Board of Advisors

Dick J. Batchelor is a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and president of one of the most respected and influential business development consulting firms in Florida.

Batchelor, who has consistently been recognized as among the “most powerful people” in Orlando, brings almost 50 years of public service to the table, including two presidential appointments to high-level delegations. His intimate knowledge of the political landscape and unwavering commitment to community make him a sought-after strategist.

As president of the Dick Batchelor Management Group Inc., an Orlando-based consulting firm that specializes in business development, strategic governmental affairs and public policy issues, Batchelor is focused on delivering results for his clients. In 2018, Florida Trend magazine named him one of the 500 most influential business leaders in Florida, and in 2019 he was recognized as one of the “Living Legends” in the publication’s 500 Most Influential Business Leaders issue.

A Vietnam War veteran, Batchelor served in the Marine Corps (1966-68), where he learned to work together for a common goal. It has been his guiding principle ever since, most notably during his tenure in the Florida House of Representatives (1974-82). There, Batchelor was one of the youngest individuals ever elected. During his tenure, he quickly developed a reputation for strong leadership and consensus-building. He has received more than 50 awards for his legislative service.

After the Legislature, Batchelor continued to serve his community, especially on behalf of children. He helped secure funding for schools and protect women and children from abuse. Most notably, Batchelor served for more than three decades as honorary chair of the “Dick Batchelor Run for the Children,” an annual 5K that raised funds — more than $1.5 million — to treat abused children.

For his work supporting children, Batchelor has been honored by local and state organizations, including United Way of Florida. In 2021, the city of Orlando named him a Visionary Community Leader for his lifelong commitment to civil rights, education reform, child advocacy and public health.

The Central Florida business community and the area’s media have also recognized Batchelor’s contributions. He has been named one of “The 50 Most Powerful People” by Orlando Magazine (2004 to 2018), the 2002 “Central Floridian of the Year” by The Orlando Sentinel, the 2002 “Businessman of the Year” by Orlando Business Journal, and the 2008 and 2009 “Best Corporate Citizen” by Orlando Magazine.

In 2021, Junior Achievement of Central Florida selected him as a Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame Laureate. On the state level, Leadership Florida presented Batchelor with its Distinguished Member Award in 2020 for his continued leadership, outside of his professional responsibilities.

Batchelor’s influence extends well beyond Florida as well. In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed him to the U.S. delegation observing the historic election in South Africa that brought Nelson Mandela to power. Batchelor met with Mandela, whose rise to the presidency heralded a new post-apartheid era for the country.

Later, President Clinton appointed Batchelor to serve on the United Nations Human Rights Commission (Geneva, Switzerland) and as a representative to UNESCO (Paris). Batchelor is also a member of the National Advisory Board for Human Rights First and serves on the United States Global Leadership Coalition Florida Advisory Board.

Batchelor and his wife, Orlando news media veteran Andrea Coudriet Batchelor, live in Orlando, where they raised their three sons. He holds degrees from Valencia Community College (now Valencia College) and the University of Central Florida. Batchelor continues to serve his community on boards that address some of today’s most pressing issues, from health care and drug addiction to race relations and affordable housing.

Modesto Alcala is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, recognized for launching new dining concepts, leading national chains, and executing successful business turnarounds. His career began with Brinker International’s Romano’s Macaroni Grill and expanded to developing specialty dining establishments for Carlson Restaurants Worldwide. Alcala was instrumental in building Barnes & Noble’s 600-unit café business.

In partnership with private equity firms, Alcala held key leadership roles, including President of Don Pablo’s Mexican Kitchen, Senior Vice President at Avado Brands, and President and COO for Copeland’s Famous New Orleans Restaurant & Bar. As Chief Operating Officer for Buca di Beppo, Alcala successfully turned the business around by implementing operational improvements and revitalizing the brand, positioning it for growth. His leadership transformed the chain into a more profitable entity, driving innovation and enhanced guest experiences.

As Chief Concept Officer for Ignite Restaurant Group, Alcala created and expanded the Brickhouse Tavern + Tap concept into a national brand, further showcasing his expertise in growing successful dining concepts.

After relocating to Central Florida in 2012, Alcala joined NBCUniversal, where he led the revitalization of CityWalk for Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. As Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations, he was responsible for overseeing a billion-dollar food and beverage business, driving both profitability and guest satisfaction. He later served as Senior Vice President of Global Restaurant Development and Creative Resort Placemaking, overseeing worldwide strategy under the Creative Organization of Universal Parks and Resorts.

Alcala has contributed to the restaurant and business community through board service, including the MFHA, Illinois Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation, and as Vice Chairman of the Minnesota Restaurant Association. Locally, he served as Vice Chairman of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and is currently a Board Member for Global Imports and Hispanic Economic Advancement. He is also the Chairman of the Board for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida. In 2022, Alcala received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Prospera for his contributions to the community.

Modesto Alcala is a graduate of the University of Florida School of Journalism and resides in Central Florida with his wife, Loren.

Mark NeJame is an American attorney, entrepreneur, media Legal Analyst, businessperson, philanthropist, and speaker. He is the founder and Senior Partner of NeJame Law, a renowned and nationally recognized law firm based in Orlando. His firm specializes in personal injury, criminal defense, commercial/civil litigation, and immigration.

Mark has been regularly listed in the 50 Most Powerful People in Orlando. He has worked with and represented numerous high-profile clients including, leading entrepreneurs, judges, professionals, media celebrities, professional athletes, lawyers, politicians, and law enforcement officials. In addition to his law practice, Mark is a serial entrepreneur and businessperson, whose diversification over the years has included the. internet, marketing, real estate, health care, entertainment, and business development.

Along with his wife, Josie, he is also the co-founder of Runway to Hope, a non-profit organization that benefits children and their families battling pediatric cancer. To date over 11 million dollars has been raised by Runway to Hope. Mark has contributed to innumerable other charity and civic causes. His many awards and recognitions include Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy, Philanthropist of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Voice for the Voiceless, and numerous others.

Mark has been widely recognized for his legal skills and acumen and along with his involvement in multiple high-profile cases and has garnered the attention of local and national media houses. Locally he has been a Legal Analyst for 3 television stations. His national exposure includes the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, People, and New York Times. He has been a regular guest and was a contracted Legal Analyst for CNN. He has also been featured frequently on national television having appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, The Nancy Grace Show, The Canadian News Network (CBC), Dr. Phil, MSNBC, FOX News, Joy Behar Show, Studio B with Shepard Smith, Inside Edition, Court TV, TruTv, TMZ, and several other television shows and media outlets.

Along with his amazing wife of 21 years, Josie, they have two remarkable daughters. Their oldest, Valentina is currently studying in London for her freshman year of college and then off to Boston University. Alessandra is currently applying to a variety of universities as she’s completing her senior year of high school at Lake Highland and will commence her first year of college next year.