Anthony Pelezo
President of Reimbursement Policy and Chief Medical Officer, Equian
Anthony Pelezo’s $100,000 gift to the football program helped to assist with startup costs for the team in 2016. To recognize his support of the program and membership in the Football Founders group and the UWF Sword and Shield Council, the UWF Department of Intercollegiate Athletics dedicated a space in the Athletics Operations Building in Pelezo’s honor.
You worked in emergency medicine for 12 years and then transitioned to health care finance. How did UWF provide the foundation for your career?
I had some professors who really took an interest in my success, including Dr. Judy Bense, who was my history of anthropology professor. She was my toughest teacher, and most valuable, in terms of teaching the type of dedication, focus and effort it was going to take to succeed.
When you’re not working, you like to watch Argo Football. Why do you support the program?
I’m a fan of all college sports, and I believe that the development and success of the football program will help to build the entire athletic department, which in turn benefits the community at large. The football program will help businesses and attract more students. It will help with the growth of the University and its overall success.
Why do you feel it’s important to support UWF?
My heart lies with building future leaders for this community and attracting people to this area. The University is an important part of this community, and it will remain so. I’m really thrilled to be a part of the University’s success.