Eason named to position at UNF
The University of North Florida has named Paul Eason Ph.D., P.E. as its first vice president of strategy and innovation. The position, previously the VP of data analytics, was refocused to reflect UNF President Moez Limayem’s commitment to achieving a new strategic vision for the University.
Eason will oversee the execution of the UNF strategic plan, which was updated this summer with an emphasis on key performance-based funding metrics, elevating UNF’s rankings in U.S. News & World Report, and strategic growth to meet the talent demands of the region and beyond.
He will work in concert with the other vice presidents on initiatives that bridge across the different units of the university to ensure alignment with the strategic plan and state goals. Among his many responsibilities, Eason will work to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation to help UNF reach its highest potential.
Eason began his career at UNF in 2005 as an adjunct professor in the School of Engineering. He was hired as a tenure track assistant professor in 2007 and rose through the ranks of tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2012 and professor in 2018. Eason was instrumental in crafting the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Innovation legislative budget request in 2016, which continues to fund faculty lines in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Bachelor of Science program and the operation of the Materials Science and Engineering Research Facility.
Eason is a native of Jacksonville. He earned his Bachelor of Science and doctorate in materials science and engineering from the University of Florida.
He began his new position on Aug. 5.
Tyler Grady joins real estate firm
Tyler Grady has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty.
He comes to the real estate firm from Hospital Corporation of America North Florida — Orange Park Hospital, where he assisted in open heart surgery for nearly a decade. His background in the medical industry has equipped him with a meticulous approach. His commitment to excellence, honed through the high-pressure scenarios of the operating room, is now devoted to delivering exceptional real estate services.
Grady has called Northeast Florida his home for more than three decades. His knowledge of the local neighborhoods, amenities, schools and market trends positions him as a valuable asset to clients looking to buy or sell in the area.
For more information, Grady can be reached at 904-502-7044, Tyler.Grady@FloridaNetworkRealty.com, and TGrady.FloridaNetworkRealty.com.
The Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office, located at 333 Village Main St., Suite 670, is managed by Holly Hayes, who can be reached at 904-802-0432, Holly.Hayes@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and floridanetworkrealtycareers.com.
Ashley Helmick named Women’s Board director
The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital has named Ashley Helmick its new director. Helmick will start in her new role on Aug. 28.
Before accepting the position with Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Helmick served as the associate director of development for the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law. Prior to that, she served as assistant director of alumni engagement at the University of North Florida for two years and in other philanthropy-focused leadership roles in the community.
Helmick received her Bachelor of Science degree in parks, recreation and tourism management from Clemson University in South Carolina and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration at the University of North Florida.
A frontline fundraiser with a focus on community, service and partnership opportunities, Helmick has served on the Episcopal School of Jacksonville Alumni Board since 2016. She has previously served on the board of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Red Shoe Crew and was a member of The Women’s Board for eight years.
