Rufus M. Holloway, Jr. - Chairman
Rufus Holloway, Jr., affectionately known as "Dick" Holloway, was a visionary physician, entrepreneur, and conservationist whose lifelong dedication to his community and his family’s legacy has left an indelible mark on Central Florida. Born and raised in Leesburg, Florida, Dick was the son of Rufus Holloway, Sr., a self-made businessman from Andersonville, Georgia, who moved to Leesburg to pursue opportunities in the cattle, citrus, and watermelon industries.
Dick Holloway graduated from Leesburg High School in 1954 and in his senior year was the recipient of the Florida Sportswriters "Scholar Athlete of the Year" for his accomplishments in Football, Basketball and Track. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from the University of Florida, where he lettered in both basketball and track and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. His academic journey continued at Duke University, where he earned his medical degree. Following medical school, he returned to his alma mater to complete his physician specialty training through an Otolaryngology residency.
After completing his residency, Dr. Holloway moved to Orlando, where he joined a well-respected ENT practice and served patients in the Orlando community for 36 years. During his tenure, he held the role of Vice President of Administrative Affairs for Orange Memorial Hospital, the predecessor to Orlando Health. In 1979 Dr. Holloway attended and graduated from the renowned Harvard School of Public Health. This leadership position prepared him for future entrepreneurial ventures, including designing, founding, and operating Florida's first outpatient ambulatory surgical center and he continued to pioneer establishing these surgical centers across Florida.
Dr. Holloway's pioneering spirit extended into his medical practice, where he attained specialty training in microscopic ear surgery and became the first surgeon in Florida to successfully perform a cochlear implant. His groundbreaking work changed the lives of countless patients and cemented his reputation as a leader in his field.
In addition to his distinguished medical career, Dick Holloway maintained a deep connection to his family’s agricultural roots. He played an instrumental role in the evolution of the family farm in Leesburg, guiding it through various agricultural industries. For over 30 years, he focused on growing an ornamental nursery known as Holloway Tree Farm, which became a well-respected supplier of containerized trees for commercial and residential landscapes throughout the southeastern United States.
Dr. Holloway's passion for innovation was evident in his agricultural work as well. He designed and developed a unique rain-harvesting flood irrigation system that gained local, regional, and national recognition for its sustainability and efficiency.
In the final chapter of his life, after the tree farm operations concluded, Dick Holloway has devoted nearly a decade to restoring the land to its native habitat. He worked tirelessly to remove remnants of the tree farm, plant native trees, grasses, and wildflowers, and carve winding paths that attracted and sheltered local wildlife. His commitment to conservation led him to establish a foundation dedicated to preserving this natural sanctuary in perpetuity, honoring the memory of his father, Rufus Holloway, Sr.
Rufus "Dick" Holloway, Jr.'s life was defined by service, innovation, and an enduring respect for the land and community that shaped him. Through his remarkable medical achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, and conservation efforts, his legacy will continue to inspire and benefit future generations. Dick Holloway currently lives in Orlando with his wife Leslie, who also serves on the foundation board and has made many contributions to the educational aspects. Both are proud members of the First United Methodist Church of Winter Park.
Michael M. Holloway - Advisor
Michael Holloway brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion to his role as a board member for the Foundation. A native of Orlando, Florida, Michael is the son of Rufus Holloway, Jr. and has deep roots in both the medical and agricultural communities. He earned his undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Florida, followed by a medical degree from UF Medical School, and later attended Duke University for a surgical internship.
Of note, Michael attended UF on a track scholarship as a pole vaulter after having achieved the highest vault in Florida High School history at 17' 1 1/2" and proudly went on to earn 5 individual SEC pole vault titles and was the proud recipient of many awards and post-graduate scholarships including being honored as a two-time James Kynes Scholarship recipient. Michael still holds the UF Indoor and Outdoor school records set in 1992 at 18' 4 1/2" and 18' 8 1/2" respectively. He went on to compete in 2 Olympic Trials and represented the US in the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. He achieved a lifetime best vault of 19' 1" at the Bruce Jenner Classic in 1996.
In his professional life, Dr. Holloway is the founder of Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa in Ocala, Florida. For over 20 years, he has helped thousands of patients achieve successful and sustainable weight loss and work toward an overall healthier lifestyle. His commitment to improving lives through health and wellness has made a lasting impact on his patients and the community.
Michael’s connection to the land and his family’s farm has been a lifelong journey. Some of his earliest memories include working alongside his father—caring for cattle, fixing fences, mowing and discing fields, planting trees, and helping to develop the family’s tree farm business. The farm was not only a place of hard work but also of joy, where Michael spent countless weekends horseback riding, fishing, and sharing memorable experiences with family and friends.
From 2000 to 2003, Michael played a pivotal role in leading and developing the family’s tree farm, working full-time to help his father create a unique rain-harvesting irrigation system that earned recognition at local, regional, and national levels. During this time, he also served two terms as President of the Action Chapter Board of the Florida Nursery and Growers Association, where he was honored as "President of the Year" for his outstanding leadership and service.
With his diverse background in medicine, agriculture, and community service, Dr. Holloway is proud to serve on the Foundation’s board. His rich experiences and dedication ensure he remains committed to supporting the Foundation’s mission and helping secure its future viability for generations to come.
Michael currently lives in Houston, Texas with his beloved wife, Shannon where together they have expanded their Florida presence by establishing and operating a medical clinic to help Houstonians achieve and maintain healthier lifestyles through successful weight loss including facial and body aesthetics.
Leslie E. Scales-Holloway - Secretary
Leslie Scales-Holloway is a dedicated educator, business leader, and community advocate with a lifelong commitment to education, the arts, and public service. A graduate of P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School and the University of Florida, she spent much of her career teaching in Alachua and Marion counties. Her passion for education led her to serve on the Marion County Public School Foundation Board and as an elected member of the Marion County School Board.
In addition to her work in education, Leslie has played an active role in a wide range of civic and cultural organizations. She served on the boards of the Marion Cultural Alliance, Fine Arts for Ocala, Horse Fever, and the Marion County Family YMCA, contributing to programs that support health, creativity, and community development. As Chairman of the Festival of Trees at the Appleton Museum, she helped promote arts initiatives, and as a board member and Chairman of HUGS Charities, she raised critical funds to support cancer patients, survivors, and their families. She has also been involved with the Junior League, the Guardian ad Litem program, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Advisory Council.
Her leadership extended into the business sector, where she owned and operated several enterprises, including Ambrosia on the Square in The Villages and The Orange Barn in Lady Lake. She also served as president of G and S Packing Co. and is a part owner of Key Scales Ford in Leesburg.
A passionate advocate for environmental preservation, Leslie is a founding and lifetime member of the Save Lake Weir Association. She also served as an Elder at Weirsdale Presbyterian Church and is currently a member of First United Methodist Church in Winter Park.
Through her dedication to education, community health, the arts, and environmental stewardship, Leslie has made a lasting impact on the organizations and communities she has served and continues to support.
Dan Keeling - CEO & Director of Education Programs
Dan Keeling was born and raised in Kentucky and is a proud graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. After earning his degree, he made his way south, eventually settling in Lake County, Florida, in 1991. For more than 30 years, Dan dedicated his career to education, teaching Industrial Technologies and Science at various schools until his retirement in 2023.
While teaching science at Tavares Middle School, Dan’s passion for connecting students and families with the natural world led him to found the ONE Club (Outdoor, Nature, Environment). Through this initiative, he inspired a love of the outdoors and environmental stewardship in countless young minds. It was this endeavor that ultimately led him to meet Dr. Holloway, with whom he quickly discovered a shared vision for nature and education.
After many meetings and thoughtful collaboration, Dan was invited to join the Foundation’s board, where he has played a vital role ever since. As a true "boots on the ground" member of the team, Dan works closely with Dr. Holloway, other board members and staff to ensure the Foundation’s property becomes a thriving educational platform. Through their joint efforts, the site offers students, teachers, and parents the opportunity to experience and appreciate Florida’s native environment and understand the importance of conservation.
Dan’s extensive experience in education, combined with his deep commitment to fostering a love and respect for nature, makes him an invaluable asset to the Foundation. His vision and hands-on approach help ensure the next generation develops a profound understanding of why protecting and nurturing Florida’s natural history is essential, especially amid the rapid development happening around the Foundation’s property and throughout Florida. Dan currently lives in Lake County with his beloved wife Gail.
Warren “Bill” Barry - Treasurer
Born and raised in Leesburg, Florida, Warren "Bill" Barry has remained deeply connected to his hometown, where he has worked, lived, and raised his family. His roots in Leesburg’s agricultural community run deep, influenced by his father’s move to the area through the encouragement of Rufus Holloway, Sr., a close relative through marriage. Bill’s father joined the family’s citrus and agricultural ventures before later owning and operating the Standard Oil Agency.
A proud graduate of Leesburg High School’s Class of 1973, Bill furthered his education at Lake County Vo-Tech, graduating in 1974 as an automotive mechanic. His professional journey began as a machinist, working for well-respected local businesses like Tucker’s Heavy Equipment. In 1978, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Bill opened his own mechanic shop in downtown Leesburg. What started in a modest two-car garage soon grew into a larger facility where he served the community for nearly two decades.
After closing his shop, Bill continued sharing his expertise as a business consultant and later returned to his alma maters to teach automotive mechanics. He extended his teaching career at Apopka High School, where he taught for three years before retiring.
Bill’s lifelong dedication to Leesburg is reflected not only in his professional contributions but also in his personal life. A truly local figure, he has lived in just three homes within the city’s limits and currently resides with his wife Pam, his partner of 50 years.
Today, Bill plays a vital role in the preservation and restoration of the Foundation farm’s natural habitat. Working closely with Dick Holloway and family, he has devoted countless hours to ensuring the property’s future. As a proud and active member of the Foundation’s board, Bill continues to make meaningful contributions toward the organization’s mission and vision.