Jane Castor

Chief of Police
City of Tampa

 

 

Jane Castor made history when she was appointed Tampa’s first female Police Chief. But that wasn’t her first accomplishment for the history books. Twenty-five years ago, she was the first female elected president of her police academy class. She has continued a leadership role throughout her career. She moved quickly through the ranks and has served in nearly every capacity within the Department from Patrol, Narcotics, Family Violence and Sex Crimes to Criminal Intelligence, the Field Training Program and Administration. As Chief, she commands a force of 1,000 police officers.

Chief Castor is one of the architects of the Tampa Police Department’s progressive crime fighting strategy that has reduced crime by 56% in the last seven years. Jane Castor has also led the Department of Homeland Security’s Tampa Bay Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). In that role, Chief Castor became a pioneer in homeland security trends in local law enforcement. Chief Castor’s dedication to the community reaches beyond her role as Chief. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Hillsborough House of Hope and Trinity School for Children.

Chief Castor earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology from University of Tampa where she attended on volleyball and basketball scholarships. She developed her natural leadership abilities on the hardwood where she served as captain of both teams. She has been inducted into the University of Tampa’s Athletic Hall of Fame. She also holds a Master’s of Public Administration from Troy State University. She is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. This year, Chief Castor was named Law Enforcement Executive of the Year by the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.

Donna Moore

Home !st Lending

 

 

Donna Moore moved to Florida 25 years ago, from the upper peninsula of Michigan where she grew up on a large dairy farm. She has milked more than one cow in her lifetime and still considers herself a farm girl at heart. After moving to Florida she met her husband, Bill who owned a commercial printing company in downtown St. Petersburg. Eventually the two of them ran the company together and later Donna took over the management. After operating the business for 15 years they sold it and Donna became a licensed mortgage broker. Her first Reverse Mortgage was done for a Tampa, Florida couple trying to exist on a limited income, of which 60% monthly was going to an existing mortgage. When she saw how the Reverse Mortgage changed their lives and eased their financial burdens, she knew she had to bring awareness of this program to as many seniors as she could and became a certified reverse mortgage expert. For that reason, Donna is passionate about speaking to groups and organizations about the pros and cons of the program.Donna also believes in educating our youth on finances and credit worthiness. She has presented programs on understanding credit scoring to our troops at MacDill Airforce Base and to church organizations along the Gulf Coast.

She and her business partner, Janet Brooks, operate their own mortgage branch office of Home 1st Lending, not only helping seniors through reverse mortgages but also originating FHA, VA and conventional loans. Originally they opened the office as the only two loan officers, over the past two years they have grown to 17 employees.When Donna is not working, she loves to spend time with her family, including her husband, his children, her daughter and their 7 grandchildren. She also adores her Jack Russell, who is addicted to frisbees, tennis balls and has endless energy for both. Donna is a member of her church choir, belongs to the Better Living for Seniors Consortium, a Sun Shine City Kiwanis member and Officer of RealTalkers Toastmasters International. She enjoys challenging herself with public speaking and previously won first place in the Area Humorous Speech Contest in Toastmasters.Donna’s favorite quote is from Jim Rohn: “Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness – great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation and great joy.” She believes we all have the ability to be great.

Deborah Connelly

President, PayCoachHR

 

 

Deborah A. Connelly, a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and President of PayCoachHR, is a nationally acclaimed payroll trainer and educator in the academic and software development industries. Debbie has over 20 years experience training Payroll and HR software applications for your top providers. Such providers include ADP, eStar, Mangrove, and Sage. Client training includes implementation of statutory changes and how to use your software to accomplish the task. She has been teaching CPP Preparation classes, and now PayCoachHR Webinars, since she introduced them at St. Petersburg College in 1994. Some of Debbie’s past accomplishments include the Technical Editor of the widely acclaimed Principles of Payroll Administration and The Payroll Answer Book. She is the newly appointed Vice President of the Central Pinellas Chapter of the APA, past President of the Suncoast Bay Area Chapter and active member of the National association. Debbie is an active member of both the national and local chapter of SHRM and the Chair of the Young Careerist Program for the Business and Professional Women/St. Petersburg.

PayCoachHR provides Workshops and Online Webinars for individuals and companies preparing to sit for the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) exam and for the beginner payroll professional, Speaking Services on the latest payroll tax compliance issues and Annual Membership Services including a Payroll in a Crisis (PIC) hotline with discounts on services. Please visit her website at www.PayCoachHR.com for more information.

Richard Keane

Narrator: Stock Shock

 

 

When a humble and dedicated U.S. postal worker was pushed into early retirement by the recent economic meltdown, he had no idea he would end up on the White House radar. The office of the President of the United States was interested in learning more about his part in the new movie "Stock Shock" which reveals the inside story behind the recent economic recession. Richard Keane, Jr. found himself chosen to be the narrator of the movie "Stock Shock" after filmmakers decided his story epitomized the impact of market manipulation on the average American investor.In late 2008, deprived of his postal income, but still determined to put his daughter through college Richard decided to take his chances in the stock market. While he didn't lose his shirt, he felt buffeted by the wild gyrations of the market and out-gunned by techniques of market professionals such as flash trading and short selling.

Teaming up with filmmakers to expose the unfair advantages of industrial traders, Richard began reaching out to government agencies. As the movie premiered it generated a buzz across the internet attracting 30,000 twitter followers and fan sites. It's brought together thousands of struggling investors who lost money during the recent crash.

In a grassroots movement, many viewers began sending their DVDs with letters to the SEC. Richard sent his letter to President Obama. Richard never expected a call back. "I got the phone call on August 19, 2009 from the office of the President of the United States," Richard remembers with pride. "I told them it was great that the SEC and President Obama were taking action to make sweeping changes in the financial world." From bloggers, to activist investors, to government officials, "Stock Shock" has become the new rallying cry for change on Wall Street. Since its release the SEC has settled its first case against naked short sellers. "I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be in a Hollywood movie telling the world about stock market corruption," says a shocked Richard, " I'm no star, but as the narrator of the movie, I am the voice of victimized military veterans, police officers, firefighters, teachers and the rest of the working class people of the world."

Janet Long

Florida State Representative,
District 51

 

 

Representative Long is no stranger to working in State Government. Her career in public service began in 1975 as a Legislative Aide working in the Old Capitol.

In 1980, Janet served as the Assistant to the Pinellas County Legislative Delegation until 1986 when she was appointed by Commissioner Bill Gunter as the Deputy Insurance Commissioner for the Florida Department of Insurance with primary day to day management and oversight of the Regional Office located in Pinellas County. She was reappointed by Commissioner Tom Gallagher and again by Commissioner Bill Nelson.

In 2002, Representative Long was elected to the Seminole City Council and elected again in 2004 without opposition. In 2006, she was elected as a Democrat to the Florida House of Representatives from District 51. In her first year of office, she passed five out of her six bills. She has created an electronic newsletter which keeps her constituents abreast of her activities and those of the legislature. In an effort to insure that her constituents have a voice, she has held various town hall meetings in her district and around Pinellas County on property taxes, the Lealman fire district, the Pinellas Park Water Management District, and raising the standards for Pre-K education. She was re-elected to the Florida Legislature in 2008 and serves on Military & Veterans Affairs Policy Committee, Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council, and Insurance, Business & Financial Affairs Policy Committee.

Janet has been married to her husband, Richard, a retired officer with the Seminole Fire Department, for over thirty years. Her daughter is a nurse. Her oldest son is a U.S. Army Veteran Apache pilot who recently flew missions in Afghanistan and is now flying in the private sector. Her youngest son is a police officer with the City of Clearwater and also a National Guard Reservist. Her daughter-in-law is also a police officer with the City of Clearwater and a Navy Reservist. She also has three beautiful grandchildren.

Karen Mincey

CIO & Vice President of Information Technology
of TECO Energy

 

 

Karen has worked in the electric utility industry for 26 years. In 1990, she joined Tampa Electric as an engineer in the Marketing Department, and her various roles at TECO include Distribution Engineering, Telecommunications and Information Technology.

Karen leads a team of technical professionals responsible for TECO Energy's corporate computing systems. Under her leadership, TECO Energy has been recognized several times as one of the “100 Best Places to Work in IT” and among the “Top 500 Companies in Technology Innovation.”

Karen serves on the boards of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay, and is a past chair of the Hillsborough Community College Foundation Board. She has been a recipient of Tampa Bay’s "40 Under 40" award, which recognizes top community achievers.

Nationally, Karen received the first-ever Woman of Color in Technology "Chairman's Award," recognizing the achievements of the nation's top minority engineers, scientists and technologists.

Karen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola.

Ruth Chapman

CEO, Shapemaster Florida

 

 

Results-driven Business Owner and CEO with entrepreneurial flair and proven ability to direct and control, delivering profit and shareholder value. 25 years senior management experience (20 at board level) covering the full spectrum of business operations in complex commercial environment of the manufacturing service industry. Proven track record of inspirational leadership achieving large-scale transformation.

Expertise and in depth understanding of organizational structure and culture with the ability to deliver change through people and technology. Outstanding reputation and track record of success at national and governmental level in the surface engineering and metal finishing industries.

For more detailed information on Ruth Chapman, click here to see her entire profile.

Leslie Waters

Lobbyist, Campaign Consultant, Keynote Speaker

 

 

LESLIE WATERS is an experienced State Legislative Leader, Experienced Local Government Official, Experienced State and Federal Lobbyist, Experienced Government Relations Manager for Allstate Insurance Company, Experienced Small Business Owner, Experience Campaigner, Experienced Campaign Coach, Experienced Political Grassroots Motivational Speaker and Facilitator.

She brings energy and enthusiasm not often seen when dealing with the political process. Her "view from the inside out" her "first hand" and "up-front" knowledge of all sides of the political process, and her knowledge of local, state and national issues impacting the bottom-line of business and industry is invaluable.

(from About Leslie at http://www.waterswave.com)

• Born in Gulfport; Lives in Seminole for 31 years
  Florida State University – B.S. and M.S.
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
• Supreme Court Certified Mediator
• ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY – 29-year career in Human Resources,
  Corporate and Government Relations Management
• THE FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – 8 years, leaving in 2006 due to
  term-limits; last 2 years served as Speaker Pro-Tempore
• LESLIE WATERS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS – (2006-present)
• Lobbyist – Washington DC; mental health issues
• Campaign Consultant – Judicial, School Board, City and Legislative candidates.
• Keynote Speaker – International, National, and Statewide; Conventions &
  Conferences: “Good Government” topics.
•  CITY OF SEMINOLE, Vice Mayor (Present)

Jeanine Williams

Assistant City Attorney
St. Petersburg

 

 

 

Jeannine S. Williams is the immediate past president of the St. Petersburg Bar Association. She was the fifth woman and first African-American to lead the 84 year-old organization of more than 1200 lawyers, judges, and law students. She is also a past president of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association and Foundation as well as the Community Law Program, Inc.

Ms. Williams graduated from Florida A&M University with a B.S. in Business Economics and received her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law, where she served as president of the trial team and a member of the Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board. Ms. Williams has been an Assistant City Attorney in St. Petersburg for nine years. She provides advice in the areas of employment, workers compensation, disability, business development and energy law. She has litigated employment and breach of contract actions in federal and state courts. She currently serves on the Executive Council of The Florida Bar City, County and Local Government Law Section.

For her dedication to public service and to the community, she was honored by the Supreme Court of Florida with the Chief Justice’s Commendation for Leadership, by the Stetson University College of Law with the William Reece Smith Public Service Award and by the St. Petersburg City Council with the Sunshine Ambassador Award. Her greatest accomplishments, her two daughters, are the results of a team effort with her husband, Alfred.

 

 

 

 

Larry Renda

Owner, Air Quality Control

 

 

Larry Renda received his BA in Marketing and Business administration in 1974 from Walsh College. As a resident of Detroit Michigan, Larry worked for Ford Motor Company in purchasing for 8 years.

Down sizing in the automotive manufacturing industry precipitated the desire for Larry and his brother Joe to look for opportunities outside of the Detroit area. The lure of Florida’s mild climate and a chance to purchase a St. Petersburg Mechanical Contractor’s business brought Larry and Joe Renda to Pinellas County.

In 1980, at the onset of this new venture, Larry and Joe handled all the sales, service, installation and administrative duties for Air Quality Control. With a small existing customer base, they built and have grown the business into a prominent competitor within the Tampa bay Community.

Larry is now the Secretary/Treasure for Air Quality Control, Inc. He is the Human Resources administrator, oversees the permitting department and is the office manager. He has served on the board of R A C C A, (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor Association) and was its President in 2004.

From its small beginnings, Air Quality Control has grown to 30 employees and has over 8,000 clients. It is a Nationally Green Certified Contractor. With both a state Mechanical and Gas License, Air Quality Control has developed many relationships with providers in the region, such as TECO Peoples Gas, as a TECO Gas Advantage Dealer/Contractor and Carrier Corp. as a Carrier Certified Dealer.

Air Quality Control won the 2008-2009 Carrier Achievement Award. They won 2009 Sub Contactor of the Year award and the 2010 Contractor of the Year Achievement Award from NARI, (National Association of Remodelers Industry)

Marcia Cohen, P.A.

Attorney and Mediator

 

 

 

Marcia S. Cohen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Roosevelt University of Chicago, a Masters degree in Music Composition from Northwestern University, and received her Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1984. Since becoming a member of The Florida Bar, she has practiced almost exclusively in the area of labor and employment law with a concentration in employment discrimination and sexual harassment. A more recent focus of her practice has been in the area of international law. She has the distinction of having had a successful case before the U.S. Supreme Court, and is a certified mediator and a certified arbitrator.

As a part-time resident of Paris, France, Ms. Cohen has spoken there on equal opportunity and the promotion of diversity. She has been a guest lecturer on U.S. civil rights and employment discrimination law at the University of Paris at Nanterre, and is of counsel to Cabinet Cimadevilla, a Paris law firm specializing in international law.

Ms. Cohen is a member of the Legal Panel of the Pinellas County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, was the recipient of its 2007 Gardner Beckett Civil Rights Award, and has been an advocate for the legal rights of women, disabled persons and minorities for over 20 years.

 

 

 

 

Rebecca
Duffy

Duffy Insurance and Financial Group

 

 

 

A trained professional, dedicated to helping individuals save, grow and protect their money.

Rebecca has worked in the financial services industry since 1996 and is a fully registered and insurance licensed representative with Invest Financial Corporation. She is the owner and president of Duffy Insurance and Financial Group in St. Petersburg.

Rebecca works primarily with individuals and small business owners in developing lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect. She prides herself in making a difference in their financial future through education and “actions with a plan”.

Rebecca studied business and received her Associate of Arts degree from St. Petersburg College. She has been a member of BPW/St. Pete-Pinellas since 2001, is a current member of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serves as the Executive Director of the Rogers Heart Foundation, a private non-profit organization. Rebecca and her husband, Mike, have two grown children and have lived in the St. Petersburg area since 1957.

 

 

 

Patty
Clark

Celebrant

 

 

Patty Clark is a Life-Cycle Celebrant and Non-denominational Minister who works with individuals, couples, families, organizations and business to help them celebrate and honor transitional events with meaningful ritual and words. She has been creating and performing weddings for over 10 years and in the past few years has expanded her practice to include ceremonies which cover a broad spectrum of transitional life events. She facilitates such diverse events as:

• Baby Naming or Adoptions Ceremony
• Graduation Celebrations
• Funeral or Remembrance Ceremony
• Elder Honoring
• Retirement, Job Downsizing or Other Life Transition
• Military Homecomings
• Commitment Ceremonies
• Even Divorce Ceremonies Which are Focused on Healing and Moving Forward

Patty’s goal in these events is help you fully understand, recognize and own that experience.

Patty gets a tremendous satisfaction in helping people explore how ritual can enhance their lives.  If you sometimes feel that you are caught too deep into the speed of life, then Patty will inspire and motivate you with creative, yet practical, ways to bring significance into your days, whether for yourself, your family, with friends or at work.

 

 

 

Dr. Frank
Farkas

Farkas Chiropractic Clinic

 

 

 

 

Dr. Frank Farkas, Clinic Director of Farkas Chiropractic Clinic is committed to helping his patients attain their best health and vitality.  He leads a team of doctors and therapists, who through the use of the most modern techniques and equipment, design individualized care plans encompassing the wellness spectrum.  With extensive experience lecturing, conducting classes on various health issues and mentoring chiropractic students,

Dr. Farkas relates well to all age groups. Dr. Farkas has provided outstanding chiropractic care to the St. Petersburg community for over 30 years and also has been recognized for his work as a state legislator and on many nonprofit boards.  www.farkasclinic.com

 

Theresa
Mejia-Johnson

Fathers Perspective Magazine

 

 

Dr Mejia Johnson has over twenty years experience in business, education, and the human services field. She has worked in human resources for the oil business, created a think tank at a community college, and developed the first accredited mortgage finance educational program. She is currently a consultant to a number of nonprofit organizations, working as adjunct staff as necessary. Dr Mejia Johnson has worked with single mothers, previously incarcerated fathers, youth, and preschoolers. She has also worked with troubled teens, developmentally disabled youth, and gifted children.

In addition, she has expertise in grant writing, fund development, and workforce development. Dr Mejia Johnson has experience with a variety of assessment instruments that measure personality, potential job skills, educational levels, communication issues, and familial structure. These assessments are utilized to better assist clients to create a positive, healthy future for themselves and their families.

She holds a PhD in International Business and is the President and Chief Operating Officer of a parenting magazine for fathers, Fathers Perspective, as well as the President and Chief Operating Officer of a non-profit organization titled I Am A Dream. Fathers Perspective is the first national magazine for fathers with a focus upon parenting. Dr Mejia Johnson has coordinated five conferences related to fatherhood and promotes responsible, committed fatherhood with workshops in various U.S. locations.

Dr Mejia Johnson has assisted parents to enhance their relationship with their spouse or partner and with their children. She assisted with the development of Universal Preschool for the school system in the city of Denver, Colorado which is now available to all families with four year old children. She understands the value of connecting with family members in a meaningful way. Her professional life is devoted to the lives of children, families, and communities. She recognizes the potential of every parent and of every child.

Jen Holloway

Brighthouse Network

 

 

If Jen Holloway had a nickel for every time some has asked her "So, what exactly ARE you doing for Bright House," she'd have a pretty hefty bag of change. This past December, she wrapped up her career as the long time morning anchor for Bay News 9 and started a new position in the Tampa Bay Division marketing department. The best part? No more 2 AM wake-up calls!

While Jen's loyal viewers may miss her on the morning news, they still get to see her as the "face" of Bright House in the company's television commercials, PSA's and videos. Her on-camera work also includes locally produced programming including the annual "Bright Stars Senior Idol" show.

As Bright House's "ambassador", Jen makes appearances and assists with both internal and external events, ranging from employee recognition banquets and Ad Sales awards dinners to Bay News 9 tours, Business Solutions client luncheons, bulk community presentations and Call Center training.

Her new position takes her out into the community, as well, interacting directly with new and potential customers at company-sponsored events including the St. Pete Grand Prix, the Buccaneers Fan Fest and our own Customer Appreciation Days. She also supports our Community Relations activities such as teaching elementary students for Junior Achievement, emceeing fundraisers and modeling in fashion shows for numerous community organizations.

While Jen may have left the anchor desk, she is still very much a part of Bright House Networks and the Tampa Bay community.

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Karen Brown
Dunlap

The Poynter Institute

 

 

Karen Brown Dunlap is president of The Poynter Institute as well as a Trustee at Poynter and a member of the Board of Directors of the (St. Petersburg) Times Publishing Company. She is also on the board of the Newspaper Association of America Foundation and Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc.

Dr. Dunlap has led seminars on writing throughout the nation and abroad, including sessions in South Africa and the Netherlands. She is co-author of The Effective Editor with Foster Davis, co-author of The Editorial Eye with Jane Harrigan, and was editor of the Institute’s Best Newspaper Writing series. She has served twice as a Pulitzer Prize jurist.

Dr. Dunlap was a reporter for the Macon News and the Nashville Banner, with stints as a staff writer at the St. Petersburg Times. She began her tenure at Poynter in 1989. Prior to that she taught journalism at Tennessee State University in Nashville, and at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Dunlap is a graduate of Michigan State University and Tennessee State University, and received her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. She has been recognized as an outstanding alum by each.

Dr. Dunlap is married, with four children and lots of grandchildren.

Peggy O'Shea

Pinellas County School Board Chaiwoman

 

 

Peggy O'Shea, Chairperson, was elected to the school board in November of 2008. Prior to her election, she was appointed by the Governor to serve as Chairperson of the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas. This is the agency that administers school readiness programs and Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program.

In addition, Peggy has been active in the Pinellas County Schools, most recently as a member of the Choice Reform Task Force. She also served on several district task forces and School Advisory Councils.

She is a member of the Executive Board of the Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce having served as chair of their education and their government affairs & economic development committees. She is a former member of the Board of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative, the East Lake Community Library, Pinellas Public Access Advisory Committee, and a member of the Palm Harbor Rotary.

Peggy's business experience includes working as a mediator and managing a commercial arbitration and mediation service. She has also been involved in politics managing campaigns.

Peggy and her husband Dan are 23 year residents of Pinellas County and parents of twin daughters.

Jessica Lowe

Lobbyist for
BPW/FL and FL NOW

Bob Ballou

Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of St. Petersburg

 

 

Division Chief Bob Ballou is the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of St. Petersburg. In that role, the Chief is responsible for the supervision and administration of the City's emergency management program. This program consists of plans, procedures and public education related to the mitigation of, preparation for, response to and recovery from man-made and natural disasters.

Chief Ballou is a Certified Florida Professional Emergency Manager, a State certified Fire Officer, Fire Inspector, Water Rescue Diver, and is trained in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. He is also a State and County certified Emergency Medical Technician. His education includes two associate's degrees from St. Petersburg Junior College, one in General Education and the other in Fire Science, and a bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration from Eckerd College.

Dr. Dawn Cecil

Associate Professor of Criminology, University of South Florida

Building Powerful Women Personally, Professionally, and Politically.

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