Danny Gaekwad reappointed to Central Florida university board

Baroda born Indian American entrepreneur was awarded “One Million Jobs” certificate for helping Florida add one million jobs

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has reappointed Indian American entrepreneur and community leader Digvijay “Danny” Gaekwad to the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees.

The appointment of Baroda, India-born first-generation Indian American businessman is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate, according to the announcement from Governor’s office.

Read: Diwali gift: Indian Americans, under leadership of Danny Gaekwad, raise $100,000 for Florida Disaster Fund (October 30, 2022)

Gaekwad is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NDS USA Information Technology, an IT firm, the Founder of Danny G Management, the Founder of Danny Development and Investments, and Owner of DG Hospitality.

He is the immediate past Chair of the Visit Florida Board of Directors and currently serves on the Enterprise Florida and Space Florida Board of Directors.

Gaekwad earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in India.

A serial entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience in setting up successful businesses, Gaekwad runs a chain of restaurants and hotels across Florida through his Danny G Management firm. He has founded businesses in diverse fields such as convenience stores, real estate, hospitality and information technology.

Born in Baroda, Gujarat, Gaekwad has served on several boards including Florida Chamber of Commerce, Marion County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Marion County Tourism Development Council, Marion County Planning and Zoning Commissioner, Space Florida, Independence National Bank, and Taylor, Bean & Whitaker.

He has several accolades to his credit. In 2016, he was recognized by then Florida Governor Rick Scott with the “One Million Jobs” certiicate of appreciation for his contribution “in helping Florida job creators add one million jobs between December 2010 and December 2015.”

Read: Governor Ron DeSantis Reappoints Digvijay “Danny” Gaekwad to the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees (March 24, 2023)

Other awards include Asian American Hotel Owners Association Chairman’s Award, Lion of the Year Award, Leaders Leader Award and Glorious India Chairman’s Award.

The son of a judge and grandson of a colonel in the Indian Army, Gaekwad came to the US with his wife Manisha in 1987 to live the American Dream. The Gaekwad couple and their two sons Karan Gaekwad and Kunal Gaekwad live in Ocala, Florida.