John ‘JD’ Doughney IV to deliver keynote at FSU’s 2025 Seminole 100 Celebration 

Florida State University alumnus and Kennesaw State University lecturer John “JD” Doughney IV will deliver the keynote address at FSU’s 2025 Seminole 100 Celebration.

The annual Seminole 100 list and celebration recognizes the fastest-growing businesses owned or managed by FSU alumni and represents some of the most innovative and profitable companies in the U.S.

Doughney is a two-time FSU graduate with bachelor’s degrees in communication and political science (2002) and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication (2003). He also holds an MBA from Emory University and has a distinguished career spanning over two decades. He teaches international marketing, advertising and social media at Kennesaw State University.

Previously, Doughney served as chief marketing officer at Bay Point Advisors, an Atlanta-based hedge fund with $1 billion in assets under management, where he led strategic growth initiatives to expand internationally and enhance brand presence.

Earlier in his career, Doughney held leadership roles at Coca-Cola Co. and Glaceau, where he helped scale the VitaminWater and Smart Water brands from a $175 million startup to over $1 billion in annual revenue. He also worked in brand marketing at Red Bull North America and E&J Gallo Winery.

Additionally, Doughney had an 11-year tenure at Meta, spearheading global partnerships with leading consumer packaged goods and automotive companies. He was instrumental in developing award-winning global advertising campaigns for top brands like Toyota and Coca-Cola. Under his leadership, Meta’s market cap grew from $50 billion to $1.5 trillion and his team generated over $1.5 billion in annual recurring revenue.

“I am honored to return to Florida State University to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and accomplishments of my fellow alumni. The Seminole 100 honorees exemplify the innovation, dedication and leadership that make FSU alumni so exceptional.” 

— John “JD” Doughney IV, FSU alumnus and Kennesaw State University lecturer 

“I am honored to return to Florida State University to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and accomplishments of my fellow alumni,” Doughney said. “The Seminole 100 honorees exemplify the innovation, dedication and leadership that make FSU alumni so exceptional.”

The Florida State University Seminole 100 Celebration’s presenting sponsor is the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship in partnership with the FSU Alumni Association. Honorees and their businesses will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee.

Tickets to the 2025 Seminole 100 event are available for purchase at gonol.es/S100.

For more information on the Seminole 100 event, including sponsorship opportunities, visit seminole100.fsu.edu.

Follow along on Instagram @fsualumniand the hashtag #Seminole100.

About the Division of University Advancement

The Division of University Advancement works to enhance Florida State University’s leadership, reputation and private financial support in academics, research, service and athletics. The division oversees the FSU Alumni Association and the FSU Foundation. Learn more at advance.fsu.edu.

Florida State University Alumni Association reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine the final list.

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