Hall of Fame
The Florida Magazine Association’s Hall of Fame was established to recognize career-long achievement and excellence within the publishing industry. In addition to being at the pinnacle of his/her career, the recipient should also have a record of “giving back” to the magazine industry as a whole, either through industry associations or other voluntary and cooperative forms of service.

The Florida Magazine Association accepts nominations throughout the year for the Hall of Fame Award. The submission deadline every year is July 31st.

2011 Hall of Fame Inductees

Frankie Hammond - Frankie A. Hammond is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida. She joined the faculty at Florida in 1974 following a career in newspapers, human resources, and as a freelance writer and editor. During her time at the university, she served in many capacities including chair of the Department of Public Relations, associate chair of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, and Director of Development and Placement. During the 1980s, she coordinated the magazine contest for the Florida Magazine Association, chaired the annual Editor’s Conference, and served on its Board of Directors. She retired from UF in 2000 and lives in Alachua.

Adam Sandow - Mr. Adam I. Sandow is the Founder of Sandow Media Corporation and serves as its Chief Executive Officer Chairman of the Board. Mr. Sandow served as Vice President of Sales since February 1999. From December 1994 to January 1999, he was President of Travel Publishing Group Inc., a consumer magazine publisher. Previously, Mr. Sandow launched his first national consumer magazine: Honeymoon. He served as Principal of the Internet start-up, The Knot. His entrepreneurial expertise and extensive knowledge of the media industry was instrumental in orchestrating The Knot's explosive growth.

2010 Hall of Fame Inductee

Charles Welborn - 2010 Hall of Fame Acceptance Comments from his daughter
Please let them know that my family and I are very grateful. Of all of the professional associations Charlie was associated with, FMA was his favorite. Magazine editing was his passion. He appreciated the creative side of the communications business and felt his calling was teaching technical skills to students that would help them get jobs. He had little interest or patience with the Ivory Tower aspect of academics. He was a teaching professional. And, he was the master. I remember the ubiquitous stacks of magazines in our living room (I remember in particular Florida Cattlemen and Bass Fishing—God Bless Florida). I remember coming to FMA conferences as a child and reveling in his critiques. I don’t think he had any formal training in design theory; he just intuitively knew what looked good—effective and accurate copy, strategic use of color, white space and photography. He knew this because was an accomplished artist. People might not know that Charlie was incredibly creative; he just knew how to make things beautiful. Our house was decorated with his artwork; our yard and flower beds were to be envied; he was an accomplished cook (e.g., Wellborn stew—no recipe, just delicious) and musician (he was wicked with the ukulele and harmonica and my childhood lullabies were Johnny Cash and Jimmy Buffet). But, his greatest creative joy was magazine editing and FMA provided that outlet for him. My family and I are so honored that he is receiving a lifetime accomplishment award from FMA. Nothing would make him any happier or proud. Thank you so much.

2008 Hall of Fame Inductee

Frank Stephenson
Director of Communications, Office of Research and Editor, Research in Review. Frank is now in his 24th year as editor of Research in Review, the university’s sole publication dedicated exclusively to promoting public appreciation for campus research and scholarship. Trained in biological science at the University of Alabama and subsequently in journalism at the University of South Carolina, he worked in industry as an environmental specialist, as a freelance writer and photographer and also in public service as an information officer for various government agencies before joining the Office of Research in 1982. He is a veteran member of the University Research Magazine Association, a national professional peer group, is a former long-standing member and past board member of the Florida Magazine Association and is a member of the National Association of Science Writers. In 2005 he was elected to the board of directors of the Tallahassee Scientific Society. When he’s not behind a desk, Frank passionately indulges his primary diversion—saltwater fishing and diving. In 1983, Frank served on the founding board of The Organization for Artificial Reefs, a local marine interest group, and in 1989, he became founding director of the Big Bend Saltwater Classic, a nonprofit fundraising fishing tournament now in its 19th season. Since 1997, he has served as an unpaid advisor on reef fisheries for the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, a part of the National Marine Fisheries Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.