happens outside of the museum that Bailes is most proud of.
“The Cade Museum is a wonderful place for learning and inspiration.”, continues Bailes. “We encourage children to be the visionaries and problem solvers of tomorrow. The Cade is not bound by its walls. We dedicate resources to reach into communities where there is little access to the innovative ideas shaping our world and we provide those communities a connection to this innovation economy. It is this combined power of personal agency, innovation education, and outreach that motivates the team at the Cade. This is also the reason the museum, and our team, are getting recognized for our work supporting the vision of our founder, Phoebe Cade Miles.”
Find the list of all Florida 500 Influentials and read Bailes’ story here: https://floridatrend500.com/philanthropy-nonprofits/stephanie-bailes/