by Other honorees included fellow Tampa Bay leaders John Couris, Lavonte David and Oscar Horton at inaugural event
TAMPA, Fla. — The National Father’s Day Council honored Todd Wanek, president and CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries; Oscar Horton, chairman and CEO of Sun State International Trucks; John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital; and Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Super Bowl Winner and All-Time Leading Tackler at the First Annual Tampa Bay Father of the Year Awards.
The awards luncheon took place on Wednesday, June 17, in Tampa, with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, which creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
“Each year, we are proud to recognize fathers whose leadership extends well beyond their professional accomplishments,” said Michael Haskel, CEO and president of The Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council Inc. “As we launch this inaugural Tampa Bay celebration, we are honored to recognize four extraordinary leaders whose impact on the region — and devotion to family — truly embody the spirit of this event and the mission it supports.”
Under Todd’s leadership, Ashley has grown to be the world’s largest home furnishings manufacturer and the largest furniture store brand in North America. The company has experienced significant global growth while maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement and philanthropy.
“One of the things that I enjoy in life, more than anything, is being a father,” said Wanek. “The Father of the Year Award represents people who take responsibility — not just for themselves, but for others, and I’m honored to be recognized alongside so many who live that commitment every day.”
As part of its continued commitment to supporting family-focused philanthropies, The Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council Inc. has donated more than $39 million to organizations nationwide serving mothers, fathers and children.
