Oakland mayor, hospital leader honored by scouts

Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark and Orlando Health executive Philip Koovakada were recognized by the Central Florida Council, Boys Scouts of America at the Golden Eagle Dinner Thursday, March 23. 

Stark was presented with the Towon of Oakland Honoree award.

“I want to thank my family, some of whom are here tonight and I appreciate that they attended,” Stark said. “This has been 30 years, and I’m trying to run down my notes, and the chamber is another area where I grew into my leadership skills, Stina (D’Uva) is here and I’ve been on the (West Orange) Chamber (Of Commerce) for (about) 20 years. 

“I love Oakland,” she said. “I moved to Oakland and like people said before me, this town had potential to grow … it was a quiet, sleepy little town, and I thought they needed help, and they didn’t really want help. This is the kind of work that I just love and will move toward if you give me a chance. And I’m working on a few other things in the town that are not government related, but if you let me go rogue, I will give you some results. This has been the best life ever; I don’t even know what to say.”

Koovakada, senior vice president of the Orlando Health south-central region and president at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital, addressed the audience after receiving the Corporate Honoree award. 

“First I want to, actually, congratulate Mayor (Kathy) Stark,” he said. “When we were talking about community, community is defined by the people and Mayor Stark — I had the privilege to working with her and the board — she has not only been a kind person but a pillar of this community and I cannot think of anyone who would be more deserving of that award, so congratulations.

“It’s interesting because I’ve only been here for about a year but I feel like I’ve been here for 10 years,” he said. “And I’ve really embraced this community which is exactly why I decided to come here in the first place. So, for me, accepting this award and being a community partner is not only for myself but it’s on behalf of Orlando  Health - Health Central Hospital.” 

Both honorees were chosen after portraying values reflected in the Boy Scouts Oath and Promise, which states: “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.” 

At the end of the evening, the event raised $64,635, all which will go toward the future leaders within the Boy Scouts of America.

“Thank you all for your generosity tonight,” former Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey said. “Because of that generosity, every kid (who) wants to be a scout is not going to hold back because they can’t afford it. ... You should go home with a great feeling of pride as a result.”