Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest and largest full-service business law firms, is pleased to announce that shareholder, Lila Jaber, has been commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Matt Bevin. It is the highest title of honor bestowed according to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Commissions for Kentucky Colonels are given by the governor and the secretary of state to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation.

Jaber has a tremendous passion for serving her community and state and has had the great privilege of multiple opportunities to do so. “I am extremely honored and humbled by this designation and will accept this recognition by renewing my commitment to service with the hope that my passion will inspire others,” she stated about her nomination.

With more than 25 years in regulatory policy and government practice, Jaber leads the Government Affairs practice for Gunster and is the founder of Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum. A former chair of the Florida Public Service Commission, Lila provides strategic and regulatory advice to clients on a number of business and economic development issues that include utility specific matters in energy and water, as well as general business strategy implementation for some of the largest companies doing business in Florida. Her work includes C-level consulting to clients with priority for growth in Florida, most recently as the lead Florida counsel for Emera, a Canadian energy company, that acquired TECO Energy. On behalf of Gunster clients, Jaber’s advocacy extends to the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the Florida Legislature, and the Office of the Governor.

After a distinguished career in public service, including service on Workforce Florida’s board and as former chair of Leadership Florida, she remains actively involved at the state and local leadership levels, helping to promote civic engagement and economic development. As a local businesswoman and entrepreneur, Jaber is a founding member of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, where she promotes growth and support for women and minority-owned businesses earning her recognition by the Tallahassee Democrat in 2015 as one of the “25 Women You Need to Know.” She earned her BA from Stetson University in 1988 and her Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in 1990.

About Kentucky Colonels

According to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Kentucky Colonel honor was first established in 1813, following a successful campaign in the War of 1812. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels transitioned into a philanthropic organization after the Great Flood of 1937 decimated the Commonwealth. Kentucky Colonels are devoted to faith, family, fellowman and country, and are unwavering in their commitment to the compassionate care of those who are less fortunate. The certificate, signed by the Governor and Secretary of State and bearing the Great Seal of Kentucky, has hung on the walls of such distinguished leaders as President Lyndon B. Johnson and English Prime Minister Winston Churchill. John Glenn, America’s first person in space, was commissioned during his historic mission while orbiting Earth. Other well-known Colonels include: Harland “Colonel” Sanders, Muhammad Ali, Betty White, George Clooney, Ashley Judd, Johnny Depp, and Elvis Presley. You can learn more about the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels by visiting their website at http://kycolonels.org

About Gunster

Gunster, Florida’s law firm for business, provides full-service legal counsel to leading organizations and individuals from its 13 offices statewide. Established in 1925, the firm has expanded, diversified and evolved, but always with a singular focus: Florida and its clients’ stake in it. A magnet for business-savvy attorneys who embrace collaboration for the greatest advantage of clients, Gunster’s growth has not been at the expense of personalized service but because of it. The firm serves clients from its offices in Boca Raton Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Stuart, Tallahassee, Tampa, The Florida Keys, Vero Beach, Winter Park, and its headquarters in West Palm Beach. With more than 170 attorneys and 200 committed support staff, Gunster is ranked among the National Law Journal’s list of the 350 largest law firms and has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Diverse Law Firms by Law360. More information about its practice areas, offices and insider’s view newsletters is available atwww.gunster.com.