Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
Jim Hinson: A Visionary Leader
Discover the impact of Jim Hinson, a pivotal figure in Central Florida’s development, whose dedication to community service and leadership has improved countless lives.
Note time stamp 12.56 - Jim's annexation of the Fairvilla district into the city was the initial phase to establish the now well-known 'Packing District' community.
Jim Hinson
A visionary leader for more than 50 years, James A. Hinson (Jim) took Dr. Phillips Inc. from a successful ‘For Profit’ family business to one of Central Florida’s most successful developers and philanthropists.
Jim learned firsthand from his work with Dr. Phillip P. Phillips and his successor, son Howard Phillips. Jim’s dedication and work ethic was so valued and respected by Howard Phillips, that Jim was named in the Phillips Will. He was trusted and relied upon to carry on the Phillips Family legacy and did so with dignity and distinction.
During Jim’s tenure, he developed a vision of community growth and diversification in both commercial real estate endeavors and philanthropy. Under Jim’s leadership, he grew Dr. Phillips financial corpus and real estate holdings while contributing more than $150 million to Central Florida’s charities.
Honoring Excellence in Leadership
Health, Education, Child Welfare, and the Arts were the cornerstones of Jim’s philanthropic leadership.
HEALTH
With Orlando Health, Jim helped found the Dr. Phillips Hospital and the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families. Throughout his time, Jim supported Orlando Health’s missions with numerous grants and lifesaving initiatives.
EDUCATION
Jim endowed UCF and established the Dr. Phillips School of Real Estate, the Howard Phillips Eminent Scholar Chair of Real Estate, Dr. Phillips Scholarships in Real Estate, Dr. P. Phillips Institute for Research and Education, and the UCF College of Medicine among many others.
CHILD WELFARE
Grants were give to Junior Achievement, YMCA, Safe Start, and Orange and Osceola Public school initiatives including a grant of $1 million to clothes homeless students under the Cool Fit program.
THE ARTS
Within the Arts and Culture, Jim committed the lead $25 Million grant to establish the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, forever making Orlando a cultural destination for the performing arts.
Service to the Community
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Jim served as Orlando Health Foundation Director, Committee of 100 of Orange County President for more than 25 years, Junior Achievement Treasurer, VP and Director, Ivanhoe Foundation Director and President, Metropolitan and Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Director, Board Member and President of United Arts, Florida Citrus Sports President and Chairman, and Orange County Commission for Children.
RECOGNITION & AWARDS
The University of Central Florida awarded Jim an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service, he is also an inductee to Junior Achievement Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame. Other recognitions include the UCP Jack Holloway Star of Gratitude Award, Junior Achievement Bronze and Silver Leadership Awards, Junior Achievement Henry Cragg Volunteer Award, Orange County’s Law Day Liberty Bell Award, the JA Spirit of Achievement Award, Central Florida YMCA John Sterchi Award and the Association of Fund Raising Professional’s H. Clifford Lee Award for Professional Advancement.
Transformative Impact
In Recognition of Jim Hinson
Jim’s impact and vision lives on with his completion of the Dr. Phillips Community with the final addition of Harbor Chase; a Senior Living Facility and Medical Campus.
His long range goal of creating another first class, mixed use community similar to Dr. Phillips began with the annexation of Fairvilla into the City of Orlando. This area is now known as the Packing District.
This is Jim Hinson's legacy, a man dedicated to “Improving His Community With the Fruits of His Labors.”
Jim and Rita Hinson
Jim Was Particularly Proud of Rita’s Initiative and Leadership in Formulating Signature Programs on Behalf of Dr Phillips
