Sarasota resident named tech CEO
Paul Lidsky, a Sarasota resident, was recently named CEO of Diversified, a leading global technology solutions provider.
Lidsky, who has served as chairman of Diversified’s board of directors since 2023, brings more than four decades of leadership in IT solutions and technology services. In his expanded role, Lidsky will guide Diversified’s market expansion and service delivery across its global footprint.
“Paul is a highly respected leader with deep expertise in the technology services industry and a strong history of building great companies with a focus on the people and partnerships that drive success and serve their clients,” said Will Fleder, partner at Tailwind Capital, Diversified’s primary investor. “We are confident that his leadership and experience will further strengthen Diversified’s position as a global leader and accelerate its continued growth.”
Before joining Diversified, Lidsky served as CEO of Core BTS, as president and CEO of Datalink Corp., and as CEO of Calabrio. His career also includes executive leadership positions at OneLink Inc., Spanlink Communications Inc., and Norstan.
Hospitality leaders win awards
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association recently honored its 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame winners during a gala at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.
Dick Rivera of Suncoast Hospitality Partners in Sarasota received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Michael Quillen, president of three independent restaurant groups, including flagship Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota, received Restaurateur of the Year.
Rivera Suncoast Hospitality Partners is a development and management company with ventures including Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. His affiliated Rubicon Enterprises owns and/or operates 26 restaurants nationwide. His achievements have earned widespread recognition, including Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Golden Chain” award, the “Restaurant Business Leadership Award,” the Silver Plate from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, and FIU’s Michael E. Hurst Hospitality Leadership Award.
Quillen’s restaurants operate in 15 locations across Florida and North Carolina. Since opening Gecko’s Grill & Pub in 1992, Quillen, a Sarasota native, has cultivated award-winning concepts with over 800 employees, low management turnover, and hands-on leadership. His awards include the National Restaurant Association’s Florida Restaurant Neighbor Award five consecutive years and the national Restaurant Neighbor Award in 2017.
Around and about
· The Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. will host its 2025 Annual Update Luncheon on Dec. 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., in Palmetto.
The event will feature a discussion with executives from businesses the EDC assisted with relocations or expansions and will include a briefing from EDC leaders on milestones from the organization’s work to foster job creation and diversify Manatee County’s economy. The EDC will also present the 2025 Rick Fawley Economic Development Award of Distinction to Mike Moschella, president of Seacoast Banking Corp. For information, including tickets and sponsorships, visit BradentonAreaEDC2025AnnualUpdate.eventbrite.com; email [email protected]; call 941-803-9034.
· Dr. Orlando Landrum, a Harvard-trained, double board-certified interventional pain management physician, recently joined RejuvenX in Sarasota to lead the practice’s multidisciplinary pain management program across a statewide network of clinics.
Landrum brings expertise in regenerative medicine, neuromodulation, and minimally invasive pain management procedures. He earned a B.S. degree from Purdue University and his M.D. from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. His residency in anesthesiologywas completed at Harvard University’s Massachusetts General Hospital.
· Janyel Taylor of Manatee County received the Florida Farm Bureau’s 2025 Volunteer Communicator of the Year award during the organization’s 84th annual meeting in Daytona Beach. Taylor is a Manatee County Farm Bureau board member, co-owner of Ralph Taylor’s Nurseries in Bradenton and author of a blog called The Veranda View. She uses her digital platform to share articles on agricultural topics and publishes video interviews with local farmers and ranchers.
· Four attorneys have joined Syprett Meshad: Forest Sutton, Jillian Polk, Ben Sorrell, and Mabry Robinson. Sutton practices commercial litigation, personal injury, and criminal defense and previously served as Assistant State Attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit. Polk practices civil litigation and held an internship in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. Sorrell focuses on commercial and residential real estate and was named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters). Robinson practices civil litigation, real estate, family, and probate and worked as a law clerk with Syprett Meshad while pursuing his Juris Doctorate.
Compiled from news releases
link