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Meet the LSP Class of 2023

As one of the oldest leadership programs in America and a division of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership St. Pete® seeks to identify, recruit and develop leaders who represent the diversity of our local community. Through a dynamic, intensive, interactive, six-month experience, Leadership St. Pete is customized to provide a curriculum that enhances community acumen to develop the future leaders who will assume roles in the Chamber and other community organizations.

LSP challenges its class members to view issues in our community, state, and nation as opportunities. Through class interaction and discussions with community leaders, LSP stimulates creative thinking, and, ultimately, community leaders emerge with new resources and knowledge to face their everyday challenges.

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Class Profiles

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Callie Barber

Callie Barber, Olivia Poppy Salon

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I'm a salon/small business owner & hairstylist.
  2. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? The sense of community and camaraderie is my favorite thing about St. Pete.
  3. How would you define yourself in three words? Ambitious, confident, nurturing
Kristen Brauer

Kristen Brauer, Healing Hands for Pets

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? Veterinarian and owner of a full service veterinary clinic offering the best of traditional medicine with a variety of integrative therapy
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? The ability to learn, grow, and build new relationships with others while working together on a project that benefits this community is what really excites me and motivated me to apply for Leadership St Pete.
  3. What are you currently reading? 1q84 by Haruki Murakami
David Brett

David Brett, CBIZ MHM, LLC

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I would consider myself to be a hard working and fun individual. I like being active and enjoy having a good time.
  2. How would you define yourself in three words? Accountable and Reliable
  3. What are you currently reading? "Crucial Conversations" by Grenny, Patterson, McMillan, Switzler and Gregory
Aron Bryce

Aron Bryce, Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I am the Florida State College Coordinator at the Institute of Strategic Policy Solutions housed within St. Petersburg College. My role entails engaging with the 27 other state colleges within the Florida College system (FCS) to collaborate, familiarize the FCS with ISPS and the resources we provide, as well as find common areas to work together.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I have been wanting to participate in LSP for a few years now but financial constraints prevented it. To finally be accepted into the program and about to actually participate is nothing short of thrilling. I truly can't wait to embark on this journey, where I am looking forward to creating new relationships, learning a lot, and developing personally as a professional and leader.
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? I was born and raised in St. Pete. Even at only 27 I have seen the transformative change our city has undergone. That progress is something to be proud of, and I certainly am. However the rich history as well as the pride and love of the city by its residents makes it truly special. We have countless local businesses, wonderful restaurants, lots of parks including a gorgeous waterfront park system, many museums and galleries, tons of coffee shops and breweries, and most importantly a population of citizens that truly love their home. Our community is inclusive, diverse, and welcoming. That to me is truly unique, and my favorite thing about living in St. Pete. I couldn't be more proud to be a native of the greatest city in the world.
Manny Carmona

Manny Carmona III, Wallace Welch & Willingham

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? Insurance broker who advises commercial entities on their specific risks/exposures. Structure tailored insurance programs to provide broad coverage at economically feasible pricing for commercial entities.
  2. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? The ability to never stay bored - there are so many different things to do in city!
  3. Best piece of advice you’ve received? Be a sponge, absorb as much information as you can at all times.
Alfio Carroccetto

Alfio Carroccetto, The Affinity Group of Dalton Wade Inc.

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I am the Realtor's Owner of The Affinity Group of Dalton Wade Inc. Our focus is residential and commercial property sales and purchases in the Tampa Metro Area.
  2. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? We live where others dream to vacation, and I do not take that for granted!
  3. How would you define yourself in three words? Purposeful, Confident, Ambitious
Anne Core

Anne Core, St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I promote St. Pete as a great place for business to out-of-market companies, encouraging them to relocate to or expand here, bringing new jobs to the city.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? Building relationships with new people and getting more plugged into the community.
  3. Best piece of advice you’ve received? Self-awareness is a key to self-mastery. (Gretchen Rubin, my guru!)
Bryan Dion

Bryan Dion, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I am a land use and commercial real estate attorney.
  2. How would you define yourself in three words? Easy-going, confident, approachable
  3. What would you like to accomplish in the next year? I would like to grow my role in my community, which includes strengthening my role within in my firm and expanding my footprint in St. Pete. This means fostering relationships close to me, and creating new, lasting relationships within the community.
Ali Headshot

Alexandra DySard, Environmental Defense Fund

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I work on state environmental policy, bringing together sustainable private sector leaders, policy makers, municipalities and school districts. Specializing in sustainable development, electric school buses, and medium and heavy duty electric fleet transitioning.
  2. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? I LOVE living and working in St. Pete. I fell in love with our local park systems, beautiful beaches, ease of access to sustainable transportation and bike lanes, and the amazing local businesses and restaurants.
  3. How would you define yourself in three words? Creative, outgoing and enthusiastic.
Erin Flock

Erin Flock, Seacoast Bank

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I am a commercial lender; helping businesses in our community with their financial needs.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am most excited in joining Leadership St Pete to be surrounded by people that are high achievers and goal oriented individuals that want to make an impact on our community.
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? My favorite thing about living in St Pete is our food scene; there are so many wonderful restaurants!
John Flood

John H. Flood, Suffolk Construction

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? Careful cultivation and coordination of relationships in order to perform a large scale operation to turn visions into reality.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am most excited about getting to meet a whole new group of people and creating lasting relationships with them for years to come.
  3. Best piece of advice you’ve received? Never forget to remain patient.
Brittany Frazier

 Brittney Frazier, Allegany Franciscan Ministries

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? As the Grants Officer and Strategic Initiative Manager, I manage grant programs that support BIPOC led and/or BIPOC serving nonprofits with capacity building efforts.
  2. How would you define yourself in three words? Multifaceted, Open-minded, Disciplined
  3. What are you currently reading? Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Al Gentillini

Al Gentilini, University of South Florida

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? At the University of South Florida I am responsible for overall management of the Campus Recreation on the St. Petersburg campus, including long-range strategic planning, vision, assessment, risk management, and operation of a comprehensive recreational experience. Further, I oversee developmental opportunities for professional and student staff, including career, personal and leadership skills.
  2. Best piece of advice you’ve received? Always do our best in everything you do, but most importantly show up and not just physically.
  3. What are you currently reading? Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Dr. Meg Meeker
Aaron Germundsen

Aaron Germundsen, Burns and McDonnell

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? Enabling utility industry transformation across the value chain of infrastructure to digital
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? Connecting on a shared journey while forging relationships that pave the way for a long term commitment to continue to make St Pete a great community.
  3. How would you define yourself in three words? Curious, Resilient, Resourceful
Byron Green

Dr. Byron Green, PRX

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I work to foster equitable and inclusive spaces through facilitating empathy building. Increasing knowledge skill and awareness around equity drives us closer to a better tomorrow.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? Meeting other leaders across the city who are committed to creating a better version of St Pete.
  3. Best piece of advice you’ve received? Your worth is not impacted by others who are unable to see it.
Chris Griffin

Chris Griffin, City of St. Petersburg

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? My job is to build and manage the City of St. Petersburg's budget specifically working with the Fire Department, Human Resources, the Mayor's Office and other general government departments.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am excited to learn more about the City of St. Pete, to learn more my leadership abilities, to make lasting relationships with other St. Pete leaders, and to develop a community of trust with my fellow classmates.
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? I love living and working in St. Pete because there is always something new and exciting happening as our city continues to grow and develop.
Missy Hurley

Missy Hurley, B2 Communications

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I help growing companies communicate with the people who can impact their business, from customers to employees to investors.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? Learning about where our city is headed next, and meeting the people who are impacting our community.
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? Living in St. Pete, I love the way that green space and the waterfront are preserved and used. I love seeing people playing, reading and relaxing in Vinoy, North Shore and Flora Wylie Parks -- which I call "St. Pete's backyard" -- on the weekends, paddleboarding in Coffee Pot Bayou, walking my dog around Crescent Lake, and showing off the best view of the city from the Pier.
Robin Ingles

Robin Ingles, Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc.

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I run a nonprofit focused on senior issues.
  2. Why are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I'm excited for the networking and relationships I can build in LSP Class of 2023!
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? I love that I can see dolphins or manatees on my way to school or work!
Pamela Lee

Pamela Lee, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I oversee the finance department and work with our executive team to ensure alignment with our strategic plan. My priority is to ensure that our organization can continue serving our community with affordable homeownership for years to come.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? Getting more involved in my community in a meaningful way and making lifelong connections with my peers
  3. What are you currently reading? Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
Sebastián Leon

Sebastian Leon, TECO Peoples Gas

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I manage local government affairs and community relations in my region for the company. I basically connect the dots between our company, government and community stakeholders.
  2. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? Being close to the ocean and the sense of community you get in St. Pete,
  3. Best piece of advice you’ve received? Always keep your word and always be loyal to your people.
Steven Marciano

Steve Marciano, Baycare/St. Anthony's Hospital

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? Manager of Hospital/Nursing Business Operations
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? The opportunity to meet, collaborate and learn from other leaders in our community. The opportunity to engage, participate, and give back to our community.
  3. How would you define yourself in three words? Collaborative, kind, lifelong-learner
Kelli McDonaugh

Kelli McDonaugh, NextPath Career Partners

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I serve as a link between businesses (clients) and their prospective new hires. I listen carefully to what they need in talent and our team works to find the right fit, both with skill and culture!
  2. Best piece of advice you’ve received? Make something good happen.
  3. How would you define yourself in three words? Positive, sincere, fun!
Megan McGee

Megan McGee, St. Petersburg Police Department

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I write and manage grants for SPPD, ranging from equipment, multi-agency Human Trafficking Task Force development and Community Policing initiatives. I developed and now oversee SPPD's CALL program that diverts nonviolent/noncriminal calls from police to behavioral health professionals.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? Opportunity to meet, learn from and develop relationships with a diverse group of changemakers who generally don't like to sit still!
  3. Best piece of advice you’ve received? If it's not a "HELL YES," it's a no.
Alison McKown

Allison McKown, Foley & Lardner LLP

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I am a real estate lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP, representing investors, developers, property owners, tenants, financial institutions and private lenders in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. I counsel clients related to acquisitions, dispositions, development and leasing of various asset classes, including office, retail, multi-family, hotel, golf course and and warehouse facilities, as well as regularly representing both lenders and borrowers in connection with commercial lending, including construction financing, term lending, and asset-based lending.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am most excited about meeting new people in the community and learning more about the inner workings of St. Pete.
  3. What are you currently reading? Cloud Cuckoo Land
Cyndi Mitchell

Cyndi Mitchell, SPCA Tampa Bay

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I am a veterinarian who oversees and creates programs that benefit shelter animals and the people who care for them.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I have been so impressed with the unique culture of St Petersburg. I am excited to learn more and meet the people who make it happen.
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? I love the innovative way St Petersburg celebrates the many talents of the community. From amazing breweries, beautiful murals and artistic venues, to the tourist friendly pier, there is always something fun and interesting to do or learn about.
Jake Moore

Jake Moore, Moore Resources Insurance

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I am the Chief Operating Officer of Moore Resources Insurance.
  2. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? My favorite part about living in St. Pete is how tight knit the community is. As St. Pete has grown over the years; I am proud that it has kept that unique small-town feel. The city is made up of local businesses who love the community just as much as you do!
  3. How would you define yourself in three words? Outgoing, Determined, Friendly
Lola Morgan

Lola B. Morgan, A Griot's Corner, LLC

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I am an Author, Trauma-informed specialist who specializes in transformational services to guide communities to emotional and mental freedom. I provide Peer-Support Services, Mentoring, Life Coaching, Corporate Workshops, and Community Outreach.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am excited to learn more about our city, and creating ways to impact our communities.
  3. Best piece of advice you’ve received? Don't sacrifice your dreams for reality.
Morgan Puttick

Morgan Puttick, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I work in the Foundation at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and serve our Maternal Fetal Neonatal Institute and Department of Medicine.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? Meeting members of our community that also want to serve St Pete
  3. How would you define yourself in three words? Ambitious, loyal, loving
Christopher Ryan Quinty

Ryan Quinty, Cyndeo Wealth Partners

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I help business owners and executives plan their personal finances around their closely held businesses.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? Meeting new people!
  3. Best piece of advice you’ve received? "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Ghandi
Mindi Richter

Mindi Richter, Shumacher, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I am an intellectual property lawyer at Shumaker and am the Regional Service Line Leader for the Intellectual Property and Technology Service Line at the firm. I handle both transactional and litigation matters of all types in the intellectual property space.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am most excited about becoming more involved in and learning more about St. Pete as well as getting to know others in the St. Pete area.
  3. How would you define yourself in three words? Compassionate, driven and conscientious
Jeanene Ruska

Jeanene Ruska, Centene

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I oversee a team of Clinical trainers that support our Case and Utilization Management business partners.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am excited to enhance my knowledge of our city and be able to build a network of colleagues and friends
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? The vibe of the community
Kristin Sakora

Kristen Sakora, SouthState Bank Mortgage

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I write all types of residential home mortgages.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am excited to meet a group of hungry, motivated, like-minded people who are eager to dedicate themselves to something bigger.
  3. Best piece of advice you’ve received? Don't take it personally.
Christopher Talluto

Dr. Christopher Talluto, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? Care for kids and adults with congenital heart defects.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? Meeting new people outside of my work environment.
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? The beaches.
Demetrius Taylor

Demetrius Taylor, Heritage Insurance

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? As an insurance underwriter, I evaluate and assess risk to ensure it meets company guidelines and is rated properly.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? What excites me most about joining the Class of 2023 is the opportunity to learn new things, grow in leadership and expand my network.
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? My favorite thing about living in St. Pete is having majority of my family here as I am native to this city. Another favorite thing is there is something for everyone to do here in our beautiful city.
Joshua Verch

Joshua Verch, BKS Partners

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I help construction, real estate, and manufacturing executives level-up their risk management programs and position their firms to achieve the best insurance results possible.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I'm most excited about getting to know my classmates and working together to make an impact in St Pete.
  3. What are you currently reading? The High Five Habit by Mel Robbins
Nicole Walker

Nicole Walker, Realty One Group Sunshine

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I help people achieve their life goals through education and homeownership.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am very excited to meet new like-minded professionals, establish meaningful connections, learn, and grow into the best version of myself.
  3. What are you currently reading? Leading With Emotional Courage - Peter Bregman
Dr. Beverly Warren

Dr. Beverly Warren, Eckerd College

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I develop, manage and lead institutional efforts to build and sustain a culture of equity and inclusiveness through the development and implementation of effective learning experience and opportunities for students, faculty, staff and external stakeholders. I ensure that policies, procedures, and activities align to support Eckerd College's values and goals related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging within the framework of Inclusive Excellence.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? As a new resident and employee in the City of St. Pete, I am excited about joining the Class of 2023 to meet and become better acquainted with individuals who are committed to this community, invested in the upward mobility of diverse residents and enthusiastic about confronting the challenges we face to improve our beloved city.
  3. How would you define yourself in 3 words? Courageous, Enthusiastic, Thoughtful
SandyWeiss

Sandy Weiss, University of South Florida

  1. How would you describe what you do in no more than 2 sentences? I educate the next generation of healthcare and business leaders.
  2. What are you most excited about for the LSP Class of 2023? I am most excited about the opportunity to better connect with and serve this amazing community!
  3. What is your favorite thing about working/or living in St. Pete? My favorite part about living in St. Pete is the walkability of the beautiful downtown and waterfront areas.
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