2017 Winners

David Fernandez

As the Director of Communications and Special for the City of Hialeah, David Fernandez oversees 180 employees and coordinates and creatively develops 200+ events and activities a year. David’s peers and colleagues describe him as a true community man. There is no doubt where he is from as he shows his pride for his city and his job in everything he does.

David is an innovator who has his finger on the pulse of what’s hot and blends that strategically with what needs to be accomplished for his community.

David started his career with the City of Hialeah over 10 years ago but continues to grow and excel as a leader for his city and his community and his accomplishments continue to be recognized on a local, regional and state level.

Anheuser Busch Wholesalers

Anheuser-Busch has 21 wholesaler locations that support events throughout the state of Florida. They don’t just act as suppliers, but rather as partners, making sure each event they work with is successful in many ways.

Their partnerships assist events not only with increasing revenues but also providing activation to ensure corporate social responsibility.

We have been fortunate to have them as FFEA Sponsor Partners for the past 12 years as they come together from throughout the entire state to connect not only with each other but also with our members.

Rita Demier-Lincoln

Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Rita has lived in Florida for the past 17 years. She received a bachelor’s degree in Communications as well as a master’s degree in Marketing & Advertising. With more than 25 years of experience in advertising and graphic design, she is currently the Director of Marketing at the South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach, where she’s been for 13 years and was voted by her peers Employee of the Year in 2007.

As a former Board Member, Executive Committee Member and current Marketing Committee Member, Rita has made an incredible impact on FFEA by consistently dedicating her time and talent to enrich our programs. Her marketing and design expertise has helped FFEA to reach new heights in membership, conference registration and overall branding. She dedicates countless hours every year producing the graphics and materials for the conference – and helping the visions of the marketing committee to become a reality.

Anyone who knows her will tell you about her fiery spirit, fierce love for her family and friends and passion for all things Marketing and Design.

In addition to her volunteer service for FFEA, Rita is also an active member of the Florida Federation of Fairs, the Discover The Palm Beaches Sales & Marketing Advisory Council, as well as a Board Member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. She enjoys riding her Harley, the beach, golfing, and reading. Rita currently resides in Boca Raton with her husband Chris.