BY HILARY DANAILOVA (Edited)

©2025 The News Service of Florida. All rights reserved. 

The Fifty Over 50 profiled in News Service of Florida’s 2025 list began their careers in a very different Florida—a less populated, more localized and vastly less developed Sunshine State. Their efforts as attorneys, lobbyists and health and business leaders have collectively helped grow Florida into the economic powerhouse and lifestyle destination it is today. This year’s honorees have built health institutions, nurtured municipalities, promoted education access and advanced social justice, in addition to promoting numerous legislative measures designed to improve life for Floridians across a variety of spheres.

Among this year’s honorees is FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell.

As the son of a jockey and a fourth-generation horseman himself, Lonny Powell is uniquely equipped to lead the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association.

“The thoroughbred and equine industry is in my DNA,” said Powell, who is entering his 15th year as CEO of the Ocala-based nonprofit. “My work is more than a job; it’s a culture, a community and a way of life.”

Powell joined the industry in high school, when he got his first job at the track. In the years since, he has led the Lexington, Kentucky-based Association of Racing Commissioners International, California’s Santa Anita Race Course and the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program. He also gained legislative insights as a cabinet member and agency head under then-Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, and has even advised Saudi Arabian racing outfits.

At the FTBOA, Powell represents his constituency’s economic, political and marketing interests – and celebrated the passage of major industry legislation in 2023 and 2024.

“Apart from my business and political successes, I’m equally proud of assembling great management and board teams – and paying back in service, including as past chair of FSAE and FL Horse Park,” says the Dunellon native, who was named Florida Society Association Executives Executive of the Year in 2022. “I love, enjoy and just so appreciate the people, horses and places associated with my work.” 

Return to the April 15 issue of Wire to Wire