SPACE COAST DAILY TV: Bill Potter’s Philanthropic Efforts Span Six Decades
By Space Coast Daily // December 26, 2013
2013 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE
SPACE COAST DAILY TV: An attorney for more than 40 years and a Melbourne resident since 1965, Bill Potter is a retired partner of Holland and Knight and retired president of Potter, McClelland, Marks and Healy.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA (November 7, 2013) — Attorney Bill Potter has been an important part of the amazing transformation of Florida Institute of Technology from a tiny institution of higher learning originally created to advance the education of local engineers to a world class university that draws students and support from throughout the globe.
His leadership has contributed greatly to the school’s rapid growth and success.
On the board of the university’s trustees for more than three decades, Potter served as chair of the board for eight years. “It’s been very fulfilling to see the university grow so much,” he said.
Potter has also been part of the growth and development of another critical organization in Brevard County, Health First, where as part of the healthcare system’s board of directors since 1999 Potter has witnessed Health First’s emergence as the largest and most diverse healthcare system in the Space Coast.
An attorney for more than 40 years and a Melbourne resident since 1965, Potter is a retired partner of Holland and Knight and retired president of Potter, McClelland, Marks and Healy.
He is the former city attorney for Melbourne, Indialantic and Melbourne Village, as well as for the Brevard Transportation Authority. He served as chair and as a director of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation.
Potter is a former chairman of the Brevard Economic Council, former director and president of the Melbourne YMCA, former board member for Junior Achievement and served as pro bono general counsel and former board member for the United Way of Brevard.
He also served as former Brevard County unit president and member of the Florida board of directors for the American Cancer Society.
INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMAT
Potter performed diplomatic duties in Europe that included a stint in Bosnia and Sarajevo. He served as an International Election Supervisor in Bosnia Herzegovina and in Kosovo. In 1999, he served as military advisor to the Office of High Representative and Government of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
From 2002 until 2005, he served as Head of the Rule of Law Department in the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
With 34 years with the Air Force Reserves, he is a retired colonel in the Florida Air National Guard. His military background led to his service for almost three years as the head of the Department of Law for the United Nations’ mission to stabilize Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Potter is a recipient of numerous medals, including; Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, NATO Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal and the Legion of Merit.
A graduate of Brown University and the University of Michigan Law School, Potter recounted his experiences in this troubled part of the world in “A Bosnian Diary: A Floridian’s Experience in Nation Building.”
The book is a first-person account of the United Nations’ efforts to restore order and sanity to a region plagued by ethnic cleansing, economic collapse and destruction of orderly government.
Potter may be retired these days, but don’t think he spends much time leisurely playing golf. He has too many organizations depending on him.
ABOUT THE CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their Time, Talent or Treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world.
In 2017, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 2 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, with the festivities beginning at 6 p.m.
“Over the years, our editorial team has had the distinct honor and pleasure of identifying and featuring the many members of our community who give back so much and are dedicated to reaching out and helping others, here and throughout the world, in a multitude of ways,” said Space Coast Daily Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.
“We remain firmly committed to identifying and telling those stories and providing a timely media platform to recognize Space Coast and Central Florida residents’ altruistic contributions on a regular basis in our magazines, as well as SpaceCoastDaily.com,” said Dr. Palermo.
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to make a nomination to the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Committee call 321-615-8111 or e-mail Contact@SpaceCoastDaily.com
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