Brief Biographies of Committee Members

1. MELISSA L. MEEKER - CHAIR
Melissa Meeker is Florida Operations Manager for Tetra Tech FW, Inc., a leading U.S.-based environmental consulting, engineering and remediation firm. She is an 11-year resident of the Treasure Coast and a native Floridian. Her professional experience is in environmental management, including positions with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the South Florida Water Management District. As former Director of District Management for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast District, from September 1999 to March 2003, she: worked to get legislative support for local initiatives, resulting in over $50 million for southeast Florida; secured a negotiated settlement in a major wastewater enforcement case, resulting in a compliance plan estimated at more than $100 million; and negotiated the settlement of numerous wetland fill violations in the Jupiter Farms area, resulting in an expedited permitting and mitigation process, which facilitated single-family home development, while preserving and enhancing the regional environment.

Ms. Meeker received a Master of Science degree from the Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, in August 1995, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic College, West Palm Beach, Florida, in December 1991. She is an Ex-Officio member of the Treasure Coast and South Florida Regional Planning Councils and the Water Resources Advisory Committee.

2. FRANK T. BROGAN – CO-VICE CHAIR
Frank T. Brogan, the immediate past Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida, has been President of Florida Atlantic University since March 2001. He is a member of the Education Leaders Council. A former classroom teacher, PTA president, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, superintendent and state commissioner of education, Lt. Governor Brogan is best known for his leadership and commitment to Florida's children and the teaching profession. A champion for Florida's public schools and an ardent advocate on behalf of education, his philosophy is that all children can learn, and schools must be held accountable for providing a safe and friendly environment conducive to learning.

Lt. Governor Brogan lifetime work in education culminated in the passage of the Bush/Brogan "A+ Plan for Education." Heralded as the first-of-its-kind in the nation, A+ raises the education standards of schools, significantly increases funds for schools (especially in the area of school safety), and provides opportunity scholarships for children in chronically failing schools.

Brogan made his mark as a staunch supporter of higher academic standards. His most important legacy was bringing greater accountability to Florida schools. Key changes included: (1) the development of a process to identify and improve low performing schools; (2) the passage of the Sunshine State Standards, Florida's academic standards now required of students as they progress from grade to grade; and (3) the implementation of Florida's new statewide testing program, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).

As Commissioner of Education, Brogan encouraged the development of second chance and alternative schools and won the right for teachers to remove disruptive students from their classroom. He helped to frame the "governor's mentoring initiative" and serves as mentor to a middle school student in Tallahassee.

Brogan has received numerous awards in education and on the behalf of his work with children. Recent recognitions include the "1996 Civil Rights Award in Education," the "1998 Child Advocate of the Year," and the "Florida School Boards Association's Lifetime Achievement Award."

3. EDWIN MASSEY – CO-VICE CHAIR
Dr. Edwin R. Massey was appointed third President of Indian River Community College in 1988. A 31-year employee of IRCC, Dr. Massey came to the college in 1973 as a biology professor and held several administrative positions prior to becoming President.

He holds a Ph.D. in zoology and a master’s degree in marine biology from the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from Millsaps College. His post graduate-work in evolutionary biochemistry was at Duke University.

He has served as Chairman of the Accountability and Effectiveness Task Force for the State of Florida, Chairman of the Performance Based Budgeting Task Force for the Community College System and Co-Chairman of the Program Length and Articulation Committee of the SB 1688 Task Force. He is a member of the Region 20 Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast and currently serves as a member of the K-20 Accountability Task Force and Chairman of the K-20 Community College Sector Accountability Task Force.

4. THADDEUS COHEN – CO-CHAIR/TECHNICAL ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR
Thaddeus Cohen is the newly appointed Secretary of the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Cohen has been a registered architect in Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey, where he grew up, before moving to South Florida in 1978. Mr. Cohen is President of Thaddeus Cohen Architect, P.A., based in Palm Beach County. His firm provides design and economic development strategies for public and private clients. He has designed a number of schools and other government buildings, including the 79th Street Tri-Rail station in Miami-Dade County, and helped renovate the historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, the oldest black church in Palm Beach County.

Cohen is past chairman of the Council for Black Economic Development of Broward County, past chairman of the Commission for Affordable Housing in Palm Beach County and a former board member of the Broward Alliance. He is on the board of 1000 Friends of Florida and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), past president of the Palm Beach County chapter and currently a board member of AIA Florida.

5. DOUG SMITH
Doug Smith has resided in Jensen Beach since 1990. He is Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners and Commissioner for District 1. He serves on numerous committees and boards: Metropolitan Planning Organization (member), Business Development Board (member), Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments (Chair, Vice-Chair), Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (Chairman, 2004), Indian River Lagoon/National Estuary Advisory Committee (member), Growth & Environmental Planning Committee (Chairman, 2002), Historical Society (Chairman, 2004). He received the 2003 Commissioner Leadership Award from the Florida Local Environmental Resource Agencies, Inc. (FLERA) for exemplary leadership on environmental issues on the local, regional, or state level.

Some of his past community involvements include: Member of all local and state Chambers of Commerce, recipient of the 1999 Frank Wacha, Sr., Achievement Award (for outstanding contribution to the community of Jensen Beach), eight years’ volunteer participation in the Jensen Beach redevelopment district (CRA) – design and planning, Education Local Government Leadership Program (April 2002), Indian Riverside Alliance (Founder and President Indian Riverside), and Past President of Jensen Beach Main Street.

6. DOUG COWARD
Doug Coward has been a Florida resident since 1984, moving to St. Lucie County in 1991. In addition to his service on the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, (Commissioner Coward was sworn into office in 1998 and re-elected in 2002). He chairs the St. Lucie County Fire Board, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, and the Tourist Development Council. He is a member of the Florida Regional Council Association, the Shared Services Network Executive Round Table, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (a.k.a. the Transportation Board).

He graduated from Florida State University with a Master’s degree in urban and regional planning and a dual Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences and geography. He has also worked as a professional planner for St. Lucie County, 1000 Friends of Florida, and the private sector.

7. CAROLINE D. GINN
Commissioner Caroline Ginn was elected Indian River County Commissioner in 1998. In the past, she has been Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. She has also served as City Councilmember, Mayor and Vice-Mayor for the City of Vero Beach. Other governmental accomplishments include: Chairman, Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments (1993); Legislative Chairman, Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments (1996); Trustee, First Municipal Loan Council – Florida League of Cities (1994); Member, School Health Advisory Committee; Member, School Readiness Committee; and Chairman, County Census 2000 Committee.

Her community involvement includes: Member and former Director, The Civic Association of Indian River County; Member, Taxpayers’ Association; Charter Member, Center for the Arts; Member, Board of Directors, Council on Aging (1994); Charter Member, Republican Women of the Treasure Coast, Federated; and Member, Board of Directors, Carenet Pregnancy Centers of Indian River County.

She received her B.S. degree from Beaver College, Glenside, Pennsylvania, in 1952.

8. MICHAEL J. MORTELL
Michael J. Mortell was first elected to the City of Stuart Commission in 2001, then re-elected in 2003, and appointed Vice Mayor. Commissioner Mortell is also a partner in the law firm of Lewis, Mortell & Lewis. In the past, he has served on the Board of Adjustment, both as Vice Chairman and Chairman, and he has served on the Land Use Planning Board. Currently, he is Chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Martin County. Other community involvement includes: United Way Volunteer; Martin County Council for the Arts; Tri County Tech Board; D.A.T.A. Board; and the Martin County Historical Society.

He graduated from Texas Christian University in 1987 and Nova University Law School in 1990.

9. BOB MINSKY
Bob Minsky was first elected Mayor of Port St. Lucie in 1992, and is currently serving his 5th term. He holds the distinction of being the first mayor returned to office following a two-year absence.

Mayor Minsky was born and raised in the Bronx, in New York. In 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force and was trained as an aerial photographer. During his 20-year Air Force career he served a tour in Vietnam. Following his retirement to Colorado Springs, Colorado, he joined Montgomery Wards in 1973 and transferred to Greeley, Colorado.

He then attended Airms Community College, majoring in Business Administration, and transitioned into Real Estate in 1975. After moving to Florida in 1978, Mayor Minsky became a letter courier with the U.S. Postal Service. In 1988, he became president of the Port St. Lucie Homeowners Association. He has enjoyed active civic involvement, becoming and serving with a multitude of professional and civic organizations.

In appreciation for his dedicated service to the city, particularly for his work for the children in the community, Port St. Lucie’s first gymnasium was named The Robert E. Minsky Gymnasium.

10. R. DUKE NELSON
R. Duke Nelson is an eight-year City Commissioner for Fort Pierce. He has more than 30-years of experience in local, federal government and international service. His extensive management background to includes planning, leadership, logistical support operations, training, negotiations and procurement. Commissioner Nelson is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel with more than 22 years of active duty.

Some of his appointments and civic involvement include: St. Lucie County Fire District (Governor’s Appointee); St. Lucie County Children’s Services Council (Governor’s Appointee); St. Lucie Land Acquisition Committee; Fort Pierce Housing Authority (Vice Chair); Florida League of Cities, Utilities and Telecommunication Committee; Florida League of Cities, Transportation and Urbanization Committee; NAACP; Fort Pierce Retirement Board (Vice Chair); Blakely Subdivision Neighborhood Organization (Chair); St. Lucie County CDBG Community Organization (Chair); Fort Pierce – CDBG Community-wide Council (Chair); and the First National Bank Advisory Board.

Commissioner Nelson received his Master’s degree in Management/Engineering from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Education, Biology, Military Science and Pre-Med degree from Florida A&M University.

11. SANDRA L. BOWDEN
Sandra L. Bowden has been City Council member for Vero Beach for the past seven years. She was appointed Mayor of Vero Beach in both 2000-2001 and 2003-2004. She was appointed Vice Mayor in 1998-1999 and 2002-2003, and served as Vice Chairman in 1988-1989, 1989-1990, and as Chairman in 1991.

Currently, she has the following affiliations: Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Council of Public Officials, Emergency Services District Advisory Committee, Florida League of Cities Board of Directors Executive Board, and various committees.

Her community activities include: Vero Beach Exchange Club (President), Indian River Garden Club, Republican Women Federated, and the Kappa Kappa Gamma, Honorary Teacher Society.
Council member Bowden received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida Southern College (1966).

12. JOSEPH BARCZYK
Joseph Barczyk is Vice-Mayor of the City of Sebastian, having first been elected to the City Council in March 1999. He was re-elected in 2001 and began his third term in March 2003.

Mr. Barczyk served over five years as a member of the Sebastian and Safety Harbor budget advisory boards. He retired from the military police with a rank of Major, and served 20 years in government as an auditor, investigator, Inspector General, and nuclear security manager.

He is involved in the following organizations: Indian River County, Council of Public Official; Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council; Treasure Coast Council of Local Government; Florida League of Cities; President, Sebastian Rotary Club; American Legion; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mr. Barczyk received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Gannon College, Erie Pennsylvania.

13. ELIZABETH WHITTLES
Elizabeth Whittles is the Director of Program Development/Media Relations and Marketing Coordinator for the Children’s Services Council of Martin County.

She currently serves on the following committees and boards: Treasure Coast Coordination Coalition (President); Martin County Shared Services Network Steering Committee (Chair); Healthy Families Martin Advisory Board (Chair); Circuit 19 Juvenile Justice Board (Vice-Chair); Martin County Juvenile Justice Council (Vice-Chair); Shared Services Alliances of Ocheechobee and the Treasure Coast (Member); Martin County United Way Success By Six (Member); Martin County Interagency Coalition (Member); Treasure Coast Homeless Coalition (Member); and Leadership Martin County (Alumni).

She received both a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology (December 1994) and a Master’s degree in Juvenile Justice Administration (May 1996) from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida.

14. THOMAS A. GONZALEZ
Mr. Gonzalez is a local businessman who has lived on the Treasure Coast since 1968. He and his wife have owned Sunflower Educare Center, a quality childcare center and preschool located in Port St. Lucie, since 1984. Sunflower Educare Center, a nationally accredited childcare center, recently celebrated 20 years of providing quality childcare services.

Mr. Gonzalez is retired from Florida Power and Light where he worked for 16 years as a Reactor Operator, a Senior Reactor Operator and a Nuclear Systems instructor. Prior to his employment with FPL, he worked at Pratt & Whitney as an electronics technician.

Mr. Gonzalez was a member of the First American Bank Management Board and currently serves on Harbor Federal’s Port St. Lucie Citizen Advisory Board. He is also serving on the Parents’ Appeal Board for the School Board of St. Lucie County. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Ft. Pierce Lodge #87.
Mr. Gonzalez is an American citizen, who was raised in Cuba until his family moved to the United States when he was 15 years old. He was a founding member of the Spanish American Club and is the current President of the Club Unión Latina, a social club for local Hispanics and their families on the Treasure Coast.

15. JEAN L. KLINE, B.S.N., M.P.H.
Jean Kline is currently the County Health Department Administrator for the Department of Health in Indian River County. The Secretary of Health appointed her with the concurrence of the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners in accordance with Florida Statute 154. As health officer for Indian River County, population 122,000, she monitors the community’s health indicator outcomes and advocates to improve, protect, and maintain the health and safety of all citizens and visitors of this county. Ms. Kline represents the health department and works in collaboration with a public/private partnership of county, state, and other community-based organizations to achieve public health improvements. Responsibilities include providing the oversight and direction in planning, organizing, staffing, controlling, coordinating, reviewing, and budgeting the health services programs—communicable disease, primary care, and environmental health—within the health department. With a staff of 152 employees, the health department’s current operating budget exceeds $8 million.

16. DR. SARA WILCOX
Dr. Sara Wilcox is Superintendent of Martin County schools. She moved to Martin County in 1985, having 15 years’ experience in instruction and administration in Ohio. She was a Martin County teacher, assistant principal and was elected Superintendent in 1994, now in her third term. Her professional activities include: President, Board of Directors, Florida Association of District School Superintendents; Board of Governors, American Association of School Administrators; Completion of Initial Master Board Program and Reinstatement Program through the Florida School Boards Association; and Completions of the Superintendent Special Certification Program and the Chief Executive Officer Leadership Development Program through the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.

Her community activities include: United Way of Martin County Board of Directors and 1998-99 Campaign Chairman; Jobs and Education Partnership Board, Board of Directors; Children’s Services Council; School Readiness Coalition; Shared Services Network, Treasure Coast; and Treasure Coast Education Coalition.

17. MICHAEL J. LANNON
Michael J. Lannon is Superintendent of St. Lucie County Public Schools. His responsibilities as superintendent are the oversight of all district functions as prescribed by Florida Statute and County School Board Policy including, but not limited to, fiscal and budgetary services, teaching, learning and assessment services and support services, in addition to interfacing with federal, state and local governments and appropriate agencies and organizations, school board training and relations, public relations, teacher recruitment, contract negotiations and capital facilities programs.

His area of expertise in the educational field includes: Four years teaching and administration in Los Angeles, California, at inner-city elementary schools from 1968/1969; Community School Coordinator at Harris Elementary School in Key West, Florida, from 1973-1975; 18 years as Principal at Coral Shores High School, Tavernier, Florida, from 1975-1993; three years successful teamwork as Assistant Principal (Pre-Kindergarten-8th grade), Key Largo School from 1993-1996; and Superintendent of Public Education in Monroe County from 1996-2003.

He holds a Master’s of Education degree in administration/supervision from Florida Atlantic University (1975), a Bachelors of Art degree in political science with a minor in biology from St. Leo College (1968), and has post-graduate courses from Pepperdine University, University of New Mexico.

Some of his community involvement includes: American Red Cross Disaster Team Shelter Manager (Monroe County); United Way of Monroe County, Board Member; Department of Juvenile Justice Council, Member; Local Health Council, District XI; School Readiness Coalition, Member (Monroe County); Children’s Services Council, Member (St. Lucie County); Economic Development Council, Member (St. Lucie County); United Way of St. Lucie County, Board Member; NAACP, Member; SLC District Advisory Council, Member; and Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast, Member.

18. THOMAS B. MAHER
Thomas B. Maher is Superintendent of Indian River District Schools. He is nationally recognized as a leader offering 33 years of consistent success in positions requiring well-developed executive skills. He is a highly accomplished professional who excels in building a cohesive and dynamic team to pursue a common vision and strategic plan. His area of expertise includes increasing productivity, public relations, fiscal management, and organizational development. He is a nationally trained management assessor for personnel selection, and actively involved in community and civic organizations.

His professional experience in the educational field includes, but is not limited to Superintendent of Schools in Lancaster, Ohio, from 1999 to 2003; Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and School Operations of Citrus District Schools in Inverness, Florida, from 1995 to 1998; Assistant Superintendent of Hernando District Schools in Brooksville, Florida, from 1989 to 1995; Director of Pupil Personnel of Berea City Schools in Berea, Ohio, from 1983 to 1989; Principal of Chagrin Falls Middle School of Chagrin Falls Schools in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, from 1979 to 1983.

He received an Educational Specialist Degree, Ed. S., from Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1979; a Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration, M. Ed., Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, in 1974; and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Physical Education, B.A., Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio, in 1971.

His community activities include: Chairman of Governor Chiles’ Children’s Initiative Task Force in Citrus District Schools; Director for Hernando County Chamber of Commerce – Florida; Director for Junior Achievement of the Florida Suncoast; Member of Family, Adult, Children First Council; selection to the Institute of Educational Leadership in Washington; and selection as an Executive Educator 100 in North America.

19. MARY DAWSON
Mary Dawson is Director of Friends of Martin County, Inc., and she Chairs the Martin County Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee. From 1988 to 1992 she was a Martin County Commissioner and also during this period she served on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, Martin County Children Services Council and the Martin County Business Development Board. In 1997, she graduated from Shepard Broad Law School, Nova Southeastern University, Summa Cum Laude.

20. L. KEVIN STINNETTE
Kevin Stinnette is Executive Director of the Indian Riverkeeper. He has been involved in environmental and planning issues for many years and is familiar with the Comprehensive Plans of St. Lucie County, Ft. Pierce, Port St. Lucie and Martin County. He has also been a member of the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan Study Group for over six years. Mr. Stinnette works to protect the Indian River Lagoon and its native inhabitants from the pressures of growth and development.

Mr. Stinnette represents a broad-based membership organization that has support from a diverse group of homeowner organizations, fishing clubs, and environmental groups. He has a Bachelors of Art degree in Speech Communications from the University of South Florida, (1977).

21. RICHARD H. BAKER
Richard Baker, Professor Emeritus, has been with the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory at the University of Florida/IFAS since 1998. Currently, he is President of the Pelican Island Audubon Society. His professional experience is as professor and director at universities in Florida, Maryland, Illinois, and Pakistan.

His professional, university, community and service activities and memberships include: Florida Coordinating Council on Mosquito Control Member (1987-1998), Pelican Island Audubon Board of Directors (currently President), Environmental Learning Center Board of Trustees and member of Education Committee (1993-1997), Indian River Regional Science and Engineering Fair Judge, Indian River County Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (1990-present, currently Chair), Indian River Environmental Control Hearing Board Member, Indian River Lagoon Envirothon Executive Committee Member, Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area Management Committee Member, Stewards for the Southeast Florida Aquatic Preserves Member, IFAS International Program/Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Advisory Council Member (1995-1998), and University of Florida Faculty Senate (1983-1985).

He has received numerous honors, awards and consultantships, some of the more recent include: University of Illinois College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award (1999), Pelican Island Audubon Society Special Merit Award for Conservation (1999), and the Florida Mosquito Control Association Meritorious Service Award (1998).

Professor Baker received all three of his degrees from the University of Illinois-Urbana: Ph.D. and Master of Science in Zoology: Genetics and Cytology, (1965, 1962), and his Bachelor of Science in Education: Biology (1959). His research interests are in biology, genetics, and medical entomology.

22. DENNIS S. HUDSON, III
As President and Chief Executive Officer of Seacoast Banking Corporation and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First National Bank and Trust Company, Dennis S. Hudson, III, brings more than 23 years of experience to his position. Since 1983, he has been a member of both organizations’ Board of Directors.

Hudson joined the First National Bank team in 1978. He became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1985 and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 1990. Also that year, Hudson was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Seacoast Banking Corporation. In 1992, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of First National Bank. In 1998, Hudson was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Seacoast and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First National Bank. He is responsible for the bank’s initial expansion into St. Lucie and Indian River counties and the acquisition of several local banks including American Pioneer, American Bank of Martin County and Port St. Lucie National Bank.

Mr. Hudson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance/Accounting and MBA from Florida State University.

He is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of the Martin County YMCA Foundation; Council on Aging; St. Michael’s Independent School, the Job Training Center and as Chairman of the Economic Council of Martin County. He also has served on the Boards of the American Heart Association, Martin County United Way and the Historical Society of Martin County. He has received awards recognizing his community involvement including the Palm City Chamber’s Business Person of the Year Award in 2001 and the Florida Senate Medallion of Excellence Award presented by Senator Ken Pruitt in 2001.

23. LARRY LEE, JR.
Larry Lee grew up in Fort Pierce, Florida, and graduated from Fort Pierce Central High in 1972. With a Bachelor of Science degree from Livingstone College (1976), he signed a professional football contract with the Denver Broncos. He later taught school and coached football and track at Screven County High in Sylvania, Georgia, from 1976-1979. From 1979-1980 he was employed by Indian River Community College as a job placement counselor. From 1980-1988 he was coordinator of the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program. During this time he also taught school at Fort Pierce Central High (1982-1983). From 1988 to present he has owned and operated his own State Farm Insurance agency. In 1992 State Farm featured him in its National Ad Campaign. That year he appeared in Black Enterprise Magazine and Emerge Magazine. In 1998 State Farm again selected him to appear in its About State Farm Ad Campaign. He has qualified 10 out of 16 years for State Farm's Million Dollar Club. He is a member and an Elder at Goodwill Presbyterian Church. He has served on the Board of Directors of the former Barnett Bank and Nations Bank. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Harbor Federal Savings Bank. He has served on the boards of the City of Fort Pierce Community Redevelopment Agency, Livingstone College Board of Visitors and The Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County. He is the Board of Directors of The Unity Property Development Corporation, co-founder of the Fort Pierce Jazz Society and founder of The Treasure Coast Gospel Festival and Inspiration Awards Banquet. He was recently one of 12 people selected nationally to be featured in the book The Influentials by John Berry and Ed Keller. He also served on former Lt. Governor Frank Brogan's transition team.

24. DANIEL RICHEY
Daniel Richey is CEO, Managing Member of the Riverfront Packing Company, LLC. Mr. Richey has resided in the Treasure Coast area for the past 23 years. He is a citrus grower with land in both Indian River and St. Lucie Counties. He is the past president of the Indian River Citrus League and currently serves on the Florida Citrus Commission. He also served 10 years on the Indian River County Planning and Zoning Commission.

His professional affiliations and memberships are: Florida Citrus Packers (Member); Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. (Advisory Board of Directors); Indian River Citrus League (Member); Highland Exchange Service Cooperative (HESCO) (Member); and the Florida Citrus Commission (Governor Appointee).

Current and past civic activities on include: Indian River National Bank (Director); Citrus Self Insurance Fund (Board of Trustees); St. Edward’s School (Chairman); Indian River County Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors); Leadership Florida, Class IX (Member); Indian River County Substance Abuse Council (Board of Directors); Indian River Red Cross (Board of Directors); South Indian River County Fire Department (Member); The 100 Club (Member); and Florida Southern College (President’s Council).
Mr. Richey received his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Southern College in 1980.

25. PATRICIA AUSTIN
Patricia Austin is the Consultant and Facilitator for the Community Health Planning Initiative for the Martin County Board of County Commissioners. She is the facilitator for the Leadership Committee, which is challenged to identify and prioritize the health needs of the community and to recommend actions to leaders and service providers in Martin County. Her past professional experience includes being the Assistant Administrator for Community Affairs and Director of Public Relations/Marketing at Martin Memorial Health Systems in Stuart, Florida; Director of Public Relations/Marketing for CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, New York; and Director of Community Relations for Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, Vermont.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Martin County and Board Member of the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic. Other professional and community involvement includes: “Woman of Distinction” for Martin County, 2002; Communicator of the Year Award, Florida Public Relations Association, 2001; President of the Board of Directors of the Lyric Theatre, Inc., Stuart, FL; President of the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association; Vice-President of Chapter Services for the State Board of FPRA; President of the Board of the Martin County Interagency Coalition; Board Member of the Florida Society for Hospital Public Relations and Marketing; and Winner of the Gold for Annual Reports, the Addy Awards, 1996-2001.

Ms. Austin received a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Marywood College in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1968) and a Master of Arts in English degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois (1970). She is also accredited by the Florida Public Relations (APR).

26. SHERIFF ROBERT L. CROWDER
Bob Crowder began his law enforcement career working as a dispatcher for the Martin County Sheriff's Office in 1965. While attending college, he worked as a dispatcher, jailer, clerk, and fingerprint technician. In 1968, Crowder became a patrolman for the Stuart Police Department. In 1969, he was appointed as the first detective in the history of the city and implemented its criminal records and identification files.

While serving with the City of Stuart in 1972, Crowder was appointed by Governor Reubin O’D. Askew to serve as Sheriff of Martin County. Crowder became the youngest sheriff in Florida history. Sheriff James Holt hired Crowder to be his Chief Criminal Investigator, a position he held for over 10 years. In 1984, St. Lucie County Sheriff-elect R.C. "Bobby" Knowles asked Crowder to serve as his Undersheriff, a position he held for eight years. Crowder has been listed in Outstanding Young Men of America (1975) and West's Who's Who in American Law Enforcement Leadership (1991).

In July 2003, Sheriff Crowder was elected to serve as the President of the Florida Sheriff's Association. This organization is a not-for-profit corporation consisting of 67 county Florida Sheriffs, business leaders and citizens throughout the state. This corporation was established in 1910 and provides sheriffs the opportunity to share information including, but not limited to, legislative issues, task forces and legal services.

Sheriff Crowder has received numerous rewards in law enforcement, including: Nominee for the Gary P. Hayes Memorial Award; Listed in West's Who's Who in U.S. Law; Enforcement Leaders; Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer, Stuart-Jensen Beach, FL, Jaycees; Outstanding Police Marksman; Indian River Police Academy; Indian River Community College, Ft. Pierce, FL; March of Dimes, Citizen of the Year; Listed in Outstanding Young Men of America; Distinguished Service Award; Stuart-Jensen Beach, FL, Jaycees Exemplary Citizenship and Outstanding Public; National Assoc. for Community Leadership; Distinguished Leadership Award; and Florida Governor's Award of Merit for Youth.

27. THOMAS E. WEBER, JR.
Thomas E. Weber, Jr., is the publisher and president of Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers. He began his career as a reporter when The Stuart News was a weekly. Today, the company publishes three daily newspapers: The Fort Pierce Tribune, The Press Journal in Vero Beach and The Stuart News and produces TCPalm.com. The company also publishes two weeklies, The Jupiter Courier and The Sebastian Sun, along with the Treasure Coast Business Journal and 50 Plus Lifestyles, which is distributed in five South Florida counties.

Weber was president of the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors. He is currently president of the Florida Press Association. He was president of the Martin County Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the board of directors of the Martin County Community Foundation and the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army in Martin County.

28. STEFAN K. MATTHES
Stefan K. Matthes has over 20 years of experience in the design, management and construction engineering of a variety of transportation projects within the Treasure Coast area. He has been involved with projects that range in size and complexity from project management of Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) Studies that have regional impact, to design and construction engineering for local roadway improvement projects. Mr. Matthes has significant permitting experience including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Management District, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and most local governmental agencies within the Treasure Coast.

In 1992, Mr. Matthes joined the firm of Culpepper & Terpening, Inc., where he now holds the position of Senior Vice President. His current responsibilities include all aspects of private practice engineering, with main emphasis on municipal projects. From 1988 to 1992 Mr. Matthes was employed by Keith & Schnars, Stuart Division, where he managed all governmental projects including PD&E. From 1983 to 1988, Mr. Matthes was employed by the St. Lucie County Engineering Department where he held the title of Acting County Engineer and Assistant County Engineer responsible for all transportation related projects.

Mr. Matthes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University (1981). His civic activities include: St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce (President) and St. Lucie County Planning and Zoning Board (Past Chairman).

29. ROBERT “BOB” LOWE
Bob has owned and operated Lowe Realty Corporation for 20 years in Florida. The Lowe Family of Companies buys large hotels and casino properties, foreclosed properties and large tracts of land. He is the broker/owner of the following companies licensed in Florida: Lowe’s International Realty Plus, Inc.; Lowe Realty Corporation Branch Office; Lowe Realty Corporation; and Southern Auctioneers of America.

He buys, sells and manages properties for large banks and corporations around the world. Bob has sold over $500,000,000 in commercial and residential real estate, including casinos, hotels, large apartment projects and large tracts of land. Additionally, he owns and manages Lowe Mortgage Corporation and Southern Auctioneers of America, Inc.

As a CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist), Bob Lowe has completed the National Association of REALTORS® CIPS Course to enable him to assist clients from around the world with his local knowledge and expertise.

He presently holds offices on the following boards: St. Lucie Association of Realtors Inc. (President); Florida Association of Realtors (Director); National Association of Realtors (Director); Safe Space for Abused Women and Children (Director); St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce (Director); Regional Multiple Listing System of WPB, 9000 members (Director). He is also a member of the following: Women’s Council of Realtors; International Council of Realtors; Certified International Property Specialist at NAR; Realtors Association of Indian River County; and St. Lucie Association of Realtors, Inc. He serves on the following committees: NAR International Operations; Realtors Institute sub committee for FAR; Local Board Presidents Information for FAR; and Legislative Committee for FAR.

30. DARRELL JAVAN DRUMMOND
Darrell Drummond is currently President and CEO of the Council on Aging of St. Lucie, Inc. He oversees the daily operations of the County’s Elder Services. He directs the transportation operations of the County’s mass transportation system, overseeing the activities of 100 full-time staff. He develops and implements, under the direction of the agency’s Board of Directors, a $6 million annual budget. He was elected a city commissioner for the City of Ft. Pierce from 1988-1996. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Florida Council on Aging, Florida Association of Service Providers, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Metropolitan Planning Organization, to name a few. Presently on the Florida House Committee on Elder Reform, he is a member of the Florida CCE Coalition (Vice President) and the Saint Lucie County Branch of the N.A.A.C.P.

31. ALTO “BUD” ADAMS, JR.
Alto Adams, Jr., is President of Adams Ranch, Inc. The year he graduated from the University of Florida, 1948, is the same year he started to manage the Adams Ranch. Mr. Adams also attended Emory University and the University of North Carolina. He is past president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and he also developed the Braford breed of cattle.

He is currently active in the following community activities: Ft. Pierce Memorial Hospital (Member, Board of Directors); St. Lucie County Bank (Member, Board of Directors); First Federal Savings & Loan (Board Member); Sun Bank of St. Lucie (Board Member); Harbor Federal Savings & Loan (Chairman of the Board); Indian River Community College Foundation (Chairman of the Board); and ARCCO – Citrus growing (Founder).

In 1991, Mr. Adams received the National Cattlemen’s Association’s Stewardship Award and The Florida Cattlemen’s Association’s Environmental Award.

32. MICHAEL D. MINTON
Michael Minton is a partner with the firm Dean, Mead, Minton, and Zwemer in the Treasure Coast office in Ft. Pierce. He practices primarily in the area of tax law, with an emphasis on income, estate and gift and international tax. He has a particular interest and experience in agricultural and water resource law.

Mr. Minton received his undergraduate degree (B.S. 1979, with high honors), his law degree (J.D. 1981, with honors) and his Master of Laws in taxation (LL.M. 1982) from the University of Florida.

Mr. Minton is an active member of the Florida Bar, having served as Chairman of the Agricultural Law Committee of the Florida Bar and the Agricultural Tax Law Committee of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar. He is a member of the Executive Council and was Vice Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar. He has been a speaker at seminars at both the state and local levels.

Mr. Minton was a member of the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District. He served on the Governor's Growth Management Task Force and the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Mr. Minton is a past President of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce.

33. TED ASTOLFI
Mr. Ted Astolfi is the Executive Director of the Business Development Board of Martin County. He is in a leadership position with Florida Economic Development Council, and has been a participant in Treasure Coast Economic Development Coalition since the beginning.

Mr. Astolfi is presently involved in the following community activities: Florida Economic Development Council (Past President); Sustainable Martin Alliance (Board Member, Treasurer); Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Board Member); Enterprise Florida Practitioners Advisory Board; Florida Workforce Development Board (Board Member); Florida Economic Development Council – District 8 Director; Treasure Coast Economic Development Coalition (Founding Member); City of Stuart – Local Planning Agency; and the Martin County Industrial Development Authority – Secretary.

He has received awards and recognition from the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) District 8 Professional of the year (1996); International Association of Professionals in Employment Security (IAPES) – Individual Citation Award (1994); and the Palm City Business Person of the Year (1993);

Mr. Astolfi received a B.A. in Economics degree from Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts in 1986.

34. STACY W. RANIERI
Stacy W. Ranieri founded Firefly Communications in 2003 after more than 17 years of proven success in the areas of marketing and communications, public relations, community outreach, program development, fund development, and volunteer coordination.

She has a diverse resume working in a variety of organizational environments including the private sector, the not-for-profit sector, and government agencies.

Her community involvement includes: LEADERship Martin County Government Day Planning Committee, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County – Marketing Committee, United Way Citizens Volunteer Task Force, Bridges Montessori Ambassador Committee, Martin County Public Art Advisory Board, Economic Council Blue Ribbon Task Force, Martin County Sustainable Communities Team, Indian RiverSide Park Team, Environmental Task Force Member, MC Planning Initiative, United Way, Local Emergency Planning Council, District X Member, Environmental Crimes Coordinating Committee.

Her professional and local memberships are: Association of Fundraising Professionals, Florida Public Relations Association, Treasure Coast Chapter, and LEADERship Martin County Alumni, Florida Oceanographic Society, Lyric Theatre, Martin County Audubon Society, and the Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital.

Ms. Ranieri received her Master of Science degree in Environmental Resource Management from the Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, May 1996, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and International Business from New York University.

35. GWENDA THOMPSON
Gwenda Thompson has been engaged in Treasure Coast workforce development programs and services, both in the public and non-profit sectors for the past 27 years. Her experience ranges from serving employer and job seeking customers on the front lines to the President/CEO of the Workforce Development Board. As President/CEO of the Workforce Board, she represents a group of 40 volunteers, mostly from the private sector, who identify workforce issues and bring together community resources to solve them.

Her experience as a nationally certified workforce development professional include: coordination, mediation, problem solving, event planning and implementation facilitation, grant writing, strategic plan development, performance evaluation and reporting, data collection/analysis and research.

36. DONALD SANTOS
Mr. Donald Santos is President/CEO of Santos Construction Company in Port St. Lucie. He is a 31-year resident of Florida, 10 years on the Treasure Coast. He has been a state-certified general contractor for over 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston and a Master of Business Administration degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans. Don served as a Captain in the US Army, and is a decorated Vietnam War Veteran. He also served locally as the 2000 President of the Treasure Coast Builders Association. In addition, for the past several years, he served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Home Builders, the Florida Home Builders Association and the Treasure Coast Builders Association.

37. MICHAEL J. BUSHA, AIC
Michael Busha has been with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council for the past 22 years, serving as Executive Director since December 1995. He also served the Council as Assistant Director for five years, and as Development of Regional Impact Project Coordinator for eight. Other positions held during his employment with the Council include Regional Planner/Ecologist, Disaster Preparedness Planner, Intergovernmental Project Coordinator, and Planning Technician.
His professional affiliations are: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), American Planning Association (APA), Florida Regional Councils Association (FRCA), National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), Congress for New Urbanism (CNU), and Urban Land Institute (ULI).

He is very active in several appointed committees. Recent committee appointments include: Florida APA Growth Management Committee, Abacoa Partnership for Community, (Board Member), ULI Executive Committee South Florida and Caribbean Council, Rural Lands Stewardship Council, (Board Member), Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT’s) 2020 Florida Transportation Plan Update Committee, Governor’s Task Force on Land Use and Water Supply Planning, FDOT’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability, Martin County Affordable Housing Task Force, Northern Palm Beach County/Southern Martin County Planning Forum Steering Committee, Co-Chairman of South Florida Regional Greenways Task Force, St. Lucie River Initiative Comprehensive Plan Committee (Co-authored the Initiative’s proposed comprehensive plan amendment which has since been adopted by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners), National Estuaries Program/Indian River Lagoon American Assembly Steering Committee, and Martin County Consensus Conference Task Force, Wetland Protection Requirements Committee.

Mr. Busha received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology, Jensen Beach, Florida, 1981, an Associate of Science in Marine Environmental Science from Cape May County Vocational School, Cape May Court House, New Jersey in 1977, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology.