Movers and Influencers

Natalie Rosado, LMHC, the Founder of Tampa Counseling Place, LLC, was recently recognized by international business organization Entreprenista as a recipient of the 2023 E100 award. The E100 award program celebrates visionary women who transcend boundaries, shape industries, and foster positive community change. Rosado founded Tampa Counseling Place during the pandemic with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Read more »

Ellison Construction, a preeminent commercial construction company in Florida, announced Dina Good as Director of Business Development. In her new role, Good will manage client relations and the development of new business opportunities for Ellison Construction. Before joining Ellison Construction, Good worked at Baker Barrios Architects as Director of Administrative Operations. Read more »

Grady Miars has been named President and Chief Operating Officer for GreenPointe Holdings. In his new role, Miars will oversee long-term strategic operational planning and procedures, set comprehensive goals for corporate performance and growth, ensure GreenPointe's financial strength and efficiency, and oversee daily operations of the company and executive team. Read more »

Edward Sarnowski has been appointed to serve as executive partner of Holland & Knight's Jacksonville office. Mr. Sarnowski's practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, advising emerging growth companies and successful startups, as well as representing angel and venture capital investment funds and other strategic investors in early-stage companies. Read more »

Qualenta Kivett, JD, Executive Vice President and Chief People and Talent Officer of Tampa General Hospital, was recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of its “84+ Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) and Chief People Officers to Know” for 2024. Kivett uses evidence-based strategies to empower team members' voices to enhance engagement and personal/professional development opportunities. Read more »

Congratulations to Chelsea Ryckis, the 2024 BenefitsPRO Advisor of the Year! Chelsea Ryckis' authenticity and resilience set an example for a new generation of brokers. Ryckis was chosen from a group of five worthy finalists at this year's Broker Expo in Denver, Colorado. Read more »

Tiffany Bierschank has joined GoTu as its Chief Revenue Officer. With over a decade of experience, she will lead GoTu's sales strategies and identify market opportunities to maximize the company's expansion. Prior to joining GoTu, she served as Vice President of Sales and Revenue Growth at Vacasa and held senior leadership roles at ServiceMagic Europe and HomeAdvisor. Read more »

United Capital Funding, a St. Petersburg-based accounts receivable financing firm, proudly announces the appointment of Josh Register as Business Development Officer. Bringing over nine years of experience to the table, Register will spearhead the company's expansion efforts in Florida, with a focus on the Tampa Bay area, Jacksonville, Miami, and Orlando. Read more »

The C. Herman & Mary Virginia Terry Foundation, now known as the Terry Family Foundation, has named Kathleen S. Shaw as Executive Vice President. A veteran grantmaker with more than 20 years of experience at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, most recently as Senior Vice President of Programs and Initiatives, Shaw will lead the anticipated expansion of grantmaking. Read more »

The C. Herman & Mary Virginia Terry Foundation, now known as the Terry Family Foundation, has named Betsy C. Cox, the niece of Herman and Mary Virginia Terry and a local attorney, President of the 40+-year-old family foundation. “My aunt and uncle's shared passion for helping others during their lifetime will be greatly amplified by the generosity of their estate,” says Cox. Read more »

Wendy Cundari has been named a Women of Distinction 2024 by TruStage TM. This national recognition celebrates her outstanding performance and commitment to promoting financial security. Securities offered through LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC Not insured by NCUA, Not Credit Union Guaranteed, May Lose Value, Not Credit Union Deposits. Read more »

Climate First Bank welcomes Julie DiMare as an Attorney Banking Specialist. She will be responsible for managing trust accounts, optimizing cash flow, and providing strategic financial advice. Julie is dedicated to making sure her clients are always in a proactive position of choice to optimize their financial strategies and achieve their professional goals. Read more »

GreenPointe Holdings proudly announces the promotion of Chris Rusnak to Chief Accounting Officer. Rusnak will focus on the expansion and development of capital partner relations and overall corporate financial monitoring and analysis while continuing to direct all Accounting and Finance operations. Read more »

Shutts & Bowen LLP is pleased to announce that Patricia M. Flanagan has joined its West Palm Beach Office as a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group. She focuses her practice on the protection, monetization and enforcement of trademark and copyright law, both domestically and internationally. Read more »

Brian Kopakin joins the Suncoast Credit Union Commercial Lending team as a Business Relationship Manager. Serving the Greater Tampa Bay area, Brian leverages his expertise to help businesses navigate the financial landscape and achieve their growth goals with commercial loans up to $50 million. Brian has over a decade of experience in commercial lending in the Tampa Bay area. Read more »

Elliot West joins the Suncoast Credit Union Commercial Lending team as a Business Relationship Manager serving members in the Sarasota and Manatee markets. Elliot brings over two decades of experience in lending and finance, with a deep knowledge of commercial services including real estate loans and treasury services. Read more »

Jack Conely has been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer at WEDU PBS. With over 34 years of experience in award-winning program development, production, and executive management, Jack brings a wealth of expertise to his new position. Jack's extensive experience and trusted leadership make him the ideal candidate for steering WEDU toward the future. Read more »

Climate First Bank welcomes Paul Pickhardt as SVP, Director of Government Guaranteed Lending. Paul has an extensive background in manufacturing and operations that has propelled his ability to develop innovative financing options. He will be responsible for building out the bank's SBA lending team to handle loan origination and portfolio management. Read more »

Helios Education Foundation has hired Lauren Cortinas as Senior Vice President of Communications. Cortinas brings over two decades of experience in PR, marketing, education, and nonprofit work. In her new role, she oversees internal and external communications through strategic engagement and innovative communication strategies with stakeholders in Florida and Arizona. Read more »

Nationally recognized architect and University of Miami alumnus David Harper, FAIA, joins Zyscovich as Higher Education Practice Director, Executive Vice President. Leveraging 40+ years of experience, Harper will lead Zyscovich's growth in this market, fostering collaboration and designing innovative learning spaces for colleges and universities. Read more »

Eduardo J. De la Peña Bernal has joined Shutts & Bowen's Miami office as a partner in the International Litigation and Arbitration Practice Group. He has an Americas-wide practice focused on the representation of corporate transnational clients in an extensive variety of complex business disputes before a variety of arbitral tribunals and courts across the region. Read more »

Frank Gonzalez, CPA, CFF, has joined Kaufman Rossin's Miami office as a principal in assurance & advisory services. With 30+ years' experience, he specializes in audit engagements, regulatory compliance, and business advisory. Frank's industry expertise includes financial services, technology, and real estate. He's a licensed CPA in Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico. Read more »

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is excited to announce that Nick Wiley has joined its Board of Directors. Wiley offers expertise in wildlife management and conservation as the Chief Operating Officer for Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and former Executive Director of FWC. He is grounded in decades of experience in Florida's ecological landscape. Kathy Barco, a leader in both the business and conservation sectors, combines her experience as the former Chair of FWC with her unparalleled personal commitment to wild Florida, providing a valuable perspective on sustainable management. "We are exceedingly fortunate to have John, Kate, Nick and Kathy join our Board," said Foundation Board Chair Laura Russell. "Their diverse experiences, combined with a shared passion for preserving Florida's unique wildlife and habitats, will greatly enhance our impact." Read more »

The Foundation is proud that John Phelan has also joined its Board. Phelan's unparalleled success in finance and investment as the Co-Founder of MSD Partners and Chairman of Rugger Management, LLC, combined with his local roots and love for Florida, provide a strategic perspective on management and fundraising. Read more »

The Foundation is thrilled that Kate MacGregor has joined its Board as well. MacGregor's experience in environmental policy as Vice President of Environmental Services NextEra Energy and former Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior and her proactive approach to conservation and sustainable development make her an asset in shaping conservation strategies. Read more »