Rick Severance Honored with Prestigious Clyde Nixon Business Leadership Award

Shared with permission from The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.  

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) proudly recognized Rick Severance, President of Wellen Park, as the 2025 recipient of the Clyde Nixon Business Leadership Award at the EDC’s Annual Meeting on September 25, 2025. The award, sponsored by Helios Technologies, honors a Sarasota County business leader who exemplifies the personal integrity, business excellence, and community commitment of the late Clyde Nixon, former Chairman of Sun Hydraulics Corporation.

Severance’s career has been defined by leading communities with vision and purpose. From serving as President of Babcock Ranch—the nation’s first solar-powered town—to guiding the Seaside Community Development Company, where he helped earn TIME Magazine’s “Development of the Decade” and the Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence, his impact has been both profound and far-reaching.

Since joining Mattamy Homes in 2019, Severance has overseen the transformation and rebrand of Wellen Park, one of the nation’s fastest-selling master-planned communities and home to the Atlanta Braves spring training facility. Under his leadership, the 11,000-acre development has flourished, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Sarasota County’s economic and community growth.

Beyond his professional achievements, Severance has been deeply committed to serving the region. He served on the EDC’s Board of Directors from 2021 to 2024, contributing his expertise to support economic growth and opportunity across Sarasota County. Together with his wife, he has been recognized as Fundraiser of the Year for the American Heart Association, further underscoring his commitment to service and philanthropy.

“Rick’s leadership style reflects the very spirit of Clyde Nixon—driven not by recognition, but by service, vision, and the desire to make a lasting impact,” said Sean Bagan, President and CEO of Helios Technologies, who presented the award. “He has shaped not just a business, but a thriving community.” 

Erin Silk, President and CEO of the EDC, added, “We are honored to recognize Rick for his dedication to the economic development our region. His leadership at Wellen Park and his service to our community truly embody the values Clyde Nixon demonstrated and inspire us all to strive for excellence with integrity.”

The Clyde Nixon Business Leadership Award, established in 2007, continues to celebrate Sarasota County leaders who follow in Nixon’s footsteps, making significant contributions to both business and community. Severance joins a distinguished group of honorees who have shaped the county’s economic vitality and quality of life.

About the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a public-private partnership comprised of dedicated business and government leaders working together to grow a more diverse and resilient Sarasota County economy. The EDC is the designated economic development partner for Sarasota County, the Cities of North Port, Venice, and Sarasota and the Town of Longboat Key.