Dorion- Burt Heart of Gold Recipient Davy Parrish

2024 Dorion- Burt Heart of Gold Recipient

Davy Parrish

Dr. Davalu “Davy” Parrish retired as President/CEO on February 15, 2013 from The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Inc. and was one of the founders of the agency.  She served as a Consultant during 2013-14 and continues to volunteer and serve on The Bridge Legacy Scholarship Committee.

During her 32-year tenure, The Bridge grew to serve over 3000 young people each year with 68 full time staff and 150 part-time staff, a Board of Directors and Advisory Board of 37 community leaders and more than 100 volunteers.  The mission was comprehensive education, social and health programs to assure young people achieve their potential, graduate from high school and continue their education for employment and independence. 

Under her direction, The Bridge was awarded:

·       1999 National recognition from the PEW Partnership for Civic Change as one of 19 outstanding model programs

·       2004 Bank of America initial Community Builder Awards

·       2006 Blue Foundation State Sapphire Award

·       2010 “America’s Promise Place” by America’s Promise, Washington, D.C.

Honors and Services:

·       1988 Leadership Jacksonville

·       1997 Governor Lawton Chiles Heartland Award

·       1999 Humanitarian of the Year by One Jax

·       2001 Women’s Giving Alliance Founding Member

·       2002 Certified Community Coach through Jessie Ball DuPont Fund

·       2005 Non-Profit Center Board of Directors

·       2007 United Way Executive Directors President

·       2008 Women of Color Education Award

·       2009 Florida Times Union Eve Award

·       2010 One of Three Representatives attending Aspin Institute’s “Project Breakthrough”

·       2011 Girl Scout Women of Distinction

·       2013 United Way Executive Directors First Outstanding Service Award

·       2013 Jacksonville City Council Proclamation for Outstanding Service for Children

·       April 4, 2013 Mayor Brown declared “Davy Parrish” Day

·       2013 - 2017 Jacksonville Children’s Commission Board

·       2014 - Present Gateway Community Services Foundation Board

·       2014- Present Bridge Legacy Scholarship Committee Advisory and Scholarship Fundraiser

·       2016 - 2017 Time Union Editorial Advisory Board

·       2016 - Present Bridge Former Student Mentoring and Advocacy

·       2017 - The Bridge Merge with NE Florida Girls and Boys Club  

Davy is married to Dr. John Parrish, has three grown children and two "bonus" stepsons and five grandchildren.