Jerry Powers

Jerry Powers is the founder of Ocean Drive Media Group, which published numerous award-winning publications such as Ocean Drive magazine, Ocean Drive en Español, VEGAS magazine, Florida InsideOut, Ocean Drive Venezuela, Ocean Drive Mexico, WYNN, Bal Harbor Magazine and Ocean Drive’s Art Basel. With these cutting-edge magazines, Powers created a genre in the publishing business that has been widely copied around the country. For 16 years, his brand of sexy reportage and knack for landing the hottest covers (from Paris Hilton to Pamela Anderson) made his publications shine in the magazine world.

After conquering the media industry, Powers sold Ocean Drive and has since turned his gaze to the next big thing. In March 2009, he created PowerPlay Photo Studios, a full-service company devoted to production work in Miami. Powers also serves as Chairman of Zo’s Summer Grove and is a proud board member of the Alonzo Mourning Charities, which is a program designed to encourage disadvantaged inner city kids for a positive outlook on life. Powers has also raised considerable funds for Project Medishare and has flown to Haiti to assist in the earthquake relief efforts firsthand.

Powers has been in the magazine industry since 1968 when he first launched The Daily Planet, a hip Miami weekly that created buzz with its hard-hitting social commentary. A true visionary, Powers also made his mark in the music business, both as a personal manager to recording artists such as LTD and Jeffrey Osborne, and as a concert promoter for acts like Elvis Presley, the Moody Blues, Elton John, Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Ocean Drive magazine launched in January 1993 and immediately became the chic authority on the burgeoning South Beach scene—and beyond. Ocean Drive’s playful mix of fashion, celebrity, social and lifestyle coverage has made it the must read for the entire country. This groundbreaking endeavor led to a lucrative partnership with music mogul Emilio Estefan to publish Ocean Drive en Espanol for the U.S. Hispanic audience.

Powers has also put his considerable energy and expertise into the world of fine art. He broke barriers for American artists in countries such as Japan, Spain and the Soviet Union. Powers was honored for his artistic accomplishments at White House ceremonies by presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, and also by Russian presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin.

Powers sits on the board for several amazing charitable organizations including the Miami Beach Police Athletic League and Alonzo Mourning Charities. He recently mentored students at the Overtown Youth Center in an 8-week publishing seminar and contributes to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The benefactor has won awards for his charitable endeavors from the City of Miami Beach, Miami-Dade College and the Ronald McDonald House.

Throughout his career, Powers has frequently found himself an integral part of the social, cultural and political changes that have shaped American society over the course of the past 30 years.