Florida (TIP):  Indian American Danny Gaekwad has been appointed by Governor Rick Scott  to the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees. Gaekwad has been appointed for a five-year term starting February 2, 2018, through January 6, 2023. Scott announced Gaekwad’s new position with 11 other appointments on February 2.

The twelve appointments to state boards announced by the Governor include 7 reappointments.

Ocala, Florida,-based Digvijay “Danny” Gaekwad is a first-generation Indian American businessman. A serial entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience in setting up successful businesses, Gaekwad is the founder and CEO of NDS USA Information Technology, an IT firm, and Danny G Management that runs a chain of restaurants and hotels across Florida. 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 Enterprise Florida, Inc., Visit Florida, 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.

A graduate in political science from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India, Gaekwad has several accolades to his credit. Among these are Asian American Hotel Owners Association Chairman’s Award, ‘One Million Jobs’ certificate, Lion of the Year Award, Leaders Leader Award and Glorious India Chairman’s Award.

Gaekwad lives in Ocala with his wife Manisha Gaekwad, and two sons Karan Gaekwad and Kunal Gaekwad.