Codina Partners has hired Eric Blanco as its new VP of Accounting and Finance. In this role, Blanco will oversee accounting and finance, advise on complex real estate transactions, and help the firm reach its financial goals. Previously, Blanco served as Principal for The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm with $376 billion of assets under management.

Tiffany Allard joins the Suncoast Credit Union Commercial Lending team as a Business Relationship Manager serving members in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties. Tiffany is dedicated to finding personalized lending solutions that grow their business with commercial loans up to $50 million. She has an in-depth understanding of financial products & services.

Shutts & Bowen LLP is pleased to announce that Alexander I. Tachmes, a Partner in the Miami office and Chair of the Land Use Practice Group, will join the faculty of the LL.M. Real Property Development Program at the University of Miami School of Law as an adjunct professor teaching land use and real estate law for the Spring 2024 semester.

John Bowden, Senior Vice President at Moss Construction, one of the nation's top 50 general contractors, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Children's Dream Fund in St. Petersburg, FL. The nonprofit organization works to fulfill the dreams of children ages 3-21 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and who live in West Central Florida.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens recently welcomed Dr. Uzi Baram as Director of Public Archaeology. In this role, Baram’s focus is the interpretation and representations of the archaeological and cultural histories at Selby Gardens’ two campuses. Baram will manage the archaeological resources and guide educational efforts to better connect people with the region’s history.

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the hiring of Meghan Myhill as Communications and Marketing Coordinator. Myhill joins the team in the Tallahassee office. In her role, Myhill will work within FRLA and with its members, external partners, and stakeholders to amplify messaging/digital efforts to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s hospitality industry.

Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter (ABC-FEC) is pleased to announce that Sonny Maken has joined as Chief Operating Officer.

In this role, Maken will be responsible for the daily business operations and administration of the ABC-FEC family of companies, including ABC-FEC, ABC Institute and ABC Cares Foundation.

Ana Despres, a seasoned Creative Director specializing in Real Estate, drives Ytech's impressive brand identity. Her expertise has elevated the company's Art Direction to new heights. With 15+ years of experience, Ana excels at orchestrating visual identities, and steering art direction. She goes beyond mere brand exposure, crafting comprehensive digital strategies that yield tangible results. With a knack for Design Thinking, Ana adeptly navigates the complex landscape of business challenges, constantly pushing the envelope with groundbreaking ideas. Her career includes a notable stint at a prestigious New York branding firm, where she led projects such as 60 White, St. Regis Bahia Beach, Ocean Bleu, and Turnberry.

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved the addition of Nikisha Lezama as a business representative to the CareerSource Pinellas Board of Directors. Lezama is a Senior Human Resources Generalist for TSE Industries, a global polymer manufacturer founded in St. Petersburg in 1962 now under its third generation of family-owned leadership.

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved the addition of Benjamin Friedman as a business representative to the CareerSource Pinellas Board of Directors. An economic development specialist for Duke Energy, Friedman spent nearly 5 years at Pinellas County Economic Development. He is a Certified Economic Research Professional (CERP) by the Council for Community and Economic Research.

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve the addition of Florida Senator Nick DiCeglie as a workforce representative to the CareerSource Pinellas Board of Directors. He is President and CEO of Hope Villages of America, formerly RCS Pinellas, a faith-based nonprofit responding to hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, or a lack of basic needs. 

The Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges has honored Florida Technical College VP of Student Financial Services Sharon Rigaud with the 2023 Administrator of the Year Award, the highest honor awarded by the organization to a higher education executive in Florida. It recognizes leadership, dedication, and innovation in the industry.

Lindsey Lorelei is the new Director of Advertising, Public Relations & Community Affairs at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Lorelei will oversee all aspects of traditional and digital advertising, social media, public relations, and community affairs. A Seminole Gaming veteran, Lorelei started at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.

"We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Renee Pesci as the Executive Director of the Arts & Business Council of Miami," says board chair, Maria Budet. Renee is an experienced arts and development executive whose deep passion for promoting the cultural community will help fortify the mission of the organization at the unique intersection linking arts and business.

Florida law firm Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. is excited to announce Katherine Hupp has joined the firm as an Associate in its West Palm Beach office. Katherine is an excellent addition to the firm as it continues to expand its environmental and land use law practice in Florida. Katherine earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from FSU. Learn more at www.LLW-LAW.com.

Christian Care Ministry, the administrator of the nationally recognized Medi-Share health care sharing program, has appointed Brandon Harvath as President and Chief Executive Officer. Harvath, formerly the Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO, brings vast experience and steadfast dedication to the role. Prior to his arrival, Harvath served as a health system executive in the Northeast. Christian Care Ministry, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is headquartered in Melbourne, FL and has over 700 employees. The Medi-Share program has nearly 400,000 members across all 50 states who have shared in more than $7.2 billion in medical expenses.

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® is happy to announce Andrew “Andy” Peach as the new General Manager of the Town Center. Peach assumes oversight of all operations at the 52-acre property. He is a senior retail real estate professional experienced in managing and leasing upscale shopping centers, including mixed-use assets. Peach has a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas State University.

Call It Closed International Realty, the country’s first and only cloud-based, 100% commission brokerage, has named Aprile Osborne as Chief Vision Officer. The new role formalizes Osborne’s contributions as both a trusted mentor to new brokers and a visionary strategist for the Florida-based company, which currently operates in 16 states and continues to expand its footprint.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast’s Board of Directors recently elected Michael Nachef, as Chair for a 2-year term beginning July 1. During his tenure, Michael served on the Executive Committee as well as Chair of the Governance Committee. Michael is the Vice President of Government Relations for Lee Health and a member of the Southwest Florida community for more than two decades.

Cultivate PR & Social Media, a full-service boutique agency led by CEO Sissy DeMaria-Koehne, has appointed Srna Stosljevic as Social Media Director, Elizabeth Husk as Account Executive, and Bianca Marinkovic as Social Media Account Executive. The agency specializes in the real estate, automotive, luxury retail, wealth management, and hospitality industries.