(1888PressRelease)
June 25, 2006 - Kissimmee, FL -- The Community Leadership Association today presented Chris M. Gent with its international Distinguished Leadership Award. The award was announced during the 2005 Annual Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Ga.
Gent, corporate communications manager for Kissimmee Utility Authority, is a 1994 graduate of Leadership Osceola County.
The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes exceptional community leadership program graduates. Recipients are men and women who have made significant and notable contributions for the betterment of their communities.
"Individuals who receive the Distinguished Leadership Award contribute in extraordinary ways to build more effective communities," said Dr. David P. Mills, executive director of CLA and director of the JW Fanning Institute for Leadership. "Gent's community service demonstrates an individual committed to initiating positive change and leading the way to a better future for the community."
Gent has served on the Leadership Osceola County steering committee for the past 10 years, including one year as chairman. In addition, he serves on the board of directors of Community Vision, Inc. and the Florida Public Relations Association.
Gent is a Florida native and holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Central Florida. He received Osceola County's distinguished leader award in 2003 and the Community Service Award from the UCF Alumni Association in 2002.
About CLA
Founded in 1979, the Community Leadership Association - www.communityleadership.org - is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing leadership in communities throughout the United States and internationally.
About KUA
Founded in 1901, KUA – www.kua.com - is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric, water and telecommunication services to 170,000 residents in five Central Florida counties.
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