Name: Suzanne Judas
Age: A baby boomer
Family: Husband, Rob, whom I have known since junior high and met again at a high school reunion, and adult children, Harry, Kim, Carly and Brian.
Pets: Gracie, a 4-year-old Maltese
Education: Undergraduate: University of Florida and Jacksonville University; J.D: University of Florida
Admitted to the Bar: 1990
Employed by: Partner, Holland & Knight
Field of practice: Maritime and media law
Professional organizations: Emeritus member and former chair, Florida Board of Bar Examiners; national board of directors, Leadership Council, American Inns of Court; emeritus member, Chester Bedell Inn of Court; The Jacksonville Bar Association; and Maritime Law Association of the United States, Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute
Community involvement: Pro bono and community service partner for Holland & Knight Jacksonville, Rotary Club of Jacksonville, World Affairs Council, WJCT, Jacksonville Marine Transportation Exchange and more than 30 years of volunteer experience in the community, including being a member of the first class of Leadership Jacksonville (1976).
How did you become involved? I think community involvement is in my genes — and my involvement pre-dates by legal career. In every case, I volunteered because I was interested and passionate about the work of an organization and simply volunteered to help the organization or cause achieve its purpose.
How can someone else become involved? Don’t wait to be asked. Volunteer and then be actively committed and persistent in sharing your time and leadership skills.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience? A deep appreciation for the community’s not-for-profit organizations, their staff and leadership, who do so much with so little, and an awareness of, and appreciation for, the leadership and commitment of thousands of individuals who do care and who devote their time, talent and resources to make a difference in our community.
What was the last book you read or are reading? “The Last of His Kind: The Life and Adventures of Bradford Washburn, America’s Boldest Mountaineer”