WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (June 3, 2026) — Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn has been honored as the Woman of the Year by the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Honorees are selected annually based on the recommendation of the Chamber’s executive team, board, and executive committee, who examine individuals and organizations that have made an exceptional impact on business and community development in the area.
“[Dr. Schwinn] guided with strength and compassion, keeping standards of excellence high during COVID, and meets today’s challenges head on, so that this respected institution continues to grow strategically while remaining rooted in its Christian mission,” said Susan Kaplan, who received the award last year, as she presented it to Dr. Schwinn. “Shepherding several major projects over the past few years has elevated not only her organization and its standard of excellence, but changing the paradigm at this institution has also changed the narrative across a broader community.”
The award came as a surprise to the University president, who thought she was attending the Chamber’s June Awards Luncheon at The Colony Palm Beach as a guest.
“Palm Beach Atlantic University is the heart and soul of the Palm Beaches,” Dr. Schwinn remarked upon receiving the award. “We’re proud of our Christian heritage and our active integration of faith into everything that we do, and I’m just deeply honored to be able to shepherd this institution as it grows and has even more impact in our community.”
Also honored at the luncheon was international business student Rachel Paik, who began volunteering with the Chamber in her freshman year after getting connected through their educational partnership with PBA. The Chamber awarded her the new Student Volunteer Award in recognition of her outstanding service.
“Rachel has been an incredible part of our team since January, volunteering at nearly every event, even long after fulfilling her required Workship hours!” said Katie Reichelt, director of communications and events at the Chamber. “Whether it’s a 6 a.m. breakfast shift or a last-minute ask, she shows up with a genuine smile and a ready-to-help attitude. Her enthusiasm, grace, and dependability make her an absolute joy to work with; she is a joy to be around. We are so proud to name her as the inaugural Student Volunteer of the Year!”
The award came as a surprise to Paik, as well, who learned about the award the evening before the event. She thanked her fellow volunteers as she received the award.
“What I have learned here is that strong communities are built by people who show up, help one another, and give their time and service to something bigger than themselves,” Paik said. “Thank you again for this honor. I am grateful to be part of it.”
Additional organizations and professionals were honored at the luncheon.
Business of the Year – Citizens Private Bank
Chairman’s Award – Bill Shepherd, Holland & Knight
Entrepreneur of the Year – Krysta Fuoco, CEO & President, CDRs Pharmacy
Young Professional of the Year – Juliana Burns, Frisbie Group
To learn more about PBA’s business programs, visit https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/rinker-business/.
About Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian University offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and professional degrees. The University has two campuses in West Palm Beach, Florida—19 acres downtown and the 76-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus, which provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The University is dedicated to equipping students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly. For more information, please visit pba.edu.
