[Photo left to right: Marlene Spalten, FCAN’s Board of Advisors Chair, Gene Marshall, 2025 FCAN Champion, Braulio Colón, FCAN’s Executive Director.]
Each year, the Florida College Access Network (FCAN) honors an individual whose enduring commitment, collaborative spirit, and bold leadership have shaped our mission and sparked lasting change across the state. This year, FCAN is proud to recognize Gene Marshall as the 2025 FCAN Champion––a founding advisor and lifelong advocate for expanding opportunities through education.
“From day one, Gene Marshall’s vision for building and sustaining our mission, core values, and data-driven approach has informed how FCAN ensures that students remain at the center of our work,” said Braulio Colón, FCAN’s executive director. “Gene brought to FCAN a deep commitment to community, a strategic mind sharpened by decades in the financial sector, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. We are honored to recognize him as this year’s FCAN Champion.”
Gene served as one of FCAN’s original advisory members and played a key role on the task force that guided FCAN’s formative years as ENLACE Florida. Drawing on his experience as Senior Vice President at JP Morgan Chase Bank of Florida, he offered critical insights that helped shape FCAN’s early direction. Even after retiring from Chase following a 35-year career, Gene continued to lead, serving as founding Chairman of the Board for NorthStar Bank and supporting numerous Tampa Bay organizations, including the Council for Educational Change, Community Foundation Tampa Bay, Tampa General Hospital, University Area CDC, and the Hillsborough Education Foundation.
“Education absolutely changed my life,” said Gene. “So I thought, if it could change mine, maybe I could help open doors for kids who haven’t had the same financial opportunities.”
Gene’s vision has always extended beyond the boardroom. His hands-on involvement in the community reflects his belief that education is not just a policy issue—it’s transformational for all young people across Florida.
From FCAN’s earliest beginnings to its current role as a leading voice in talent development, Gene has remained a steadfast advisor, always championing educational attainment and leadership. His influence has helped FCAN open more doors for students, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and amplify FCAN’s goal of building a Talent Strong Florida.
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What Makes an FCAN Champion? The FCAN Champion award honors a partner or leader who exemplifies the following core qualities: Sustained Support – Demonstrates long-term commitment to FCAN’s mission, contributing time, expertise, and energy to expand college access and success for all Floridians. Collaborative Leadership – Brings others along, builds partnerships, and inspires systems change through leadership, advocacy, and vision. Mission Alignment – Advances the goals of FCAN’s Seven Conditions for Success, particularly through efforts that promote access, affordability, and opportunity for all Florida students. Catalyst for Change – Plays a transformative role in shaping statewide policy, building local capacity, or scaling best practices that improve postsecondary outcomes. |