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Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship Advisory Boards are comprised of business and academic experts who discuss emerging industry trends and advise on the development of NSU's forward-thinking programs to ensure that NSU Business graduates are well-prepared to lead as difference makers.
BOARD CHAIR
Joey Epstein, CPA
CGMA, Managing Director, BDO
Managing Director with BDO’s tax practice, Joey Epstein has extensive experience providing accounting and advisory services to clients in a wide range of industries including law firms and other professional service organizations, as well as wholesale/distribution and software development companies.
He has worked with publicly-traded and privately-held middle-market companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 1000. He has handled financial audits, income, and sales tax audits, tax planning, and has assisted clients with their exit strategies. He is also certified in Florida sales and uses tax.
Prior to joining BDO, he was the CFO of a start-up technology company, the COO of
one of Florida’s largest law firms, and the COO of a national chain of language schools,
where he negotiated the sale of the language schools to a UK public company.
Mark H. Agulnik, CPA CISA, CIS LI, JD
Regional Advisory Partner-in-Charge, Marcum
Mark Agulnik serves as the Regional Advisory Partner-in-Charge for the Southeast at
Marcum. He steers the strategic growth of the advisory practice, which includes transaction
support services as well as business valuations, litigation support, and SOC engagements.
Agulnik ensures a high-caliber client experience for advisory services provided in the region. He works with high-growth clients engaged on the buyer and seller sides of M&A activity and oversees due diligence engagements. Mark has extensive experience overseeing SOC engagements, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and implementation, internal control and internal audit, risk assessments, data security regulations, internal and external vulnerability assessments, and forensic audits.
His experience extends from conducting a gap analysis within a company’s IT and security
environment to assisting with remediation efforts to assist with compliance to various
regulations/frameworks, including HIPAA, PCI, SOX, ISO 27001.
Roberto Esposito
Chief Financial Officer and Board Director, Stiles
Prior to joining Stiles in 1994 as controller, Mr. Esposito worked in public accounting as an audit and tax manager for seven years, assisting a wide range of clients, including real estate development firms, REIT's, financial institutions, hospitality industry and construction companies. With Stiles, he has deployed effective cost containment and financial reporting systems across all levels of the organization to help drive profitability.
He has continually improved the company's operational performance, while building the organization's internal financial capabilities to support long-term sustainable growth.
Mr. Esposito, his wife Theresa, and their son, Brendon, are residents of Coral Springs.
Blain L. Heckaman CPA
Chief Executive Officer, Kaufman Rossin
Blain Heckaman is CEO of Kaufman Rossin, where his leadership has helped position
the firm as one of the top 100 CPA and advisory firms in the U.S.
He has championed the firm’s innovation initiatives and expansion of specialized business consulting, risk advisory, and forensic advisory practices to complement its traditional services, always remaining focused on the firm’s core mission of improving clients’ businesses and helping protect them from risk.
Blain is active in the South Florida community and has been recognized by the South
Florida Business Journal as a Power Leader, Ultimate CEO, and Key Partner. He chairs
the YWCA's Economic Justice Council, a group of businesses dedicated to creating more
inclusive industries, corporations, and workplaces. He is past chairman and current
board member of Voices for Children Foundation, Inc., and a member of the Strategic
Forum.
Shawn Mostal, CPA
Audit Partner, Grant Thornton
Shawn Mostal is an Audit Partner at Grant Thornton. With 20 years of experience in
public accounting. Shawn’s work includes supervising and coordinating all services
rendered to privately- and publicly-held clients.
Within these areas, he has significant involvement with in-depth work in audit and
accounting, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), complex partnership matters, consulting,
acquisition evaluations, and various other services. Shawn has a focus on financial
services and employee benefit plns on both accounting and consulting matters.
Mary G. Pulcini CPA
Partner, Pulcini & Nemet CPAs, PA
Mary Pulcini is an experienced tax and accounting professional who received her BBA
in accounting from the University of Miami and her Masters in Accounting form Florida
International University. Mary is now a partner with Pulcini & Nemet CPAs, PA where
she works closely with small businesses and assists them with their tax and accounting
needs. She also provides consulting, outsourced CFO services and individual income
tax preparation services. Prior to joining Pulcini & Nemet CPAs, PA Mary has over
25 years of experience in financial statement audits, reviews and compilations as
well small business consulting as she was a partner in a national CPA firm where she
worked with clients in a wide variety of industries.
Mary, and her husband Massimo who is also a CPA have two adult children and they reside
in Cooper City.
Michael Rabinovitch
Senior Advisor, Lionheart Capital
Michael Rabinovitch serves as the Senior Advisor to Lionheart Capital and is the former
Chief Financial Officer of BurgerFi International, Inc., one of the nation's fastest-growing
premium fast-casual concepts. There, he brought extensive financial leadership skills
to high growth, publicly held retail and distribution companies, completing and integrating
over 25 acquisitions valued at over $2B during his career.
Prior to joining BurgerFi, Mr. Rabinovitch was Chief Accounting Officer at Tech Data Corporation, a Fortune 100 global technology distributor. He has held positions including Chief Accounting Officer and VP Finance, North America, for Office Depot Chief Financial Officer of Mayors Jewelers. He also served as VP Finance at Claire's Stores during a six-year period of rapid expansion, contributing to their growth from 1,200 to over 3,000 locations in 10 countries.
Mr. Rabinovitch began his career with Price Waterhouse (now PwC) as a licensed certified
public accountant. He holds bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University in Accounting
and Finance and is an advisory board member of the School of Accounting at both Florida
State University and University of South Florida.
Jennifer Rosati
Chief Financial Officer, Broward Health
Jennifer Rosati has spent her 17-year career working in the healthcare finance sector.
After graduating from the University of Miami with a B.B.A. in Accounting and Finance,
she began working with Ernst & Young as an auditor, obtaining her CPA license and
focusing on the healthcare industry. She was then hired by one of her clients, Memorial
Healthcare System, to lead the Corporate Finance Department for more than nine years,
while simultaneously earning her MBA in Complex Health from Nova Southeastern University.
She then joined Broward Health Medical Center in 2022 as their Chief Financial Officer.
At Broward Health Medical Center, Jennifer is responsible for the oversight of the
hospital's fiscal operations, including administration, development, and implementation
of hospital financial plans, policies, programs, and accounting processes.
Jennifer is a wife and mother to two young boys, who are three and five years old.
As a family, they spend a lot of time on different sports fields, exploring their
own backyard in South Florida, and traveling.
Michael Siegel, CPA
Audit & Assurance Managing Director, Deloitte & Touche
Michael Siegel, CPA is an Audit & Assurance Managing Director with Deloitte & Touche
in Boca Raton, Florida.
Michael joined Deloitte in 1992 and has experience serving large public companies and privately held entities. Michael has served clients in a variety of industries including real estate, aerospace, manufacturing, hospitality, technology and insurance.
Siegel has extensive experience leading audit engagements, with debt and equity offerings, business combinations and audits of internal control over financial reporting.
Prior to transferring to Florida in 2004, Michael worked in Deloitte & Touche's Detroit
office.
J. Stephen Wilder
Chief Financial Officer/Chief Information Officer, City Furniture
Steve Wilder began his career as a C.P.A. with Waterbed City before the company rebranded
to City Furniture and became one of South Florida’s most recognizable brands. He has
been City Furniture’s Chief Financial Officer since 2001 and also served as the Chief
Information Officer for eight of those years. His financial acumen has helped City
Furniture become a top-30 retailer on Furniture Today’s list.
Wilder earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida and an M.B.A. from Florida Atlantic University. He maintains an active Florida C.P.A. License and is a member of the American Institute of C.P.A.s, the Florida Institute of C.P.A.s, Broward County Chapter, and Financial Executives International, Broward County Chapter.
Steve was the recipient of an Apogee Award as Broward County CFO of the Year by South
Florida Business & Wealth magazine. He has participated in both CFO and CIO Forums
sponsored by the South Florida Business Journal and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement
Award by the Journal.
Zorica Visosevic, CPA
Audit and Assurance Managing Director, Deloitte & Touche
Zorica Visosevic, CPA, has twenty years of public accounting experience providing audit and advisory services.
She serves both public companies and private equity investors, primarily in the consumer and industrial products, transportation, hospitality, and services industries. Zorica has assisted numerous clients with private placements, debt offerings, and regulatory and accounting matters.
She has extensive experience working with multinational companies, including global coordination of audits in numerous countries and locations.
Her areas of specialization include revenue recognition, leases, restructuring, divestitures, consolidations, internal controls and accounting for income taxes.
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CHAIR Dr. Joseph M. Chalil is Senior Director, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs for DBV Technologies SA, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company involved in the field of immunotherapy. With more than 18 years of experience in medical affairs, clinical development in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, he has additional experience in academic and consulting roles. He earned his M.D. at J.J.M. Medical College, an M.B.A. in Healthcare Management from Davenport University, and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. |
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Ety Alcalay Ety Alcalay is the owner of VAS Aero Services. She sits on the board of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, as well as the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science. |
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Doug Bartel, M.B.A Doug Bartel is a regional executive with Florida Blue (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida), leading business strategy, planning, development, and execution in the largest MSA in Florida. He works to ensure the company responds nimbly to changing forces, technology as well as market and stakeholder needs, through strategic resource investment and utilization. Formerly, he was director of multimedia at the Dan Marino Foundation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications and an M.B.A. in Business/Health Sector Management from the University of Miami Herbert Business School. |
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William C. Hawk, M.B.A. William C. Hawk is a retired Healthcare Senior Executive. Over 12 years with MEDNAX, he served in various leadership roles including President of the Ambulatory Services Division, Chief Operating Officer of the Clinical Services Division, and the American Anesthesiology Division, and Senior Vice President of Health Solutions Partner. Formerly, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer at Severn Healthcare, Inc. He is a member of the board of directors of Jack & Jill Children’s Center and a member of the executive committee of the Northeastern University Health Care Entrepreneur Forum. |
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Gary Mervak, J.D., M.B.A. Gary Mervak is a retired executive with 40 years of experience in all aspects of healthcare, including strategic planning and budgeting. Prior to his retirement, he was Chief Financial Officer at HCA Mercy Hospital. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Concord Law School, and holds an M.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University. |
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Matt Muhart Matt Muhart is the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Memorial Healthcare System. With 20+ years of healthcare industry experience, he has also worked as a Division Controller for HCA Healthcare - a for-profit hospital corporation, and as a Staff Accountant for Ernst & Young. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Barry University and earned an M.B.A. at Florida International University. |
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Haroula P. Norden, M.B.A., FACHE Haroula Protopapadakis Norden is Chief Operating Officer at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Prior, she served as the Associate Administrator at Memorial Regional Hospital and Director of Business Development & Physician Relations at Memorial Healthcare System. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a past president of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and a board member of Leadership Broward Foundation. Haroula earned her M.B.A. at Nova Southeastern University. |
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Luis Salmun, M.D. Dr. Luis Salmun is the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Interim HealthCare of Fort Lauderdale South. He is also the principal at LMS Consulting Firm, providing consulting services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Previously, he was senior vice president of Global Medical Affairs at DBV Technologies, Chief Medical Officer at the Kwivik Medical Group, and an executive director at Boehringer-Ingelheim. |
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Kenneth C. Wong, M.B.A., FACHE Kenneth C. Wong, M.B.A., FACHE, brings over two decades of strategic, entrepreneurial, and transformational leadership experience to a variety of roles spanning hospitals, health systems, start-ups, and global pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Board-certified in healthcare management as a Fellow (FACHE) with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Kenneth has actively contributed to the organization, serving on several national committees and the Board of Directors for the South Florida chapter, holding various key positions over the years including President in 2021. Committed to improving healthcare access and outcomes, Kenneth has collaborated closely with all stakeholders including patients, providers, administrators, health systems, academia, and the community. His expertise includes marketing, business development, strategic planning, public relations, project and client management, where he has consistently impacted revenue growth, enhanced brand positioning, and captured market share. As a consultant, Kenneth provides strategic guidance and innovative solutions to select clients in key areas such as marketing, communications, advertising, CRM solutions, business development, market analyses, product launches, sales training, and strategic partner development. Passionate about education and mentorship, Kenneth serves as a part-time adjunct faculty instructor at Nova Southeastern University, where he strives to inspire the next generation of leaders. Kenneth holds an M.B.A. in international business from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. A proud alumnus, he is also chair of the Broward Sharks Alumni Network and has served as an advisory board member for the Health Systems Management program since 2020. |
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Célia V. Zinger, M.D., M.P.H., M.S. Dr. Célia V. Zinger is the Senior Medical Director of Medical Affairs at Ovid Therapeutics Inc., a New York-based biotech company working to develop medicines that transform the lives of people affected by rare neurological disorders. She is also a principal at CVZ Consulting LLC. An ophthalmology-trained physician with experience in the U.S. and international healthcare industry experience, she has also worked as the Director of Global Medical Affairs at Strategy at DBV Technologies, Director of Global Medical Affairs, Clinical Development at IMMUNE Pharmaceuticals Inc., Senior Analyst for LASER ANALYTICA, and as a Project Manager for MSD France (Merck & Co.). |
BOARD CHAIR
Ryan Shea
President, Florida/Caribbean Region, Right Management
Ryan Shea brings client-first focus to his multifaceted role in leading business performance, growth, and strategic innovation throughout Right Management’s Florida/Caribbean operations. He began his career with Right Management in 2009 with the accounting team, and he oversaw the implementation of an updated accounting system. He quickly moved into sales and continually exceeded his goals, grew into sales management, and inspired the team to surpass their sales quotas, and then he became an EVP of Right Management in 2015.
In October of 2019, Ryan was promoted to President of Right Management Florida/Caribbean. He is responsible for the growth and development of the Florida/Caribbean region. Under Ryan's leadership, there has been tremendous growth in their outplacement business, thus overseeing additional team members and creating new consulting solutions to capitalize on the demand. During this time, Ryan has been an inspirational leader, driving activity and successful outcomes for associates and clients. Right Management’s Vision is to “Guide and Inspire,” and Ryan leads from these beliefs.
Previously Ryan worked with Regions Bank, where he was a Corporate Credit Analyst and Portfolio Manager. While he was there, he analyzed public and private middle-market-size companies ($10-$300 million in annual revenues) to determine loan amounts and investments for working capital, acquisitions, recapitalization, and real estate financing purposes and managed those investments. Before that, Ryan worked with Woodbridge Holdings (formerly known as the Levitt Corporation) and Merrill Lynch.
Ryan received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Real Estate with a minor in Economics from Florida State University in Tallahassee. In 2008, Ryan received his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Ryan is a 2011 graduate of Right Management’s global Emerging Talent Program.
Jackie Chanin
Vice President, Colleague Strategic Partner, Merchant Services Team, American Express
Jackie Chanin is Vice President of Human Resources – U.S. Markets at American Express.
Known for efficiency, thoroughness, and her well-rounded understanding of each and
every part of an organization, Jackie’s business acumen makes her a valued and respected
partner to leadership both within and outside of HR. She is highly respected by colleagues
as a mentor and coach.
Prior to her current position, she was Director of Human Resources at TeamHealth, where she developed and led a team of 11 remote professionals collectively responsible for 6,000 employees in 27 states. She traveled regularly to hospital sites to onboard new and incumbent providers for multiple new contract start-ups and M&A’s resulting in a smooth and engaged transition process.
Jackie is PHR and SPHR certified and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management
from Babson College and a master’s in Human Resource Management from Villanova University.
Jess Forero
Senior Vice President, Director of Teammate Relations, Truist Financial Corp.
Jess Forero is the Director of Employee Relations responsible for leading an Employee
Relations COE in the effective delivery of enterprise-wide employee relations consultation
and regulatory compliance. She is experienced in building an effective Employee Relations
program designed to manage employment-related risk from a regulatory, compliance and
technology perspective allowing for solid business insights and consulting.
Forero has designed and implemented multiple Salesforce-based case management systems allowing for robust analysis and executive-level reporting of Employee Relations and Fraud metrics. She currently manages teams of HR Professionals responsible for remediation of employee relations risk through proactive support for mangers, advocacy on behalf of employees, and strategic coordination with other functions including Legal, Risk, Security, Audit and relevant HR partners. Jess provides thought leadership relative to enterprise initiatives including consumer sales practices, cyber-security threats, workplace safety and security, and organizational restructuring, mergers and acquisitions.
She also offers guidance on the development of employment-related programs and policies with the potential to impact large segments of the employee population subject to FRB, CFPB, FINRA, OFCCP, DOL, DOJ and acts as a representative of the corporation in employee-related litigation serving as a 30b6 witness, when necessary.
Forero has also served as a liaison with third parties to include EEOC, FEPA, NAACP,
etc. and regulators to include FRB, CFPB, FINRA and others.
Cheyanne Henry
Healthcare Executive, Adjunct Professor of Management, NSU
Cheyanne Henry has over 30+ years of executive leadership experience in Healthcare.
She oversees Medical Staff Operations at several acute care hospitals and freestanding
emergency rooms, with 2500+ physicians, allied health practitioners, and residents.
Dr. Henry is CEO of Achievers Group and C. Henry Management Ventures. She provides
consulting and coaching for leaders and organizations in various industries. She is
an adjunct professor for graduate and undergraduate business, human resources, healthcare
administration, and organizational behavior at two universities.
Cheyanne has a B.S. in Healthcare Administration, M.B.A. in Business Administration,
and Doctorate in Health Sciences.
Melissa Martin
Senior Director, Global Employee Relations and EEO Compliance, Citrix Systems
Melissa Martin is an HR leader specializing in leading a global employee relations
center of excellence. A dedicated, results-oriented human resource professional, she
has extensive experience in change management, process improvement, succession planning,
benefits and compensation, employee relations, HR strategy, talent development, engagement,
client relations, and mergers/acquisitions.
A communicative leader who leverages strong interpersonal skills to build lasting
relationships within and outside of an organization, Martin uses a broad mind and
a keen eye for detail to resolve problems quickly and implement innovative processes
for improvement while promoting continuous corporate success.
Upendra Mody
Co-Founder, Vervet Associates
Joe Penna, PHR
Vice President of Human Resources, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Florida
As Vice President of Human Resources, Joe Penna leads the HR, Talent Management, Learning
and Development strategies for Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits of Florida located
in Boca Raton, comprised of 2,500 employees and $2.6 billion in revenue. The largest
North American wine and spirits distributor, Southern Glazer's exceeds $18 billion
in sales and employs a workforce of 20,000+ throughout the United States and Canada.
Prior to joining at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Joe held the roles of Vice President of Human Resources at AIMCO, Regional HR Manager at Advance Auto Parts, and Division HR Manager at ANC Rental (Alamo and National Car Rental).
He is a results-oriented business partner with a comprehensive grasp of business efficiency, performance management and profitability concerns. Joe is widely recognized for creating partnerships between HR and business units, managing change, and elevating workforce competence to achieve organizational goals. He also has experience in Diversity & Inclusion as well as EEO Investigations.
Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from California State University.
He received a master’s degree in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix
in San Jose, CA.
Todd Rogers
HRM, SHRM, SCP
Principal, HR Peak Performance, LLC
Todd Rogers is a Human Resources professional with an extensive 25+ year career, working
in diverse and fast paced organizations. As the Principal at HR Peak Performance,
he consults with small to mid-sized organization’s HR teams.
Rogers' expertise is in helping organizations audit, create or enhance any or all
of the eleven stages of their Employment Lifecycle from Attraction through Alumni.
He also has extensive expertise in Executive Coaching, mentoring, guiding, and advising
HR professionals who may be newer to the field or in need of a peer partner to execute
HR processes, policies, and programs – without adding headcount to payroll.
Brett J. Schneider
Partner, Chair of Labor & Employment Division, Boca Raton Office Managing Director,
Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman
A partner with Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, Brett Schneider is the Managing
Director of the Boca Raton office and Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Division.
As a Florida Bar Board Certified attorney in Labor and Employment Law, Brett helps
public and private sector employers resolve issues in a prompt and efficient manner.Certified
by the HR Certification Institute and by the Society for Human Resource Management,
Brett advises employers on human resources issues including personnel policies and
procedures, discipline and discharge matters, drug and alcohol testing, employee privacy
rights, and educational and training programs for managers and supervisors. He works
closely with employers to ensure that their practices comply with federal, state,
and local laws.
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Dr. Herbert Brotspies Dr. Herbert Brotspies brings to NSU over 30 years business experience as a vice-president at Fortune 50 consumer products companies in the United States and internationally. He is experienced in marketing, strategic planning, and acquisitions. He previously taught undergraduate and graduate marketing courses at NSU. He is on the Board of Directors of the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, the Advisory Board at AVD, a technology company, and has consulted for major consumer products companies and has advised start-ups and entrepreneurs in developing new businesses |
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Nicholas A. Castaldo Mr. Castaldo’s career spans over thirty-five years in consumer products and service businesses with a focus on chain restaurants. He has held executive positions in public and private companies, multi-nationals and start-ups. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Celsius Holdings Inc.- CELH on the NASDAQ- a "functional beverage" company. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Original Frank Pepe Pizzeria, an iconic restaurant concept established in 1925, and an Equity Partner of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, a South Florida-based fast casual restaurant concept. Castaldo was an Equity Partner and member of the founding management team of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, a casual dining restaurant concept, and served as President, Senior VP/CMO, and Board Member for 12 years. The company grew from 1 to 60 locations in 6 states during his tenure. He served for 8 years as President of Pollo Tropical, a Miami-based quick casual restaurant chain. He led a successful turnaround of the company, and, under his leadership, Pollo Tropical doubled in sales and cash flow and ranked as the #1 concept in average store sales and profit in its market segment. Prior to joining Pollo Tropical, he held executive positions at several industry-leading corporations. He was V.P. of Marketing of Denny’s, Inc., America’s largest family restaurant chain. He was Sr. V.P. of Marketing at Bennigan’s & Steak and Ale restaurants; V.P. of Marketing for Citicorp Savings of Florida; and V.P. of Advertising and Promotion for Burger King Corporation. He has held management positions at Clairol and Federated Department Stores. He was a member of the Faculty for 12 years at the Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University teaching Marketing and Entrepreneurship. He is a member of Nova’s Marketing Advisory Board and the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels. As founder of Nicholas Advisory Corporation, he consults on Brand Strategy, Marketing, and Business Development. He graduated summa cum laude from St. John’s University and earned his M.B.A. from Harvard University. |
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Michael Cejas Michael Cejas is Chief Marketing Officer of Coastal Steel Structures. He is proficient in planning, implementing, and overseeing high-value campaigns across several industries, including military, transportation, medical, consumer goods, and innovative construction materials. Michael is recognized as an expert with a forward-thinking and disciplined approach to marketing strategy, social media, and sales and marketing leadership. Prior to joining Coastal Steel Structures, he was Director of Market Strategy for Konnected Minds Group, a research & technology consultancy and accelerator based in South Florida. A true entrepreneur, Michael has been the owner of Riot Hair Lounge, LLC, in Delray Beach since 2014. He also worked as a staff engineer at several recording studios and was Instructor of Music Production at SAE Institute, North America. An alum of NSU, Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in Music and an M.B.A. in Marketing. He also earned a doctorate of Business Administration in Marketing from Liberty University. He also holds a bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, subsequently spending four years as Organization Manager in the United States Air Force. |
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Lewis Greenberg Lewis oversees marketing for Marcum LLP in the Southeast Region of the United States. In this role, he is responsible for developing and overseeing strategic marketing initiatives to increase and expand market penetration in the region. Additionally, he leads marketing for a specialty service line nationally. Lewis is also a national trainer in the firm’s Marcum University, a platform for professional continuing education for professionals throughout the organization; he has developed programs for junior and experienced levels around marketing, sales, and networking. Prior to joining the firm, Lewis served as the Director of Marketing for a regional professional services firm with approximately 150 people in three offices throughout South Florida. While there, he led a rebranding initiative whereby the firm updated its identity and promotional assets. Lewis was responsible for overall management of promotional activities, including public relations and direct and digital marketing as well as oversight of the marketing department. Earlier in his career, Lewis served in successive marketing roles with one of the nation’s largest accounting and consulting firms. During his tenure, Lewis was responsible for the marketing of national and regional industry practices. His experience included developing and implementing content management strategies. Lewis' email marketing activities earned national recognition for best practices. He also managed several in-person seminars and a regional alumni program. Additionally, Lewis is an adjunct professor of marketing with Nova Southeastern University where he has taught courses in the principles of customer relationship management, promotional management, business-to-business marketing, digital marketing and introduction to marketing. Lewis served on the board of directors of the American Marketing Association South Florida chapter, including a two-year tenure as Chapter President. He is a past chair for the Miami-Dade Beacon Council Trade & Logistics Committee. He previously served as the Co-Chair of the Public Relations Committee for the South Palm Beach County chapter of the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative. Lewis also previously served on the board of directors for Emerge Broward as well as the Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital where he participated on the marketing and education committees. Lewis volunteered as the second segment instructor for the Boca Raton chapter of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a programmed designed for middle and high school students who launch operating businesses. Lewis holds the designation of Professional Certified Marketer as administered by the American Marketing Association. Additionally, he is Inbound Marketing Certified, a certification administered by HubSpot. Lewis earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in International Business and Marketing from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and a Master of Business Administration with a Marketing Specialization from Nova Southeastern University. Today, he serves as a mentor to students at the College of Business at FAU. |
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Tana M. Llinás With over 17 years of rich and diverse experience in the creative industry, Tana M.
Llinás stands as a pinnacle of creativity and leadership. Throughout her illustrious
career, she has left an indelible mark on both local and global fronts, collaborating
with esteemed organizations, prestigious creative agencies, and iconic brands such
as VISA, Starwood Resort & Residences, Chronicle Books, Starbucks, Nicklaus Children’s
Hospital, Miami Dade College, University of Miami, and The Cleveland Orchestra to
name a few. As the visionary founder and creative director of Brand Poets, Tana leads
her team in crafting compelling brand narratives and innovative digital marketing
strategies, setting new standards of excellence in the industry. Tana holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the renowned Rhode Island
School of Design (RISD), where she laid the foundation for her stellar career. Her
love for travel has taken her across continents, from Barcelona, Spain, where she
has collaborated with the esteemed illustrator Javier Mariscal, to diverse projects
in the United Kingdom, where she mastered the art of developing digital and print
brand systems for various clients including government agencies, spas, hotels, real
estate developers, museums, and fashion brands. Deeply committed to nurturing emerging
talent, Tana has served on the board of AIGA Miami, offering invaluable guidance to
aspiring designers and artists while reviewing prospective RISD applicant portfolios
for over a decade. Tana’s commitment to community engagement and volunteerism is equally remarkable.
She is deeply involved in various organizations and boards, including the Coral Gables
Chamber of Commerce and the Palmetto Bay Business Association. Notably, she is an
alumna of the esteemed Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program, where she proudly
serves as an Ambassador of Cohort 26. Tana’s dedication to her alma mater, RISD, shines
through her extensive volunteerism in reviewing portfolios spanning over two decades.
Demonstrating her commitment to local business communities, she holds leadership roles,
recently serving as Chairwoman of the Palmetto Bay Business Association. Tana’s passion
for women’s entrepreneurship is evident through her involvement with NAWBO, FEM City,
Women of Valor, and The International Society of Female Professionals. Tana has been
invited to speak to crowds large and small when it comes to branding. Furthermore,
her dedication to social responsibility extends globally, as she has lent her time
and skills to Habitat for Humanity’s impactful programs in Ethiopia, China, and Brazil
from 2000 to 2007. Beyond her professional pursuits, Tana remains firmly rooted in her Midwestern origins. Originating from Iowa, she has traversed through 47 countries, soaking in the richness of diverse cultures, landscapes and languages. A proud wife, mother, daughter and sister, she holds a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and spends as much time as possible in Colombia, her second home. Fueled by an unyielding passion for exploration, innovative ideation (and a love of all things zombie movies), she channels her endless creativity into every aspect of her life. In every facet of her life, Tana M. Llinás exemplifies a true leader, an inspiring creative force, and a dedicated community advocate, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence and compassion wherever she goes. |
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Juan Carlos Sanchez Juan Carlos Sanchez is a career executive with 20 years of progressive experience in the advertising, media, and entertainment industries in the US, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.Prior to co-founding FamilyPlayLand, Mr. Sanchez was vice president of Audience Insights and Analytics at Sony Pictures Television where he led the implementation of Big Data systems, enabling the organization to have real-time data across the region.He was also media planning lead at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, where he transformed the department from a linear focus silo into a multi-platform, data-centric campaign servicing hub. He has a proven capability to attract, mentor, and build high performance teams and excels as a trusted advisor to senior executive teams for resolving complex business challenges by constantly leveraging the power of consumer insights and data analytics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Universidad ICESI/University of Cincinnati. |
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Neal Schaffer Neal Schaffer is a Fractional CMO and leader in helping companies grow their business through impactful digital and social media marketing strategies. A popular international keynote speaker who has spoken on four continents, Neal is also an experienced university educator teaching influencer marketing as well as personal branding at UCLA Extension and social media marketing at Rutgers Business School. He is also the author of four sales and marketing books, including Maximize Your Social (Wiley) and his newest work The Age of Influence (HarperCollins Leadership), a ground-breaking book redefining digital influence. This year Neal will publish his fifth book, Digital Threads, the definitive digital-first marketing playbook for a new generation of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Check out Neal’s Your Digital Marketing Coach podcast for weekly inspiration. |
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Dr. Rene J. Trasorras, D.B.A. Dr. Rene Trasorras is the president of the Tampa Investigative Group, which handles investigations, background screenings, security consults, and competitive intelligence and security consultation assignments. Additionally, he is president of the Tampa Consulting Group, helping companies optimize their market strategies and setting up or reorganizing their security, both physical and technological. Formerly, he worked as a U.S. Secret Service Agent and is internationally recognized as a Certified Protection Professional (C.P.P.). Trasorras is also a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, specializing in commercial real estate transactions.He earned his doctorate in Business and Marketing at Nova Southeastern University, an M.B.A. with honors from the University of Phoenix, and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida. Rene is a court-qualified handwriting expert as well as an expert in security management. He is a member of AMA and ASIS International and the prestigious World Association of Detectives. |
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Frank Babinec
Frank Babinec was appointed City Manager of Coral Springs in December 2019, overseeing a full-service government with 920 employees serving over 136,000 residents. Babinec has been deeply ingrained in public service throughout his career, particularly within the City of Coral Springs. He began as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 and gradually rose through the ranks to become the Fire Chief of the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, a position he held from February 2014 to December 2019. With a focus on community welfare, he spearheaded initiatives such as the Community Paramedic Program and bolstered safety measures, earning an ISO Class 1 rating and recognition from organizations like the American Heart Association. Babinec's commitment to excellence extended beyond firefighting; he actively pursued higher education, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and an MBA in Public Administration. His credentials include Chief Fire Officer and Executive Fire Officer designations, as well as a Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA. Babinec earned numerous awards and honors throughout his tenure, including Fire Chief of the Year from various associations and recognition for his contributions to firefighter safety, health, and wellness. Notably, he received the Florida Fire Chiefs Association's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in Firefighter Safety and Health in 2020, an award now named in his honor. His leadership continued with accolades such as the ICMA Strategic Leadership and Governance award and BCCMA Community Service Award in 2022. Babinec has taken on roles such as President of the Fire Chiefs' Association of Broward County, Second Vice President of the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, Chair of the Safety and Health Section, and current President of the Broward County City Managers' Association. He also played a key role in developing the Behavioral Health Access Program, a model for mental wellness resources adopted statewide. As City Manager, Babinec aims to leverage his experience and expertise to drive comprehensive strategies for Coral Springs' advancement. His vision encompasses fostering innovation, supporting business growth, enhancing public safety, and improving community amenities to ensure the city's attractiveness to residents and businesses alike. |
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Dr. Richard C. Box
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Desiree Casanova
Desiree Casanova aspires to be the next generation of leaders in local government. She currently is the Assistant to the County Administrator for Sarasota County, Florida. She is originally from South Florida and started her local government career at the City of Coconut Creek within the City Clerk Department. In this position she worked on process improvement projects such as implementing the first digital board/committee system, updating and maintaining the department website for ADA compliance, developed the first lobbyist manual, and was in charge of the department budget. After 3 years at the City, she moved to Sarasota County and became the 2021 International City County Management Association Local Government Management Fellow (ICMA LGMF). This fellowship allowed her the ability to be mentored 1:1 by the Deputy County Administrator and work on high level projects that enhanced her leadership and project management skills. As Assistant to the County Administrator, Desiree works on special projects for county administration, assists Human Resources with the execution of job fairs, local school outreach, and recruiting. She also assists in monitoring and reviewing State and Federal legislation, and tracking legislative bills to understand and communicate to others on their impact to the county. Desiree is a change maker who wants to inspire and lead. She is a true advocate for educating the youth/students about the public sector and the amazing career opportunities it holds. Desiree holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Master’s Degree in Public Administration both from Nova Southeastern University (NSU). She is a proud member of the International City County Management Association (ICMA) and Florida City County Management Association (FCCMA). |
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Gretchen M. Cassini
Within Broward County, Ms. Cassini has had various roles. She worked in the Program Development Research and Evaluation Division, overseeing social services grant research and funding pursuits; partnering with institutions of higher education on research and continuing education initiatives; and providing free non-profit capacity building services. Later, she worked in the County’s Office of Public and Governmental Relations on state and federal legislative and executive issue and policy advocacy. Ms. Cassini facilitated centralization of the County’s grant pursuits while acting as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Professional Standards. Also during her tenure as Director, she oversaw employment and housing discrimination investigations, whistleblower complaints, enforcement of the County’s Human Rights Act, ADA/HIPAA, and the County Commission’s many Advisory Boards. In 2012, Ms. Cassini became an Assistant to the County Administrator and later an Assistant County Administrator. Within County Administration, she liaised with the County’s many lines of business: Port, Transportation, Parks, Libraries, Human Services, Environmental Protection and Growth Management, Medical Examiner and Trauma Services, and more. Between 2013 and 2018, she led policy body and executive-level strategic planning initiatives. In 2016 and 2018, Ms. Cassini worked to advance transportation sales surtax referenda supported by the County Commission. Upon successful passage in November 2018, Ms. Cassini was tasked with administrative oversight of the 30-year Mobility Advancement Program funded by Broward County’s one percent transportation sales surtax—expected to generate $16B for mobility initiatives countywide by 2048. Ms. Cassini attended Wake Forest University, Florida State University, and FSU College of Law. She was published in national and international peer-reviewed journals while working on U.S. Department of State, Department of Justice and other grant research programs. Over two decades, she has served on numerous local, state, and national committees and in leadership roles for professional associations. Initiatives on which she has worked have received national awards and recognitions. In 2021, she graduated from Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Class 39 and is currently enrolled in the national High Performance Leadership Program. |
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Alex Dambach, AICP
Skilled at zoning and land use policies, economic development, and urban design, Alex is a planning and community development professional with experience in redevelopment of urban and inner-suburban areas. He facilitates public engagement and legislative processes. Alex was Division Chief, Land Use Services for the City of Alexandria, Virginia for more than eight years prior to his move to Florida. Previously, he spent eight years as City of Newark’s Acting Supervising Planner. In between, Alex was Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Des Plaines, IL, a town adjacent to O’Hare International Airport. In less than a year, he took the retail section of the downtown from 70% vacant to 80% occupied. Collaborating with the real estate community and property owners, he leveraged TIF district funds to recruit new key businesses to act as anchors to re-ignite pedestrian traffic. Alex is certified by The American Institute of Certified Planners, and earned a bachelor’s degree in History from the College of Charleston and a master’s in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University. |
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Tammie L. Hechler
Tammie Hechler directs the Human Resources department for the City of Hollywood, Florida. She has special expertise in Workplace Safety/OSHA and Labor Unions. She began her career as Employment & Diversity Coordinator at Owens Community College in Perrysburg, Ohio, before moving on to the role of Human Resources Manager at Behavioral Connections of Wood County in Bowling Green, Ohio. Before moving to Florida, she was Human Resources Director of Grant County in Washington State for six years. Hechler holds SHRM-SCP, IPMA-HR CP, SPHR and CLRP certifications.
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Rosalind Osgood
In 2001, the late preacher extraordinaire, Dr. Mack King Carter licensed Dr. Osgood as the first female preacher in the history of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church. In 2002 she was ordained and in 2007, she earned a Master’s of Divinity Degree from New Orleans Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She currently serves as an Associate Minister at New Mount Olive Baptist Church. Additionally, and is the Founder of Dr. Rosalind Osgood's Ministry International and an anointed itinerate preacher. Dr. Osgood has over 21 years of experience in non-profit management. For the past 18 years, she has been the CEO of the Mount Olive Development Corporation (MODCO). She was also an Adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University Huizenga School of Business, where she taught Leadership and Public Policy Evaluation in the Masters of Public Administration Program. In 2012, she was elected to represent District 5 in the Broward County School Board, and served as the Chair twice; first in November of 2015 and again in November 2020. Amid tumultuous times, Dr. Osgood helped the school district navigate through the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas tragedy and the confusion and frustration endured by the coronavirus crisis. Dr. Osgood is the author of two academic articles and two books titled, “The Story Behind the Story” and “Influential Women Leader”. Her leadership extends to the Boards of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the Links, Inc., Broward Health Coalition Board, and the Circuit 17 Juvenile Justice Board. In 2013, Dr. Osgood became the First Female Chaplain for the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. She also received the JM Families African American Achievers Award, highlighting her commitment to community service. Currently, Dr. Osgood proudly serves as a member of the Florida State Senator representing District 33, where she brings a fresh perspective and commitment to building a stronger community through faith, compassion and hard work. Overcome Obstacles by Optimizing Opportunities and Obtaining Outstanding Outcomes. |
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Dale Pazdra
Originally from the Chicago land area, Pazdra relocated to Florida in 1992. Prior to joining the city, he worked in the private sector for more than 15 years. He has extensive knowledge and experience in all facets of Human Resources operations with an emphasis on leadership, strategic planning, and organization development. He has successfully led multiple cross-functional teams and quality initiatives to improve the delivery of HR services. During his career, he has established best practices for employee engagement and retention. Pazdra has a heart for service and demonstrates his commitment to our community and his profession by serving on multiple boards and committees. In 2013 he was appointed trustee for the Firefighters’ Pension Board and previously served as trustee for the General Employee Pension Board. He is long time member of the City’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and the Florida Institute of Government (FIOG) Advisory Board. He also serves on the School of Public Administration Advisory Board for Florida Atlantic University, Barry University and Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, he previously volunteered with the local chapter of the Public Sector Human Resource Association (PSHRA), serving on the executive leadership board as Secretary, Treasurer and President. On a part-time basis Pazdra has served as an adjunct professor at Barry University promoting careers in public service by teaching a variety of undergraduate courses in Public Administration and Human Resources. Pazdra graduated from Barry University with a Master of Public Administration degree (MPA) in 2010 and Elmhurst University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in business management in 1990. |
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Daniel J. Stermer
Previously, Stermer served as Mayor of the City of Weston, FL, as well as City Commissioner. During his terms in office, the City of Weston achieved a Triple A rating from Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s, consistently had the lowest ad valorem tax rate in Broward County, and maintained reserves in excess of $50MM. For nearly 10 years, he was a principal at Lewis B. Freeman & Partners, Inc., a forensic accounting and consulting firm. Before joining Lewis B. Freeman & Partners, Inc., Daniel served in the Economic Crimes Litigation Unit of the Florida Attorney General’s Department of Legal Affairs, where he commenced and participated in all facets of civil enforcement pre-complaint investigations and litigation, including bankruptcy litigation, related to Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act, from the inception of investigation through trial. While with the Office of the Bronx County, New York, District Attorney’s office, he served as Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Organized Crime Unit and as Assistant District Attorney in a federally funded task force prosecuting high-volume narcotics trafficking and related violent crime. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the State University of New York and his Juris Doctor degree from Touro College. As an adjunct professor at St. Thomas University School of Law, Daniel regularly teaches “Receivership Practice and the Inter-Relationships between the Legal, Accounting, and Business Worlds.” His professional and community involvement includes his participation in local bar associations and the Florida Fiduciary Forum. |
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Denise Yoezle
Denise built trust and credibility with businesses, residents, and civic associations which resulted in successful collaborations and support for neighborhood improvements. Denise focused on employee development and training, team management initiatives, and fiscal responsibility. Denise earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. She is a member of the American Public Works Association (APWA), International City Managers Association (ICMA), and holds the credentials of Licensed Plumber in Broward County, Certified Arborist, and multiple FEMA credentials. She remains active in the University of Florida IFAS continuing education program as an instructor for the Florida Green Industries program. Denise is an out and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. |
Dr. Richard C. Box (D.P.A., University of Southern California) is Professor Emeritus
at University of Nebraska at Omaha. He served in local governments in Oregon and California
before going into academia. In addition to University of Nebraska, Dr. Box has taught
for University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Park University, Rutgers University
Newark, and University of Florida. His research interests include the role of the
public professional in a democratic society and the political and economic context
of public administration. In addition to articles in scholarly journals, Dr. Box is
the author of several books, including Essential History for Public Administration,
Melvin & Leigh, 2018, and Public Service Values, Routledge, 2015.
A native of Broward County and graduate of Fort Lauderdale High School, Gretchen Cassini
has been inspired by public service and passionate about public policy since her youth.
Her professional career began as staff in the Florida Senate before shifting into
academia. Ms. Cassini worked as a research professor at Florida State University's
School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Later, as District Director of Sentencing
Services for the State of North Carolina, she oversaw felony offender management,
reentry, and diversion programs for adults and juveniles. As Director of Grants and
Governmental Relations for Barry University, she facilitated funding and grant research
efforts for graduate programs, including the university’s law school, while coordinating
issue advocacy at the state and national level. During her tenure, she also served
as adjunct professor in the School of Sociology and Criminology.
Dale Pazdra is the Deputy City Manager responsible for the following departments:
Human Resources, Financial Services, Office of the City Clerk, and Parks and Recreation.
Pazdra joined the city’s management team in 2006, was promoted to Director of Human
Resources in 2011, accepted an expanded role as Assistant City Manager in 2021 and
was promoted to Deputy City Manager in May of 2022.
Daniel J. Stermer is Managing Director of Development Specialists, Inc., a leading
provider of management and consulting services on behalf of lending institutions,
secured and unsecured creditors, shareholders, bondholders, and business owners. DSI
specializes in corporate finance, turnaround consulting, and forensic/litigation accounting.
Denise Yoezle worked in public works for more than thirty-five years. Public Works
and Emergency Management functions include maintenance and capital projects related
to streets, solid waste, parks, utilities, landscaping and arboriculture, building
maintenance, grant writing and administration, along with storm preparation, training,
and recovery. The Public Works Department is also the liaison with both public and
private sector entities, such as the Florida Department of Transportation and Broward
County Engineering. She ended her career as a Public Works Director and Emergency
Manager, serving as the Incident Commander for multiple hurricane events in southeast
Florida. She worked for municipalities of varying land size, population, and resident
diversity, providing her an opportunity to lead as many as 80 employees in providing
local government services at many levels. Her boots-on- the- ground approach led to
effective and successful citywide implementations of multi-million dollar operational
programs.
BOARD CHAIR
Tracey Taylor-Prescod
Director of Programs, Education Rocks
Tracey Taylor-Prescod serves as Director of Programs for Education Rocks, Inc., an international global leadership development organization based in Delray Beach, Florida. Education Rocks believes that the world can be changed two kids at a time through education and envisions a world in which having access to education can shift lives, influence families, and impact communities.
Taylor-Prescod leads the implementation, execution, monitoring and data collection for Education Rocks in the United States, Indonesia, Haiti, Uganda, Guatemala, and India. She is directly responsible for the overall education program strategy and oversees the national and international program teams. As a member of the executive management team, Tracey plays a critical role in setting the strategic direction for the programs, growth, and sustainability of Education Rocks.
Having established her career working in radio promotions for iHeart Radio Richmond, Tracey became Marketing & Community Relations Director for FOX Richmond – WRLH. A natural storyteller, she utilized her expertise, experience, and resources to create compelling messages and stories for charities, community-based organizations, and businesses, which ultimately led her to her role as Chief Operating & Finance Officer for Trinity Family Life Center. As Chief Operating & Finance Officer, she developed and enhanced organizational processes and infrastructure, participated in the development and implementation of organizational strategy and oversaw day-to-day operations, utilizing a supportive and collaborative leadership approach.
Tracey earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond in Liberal Arts and currently serves as Secretary and Event Chair on the board of Bowtie Kids – Courage and Confidence for Kids With Chronic Pain™. She is a past board member for Girls Can, and former Advisory Board Member for Beacon Tree Foundation.
CO-VICE CHAIR
Karen Prescod
Founder & Chief Statement Maker, The Bowtie Gurl
Visionary, Founder & CEO, Bowtie Kids
Karen Prescod is the Founder and Chief Statement Maker of the fashion brand, The Bowtie Gurl.™ She is also the Visionary, Founder and CEO of the charitable organization, Bowtie Kids.™ Both her business and non-profit organization are built on the foundation of Five Empowerment Principles: Self-Discovery, Self-Awareness, Self-Worth, Self-Expression, Social Engagement & Advocacy.
A serial entrepreneur, Karen joined The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce in 2014 with her insurance agency Prescod Life & Health. An active and highly visible advocate, she is committed to making an impact in the community and has served on the GFLCC Executive Committee, Government Affairs Committee and Nominating Committee.
As 2016 chair for the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange (GLBX) Council, Karen took the GLBX to new heights during her tenure. Due to her exceptional leadership and vision, she has been awarded numerous community leadership awards, including the Chair’s Award in 2017 from The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Chair, Heiko Dobrikow. Also in 2017, Karen was elected by the Chamber leadership team to revitalize a dormant Women’s Council. As immediate past chair, she stoked the flames of success and the Women’s Council is one of the most active, engaged, thriving Councils for the Chamber to date.
A #1 International Bestselling author, influencer, empowerment speaker and moderator, Karen has been honored as one of Fort Lauderdale’s Most Powerful Women, by Gold Coast Media Group. She has been highlighted and featured in multiple media campaigns as a friend and advocate for a variety of groups and organizations, represented in the diverse Fort Lauderdale community. She is currently one of the featured faces for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau campaign for Pride of The Americas 2020.
As a leader, advocate, and philanthropist, Karen has dedicated thousands of hours in service and makes it a priority to incorporate and implement a philanthropic culture into every committee and organization she is connected with.
Jeffrey Berger, CNP, CFRE
Scout Executive, CEO, South Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America
Jeff Berger is the Scout Executive/CEO of the South Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America. The South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties with over 30,000 in its programs. Programs consist of the traditional Scouting programs, Scoutreach programs, and its in-school character education program, Learning for Life.
Both boys and girls, ages 5–21, have access to advancement programs to prepare them for life to make ethical and moral choices. Jeff reminds us that the programmatic reach and impact are only possible because of its 3,000 adult volunteers and over 250 community partnerships.
Jeff started his career with the Boy Scouts of America in 1994, with experiences in various areas of the country. He started in Miami, FL, and has also served in Reno, NV; Pueblo, CO; and most recently in Bethesda, MD for one the movement's largest councils. In the various assignments, he has specialized in capacity building and debt elimination. His largest gift to date was securing $1.45 million to eliminate debt on a camp and also place $600,000 into the council’s endowment for future earnings.
Professionally, he is a Certified Nonprofit Professional. He is a graduate of the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Program at the Center for Creative Leadership and a Certified Fund Raising Executive by CFRE International.
In the community, he has been the President of the Rotary #43 Foundation and served on various community task forces including the Packard Foundation’s Workforce Development group. Other task forces included community beautification, teen pregnancy reduction, and school volunteerism enhancement. He is currently a member of the 200 Club of Greater Miami and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.
Sandra Veszi Einhorn
Executive Director, Coordinating Council of Broward, and The Nonprofit Executive Alliance
of Broward
Sandra Veszi Einhorn is the Executive Director of the Coordinating Council of Broward, a coalition of senior executives from Broward’s largest health and human service stakeholders including government, business and nonprofits. The Coordinating Council works to provides collaborative solutions to some of Broward’s most critical issues.
Sandra also serves at the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Executive Alliance of Broward, a coalition of nonprofit CEOs working together for shared advocacy, increased education and further collaborations throughout Broward. She brings her strengths in operations, strategic alliances, relationship building and advocacy to these roles.
During her tenure at the Coordinating Council, Sandra led an effort to create the Broward Housing Affordable Housing Trust Fund through ballot referendum, and worked to update the County’s fair housing ordinance. Her leadership led to the revival of the Long Term Recovery Coalition of Broward, which became a need after Hurricane Irma. Sandra also brought together key leaders around the issue of seniors, forming the Dignity in Aging Task Force.
Previously Sandra served as the Executive Director of the Broward County affiliate of Rebuilding Together. Under her leadership Rebuilding Together Broward grew tremendously and became a recognizable and well respected brand in the non-profit industry. During her tenure, Rebuilding Together Broward received several notable accolades including a 211 Non-Profit Academy Award, Non-Profit of the Year finalist by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the Innovation Award for the Safe at Home program Sandra developed.
Sandra has received a number of prestigious awards including the Up and Comers award from South Florida Business and Wealth magazine, recognized as a top “20 under 40” by InWeston magazine, “40 under 40” and Influential Business Women by the South Florida Business Journal. Sandra is a graduate of Leadership Broward, Leadership Fort Lauderdale, Women Leading Broward, Jewish Federation of Broward County’s Horizons Leadership Program and the Jim Moran Small Business Executive Program.
She currently serves on Broward County’s Children’s Services Board, the homeless Continuum of Care Board, Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance’s Partner Council and the Broward Days Board of Directors, where she also chairs the Housing Impact team. She is also the co-founder of the Communities of Promise collaboration in the Sistrunk area.
Dennis Haas, Esq.
Retired/former President/CEO, Arc Broward
Dennis Haas is the former President/CEO of Arc Broward, Inc. a 62-year-old nationally accredited non-profit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, among others with various life challenges.
Arc Broward operates on 10 sites in Broward County and with its 450 employees operates 21 programs and two innovative social enterprises—Arc Culinary and Arc Educates in tandem with career development services through its Arc Works Division.
Previously, Mr. Haas was in private law practice for 18 years as a Shareholder in a large south Florida law firm and later in his own firm practicing in the areas of corporate healthcare, public finance and governmental relations.
He has served as a member and in leadership positions of many non-profit and community Boards including the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Broward County Special Needs Advisory Committee, United Way of Broward, Non-Profit Executive Alliance of Broward, and the Autism Grants Council, among others.
Daryl Hulce
President, Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation, The Living STEM Project
Daryl Hulce is the founder and president of the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation (CKSF), a not-for-profit administered at Nova Southeastern in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. An employee of Nova Southeastern University for over 25 years, Daryl has served as the coordinator for the academic computer labs, director of IT for the Huizenga College of Business and scholarship coordinator at the Fischler School of Education. He currently serves part time as a special projects coordinator for the Fischler College of Education.
Through CKSF Daryl awarded over $400,000 in college scholarships using one of the first online quiz generators on the Internet. In addition to scholarships, CKSF developed scholarly and academic programs including an internet safety program with the Miami FBI Crimes Against Children Unit, a reading challenge for remedial readers, and an anti-bullying program for elementary and middle school students.
For thirteen consecutive years, Daryl received the Enlightenment Foundation Model Schools Grant for developing innovative student programs. In 2010 he received the FBI Directors Community Leadership Award on behalf of Nova Southeastern University. The affiliation with the FBI led to a client affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business undergraduate Management 100 and Wharton 101 programs.
Christine Klima, CPA
Chief Administrative Officer, Early Learning Coalition of Broward
Christine Klima, CPA, is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward. She has been a leader in non-profit financial and operations management for more than 20 years in a wide variety of settings and she understands the challenges of sustainable fundraising.
Prior experience includes the World Wildlife Fund and the Credit Builder’s Alliance in Washington DC; the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City; the Child Care Coordinating Council in the San Francisco Bay Area; and the Children’s Services Council in Broward.
She has a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Accounting from Nova Southeastern University.
Kristi Messer, M.P.H., LCSW
Academic Administrator, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kristi Messer, M.P.H., LCSW relocated to Florida from Washington D.C where she had spent years working with the Department of Health and Human Services to successfully launch community health centers across the nation.
As a passionate public health professional, Kristi currently serves the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine as an Academic Administrator of the KPCOM Undergraduate programs, as well as the Director of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program. Kristi is also an Assistant Professor of Disaster and Emergency Management and assists community health centers across the state with developing robust emergency preparedness and response plans.
Kristi successfully launched a non-profit organization, On My Own, which provides independent living and employment skills training to adults with disabilities. Kristi also serves on the Board of Directors for two local non-profit organizations dedicated to positively impacting homelessness. For more than twenty years, Kristi has dedicated her professional life to underserved and vulnerable population groups through her involvement with the homeless, individuals with disabilities, communities affected by disasters, and persons impacted by mental illness.
Kristi has presented her research and academic achievements at over 40 international, national, state, and local conferences. Kristi is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is committed to positively impacting children, families, and adults.
John Moreno-Escobar, M.P.A.
Executive Director, YV Foundation
John Moreno-Escobar is a successful social entrepreneur, community leader, and executive
not-for-profit innovator. His passion is education equality, and access to higher
education for all. John is a native Colombian from Bogotá. He has more than 10 years
of experience in the not-for-profit sector.
He moved to New York City from Bogota Colombia in 2003 and established his first not-for-profit
while he was in college with the purpose of helping/supporting Latino immigrant students
and parents in the process of preparing, applying and paying for college.
He also created the first-ever scholarship fund for Colombians in New York State. After college John has been in C-Level positions creating strategic partnerships to support students in need to go to college and beyond. John now lives in Broward County, Florida.
John was the first appointed Latino to work at the City University of New York (Largest urban university in the US) as the Director of Urban Initiatives in the office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. He was one of only two Latinos to work for the Broward County Superintendent of Schools as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the school system, the fifth largest school system in the country.
Currently, John is the Executive Director of the YouVisit Foundation whose mission is to reinvent education. He serves on multiple boards including President of the Board – PorColombia (the Largest network of Colombian students and professionals in the US); Co-Chair of Imagine Broward Council and Initiative of Broward Partnership for the Homelessness; and Advisory Board member for the National Academy Foundation and The Children Movement of Florida.
John holds a Master in Public Administration and a Bachelor's in Public Affairs from the City University of New York – Baruch College.
Barbara K. Norland,
MSL, Consultant
Barbara K. Norland is a consultant with a passion to mentor and guide not-for-profit organizations and its leaders to a higher level of impact for their mission. This includes consulting and advisement on all aspects of not-for-profit business operations, fund- and friend-raising, identification, cultivation, stewardship, events and board development. Knowledgeable of overall leadership and management for all aspects of non-profit management including the creation and implementation of robust new and/or expanded business development plans for events, major gifts, foundation, corporate and individual fundraising. Other capabilities include personnel, volunteer, board oversight, recruitment and management, contract negotiations, public relations, event design and execution, board development and donor tracking and stewardship. Expertise as an NFP generalist, grant writer & events and board development.
Most recently Barbara contracted with the Angel Hugs Foundation, Inc., South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA) Horse Rescue and Phil and Orianne Collins' Little Dreams Foundation, AQUA Foundation and Touching Miami with Love with primary responsibilities to form new philanthropic alliances through the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major corporate, individual donations and foundation grants as well as to lead initiatives to market and promote both organizations though multi marketing and social media campaigns. Professional tenures include Director of Development & Communications for the YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade, Inc., Philanthropy & Community Development Director for The Women's Fund of Miami-Dade; Executive Director of the Junior Orange Bowl; Director of Development at CHARLEE of Dade County, Inc.; Director of Major Gifts at Miami Children's Hospital Foundation; Director of Corporate Relations and Fundraising Events at Baptist Health South Florida Foundation and Executive Director of the Deering Estate Foundation.
Before entering the not-for-profit arena, Barbara worked in the entertainment industry at Homestead-Miami Speedway as Corporate Partnerships and Hospitality Manager where she was part of the initial team to promote the sport of racing throughout South Florida, nationally and internationally. At the speedway Barbara was instrumental in designing best practice policies, procedures, collateral, corporate, group & fan hospitality packages, annual and multi-year corporate agreements and managed all speedway partnerships, trades, contracts, vendors and event staff & volunteers.
Barbara has extensive experience in networking and cultivation with over 28 years' experience with sales and marketing in the public, private and non-profit sectors along with strong communication skills, extensive knowledge in creating, managing and executing charitable giving programs, fundraising, board and volunteer development and staff and volunteer management sales incentive programs and promotional opportunities. As the current President of BKVN Consulting, Inc., she has a priority to work with not for profit leadership to strengthen organizational knowledge, build capacity, implement and follow best industry practices. Additionally, she is a certified Executive Function Coach & Mentor.
Norland served as a board member with a variety of business and community organizations such as Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Miami Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-Miami) President, AFP-Miami National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, AFP Florida Caucus Executive Committee, AFP Global Nominating Committee UN Women, Miami Chapter Board Member, Miami Dade Women’s Chamber Board, Women’s Power Caucus and a proud mentor for Women of Tomorrow at South Dade High School.
Barbara completed a Master of Science in Leadership and Management from Nova Southeastern University, H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business in Davie, FL., and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. In 2018 she was received the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce AXA Advisors Businesswoman of the Year Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
Shea Spencer
CEO, Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County
Shea S. Spencer is the CEO of the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, a local nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the homeless and providing food, housing and other essential services for homeless families and individuals. Spencer is responsible for providing leadership, fundraising & marketing expertise, and overseeing the day to day operations of the organization.
Shea has 15+ years of fundraising and community engagement experience and recently served as Assistant Vice President of Development, Marketing and Public Relations at HOPE South Florida, a nonprofit 501c3 organization that provides food, clothing, housing, employment assistance, mentoring, and case management for the homeless.
In her role as Assistant Vice President, Ms. Spencer was responsible for raising $1m annually through individual and corporate gifts and organizing large fundraising events. Ms. Spencer also has more than 10 years of United Way experience managing work place giving campaigns, conducting annual trainings & speaking engagements and a number of other initiatives.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Atlantic University, is a graduate of Leadership Fort Lauderdale Class XXI, and is an alumnus of the American Express Leadership Institute. She also earned a certificate of completion from Indiana University’s Lilly School of Fundraising and was recently nominated and selected by Legacy magazine as one of South Florida’s "Most Influential and Prominent Black Women in Business and Industry" for 2019.
Jannette Taylor
MOL, MSNDR, Education Rocks
Jannette Taylor is a native of Omaha, Nebraska. Taylor currently serves as the Executive Director of Education Rocks in Delray Beach, Florida. Ms. Taylor is also the owner and Chief Executive Outlier of Social Impact Outliers, a consulting firm working with businesses and nonprofits throughout the Midwest. Prior to relocating to South Florida, she served as the CEO of the United Way in Lawrence, Kansas.
Jannette leads Education Rocks. Education Rocks is a global youth leadership program that supports the education of children worldwide. The organization provides leadership development programming to 52 schools nationwide and supports schools in India, Indonesia, Guatemala, Uganda and Haiti. The organization provides experiential learning opportunities for American students and a platform for global youth leadership.
Taylor founded a community-based nonprofit, Impact One Community Connection, and served as its Executive Director for several years. This small nonprofit grew from a annual budget of $500,000 to $2 million in the first year of operation. The organization provided gang intervention and prevention programs to youth and young adults.
She attended undergraduate and graduate school at the College of Saint Mary, earning a bachelor's in Business Leadership and a master's in Organizational Leadership (M.B.A.). She went on to earn a Master of Science in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution at Creighton University School of Law Werner Institute, while also working on a Juris Doctor Degree.
She has a passion for social justice and has been actively involved in youth development programs and community revitalization projects. She focused her efforts on the Bridge to Success Program, an early entry college program for disadvantaged youth in Omaha Public School serving on the African-American Achievement Council and volunteering for their events. Through this program, she and others helped many high school students get a jump start on college, taking college courses at Metro Community College, Bellevue University and University of Nebraska Omaha.
She founded Impact One Community Connection in 2009 and began focusing her energy on the marginalized youth and young adults in North Omaha. Working with the Empowerment Network of Omaha, Impact One began managing the Great Summer Jobs Program that has provided over 1200 employment opportunities for high-at-risk youth and gang members in Omaha. Impact One provided gang intervention and prevention to young people on the street, in addition to providing intervention services at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University Medical Center.
Jannette's personal life experiences has aided her in working with at-risk youth in various cities and has positioned her to be the perfect advocate for the marginalized people in the community. Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle acknowledged her hard work and dedication to the community by declaring December 5th "Jannette Taylor Day" in Omaha, Nebraska. While this is an impressive accomplishment, Jannette is most proud of her daughter Erika, who graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado and is currently attending graduate school.
Steve Borchert, DBA
Executive Lean Leader, General Electric Aviation Services
Dr. Steve Borchert is currently the Executive Lean Leader for General Electric Aviation
Services where he has responsibility for the implementation of Lean.
Steve spent the balance of his career at UTC (United Technologies Corporation) where he held positions of increasing responsibility in continuous improvement, quality, operations, IT, and customer program management both domestically and internationally.
Steve has also worked in aerospace, space propulsion, and fire and security divisions of both the manufacturing, and overhaul and repair sectors.
Steve holds a Doctor of Business Administration, an MS in Aerospace Management, an MS in Manufacturing Engineering, and a Master of Business Administration. Steve is a certified ISO lead auditor, a certified lean transformation leader, and a certified Shainan Apprentice (Technical Problem Solving).
Andrew Koenig
CEO, City Furniture
Andrew Koenig graduated with degrees in Finance and Accounting from Elon University
in 2005, and received his M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship from Nova Southeastern University.
Andrew began his full-time career with CITY Furniture in January 2006 in the Receiving
Department unloading furniture on containers, and has worked his way up through the
company and in almost all divisions of the company. He spent a significant time streamlining
the Operations Department in the first eight years of his career to become one of
the industry’s best. Currently, Andrew is serving as President of CITY Furniture,
overseeing all departments of the business.
Shortly before joining CITY Furniture, Andrew studied Lean Philosophy at Toyota’s headquarters in Toyota City, Japan. After learning from Toyota and other Lean companies in the United States and abroad, Andrew introduced Lean Thinking to City Furniture in 2007. Ever since, CITY Furniture has been on a Lean Journey to create a culture of mutual trust and respect, teamwork and a deep sense of urgency to continuously improve.
Since the implementation of Lean, the company has seen many major breakthroughs in turnover reduction, operational process improvement, customer experience, safety, associate satisfaction, strategic planning, financial success and much more. The journey is never over, and Andrew and the senior team are working very hard to implement Lean Thinking which has been named "The CITY Furniture Operating System (CFOS), throughout the company.
Dr. Thinh Tran
President and COO, Provider Network Solutions
Dr. Thinh Tran is the President and Chief Operating Officer for Provider Network Solutions
(PNS). He has held executive positions at the University of Miami Health System, Baptist
Health South Florida, and the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas.
He is both an experienced physician and a healthcare executive. Dr. Tran received his bachelor’s and medical degree from the University of Minnesota and his MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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BOARD CHAIR
Abramson holds a Master's in Real Estate Development, where she graduated Alpha Sigma Gamma, and a bachelor's degree from the University of New Orleans in Marketing and Business Administration. She is active on the Advisory Board for the NSU MSRED program and previously served as chair of the program's Alumni Association from 2012 — 2016. She is a graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXXVI. |
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VICE-CHAIR
He has been based in Broward County since 1993. In July 2014, he joined Fifth Third Bank in his current role. He is responsible for helping grow Fifth Third's brand in the real estate sector by delivering the full range of financial services to real estate developers. He is the current past chair of Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southeast Florida/Caribbean District Council and is presently chair of the Governance Committee. He is a past board member and is still actively involved with the Greater Ft Lauderdale Alliance. He serves on the Broward County Water Advisory Board representing the Alliance. He is on the board of Jack & Jill's Children Center. He is a past board member of the Museum of Discovery and Science, Make A Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, and Community Financing Consortium. |
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Joshua M. Atlas, Esq.
Atlas, who is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar, was most recently a partner in the West Palm Beach office of Saul, Ewing, Arnstein & Lehr, LLP, and served as the Vice Chair of the firm’s Construction Practice Group. Throughout his career, Atlas has represented contractors and developers in both litigation and transactional matters, including trying construction claims in state and federal court and negotiating complex construction and design agreements for residential and commercial projects. Atlas received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School. |
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Jeff Burns
Mr. Burns has been involved in the development of over 2.5 million square feet of commercial and residential real estate with a combined cost of a half a billion dollars. Included in that is over 1,600 residential apartment units that serve a wide variation of tenants, from luxury market-rate occupants to low-income housing residents. Every project has been a public-private partnership and has incorporated a substantial public finance component, such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Tax Improvement District financing (TID), Neighborhood Improvement District financing (NID), Community Redevelopment Agency financing (CRA), Special Assessment financing, Tax Exempt Bonds, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Department of Housing & Urban Development financing (HUD), and local government general revenue bonds. Mr. Burns is a Kansas City native and got his start in the real estate industry as a commercial real estate lender with a role of project origination for BB Syndication Services, Inc., a national syndicate lender out of Wisconsin, where he originated, underwrote and funded construction loans for development projects across the country ranging in size from $11 million to $200 million in total cost. In 2006, Mr. Burns left his role as a lender to partner on a development project named The Moderne, a 30-story high-rise residential tower located in downtown Milwaukee. Mr. Burns and his partners successfully closed on the financing of the $65 million project during the height of the US financial crisis in 2010 by utilizing local and federal government funding programs. The partnership completed The Moderne in 2012 and went on to develop other projects utilizing similar financing strategies. Mr. Burns moved his family to Fort Lauderdale in 2010 and eventually shifted the company’s development focus to South Florida by partnering with Boston Capital to develop a 90-unit affordable housing project in downtown Miami, FL. Mr. Burns teamed with South Florida native, Nick Rojo, to expand Affiliated Development’s presence in Florida. As a result of the partnership, Affiliated Development has gone on to undertake numerous mixed-use multifamily projects in various Florida markets and has earned a reputation as one of South Florida’s most dynamic and impactful development firms. Mr. Burns graduated from the University of Missouri Business School. He is actively involved in a number of local boards and charities and spends his free time with his wife and three daughters. |
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Alfonso Costa Jr., J.D.
Costa previously served in the Federal Government as Deputy Chief of Staff and Opportunity Zones lead for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this public service role, Mr. Costa was responsible for overseeing policy for the $50 billion annually-budgeted Cabinet agency, which maintains a wide range of housing and community development programs, a $1.3 trillion mortgage insurance portfolio, and approximately 7,000 employees across 57 offices nationwide. As an expert on the bi-partisan Opportunity Zones (OZ) program, Mr. Costa held the title of Chairman’s delegate and HUD’s lead representative on the Federal Government's inter-agency Opportunity and Revitalization Council, and for his efforts has been recognized as the Opportunity Zone Magazine’s “Top 25 OZ Influencers” list for both 2020 and 2021. A former 5th-grade teacher with Teach for America, Mr. Costa is now an active social advocate through philanthropic and academic volunteer work at the national and local levels. Nationally, he serves as an Ambassador for the Fitwel® Certification System, Public Sector Fellow of the Harvard Alumni Real Estate Board, Housing Advisory Council Member of the Bipartisan Policy Center, Full Member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), and Emerging Leaders Council Member and basketball alumnus of New Heights Youth (New York City). In his home State of Florida, Mr. Costa is the Program Chair of ULI Florida’s Affordable & Workforce Housing Council (AWHC) and recent Member of the City of West Palm Beach Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). Mr. Costa earned his law degree from Harvard University, master's degree (MSc) from the University of Oxford (United Kingdom), and bachelor's degree (BA) from Yale University. At Yale, he played both Division-I basketball and Division-I lacrosse while serving as Chair of the Yale Athletic Department’s Thomas W. Ford Community Outreach Committee. |
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Gloria Fernandez
Previously Gloria served as Managing Director of Asset Management for Elion Partners, a real estate investment firm headquartered in Aventura, Florida. Elion provides real estate equity for best-in-class developers and experienced operators in various strategic markets throughout the United States. Gloria oversaw Elion's asset management activities and administered strategies to enhance yields and reduce risks. Her responsibilities encompassed overseeing all aspects of the management process for the Elion portfolio, including qualifying assets with the acquisitions group, executing asset performance plans, and managing leasing and property management teams. Gloria also served as Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Finance at Ross Realty Investments, a South Florida-based commercial real estate doper and owner. In that role, she was active in the management, acquisitions, financial, and development operations of the company. She represented ownership interests before municipalities and community organizations. Before Ross Realty Investments, she worked for Swerdlow Real Estate Group in a financial capacity. During her tenure, she was part of the team that established a private Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and was responsible for financial pr Gloria earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Miami and is currently a Trustee of Broward College, and was past chair for Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School. She is a member of various professional organizations including the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and is licensed by the State of Florida as a Broker.
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Evans Gedeon
His experience includes acquisitions, development, operations and commercial real estate lending. Evans has worked for the most highly regarded real companies as an executive. The companies that Evans has worked for include Codina Partners, Trez Capital, Altman Companies and Procacci Development. During his 12+ year career, Evans has successfully participated in projects totaling over $1 billion dollars with various complexities and capital structures. Evans holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Florida Atlantic University. He also holds a master’s degree in real estate development from Nova Southeastern University. |
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Kona A. Gray
Site heritage, history, community interface, implementation, and sensitivity to each property’s unique cultural, physical and environmental characteristics factor strongly into his work. Kona's team of design professionals have worked on projects in Florida, Virginia, China, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Egypt. In addition to leading a design studio, he has contributed his time and expertise to organizations such as the American Society of Landscape Architects, The Landscape Architecture Foundation, and the Urban Land Institute. Kona’s leadership involvement with ASLA has included the Professional Awards Jury, chairing the Student Awards Jury, and participating in the Diversity Summit. He is the past president of the Landscape Architecture Foundation. Kona studied architecture at the Boston Architectural College, Savannah College of Art and Design, and received a BLA degree from the University of Georgia School of Environmental Design in 1997. |
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Steven Guasch
Steven received his B.A. at Florida Atlantic University, where he majored in both Finance and International Business & Trade, graduating Cum Laude. In 2013 Steven joined a Class-A multifamily developer, Altman Development, as a Financial Analyst and quickly expanded into his role of Development Manager. He was responsible for managing the financial feasibility, entitlement, design, acquisition, construction, and disposition of multiple apartment developments across South Florida, Orlando, and Texas, representing a capital investment in excess of $350 million. His involvement ensured the projects stayed on schedule, on budget and reached the investors' expectations. Steven holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) where he was inducted into the International Honor Society, Sigma Beta Delta. During his experience at NSU, Steven received mentorship from Terry Stiles and met his business partner, Noah Leon. Steven is actively involved with students by participating in the classroom setting. |
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Erin Ladd
Her strong urban planning and real estate development background is highly sought after by landowners, investors, design teams, and communities in facing the challenges of the overall real estate development process – bringing these skills to the resilience and sustainability space. Her prior project experience includes leading multi-disciplinary teams and clients through the technical aspects of design, entitlements, pro-forma modeling, construction management, contract negotiation, and community outreach for projects ranging from $3 million to $200+ million across all asset classes, including large-scale commercial, lifestyle mixed-use, vertical multi-family, hospitality, and industrial development projects. She has successfully received approvals for well over one million square feet of entitlements and counting. Erin previously worked for multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, and development firms. Erin holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development (MSRED) from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University. Erin is involved with the community and serves in appointed positions with the Management Committee for the Urban Land Institute’s Southeast Florida/Caribbean District and the Advisory Board for Nova Southeastern University’s MSRED program. She is also active with the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce’s Real Estate & Construction Committee and the American Planning Association. |
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Dhaima Lindo
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Jason Morjain
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Glen Mowatt
Before Up, Up & Away ABA Therapy, Glen was the Director of Acquisitions for Altis Cardinal LLC, a full-service real estate investment, development, and management firm based in Miami, Florida with $1.4+ billion in real estate assets. At Altis Cardinal LLC, he played a vital role in the acquisition, development, asset management, and disposition of the Altis Cardinal real estate portfolio. Mowatt's acquisition responsibilities were to perform financial analyses, prepare debt/equity memorandums, oversee the due diligence process and assist in the closing of potential development and acquisition opportunities. He was also responsible for working with property managers, leasing brokers, and lenders to maximize returns for the portfolio. Prior to joining Altis Cardinal, Mr. Mowatt was the Director of Acquisitions for TMSA Florida, a Canadian-based real estate private equity fund. In this role, Mr. Mowatt was responsible for sourcing and evaluating new real estate investment opportunities in the Florida market providing market research analyses, investment underwriting, and performing due diligence and asset management of the company's portfolio. Prior to joining TMSA Florida, Glen worked as a senior analyst and market consultant at Integra Realty Resources. In this role, he provided research, analysis, and reporting to real estate investors and developers of various property types on market trends, opportunities, marketability of development projects. Glen's experience includes assessing the market drivers, economic and demographic trends, supply and demand, and financial feasibility in South Florida. Other responsibilities involved conducting feasibility analyses and providing litigation support for a variety of clients and property types. Mowatt earned a bachelor's degree in Real Estate from Florida State University and a master's degree in Real Estate Development from Nova Southeastern University. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), a member of the Economic Roundtable for the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, and has been appointed to serve as co-chair of the NSU MSRED Alumni Association. |
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Evgeny Munkov, CFA
Evgeny Munkov is the director of investments at BBX Capital, where he is responsible for the full lifecycle of investments across various asset classes throughout complex multiparty capital stacks and diverse investment configurations. Having held U.S.-based and international positions with BBX Capital, Walker & Dunlop, Societe Generale, and Uralsib, he is a seasoned investment specialist with 15+ years of domestic and international experience in investments, finance, and real estate, with a particular focus on mid-/large-scale investments in commercial real estate. Evgeny’s memberships, alumni, and volunteer organizations include CFA Institute (Board Member/Executive Treasurer/Programming and Events Co-Chair of the Miami Chapter), NAIOP, Urban Land Institute (Executive Committee member of YLG, alumni of Leadership Institute), Miami Finance Forum, ALPFA (co-founder of the NSU chapter and past president), Economics and Finance Association at Nova Southeastern University (founder and past president), Strategic Forum, and CRE Finance Council. Additionally, he is a Board Member at Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc., and a Board Member/Finance Committee member at Leadership Broward Foundation (as well as LB Class XLI Alumni). Evgeny is bilingual in English and Russian and has earned a CFA Charter, an MS in International Economics from South Ural State University, and an MBA in Finance/International Business from Nova Southeastern University. |
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Debbie Orshefsky, J.D.
Debbie M. Orshefsky is a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig and a partner with Holland & Knight, operating out of offices in Fort Lauderdale and Washington, D.C. She practices in the areas of land development and environmental law with specific experience in planning, infrastructure planning, and financing, zoning, subdivision controls, and community redevelopment, as well as state, regional and local roles in land use decision-making. Debbie has represented private developers and government agencies as special counsel and has intimate knowledge of the land use planning process. In addition, she is a frequent speaker at state and national seminars on the land development process, as well as infrastructure planning and funding. |
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Harry Posin
Harry L. Posin is the Founder and President of Label & Co. Developments, Inc. Prior to forming Label & Co., Mr. Posin served as President and Executive Vice President of Minto Communities, one of Florida’s largest private builders. He was also on the Canadian-based parent company’s Board of Directors. Harry’s vision has been responsible for the development and building of over 20,000 units in every imaginable residential format including large-scale master-planned communities, single family, townhome, garden, mid-rise and high-rise apartments. Mr. Posin served on the Board of Directors for The Altman Company and is also on the Advisory Board of the Terry Stiles School of Real Estate at Nova Southeastern University. Harry was also Co-chair of American Friends of Ariel for 20 years. |
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Andrew Remick
Andrew Remick is a Principal at Highline Real Estate Capital which is a Florida based, value-focused real estate investment company that acquires and operates office and retail properties throughout the Southeast. Andrew is responsible for acquisitions and asset management of properties owned by Highline and its Joint Venture partners. In this role Andrew formulates and executes Highline's strategic initiatives including sourcing, underwriting, capital market activities, dispositions and asset management. Remick has executed on more than $350,000,000 of acquisitions, representing more than 1.6 million square feet of office and retail assets during his career. Prior to joining Highline, Remick was Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Asset Management at Continental Real Estate Companies (CREC) where he focused on sourcing acquisitions and overseeing the asset management of CREC’s portfolio. Andrew originally started at CREC in the brokerage department where he supported CREC’s third party brokerage department, specializing in multifamily and land. During this tenure Andrew worked with the firm’s clients including Lubert Adler Real Estate Funds, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, 13th Floor, Melo Development and Bank United among others, and closed on more than $375 million of brokerage and financing assignments. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration of Finance from St. John’s University, and a Master of Science in Real Estate Development (MSRED) from Nova Southeastern University. |
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Kenneth Stiles
Kenneth Stiles took the helm as CEO of Stiles Corporation in 2017 as Terry Stiles transitioned to Chairman. The move followed the company’s long-established leadership succession plan that paved the road for its long-term growth and sustainability. Prior to becoming CEO, Ken served for two years as Co-CEO with Terry. As CEO, Mr. Stiles serves on the company's board of directors, executive committee, investment review committee, and business development committee. As part of his chief responsibilities, he manages the company's ongoing communication with financial services partners and works directly with the investment team to identify new business opportunities. As a board member, he works closely with the family and fellow members in the development and implementation of the company's 50-year sustainability and growth plans. In addition, Mr. Stiles oversees the Stiles family office. Mr. Stiles' passion for real estate began at an early age through years of watching his father Terry build the corporation from only two employees in 1951 to more than 300 today. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Elon University in North Carolina, Mr. Stiles began his career as an assistant development manager gaining experience on many of Stiles' most prominent office projects, including Lake Shore Plaza I in Sunrise. After advancing through several projects, he then shifted his focus toward the financial services and investments division. An active participant in local charity, Mr. Stiles is Board Chair of the Museum of Discovery and Science and serves as an advisory board member of the NSU School of Real Estate. He is a graduate of the Leadership Broward Class XXXI and maintains an extensive history of involvement with the Broward Alliance and Young Presidents Organization, amongst others. Mr. Stiles is a native of Fort Lauderdale and currently resides in the Las Olas area with his wife Brittany and two sons. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and golfing. |
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David Udine
David Udine is a real estate developer and the Director of Development at Cymbal DLT Companies, a leading development and construction firm specializing in mixed-use and multifamily projects across Florida. With more than six years of industry experience, David has successfully overseen the development of more than 600,000 square feet of residential and commercial space, including notable projects such as Oasis Pointe Residences and Laguna Gardens. In addition to his development responsibilities, David leads new acquisitions for Cymbal DLT, sourcing new projects for the company. David has been at the forefront of the Raintree Riverwalk Residences project, which involves the development of two high-rise towers comprising 680 multifamily units. He played an instrumental role in securing entitlements for this ambitious project. David is overseeing both the entitlement and design processes for the Nautica Hotel and Residences, a branded landmark development featuring three high-rise towers. This project includes 360 multifamily units, 200 condominium units, a 119-key hotel, and a state-of-the-art marina for 72 yachts beneath the condominium tower. David holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida and an MBA in real estate from the University of Miami Herbert Business School. Beyond his professional accomplishments, David is deeply involved in education, frequently serving as a guest lecturer at various universities and mentoring young professionals entering the field. His passion for cultivating future leaders in real estate led him to join the Terry W. Stiles School of Real Estate Development at Nova Southeastern University, where he provides strategic guidance on curriculum development and fosters connections between students and industry professionals. David’s leadership, industry expertise, and commitment to education make him a valuable asset to the college and an inspiring mentor to students aspiring to careers in real estate development.
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Jessica Abramson is a Senior Development Manager for Stiles, where she is an owner
representative for retail real estate development projects. Her responsibilities include
project planning and coordination, due diligence, obtaining government approvals,
budgeting, and scheduling. Jessica has worked with clients including Publix, The Fresh
Market, Trader Joe's, Rooms to Go, Chase Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Starbucks.
Mark Peterson began his banking career in 1982 in Fort Worth, Texas after graduating
from the University of Texas at Austin. He was a senior client manager in commercial
real estate with Bank of America starting in 1983, working out of the Fort Worth,
San Antonio, Dallas, Washington, DC, and South Florida offices. He spent over 7 years
in DFW and DC in the real estate special asset group.
Joshua M. Atlas, Esq. brings over 15 years of legal and construction experience and
serves as KL’s chief legal officer responsible for the company’s legal affairs in
both Florida and North Carolina.
Jeff Burns is the Founder and CEO of Affiliated Development, a real estate development
company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mr. Burns has more than 15 years
of experience in the acquisition, development and finance of a wide array of property
types in markets across the United States. With an extensive background and longstanding
relationships, Mr. Burns has a proven track record to see real estate opportunities
from conception through to reality.
Alfonso Costa Jr. serves as Executive Vice President and Head of Public-Private Partnerships
(P3) for the Falcone Group, where he is responsible for leading the company’s workforce
housing division and P3 opportunities. Headquartered in South Florida, the Falcone
Group is a real estate development & investment firm that has developed and acquired
more than 30,000 multifamily apartments, 15 million square feet of commercial space,
and 30,000 single-family homes throughout the country.
Gloria Fernandez is Chief Operating Officer for HB Capital, a privately-held, real
estate owner, investor, and developer based in Miami, Florida. The firm focuses on
the acquisition, asset management, and development of value-add real estate assets
in primary and secondary markets in various markets throughout the United States
Evans Gedeon is a Partner and Vice President of Finance for Neucor Construction. In
his role he oversees accounting and finance. He also participates in the development,
operations and structuring of finance for commercial real estate investment opportunities
for the company.
Principal of EDSA, with 24+ years of experience, Kona Gray has been involved in many planning and landscape architectural projects, ranging
from large-scale master planning to detail site design with emphasis on hotels/resorts,
government, healthcare, and campus planning since he joined EDSA in 1997.
Steven Guasch is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Defined Companies, a full-service
real estate investment and development company. He is responsible for the financial
feasibility and management of the overall development process of residential communities
and mixed-use projects throughout South Florida.
Erin Ladd is the Director of Planning & Development at Brizaga, bringing her significant
planning experience to the team and leading the growth of Brizaga’s resilient and
sustainable development practice.
Facilitating real estate business sales valued at over $100 million and over 20 years
of experience, Dhaima Lindo managed Fort Lauderdale-based Southeast Business Partners before launching her own
firm, Zenith Realty Group. Since 2017, her investment firm Zenith Investment Group
has acquired more than a dozen extraordinary projects across the US and internationally,
building over 1,500 properties. Their current projects total $698 million in gross
sales and $408 million in profits. As a marketing professional, Ms. Lindo secured
and managed campaigns for clients including Starbucks, Checkers and the Miami HEAT.
Her experience in both sales and marketing is what makes the difference in getting
the best outcome for her clients. She founded Credit Chess, which bridges the gap
to get funding and improve business credit. Business partners and clients say she
has an outstanding “make it happen” reputation and describes Ms. Lindo as a strong
communicator, negotiator and problem solver. She is now a member of the Advisory Board
at Nova Southeastern University's (M.S.R.E.D.) Program.
Prior to his work with Dragonfly Investments, Jason Morjain worked with Beacon Investment
Properties. During his 5-year tenure, he became the Acquisitions Manager where he
spearheaded the purchase of more than 3 million square feet of office buildings across
the country. He then took over as the asset manager of all Florida properties in Beacon’s
portfolio. Prior to his work with Beacon Investment Properties, he was a mortgage
broker with City First Mortgage and an assistant property manager for Rok Enterprises.
Mr. Morjain holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Maryland.
He also holds a Florida Real Estate license and a Florida Mortgage Broker License.
Glen Mowatt is the co-owner of Up, Up & Away ABA Therapy, a behavioral consulting
agency that provides in-home & clinic-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) services
for young children (15 months to 10 years of age) on the autism spectrum and related
disabilities.
