The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County was proud to celebrate Armando Pimentel, Vice Chairman of NextEra Energy, Inc., as the recipient of the 2026 Ed Tancer Distinguished Alumni & Leadership Award during the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County’s Quarterly Upper-Level BDB Breakfast on August 12 at the Kravis Center.
The award recognizes a graduate of a Palm Beach County public school who has achieved remarkable professional success while continuing to positively impact the community and help shape the future of Palm Beach County.
A graduate of John I. Leonard High School in Greenacres, Pimentel has built an extraordinary career in the energy industry while remaining deeply connected to the community where his journey began. His leadership has included serving as President and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources, as well as executive leadership roles with NextEra Energy and Florida Power & Light Company.
During the event, Pimentel delivered a powerful message about the connection between strong public schools and a thriving local economy.
He noted that when companies consider locating and growing in Palm Beach County, some of their most important questions extend far beyond incentives or real estate: Can we hire here? Will our employees’ children receive a good education? Is there a strong pipeline of future talent?
The answers to those questions, he emphasized, are being shaped every day in classrooms throughout Palm Beach County.
Pimentel also recognized the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and its partnership with the business community, noting the critical role of connecting resources and opportunities with teachers and students across the School District of Palm Beach County.
His remarks reinforced a belief at the very heart of the Education Foundation’s mission: investing in public education is an investment in the future of our entire community.
The BDB Breakfast brought together an impressive group of business, civic and community leaders for a morning focused on Palm Beach County’s continued growth and economic development. The program also featured municipal economic development updates from leaders representing Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Wellington.
The Education Foundation is grateful to the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County for continuing to bring together leaders who are shaping the future of our region and for recognizing the important connection between education, workforce development and economic opportunity.
Most of all, we are incredibly proud to celebrate Armando Pimentel—not only for an extraordinary career, but for remaining a champion for the public schools and community that helped launch his journey.
Congratulations, Armando, on this well-deserved recognition!
Relive the Celebration
View photos from the 2026 BDB Breakfast and join us in celebrating Armando Pimentel and the community leaders helping build a stronger future for Palm Beach County.
Learn more about the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and its work to strengthen Palm Beach County’s business community and economic future.
