Board Biographies
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Tracey Jaensch
Chair of the Board  Tracey Jaensch Tracey is the Managing Partner of the Tampa office of Ford & Harrison, LLP, a national labor and employment firm representing employers. As a female managing partner in a large law firm, Tracey is dedicated to the inclusion and promotion of women and minorities in the workplace. Internally, she promotes leadership among the female partner ranks through programs like Ford & Harrison’s Leadership Academy and the firm’s LEAP program, which focuses on increasing the number of female equity partners. Under Tracey’s leadership, the firm’s Tampa office regularly sponsors minority and female-driven organizational events and activities and its attorneys are regularly recognized for these efforts. In 2010, Ford & Harrison was the winner of the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Diversity & Inclusion Awards in the corporation/company category. Tracey is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, “Florida Legal Elite” by Florida Trend, including being named one of the Top 50 Female Lawyers in Florida and Top 25 Female Lawyers Central, Northern & Gulf Coast of Florida, and “Florida Super Lawyers” (2006-2010) as noted in the New York Times and Tampa Bay magazine. She was bestowed with the Glass Ceiling Award for exceptional individual efforts in leadership by the 2010 Florida Diversity and Leadership Conference. |
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Kim Woollard
SVP of HR and Training  Kim Woollard Kim graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology/Sociology, and began her career in management through the Executive Management Training program at May Company. As a Human Resources professional, her career has taken her to Blue Cross/Blue Shield and later to PharMerica, where she served as Vice President of Human Resources before joining Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, (formerly MacDill Federal Credit Union), in 1999. In her position with Grow Financial, Kim is responsible for the implementation of and compliance of all human resource policies, as well as payroll management, staffing and employee training. Kim has earned her Senior Professional in Human Resources certification and is a member of the national Society of Human Resource Management, (SHRMA). She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Florida Diversity Council. In addition to speaking on diversity, Kim has co-chaired the annual Young Women’s Leadership Symposium in Tampa. She currently resides in Tampa with her husband and three daughters. |
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Deborah Brewer
Director of HR  Deborah Brewer Deborah J. Brewer, SPHR serves as the firm’s Director of Human Resources with oversight for organizational development, policies and programs covering employment, benefits, compensation, performance management, employee relations, recruiting and retention and compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Prior to joining Fowler White Boggs P.A., she initialized the corporate staffing function for First Advantage Corporation, a NASDAQ listed corporation specializing in risk mitigation and consumer screening. She has served as Executive Director-Human Resources at Catalina Marketing Corporation, a targeted marketing services company in St. Petersburg, FL. While at Catalina, Deb was instrumental in developing a People Strategy for two operating divisions encompassing Recruiting and Selection, Sales Assimilation Training, Succession Planning and Career Development and participated in several senior management level strategy sessions. Deb is a graduate of the University of South Florida with her BSBA in Business Management and a graduate of the Strategic Leadership for Women in HR program at Simmons College in Boston, MA. She has served as a board member and Vice Chair for Human Resources of Metropolitan Ministries, Inc. for the past eight years. She is a board member of the Tampa Bay Diversity Council and belongs to SHRM and HR Tampa. |
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Elise Vasquez-Warner
VP of Operations, South Florida  Elise Vasquez-Warner After earning her BA from California State University Chico, Elise Vasquez-Warner joined Walmart in 1995 as an hourly associate and quickly moved through the ranks to Assistant manager, Co-Manager and then Store Manager. In 2006, Elise was promoted to Regional Operations Support Director covering the state California and in 2007 relocated to Orange County, California to assume the role of District Manager. In 2009, Elise was named Regional General Manager & Vice President to the state of Alabama and Florida Panhandle. Currently the Regional General Manager & Vice President of South Florida, Elise oversees approximately 40,000 associates and 130 stores. Her responsibilities include vendor partnerships, talent development, budget management, and business development. Since joining the company, Elise has been recognized for her outstanding leadership skills. She is one of 16 associates in the company to graduate from the prestigious Walmart Leadership Academy. In 2008, she received the Pilar Andrade Excellence in Business Award from Yolo County, California.
For five years, she served as a board member of the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels in Yolo County, California. In addition, Elise has volunteered with the Children’s Hospital of Orange Country and Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham. As a new resident to South Florida, Elise is thrilled to join The Florida Diversity Council.
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Allie L. Braswell
President and CEO  Allie Braswell Allie Braswell is a passionate and engaged community leader; Allie currently serves as a Member of the Executive Advisory Board for MyRegion.org, Member of the Quest, Inc. board, and remains active in the community through his membership in the Leadership Orlando Alumni organization. In May of 2009, Allie was welcomed into General Daniel “Chappie” James Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. in recognition of his commitment and service to the Central Florida community. Allie is also a proud military veteran, having served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps in various regions of the world to include: Southwest Asia, Europe, Asia as well as numerous locations throughout the domestic United States. He continues his service to the country, and our region as a US Army Reserve Ambassador, and most recently was appointed to the Advisory Committee for the Center for Minority Veterans by the Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of Veteran Affairs. His support and endorsement of many civic and charitable endeavors has earned him additional recognition from community leaders and organizations nationwide. Mr. Braswell currently leads the Central Florida Urban League’s efforts to serve Central Floridians by helping them to achieve equity in opportunity in the areas of
Allie is responsible for leading the efforts to maintain and grow the extensive network of educational, cultural and community partners and alliances that embrace and articulate the organization’s goals publicly. Allie is also an expert technology leader, inspirational speaker and author. Allie is married to Rosemary Harris-Braswell. Together they have six children. |
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Betsy Williams
Senior Vice President, Staffing and Diversity  Betsy Williams Betsy is responsible for global staffing for Nielsen, which provides clients the most complete understanding of what consumers watch and buy in over 100 countries. She is a member of the Nielsen Diversity Council and has co-led the Nielsen FL Diversity Council. Previously, Betsy was responsible for all HR functions as the SVP, HR for Nielsen Media Research, where she started the NMR Diversity Council and ERGs. Under her direction, NMR won a Diversity Inc. Top 50 award and several Computer World awards. In her previous role, Betsy was the VP, HR at Bayfront Medical Center responsible for all HR functions, several additional functions and served on the Ethics Committee. BMC won Working Mother’s Magazine Top 100 award several years. She has also worked for First Tennessee National Corporation, a statewide banking system, with responsibilities in organizational development and commercial credit. Betsy has a Masters degree in Human Resource Development from Vanderbilt University, and a Bachelors degree in Business Administration in Personnel Management from Memphis State University. She holds both SPHR and CCP certifications. |
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Gail Williams
Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Student Accounts  Gail Williams Gail Beatrice Williams is the Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Student Accounts at Hodges University in Naples, Florida. She was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland; mother of three sons, and grandmother of one granddaughter and four grandsons. In addition to her duties as Officer and Director of Student Accounts, Ms. Williams serves on the Hodges University Institutional Effectiveness Planning Council, Retention Committee, Student Service Committee, Orientation Committee, and the Successful Start Committee for entering freshmen. Gail Williams serves as an ambassador for Hodges University in her community by reaching out to the community partners and various organizations in support of their efforts to enrich the lives of others, such as the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida; the Southwest Florida Puerto Rican Chamber; the Council of Hispanic Business Professionals; the Lee County NAACP; the Collier County Branch of the NAACP; The Lee County Coalition for A Drug-Free Southwest Florida; the African Network of Southwest Florida; the Immokalee Chamber of Commerce; Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida, and Freedom Waters of Southwest Florida. |
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Sarah King
Executive Vice President, Human Resources  Sarah King As the Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Sarah King responsible for leading all human resources operations including recruitment and retention, leadership and associate development, employee relations and the alignment of more than 13,300 associates across Wyndham Vacation Ownership. Prior to her most recent position, Ms. King served as vice president of human resources for Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, based in the UK. In that role, she was responsible for all human resources strategies for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI), including nine businesses with approximately 4,000 associates across more than 20 countries. In addition, she also had oversight for EMEAI’s facilities and real estate management and corporate communications. Previously, Ms. King was responsible for overseeing all human resources operations in Australia, Africa and the United Kingdom for RCI. In these roles, she led strategies designed to attract, retain and engage associates and drive business performance improvement through effective people strategies. Ms. King holds a Diploma of Communications from Auckland University of Technology and several Certificates in Workplace Training and Assessment as well one from the Foundations of Human Resources Management. She is a member of the American Resort Development Association’s Human Resources Council, as well as the National Association of Professional Women. Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Inc. is the world’s largest vacation ownership company with more than 800,000 owner families and more than 160 resorts located throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. The company employs more than 13,300 associates worldwide. |
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Molly McKinley
Sr. HR Manager  Molly McKinley Molly McKinley is the Senior Human Resources Manager at Bright House Networks, with responsibility for the assessment, design, development, implementation and evaluation of Talent Acquisition initiatives for the Florida Division. Her cross-functional responsibilities include the management of FMLA Administration, ADA/ADAA Compliance, EEO/OFCCP Reporting, Employee Relations and managing vendor relationships. Prior to joining Bright House Networks, Molly worked within the Telecommunications industry holding key Management roles driving Recruiting and Hiring, Organizational Development, Learning and Development and Project Management initiatives. Molly attended Richland College in Dallas, Texas, is a Class V graduate of the Bright House Networks Women’s Leadership Circle and earned her PHR designation in January of 2011. Molly has been recognized throughout her career both professionally, and within the community, as a leader, mentor and innovative thinker. Molly lives in the Tampa, Florida, area with her husband Julian, and in her free time enjoys participating in community activities, cooking, reading and walking. |
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Dan Carricato
SVP, HR  Dan Carricato Dan Carricato assumed the position of Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Orange Lake Resort and CountryClub in Orlando, Florida in 2004. Dan is seasoned Human Resources professional with over 35 years of work experiencein the field, the last 18 in the timeshare industry. Prior to joining the Orange Lake team, Dan served as Vice President ofHuman Resources for Hilton Grand Vacations Company from its inception in 1992 until 2004. From 1980 to 1992, Danwas a VP of Human Resources for the Marriott Corporation in Bethesda, MD and Santa Monica, CA. Dan earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania and his Masters and Doctors degrees at theUniversity of Pittsburgh. He has been an adjunct professor at a variety of colleges and universities since 1973 and currently instructs multiple courses for the Masters of Human Resources and Crummer MBA programs at Rollins Collegein Orlando. Dan is currently serving as the Chairperson of the Human Resources Council for the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and regularly serves as a panel member or moderator at ARDA’s annual international conference.Dan has also made presentations at two annual Society for Human Resources international conferences. |
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Mary Lallucci
EVP, Florida Caribbean  Mary Lallucci Mary Lallucci is an Executive Vice President and an Executive Coach with Right Management’s Florida/Caribbean Region. Drawing on more than 20 years of human resources experience, Mary partners with our corporate clients to ensure they receive the highest quality organizational consulting services possible. Her expertise in strategic marketing and business development initiatives has fostered trusted relationships and the long-term growth of our clients. As an executive coach, Mary works closely with senior-level executives, assessing skill sets and designing customized programs to maximize their career potential, with resulting benefits to the performance of their entire organizations. She is well versed in coaching executives through both career transition and career management processes. Prior to joining Right Management, Mary was Vice President of WorkSmart Learning Systems, Inc., where she delivered innovative, added-value client services. Mary also held senior management positions with Manpower International, specializing in staffing services, and was an executive with an organizational consulting firm specializing in leadership and organizational development, assessment, training, and instructional design. Mary holds a degree in Human Services from Nazareth College in New York. She is active in professional and civic groups in the Tampa Bay area, serving on the Board of Directors and is currently the Chair-elect for the St Petersburg Chamber. Mary also serves on the CEO Council for Tampa Bay and is a Board member of the Tampa Bay Workforce, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the Tampa Chamber of Commerce. |
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Patrick Costello
Attorney  Patrick Costello Patrick Costello is a senior litigation associate in the Naples office of Quarles & Brady LLP. His practice is focused on business and corporate disputes, professional liability defense, and trust and estate litigation. He has served as lead counsel on numerous trials and appellate proceedings in state and federal courts across the country. He also is skilled in electronic discovery, internal investigations and dispute resolution, and has successfully represented clients in mediations and arbitrations in the commercial law context. His recent experience includes:
Before joining Quarles & Brady, Mr. Costello practiced commercial and securities litigation with a national law firm in Atlanta, Georgia. He also was a member of the team of attorneys who served as counsel to the Enron Examiner, with responsibility for investigating and reporting on the roles of the accountants, directors and officers in connection with the bankruptcy of Enron Corporation. |
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Craig Norton
Managing Director  Craig Norton Regional Director for the Southern Florida Region since the commencement of the MSSB joint venture in 2009. In nearly 20 years at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Craig has served in a variety of roles including Associate Divisional Director for Southern/Western U.S., Florida District Manager, Ft. Lauderdale Complex Manager, Tampa Complex Manager, Plantation, FL branch manager, and Financial Advisor. Craig graduated from Villanova University in 1992 with a B.A. in economics and currently resides in south Florida with wife and three children. |
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Steven Rodriguez
Strategic Recruiting & Outreach Specialist  Steven Rodriguez Steven L. Rodriguez is the Strategic Recruiting and Outreach Specialist for Florida Virtual School (FLVS). FLVS is an established leader in developing and providing virtual K-12 education solutions to students all over Florida, the U.S. and the world. A nationally recognized e-Learning model and recipient of numerous awards, FLVS was founded in 1997 and was the country’s first, state-wide Internet-based public high school. Today, FLVS serves students in grades K-12 and provides a variety of custom solutions for schools and districts to meet student needs. In his role he is responsible for streamlining and enhancing recruiting initiatives, increasing diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and promoting Florida Virtual School as an employer of choice. Steven has 18 years of experience in recruiting / HR functions and served with the US Air Force for ten years. Since moving to Florida and joining corporate America in 1997, he has developed recruiting structures/strategies, conducted behavioral interviewing training at national call centers, and worked as an HR professional in the areas of compensation analysis, EEO, and diversity initiatives. His career history spans MCI, Sprint / Nextel, Harris, Cendant Corporation, and various publically traded staffing companies. He is a certified instructor in DDI Targeted Selection Behavioral Interviewing, holds an AA in Avionics Technology, a Bachelors in Communications, and an HR Management Certificate through Rollins College. He will be pursuing his Maters in 2012. |
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Richard Wheaton
Director of Business Operations, Tampa  Richard Wheaton Rick is the Director of Business Operations for Aerotek Tampa, Bradenton/Sarasota and Pensacola, Florida offices. In 15 years with Aerotek, Rick has served in a variety of roles including Recruiter, Account Manager, Regional Business Development Manager and Director of Business Operations. Rick graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University in Upstate New York in 1995 with a B.A. in Public Relations. Rick is the executive sponsor for Aerotek in the greater Tampa, Sarasota and Pensacola areas in support of the Aerotek Diversity CARE model (Community, Alliance, Responsibility and Education) and has completed Diversity Champion’s Training. Rick resides in Tampa with his wife and three children. |
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Brenda Copper
SVP  Brenda Copper Brenda Copper is a Senior Vice President of Aon Hewitt’s Health and Benefits Practice based in the Tampa office. Brenda has over 20 years of industry experience in financial and consultative roles within the employer benefit market. As a consultant with Aon for over 15 years, her experience includes multiple engagements with large, multi-site employers that utilize a wide range of health and benefit products and services, including consumer driven healthcare products. In her current role she supports account teams in ensuring execution of clients benefit objectives and providing the right solution to help clients achieve business results. Prior to joining Aon Hewitt, Brenda was with Aetna Life Insurance in their New York City and Tampa marketing offices as an account consultant in the large case market. Brenda is a member of the Mid Market Steering committee for Aon Hewitt’s Health and Benefits practice. Brenda has a BS from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia in Mathematics. |
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Elaine Szeto
SVP, Market Executive  Elaine Szeto Elaine Szeto is a Senior Vice President and Treasury Management Market Manager at PNC Financial Services Group. She is responsible for the Treasury Management sales execution and expansion strategy for East Florida. Elaine has over 17 years of banking experience in various management roles at PNC Bank. Her experience includes the retail banking network, strategic executive planning, project management and Treasury Management. She is responsible for managing a team of Treasury Management Officers dedicated to develop, consult, and implement innovative Treasury Management solutions for various organizations including commercial, middle market companies, higher education, and public finance. Elaine is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH), and holds B.S. in Finance. She also earned her MBA with honors in 2000 from CWRU. Elaine earned her Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and Project Management certification. Professional affiliations include current membership with the National Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). Elaine serves on the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art Board of Governors and on The Commonwealth Institute Board. She is also a member of Forum Club of the Palm Beaches and YWCA, empowering and supporting women from abuse and domestic violence. Helped to raise funds for YWCA through PNC FL’s Women In Power program. Recently, she was appointed as a member of the Florida Diversity Council’s Board Director. Chaired a number of leadership initiatives such as The Commonwealth Institute’s Top Women Led Businesses in Florida. She recently expanded the effort and collaborated with University of Miami and other research company in promoting the Top Women-led business research initiative and publication of the top winners through TCI. |
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Jon Urbanek
SVP, Sales and Marketing for Employer Markets  Jon Urbanek Jon Urbanek is Florida Blue’s senior vice president of sales and marketing for employer markets. In this role, he is responsible for the top-line revenue of the enterprise, the marketing process, the acquisition and retention of all commercial business including local and national groups, (including federal and state employee programs), and all agent distribution channels. Urbanek is also accountable for implementing the strategic programs that enhance our presence in local communities. Since joining Florida Blue in 1989, Urbanek has held a number of key positions. Most recently, he served as group vice president of sales, distribution and local presence. He served as vice president of products and expansion markets, vice president and chief underwriting officer and also held positions leading sales process improvements and automation. Since joining Florida Blue in 1989,Urbanek has held a number of key positions. Most recently, he served as group vice president of sales, distribution and local presence. He served as vice president of products and expansion markets, vice president and chief underwriting officer and also held positions leading sales process improvements and automation. Urbanek holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University. He has achieved the designation of Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the International Foundation of Employee Benefits and is a fellow of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists. |
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Patricia Kimberly
Director of Human Resources  Pat Kimberly Pat Kimberly is the director of Human Resources for Wells Fargo’s Florida Community Bank where she and her team support retail, small business, and business banking with more than 8,500 team members and 670 banking stores. Before assuming her current role in March, 2009, with the Wachovia/Wells Fargo merger, Kimberly most recently served as the director of Human Resources for the Wachovia Wholesale Bank, supporting team members from the Carolinas to the Keys. Prior to that, she served in several leadership roles supporting a variety of business units, where she was responsible for all aspects of Human Resources with a focus on change management, merger integration, diversity and establishing a common culture. Kimberly has 39 years of banking industry experience, 20 of those in Human Resources. She attributes her background in banking to being the key to her success as an HR business partner, consultant and director. Kimberly started her career in a credit training program and followed the traditional career path of a commercial banker: credit analyst, loan underwriter, loan officer and a number of management positions. She gained expertise in change management and cultural integration as a result of working on 56 mergers and acquisitions with Wachovia and its predecessor companies. Within Wells Fargo, Kimberly also serves as a member of the Executive Coaching Group; as a Diversity Practitioner, supporting diversity councils and initiatives; as an executive mentor; and as an advisor to a Team Member Network – Persons with Disabilities. |
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Carmen Johnson
EVP, HR  Carmen Johnson Carmen S. Johnson is executive vice president and general counsel of JM Family Enterprises, Inc. (JM Family), a diversified automotive company with approximately 3,800 associates. The company’s businesses focus on vehicle distribution and processing, finance and warranty services, insurance activities, and retail sales. In this role, Johnson serves as the principal legal adviser for JM Family and its business units. Additionally, she directs the company’s Human Resources and Total Rewards functions, including HR Operations, Training, Benefits and Healthcare Services. Johnson also serves as a member of JM Family’s Executive Management Team, which oversees the development and implementation of JM Family’s long-range planning and strategies for future growth. Johnson joined JM Family in 2007 as Vice President of Human Resources & Total Rewards, and was promoted in 2009 to senior vice president and general counsel. Prior to joining the company, Johnson specialized in labor-related law and employment compliance with more than 20 years experience, including 10 years as the company’s outside employment counsel. She is actively involved in professional and charitable organizations. Johnson is a former member of the Board of Directors for Family Counseling Services of Greater Miami, and has given her time to Lawyer’s for Children of America. She also supports the United Way of Broward County and the Youth Automotive Training Center. Johnson earned her law and business administration degrees from the University of Miami. She is a member of the Florida Bar, and is admitted to practice in multiple courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. |
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Evett Simmons
Chief Diversity Officer & Partner  Evett Simmons Evett Simmons is a Shareholder and Chief Diversity Officer at Greenspoon Marder, PA. a Florida law firm located in ten cities. She is also president of Unity Property Development Corporation, a minority-owned real estate development company. Ms. Simmons was president of the National Bar Association and now chairs the NBA Crump Law Camp Committee, which annually holds a two-week law camp in Washington, DC for high school students. She is a member of the American Bar Association, chaired the ABA Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity in the Profession and served on the board of the ABA Diversity Center. She is on the Board of Trustees for Florida Southern College (“FSC”) and the Board of Directors for PACE Center for Girls, Treasure Coast. She was the only woman attorney appointed by The Florida Bar to the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which disciplines judges. She was also appointed to the Enterprise Florida, Inc. Board of Directors, which oversaw commerce in Florida. Her awards include the distinguished Gertrude E. Rush Award presented by the NBA; the PACE Believing in Girls Embrace Growth & Legacy Award; the Soroptimist Women of Distinction Award; Mercer University School of Law Alumni of the Year Award; FSC Alumni Achievement Citation; St. Lucie County United Way Volunteer of the Year Award; and The Florida Bar 19th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Award. She was inducted into the Fernandina Beach High School Hall of Fame and has had a day named in her honor by Fernandina Beach, FL and Shreveport, LA as well as Miami-Dade County, FL. Ms. Simmons is a graduate of FSC and Mercer University School of Law. She holds an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from Suffolk University. She is a published author of poetry, prose and children’s books. |
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Scott Farber
Director of Business Operations  Scott Farber Scott Farber is the Director of Business Operations for TEKsystems, the nation’s largest and leading Information Technology staffing and services company. Scott has over 10 years of experience in both sales and management and has been with TEKsystems since 2006. During his tenure at TEKsystems he has held various roles within the organization and currently oversees the recruiting and sales efforts for the Tampa, Sarasota, Ft Myers, and Brandenton markets. Scott and TEKsystems are passionate about diversity and inclusion for both internal and external hires for their respective clientele. TEKsystems currently deploys over 70,000 IT professionals per year, all of whom come from various ethnic and diverse backgrounds. Scott recently completed several training courses from the Ivy Planning Group, a recognized diversity leader in training and management. Scott and TEKsystems are committed to continue to foster an environment which promotes diversity and inclusion. |
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Denise Ammaccapane
Director of Workplace Diversity & Inclusion  Denise Ammaccapane Denise has more than 25 years of experience in both operations and staff positions in Healthcare, Business and Industry and the Education Market. Prior to Sodexo, Denise owned a contract foodservice company and restaurant in the NJ area. In her 20 years with Sodexo, her expertise includes training and development, diversity recruitment, talent development, human resources, strategic planning and execution. Prior to her current role, Denise was the District Manager overseeing a 24M dining program at a large public University. Denise’s current role as Director of Workplace Diversity and Inclusion supports the Education Market (college and K-12) where she partners with operations and human resources to align the Diversity and Inclusion strategy with the company’s goals. She travels nationally, meeting with managers to implement the D&I strategy, delivering training, and facilitating meetings with both managers and clients around D&I topics. |
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Lorrie McGovern
MBA Director  Lorrie McGovern Dr. Lorrie McGovern is the Director of Graduate Studies in Business and Associate Professor of Management and Marketing at Saint Leo University. She is responsible for all graduate business degree programs which currently include Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and Masters of Accounting. Before joining Saint Leo in the Fall of 2010, Dr. McGovern served as Dean of the School of Business at King College in Bristol, Tennessee. Prior to that appointment, she served as Director of Leadership and Entrepreneurship and Director of the Bachelor of Business Administration programs. Dr. McGovern has owned three successful businesses and served as Director of Community Development for the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. Dr. McGovern holds a Bachelors of Science from Virginia Intermont College, Masters of Arts from Tusculum College and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Argosy University. In addition, she earned the SPHR credentials. |
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Sandra Porceng
VP, HR  Sandra Porceng Sandra Porceng is Vice President of Human Resources for JM Family Enterprises, Inc. (JM Family), a diversified automotive company with approximately 3,800 associates and headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL. The company’s businesses focus on vehicle distribution and processing, finance and warranty services, insurance activities, and retail sales. In this role, she directs the company’s Human Resources Operations function for each of the company’s six business units. Prior to this position, she served as Vice President for Total Rewards where she oversaw Compensation, Retirement Services, Benefits, Worker’s Compensation, Relocation and Human Resources Data Management. Sandra joined JM Family in 1997 as a Human Resources Generalist for JM&A Group, a subsidiary of JM Family. Prior to her current role, Sandra held a number of senior-level Human Resources positions in several JM Family business units. She is a supporter of the United Way of Broward County and the Youth Automotive Training Center. Sandra earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. She and her husband reside in Coral Springs, Fla. |
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Kim Williams
Director of Human Resources  Kim Williams Kim Williams, who celebrates a 40-year career milestone this year, is director of Human Resources for UPS Florida. He leads a district with over 12,500 employees and has more than 50 employees who report directly to him within his function. Kim began his UPS career in 1973 as a part-time employee in Jacksonville, FL. He was promoted to full-time management in 1979 after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Finance at the University of North Florida. He relocated to Central Florida to open the Orlando hub in 1982. He held various supervisor positions in the district in Health and Safety, package and hub operations, and Industrial Engineering. In 1987, Kim was promoted to the Orlando Hub manager and in 1990 accepted an assignment in the Human Resources Department where he gained valuable experience in Learning and Development, Workforce Planning, and Employee Relations. He supported the opening of the Pleasantdale and Burtonsville hubs in Georgia and Maryland. He also helped develop the Corporate Affirmative Action Training Program and the Impartial Employment Guide. In 1999, Kim was promoted and relocated to Baltimore, MD, as Director of Human Resources. In 2002, he returned to Florida as the Director of Human Resources.He holds a Professional in Human Resources designation from SHRM as part of his continuing education and is actively involved with the local United Way through volunteerism and leadership level giving. |
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Dennis Kennedy
Founder & CEO  Dennis Kennedy Dennis Kennedy has an unwavering passion for people and works to ensure that all individuals receive equal opportunities in the workplace regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. In 2004, Mr. Kennedy walked away from his job to start the Texas Diversity Council (www.texasdiversitycouncil.org). He realized the need to create an organization that would champion Diversity & Inclusion across the state. Four years later, Mr. Kennedy found himself launching the National Diversity Council (NDC) for the exact same reasons he started the state council. NDC is currently active in more than fifteen states. His vision is to have state and regional diversity councils across the United States (www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org). Mr. Kennedy spent several years as a college professor at the following universities: University of Houston Downtown, Texas Southern University and University of Texas at San Antonio. Courses he taught include: Business Statistics, Economics, HR Management, Compensation Management and Diversity Management. He also spent 5 years working in a corporate environment in the field of Human Resources. Mr. Kennedy graduated from the University of Houston with undergraduate degrees in economics, business management and political science. He earned a MBA from University of Houston as well. |
