Governor Ron DeSantis Reappoints Two to the University of Florida Board of Trustees
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis has reappointed two of the Sunshine State's biggest entrepreneurial giants to the University of Florida Board of Trustees: Daytona Beach luxury home builder Mori Hosseini and Tampa real estate attorney Fred Ridley.
Both were reappointed earlier this month. Their terms expire on June 6, 2021. Hosseini is also chairman of the board.
Morteza “Mori” Hosseini
Hosseini, 68, was born in Iran and is a resident of Ormond Beach and the chairman and chief executive officer of ICI Homes. Active in his community, he currently serves as chairman of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Board of Trustees, the Allstar Building Materials Board, and the Southern Title Family of Companies Board.
Hosseini, married with three grown daughters, previously served as the chairman of the board of governors of the State University System of Florida and the Halifax Health Board of Commissioners.
Hosseini was educated in London, England, and received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering. He then attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, where he received both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Studies and a Master of Business Administration. He earned bachelor’s, master’s, and honorary doctorate degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Hosseini also serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees for the University of Florida at Gainesville and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
Hosseini founded ICI Homes in 1980. Consistently ranked by Builder Magazine among the nation’s Top 100 homebuilders, ICI Homes has built thousands of homes and created some of the largest master development communities in Florida, markets including the counties of Volusia (corporate office headquarters), Flagler, St. Johns, Duval, Nassau, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and Brevard.
Mori Hosseini founded ICI Homes in 1980. Consistently ranked by Builder Magazine among the nation’s Top 100 homebuilders, ICI Homes has built thousands of homes and created some of the largest master development communities in Florida, markets including the counties of Volusia (corporate office headquarters), Flagler, St. Johns, Duval, Nassau, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and Brevard.
In addition to master development and homebuilding operations, Hosseini is involved in many other enterprises throughout Florida, including a lumber company and a title insurance company.
Fred "Scobie" Ridley
Ridley, 72, is a Partner at Foley & Lardner, LLP, in Tampa. Active in his community, He currently serves as the Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the PGA's Masters Tournament.
Ridley previously served as the national chair of Foley’s Real Estate Practice. Ridley earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Stetson University.
Fred Ridley is an accomplished amateur golfer, lawyer, and current chair of the Augusta National Golf Club at the Masters Tournament. He is a partner at the law firm Foley & Lardner LLP, specializing in real estate development and finance. Ridley is also known for his distinguished amateur golfing career, including winning the 1975 U.S. Amateur Championship.
Fred Ridley is an accomplished amateur golfer, lawyer, and current chair of the Augusta National Golf Club at the Masters Tournament. He is a partner at the law firm Foley & Lardner LLP, specializing in real estate development and finance. Ridley is also known for his distinguished amateur golfing career, including winning the 1975 U.S. Amateur Championship.
Ridley is a former national chair of Foley’s Real Estate Practice, a member of the Hospitality & Leisure (former co-chair) and Sports Industry Teams, and a member of the Transactions Practice. He is also a former member of his law firm’s management committee.
Ridley's practice is focused on commercial and planned-unit real estate development and finance, golf and recreational amenity and resort development, and multifamily/condominium developments.
Ridley, an Augusta National Golf Club member, served as the competition committee chairman for the 2011 Masters Tournament. On Aug. 23, 2017, Augusta National announced that Ridley would succeed Billy Payne as club chairman. Ridley took over when the club reopened for its 2017-18 season on Oct. 16, 2017.
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