Benjamin R. Hanan has been called a connector, mentor and changemaker. While he doesn’t necessarily strive to be any of these things, he does always try to give people the benefit of the doubt. “Not everyone has had the same opportunity or had the same wonderful upbringing I have had, so if there are ways that I can help other individuals or organizations, I am pleased to do so,” he says.  Born and raised in Sarasota, Hanan attended Phillipi Shores Elementary School, transferred to Pineview in 4th grade and graduated in 1988. His undergrad and grad school education were both obtained from the University of Texas at Austin, where he received a Master’s Degree in Public Accounting before becoming a CPA and later went on to attend law school at George Washington University.

Hanan attributes his positive upbringing to his loving family. His parents, Lewis and Sandra Hanan, were married for over six decades before his mother’s passing in 2019. The youngest of four, he has fond memories of his mother running a jewelry store situated on the ground floor of the former Hyatt hotel. Her lifelong ambition, however, was to become a nurse, so when her youngest son left for college, she returned to school at age 50 to fulfill her dream. His father continues to reside in Sarasota, having moved there from Alabama in 1967 with his wife and three children. A practicing periodontist for more than 50 years, he remains active at 88, playing pickleball, walking and following University of Alabama sports.

After law school and a short period in Tampa, Hanan, his wife Stacy (whom he met at UT) and their six-week-old twins returned to Sarasota in 1997. He joined the law firm of Abel Band, where he became a partner and served on the executive committee. In 2009, Abel Band merged with Shumaker, becoming its fifth office. Hanan served on Shumaker’s management committee for over nine years, co-chairing it for four. He now serves as the firm’s Corporate, Tax and Transactions National Service Line Leader.

Beyond his professional career, Hanan plays a critical role as a Board Member of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. His insightful governance and ability to bridge business, nonprofit and civic sectors have driven significant, systemic community impact. Those who know him describe his influence as stemming from his character: humility, strategic insight and a firm belief that giving back is both a duty and a privilege. Whether addressing food insecurity, fostering economic growth or guiding philanthropy, he is noted for leading with compassion and a long-term vision.

“The work has been very rewarding,” says Hanan. “I had the great fortune of knowing Chuck and Margie prior to their passing and it is truly an honor to work with the staff, other board members and members of the Barancik family to continue fulfilling the legacy that Chuck and Margie created. The Barancik Foundation is not just a grantmaking organization. It truly has the opportunity to develop initiatives and partner with local nonprofits to improve the lives of those in our community.”

The Hanans have wonderful daughters, Sydney, Samantha and Alex, all of whom went through Sarasota County Public Schools and have since graduated from college. Two are in Nashville and one is in Manhattan, and in May, they became grandparents for the first time. Stacy is a successful realtor with Michael Saunders & Co. and is very active in the community, formerly serving on the Boards of Girls, Inc. and the Jewish Federation of Sarasota/Manatee. She currently serves on a National Women’s Philanthropic Board.

“I think we all have an obligation to give back to the communities in which we live. Providing others with opportunities to better themselves, whether that is through nutrition, healthcare, economic opportunities or otherwise, not only provides benefits to the end-recipient but provides immense benefits to the community as a whole,” says Hanan. “Earlier on in my career, we were not in a position to contribute financially, but we could always contribute our time. So, whatever opportunity someone has to get involved in a cause or organization that they are passionate about, or to give someone support in any particular way, I would encourage them to do so. It sounds cliché but, when it comes to helping out, I say ‘just do it’. If there is an organization or cause you are passionate about or just interested in learning more about, reach out, volunteer, get to know the particular organization or the organizations in town that are doing the work that you’d like to be affiliated with and inquire about how to get involved. You don’t need a checkbook, you just need a heart.”

Despite the region’s tremendous growth since his childhood, Hanan appreciates that Sarasota maintains a small-town feel. “I still run into people that I grew up with. I enjoy seeing old friends and forming new friendships and relationships here,” he says. “One of the things I enjoy most about being involved in our community is that you get to know the staff and the executives that are doing the heavy-lifting day-to-day. They are truly what makes our nonprofit community tick and hearing their stories of why they are involved and witnessing first-hand the impact that they have in our community every day is inspiring.”

Hanan does not take the Good Hero honor lightly. “I definitely have not been involved in the community for the recognition but I think it is a testament to SRQ Media Group’s care and compassion for our community that they take a moment each year to recognize those who are trying to make a difference for all of us. I am honored to be considered among the esteemed group of heroes this year.”  SRQ Benjamin Hanan was honored as a Good Hero by SRQ Magazine in December 2025.