Alpha Tau Omega - Florida State University

VIKING VIKING a t o f s u . c o m SERVING THE COMMUNIT Y PENSACOLA MAYOR D.C. REEVES '04 ON FRATERNITY CONNECTIONS AND MORE "I think that's what the college experience is all about—getting out of your shell to learn different things about different people." F rom sports writing to business ownership to serving as the new mayor of Pensacola, Florida, D.C. Reeves '04 prepared for a successful life after college through his ATΩ experience. Following his father, James Sr. '58, and his brother James J. Reeves II '02, D.C.'s double-legacy connection helped him find the Florida Epsilon Sigma brotherhood that he still cherishes to this day. COMMUNICATION IS THE FOUNDATION D.C. began a career in writing through sports journalism for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, FSU's student newspaper, where he was able to utilize his skills as a communications major. "When you get a chance to meet people from all over the state and the Southeast, you learn about other things in other communities," D.C. shared. After FSU, D.C. spent four years as a sportswriter working for his hometown Pensacola News Journal. He then moved back to Tallahassee to become managing editor of Warchant.com, the largest website dedicated to FSU Athletics. In 2013, D.C. joined The Tuscaloosa News to cover Alabama football. POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT In 2015, D.C. was approached by Pensacola businessman and community investor Quint Studer about becoming his chief of staff. Recognizing how much Studer had done for the community of Pensacola, D.C. was glad to get involved with many impactful community projects. All the while, Studer allowed D.C. to start his entrepreneurship journey when he founded Perfect Plain Brewing Co. in downtown Pensacola. D.C. quickly grew his business into one of the busiest taprooms in the state, and he was even approached to write a book by Wiley Publishing about his successes and business insights in running a taproom-focused craft brewery. D.C. grew his business to four locations and more than 50 employees before selling to New Orleans- based Urban South Brewing in October 2022. Following his father's, a former Florida state representative, political footsteps, D.C. took the opportunity to run for mayor of Pensacola in 2022. He won convincingly in the primary, earning 51% of the vote against three other candidates, becoming the first Pensacola mayor to close out the election in the primary. COMMUNITY FIRST D.C. was sworn into office as the 64th mayor of Pensacola on November 22, becoming the city's youngest mayor in 101 years at age 38. His administration places emphasis on public safety and housing, working on projects like restoring a passenger rail service and reducing homelessness. "One thing that's different about my job is that we're in a strong mayor format, as they call it. The mayor in this form of government really operates as the CEO of the city with all the hiring, firing, and management decisions … We've been able to take a lot of those [priorities] head-on." The city has much to be excited about under D.C.'s leadership, which he had honed as a small-business owner of PPBC, including Pensacola's first day-use marina and the relocation of American Magic, the United States' American Cup sailing team. STAYING CONNECTED Keeping true to his communication values, D.C. is glad to keep in touch with Florida Epsilon Sigma alumni whenever possible. He is grateful for the ongoing connections that remain a cornerstone of his life to this day. "During the sports-writing days of my career and all the way to politics now, I think the relationships and friendships you build, what you learned from your brothers, is always going to be valuable for the rest of your life." D.C.'s life as a mayor is always busy, though he enjoys sharing community experiences with his daughter, Caroline, and his girlfriend, Sydney. They also spend time outdoors, on the water, and playing sports together. You can connect with D.C. at darcy.reeves@gmail.com. Visit the Alpha Tau Omega Website Visit atofsu.com, the official Epsilon Sigma alumni website, to: • Learn more about the chapter on the "News and Info" tab. • Post noteworthy accomplishments (a new baby, a recent marriage, a promotion, etc.) on our "Brother to Brother" tab. Your updates could appear in a future edition of the Viking newsletter! • Learn about how you can help on our "Volunteer" tab. • Update your mailing address, phone number, and email on the "Update Your Contact Information" tab. T here are 935 brothers interacting through our private alumni Facebook page, "I was an ATO at FSU." Ask to join by visiting facebook.com/ groups/21437119042. CONNECT WITH YOUR BROTHERS ON FACEBOOK

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