The Future 5 Awards are presented to five area young professionals that are presently growing and excelling in their respective fields and will continue to positively influence the growth, prosperity and quality of life in the Tallahassee community well into the future.
Nominations for our 2026 Future 5 will open in Spring 2026 – stay tuned!
2025 Future 5 Honorees
Anita Bushnyakova
Anita Bushnyakova is a Bulgarian-American nonprofit executive and community advocate based in Tallahassee, FL. She currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend, where she oversees the financial and accounting operations of one of the Big Bend region’s leading early childhood education and family services nonprofit providers.
Anita moved to Tallahassee in 2011 and earned both her bachelor and master degrees from Florida State University. Beyond her professional role, she has been deeply engaged in the local community by volunteering her time and expertise and serving on boards and committees related to child welfare, tech innovation, employment and earnings for women, retaining young professional talent and community enrichment. Anita is a recipient of the University of Cambridge’s Outstanding Learner Award and a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee Class 40. She was also recognized as one of the “25 Women You Need to Know” by the Tallahassee Democrat in 2024.
Amanda Campbell
Amanda Campbell is a proud Tallahassee native with a passion for service, strategic planning, and community impact. As the Events Coordinator for Legal Services of North Florida, she leads community outreach efforts by cultivating partnerships, organizing outreach and educational events, handling fundraising event logistics, and securing sponsorships—raising over $100,000 annually to support legal aid services.
With a background in disaster recovery, nonprofit program management, and large-scale event coordination, Amanda is deeply committed to strengthening the Tallahassee community. She actively serves with the Junior League of Tallahassee, is the 2025 Event Experience Chair for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and volunteers with the American Red Cross on their Preparedness Data Entry and Pet Sheltering Teams.
Amanda’s heart for service extends to animal welfare. She has fostered more than 20 dogs and 5 cats through the Leon County Humane Society, where she now serves on the Board of Directors.
Alex Gonzalez
Alex Gonzalez serves as the Service Center Manager at CAMPUS USA Credit Union, where he has spent over 14 years helping members achieve their financial goals with empathy, expertise, and trust. Known for his approachable leadership and passion for service, Alex sees each interaction as an opportunity to positively impact someone’s financial journey.
A proud University of Florida alumnus and Tampa native, Alex relocated to Tallahassee in 2016 and quickly became a committed advocate for the local community. He volunteers with United Way and Kids Inc. and actively supports initiatives through the Tallahassee and Wakulla Chambers of Commerce.
Alex’s journey with CAMPUS began in 2011 as a teller. Since then, he has grown into a key leadership role, including the successful launch of the Mahan Service Center. He is passionate about developing high-performing teams and creating welcoming spaces where members and employees feel empowered and supported.
Alex believes authentic leadership is rooted in community, collaboration, and long-term impact. His continued dedication to service and growth reflects his deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the Greater Tallahassee and Crawfordville areas.
Lacy “LJ” McMullen, Jr.
Lacy “LJ” McMullen Jr. is a workforce strategist and employer engagement lead working at the intersection of business, education, and economic mobility. At CareerSource Capital Region, Lacy partners exclusively with employers, helping them launch training programs, secure grant funding, and solve complex workforce challenges that directly impact growth, retention, and community development.
Over the past year, Lacy has worked with more than 30 organizations across the Big Bend—supporting names like VyStar Credit Union, Florida State University, Tallahassee Ford, Redwire, Leon County Schools, and WCTV. His outreach spans industries and counties, helping employers—from fast-growing businesses to public school systems—build stronger teams through smarter, locally-driven strategies.
Originally from Green Cove Springs, LJ chose to build his life in Tallahassee after graduating, turning what was once a temporary stop into a launchpad for lasting change. He serves on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, the board of Innovate TLH, and 100 Black Men of Tallahassee, where he focuses on mentorship, entrepreneurship, and workforce access. He’s also applied to Leadership Tallahassee Class 43, and like many committed applicants, checks his inbox with quiet hope and a big vision.
Whether he’s guiding a business toward untapped hiring resources or helping a high school senior prepare for their first job, Lacy shows up with urgency, strategy, and heart. He isn’t waiting for change — he’s building the systems, relationships, and results that will make Tallahassee a model for the nation.
Taylor Wheaton
Taylor Wheaton is the Senior Sports Director at Visit Tallahassee, where she leads the sports sales team and oversees the planning and execution of major events that drive sports tourism and build community connection. With over a decade of experience in sports event management including roles at Florida State University and George Mason University, she currently serves as Co-Chair for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships.
Taylor is actively pursuing certifications in Sports Tourism Strategist and Sports Diversity Leadership, and she proudly serves on the Women’s Sports Committee for Compete Sports Diversity. She is passionate about using sports as a platform to create inclusive experiences and lasting impact for the Tallahassee community.