Faculty Bios - Orlando Chamber of Commerce

Biography 

Bob Brooks, M.D. 

Republican for State House District 47 

P.O. Box 780307 

Orlando, FL 32878 

Phone: 407.619.7049 

Email: bobbrooks@bobbrookscampaign.com 

After earning my degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine, I completed an internal medicine internship at 

Detroit Medical Center’s Hutzel Hospital, followed by an internal medicine residency at Sinai Hospital and a fellowship in 

infectious disease at the Stanford University School of Medicine. My interest in teaching resurfaced in 1982 and 1983, 

when I was recognized as Teaching Resident of the Year. I was also awarded Teacher of the Year in 1991 and 1992 

through Orlando Regional Medical Center, where I specialized in infectious diseases and internal medicine. Three years 

later, I was named the hospital system’s Chief of Infectious Diseases, treating AIDS patients and a variety of other 

complex illnesses. At that time, my clinical practice was all-consuming, and I wanted to expand my horizons and 

understand the world in a broader view, so I enrolled at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, studying history, 

philosophy, ethics and society and their impact on healthcare. The program, though very challenging, helped me balance 

my life. 

In 1994, I was urged to run for Florida House of Representatives District 35 in Orlando. I was elected to that seat three 

times, served on numerous healthcare and justice committees, and chaired the Elder Affairs and Long Term Care 

Committee from 1996 until 1999. In ’99 I was named the state Chief Medical Officer and Secretary of the Florida 

Department of Health by Governor Jeb Bush and moved to Tallahassee. 

In 2001, I returned to my first love, education, by joining the Florida State University College of Medicine as associate 

dean for health affairs and professor of family medicine and rural health. I taught health policy and established five 

Centers of Excellence. I also continued my own education. In 2006, I earned an MBA for physicians from Auburn 

University and three years later a master’s degree in public health from the Harvard School of Public Health. With 

additional training on the business angle of healthcare (at Auburn) and another important perspective on populationbased 

healthcare (at Harvard), I was fortunate to have opportunities to grow an understanding of the complex healthcare 

sector and develop strategies for much-needed reform. 

I moved home to Orlando a couple of years ago and now serve at the University of South Florida (USF) as a Professor of 

Medicine and Public Health, and Associate Vice President for Health Leadership. 

In addition to our work and community service, my wife Eliza, a nurse who’s originally from the Philippines, and I stay 

busy with our family and community. 

75 South Ivanhoe Boulevard P.O. Box 1234 Orlando, FL 32802 Phone: 407.425.1234

BIOGRAPHY 

YOLANDA L. CADE 

Managing Director of Public Relations 

AAA National Office 

1000 AAA Drive 

Heathrow, FL 32746 

Phone: 407.444.8000 

Email: ycade@national.aaa.com 

Shaping the organization's public image, national public relations and strategic communications efforts, Yolanda 

oversees AAA’s national public relations offices in Washington D.C. and Orlando, FL. She is responsible for managing all 

aspects of communicating public policy, national business line and advocacy activities to the public, media and AAA’s 52 

million members. 

Prior to joining AAA, Yolanda served as the chief spokesperson and director of Strategic Communications and Public 

Affairs for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under the Department of Homeland Security. In her role she 

was responsible for managing internal, external communications and the TSA website. She successfully launched the 

TSA 3-1-1 public education campaign as well as the I AM TSA employee communications effort. Previous to her federal 

service, she served as the Deputy Director of Public Relations for the world’s busiest airport--Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta 

International Airport. 

In addition to work in the fields of crisis communications, travel, security, transportation and aviation, Yolanda has a 

wealth of experience in television, social media, media relations and client-side management. In 2002, she was voted 

one of Georgia's 100 most powerful and influential women and in 2007 was featured in Black Enterprise Magazine’s On 

the Move feature for highly visible professionals. Nicknamed “Starlonda” by Barbara Walters for the resemblance to her 

former co-host, Yolanda appeared on the The View as a guest host with Joy Behar in 1999. 

Active in the central Florida community, Yolanda serves on the Board of Trustees for Central Florida Regional Hospital 

and also has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Central Florida Urban League for nearly three years. She 

holds a Bachelors of Science degree in broadcast journalism from Florida A&M University and is a native of South 

Florida, and is a graduate of Leadership Orlando Class 78. 


BIOGRAPHY 

CHRISTPHER A. CARMODY, JR. 

Attorney 

GrayRobinson, P.A. 

301 East Pine Street 


Phone: 407.843.8880 

Email: ccarmody@gray-robinson.com 

Chris was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from Bishop Moore Catholic High School in 1998. Four 

years later, he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in Political Science, with a minor in 

Human Nutrition. While at UF, Chris was active in Student Government activities and regularly attended both football 

and basketball games. 

In 2005, Chris graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. During law school, Chris interned at the 

Florida Supreme Court for the Honorable Raoul G. Cantero. He also researched under Dean Jon Mills in the Center for 

Governmental Responsibility. He was a member of the Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board and in his final 

semester served as President. 

Chris has experience in handling government relations matters, including representation before the Florida legislature 

and executive branch, purchasing and procurement appeals, and professional licensing. In addition, Chris practices in 

litigation, land use and construction law. 

EDUCATION 

University of Florida, B.A. (2002) 

Senate President, Student Government 

Florida Blue Key 

Hall of Fame 

Phi Beta Kappa 

University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D. (2005) 

Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board 

o President 

o Regional Champion, Thomas Tang National Moot Court Competition 

Vice President, Florida Blue Key 

Intern, Honorable Raoul G. Cantero, Florida Supreme Court 

Research Assistant, Center for Governmental Responsibility 

Order of the Barristers 

Chair, Class Gift Committee 


Biography 

Lui Damiani, Candidate 

Orange County Commissioner 

District 3 

603 Strathmore Drive 


Phone: 407.760.3800 

Email: lui@luidamiani.com 

As a County Commissioner, corporate executive, small business owner and homeowner's association president, his 

experience gives him a well-rounded approach to problem solving and doing what's right for the community. 

Lui is an experienced proven leader who has served as Commissioner of District 3 in Orange County. Additionally, he 

served as Chief Aide to former District 3 Commissioner Mary I. Johnson for eight years and was recognized with the 

county's highest service honor, The Chairman's Award. Lui's background in business and public service spans more 

than 25 years. Upon graduating from the Ohio State University in 1987, he moved to Orlando to put down roots and 

begin his professional career; building a solid resume in business and service to the community. In the private sector, Lui 

spent five years as the Corporate Marketing Director and Vice President of one of Florida's largest woman-owned 

businesses and has operated his own small real estate business for more than 10 years. 

Lui and his wife, Grace have two dogs, Rocky and Doc Hollywood, and live near his parents in the heart of District 3. 

"Nothing would give me more pleasure than to continue serving my neighbors and the hardworking people in my district," 

says Lui. "Being a representative of the people has been the highest honor of my life." 


Biography 

Karen Flood 

Regional Manager, State Legislative Affairs 

Florida Hospital 

2400 Bedford Road 

2nd Floor 


Phone: 407.303.7943 

Email: karen.flood@flhosp.org 

Karen Flood is the regional manager for state legislative affairs at Florida Hospital. In that role, she is responsible for 

developing and executive an annual state legislative agenda, managing relationships between Florida Hospital and state 

elected officials and their staff for all 22 Florida Hospital facilities, and conducting policy research and analysis on issues 

related to health care and hospital operations. Prior to her service at Florida Hospital, Ms. Flood spent seven years at 

the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) where she was responsible for managing local, state, and 

Federal government relations, the EDC Governors Council, and various special projects. As part of that, she ran the 

EDC’s legislative affairs committee and local government relations teams made up of investors and government relations 

professionals. She began her professional career at State Farm Insurance as a customer service representative. 

Ms. Flood received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science/International Relations from the University of Central Florida, 

graduating with honors. While there, she also studied abroad in Koblenz, Germany and served an internship at the U.S. 

Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany. She passed the written and oral portions of the United States Foreign Service 

Exam in 2003. 

She currently serves on the boards of the Christian Service Center and BusinessForce, and is an Advisory Council 

member for the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Political Institute. A proud member of Leadership Orlando Class 83, 

Ms. Flood is one of the Orlando Business Journal’s 2012 Top 40 Under 40. She is an active member of and volunteer at 

First Baptist Church of Orlando, member and past president of the Rotaract Club of Metro Orlando, a certified 

Toastmaster, and a member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Economic and Government Affairs 

Committee. Past volunteer activity includes Howard Middle School mentoring, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Central 

Florida, and the Ronald McDonald House. 


BIOGRAPHY 

JAY GALBRAITH 

Vice President State and Industry Affairs 

SeaWorld Adventure Parks 

7007 SeaWorld Drive 


Phone: 407.363.2285 

Email: Jay.galbraith@seaworld.com 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s 10 parks across the U.S. – including SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa - 

play host to 23 million guests each year and employ 20,000 people nationwide. They are also a worldwide conservation 

leader having rescued and rehabilitated 18,000 animals in their 46-year history. 

Jay manages regional and state regulatory and legislative affairs for each of the 10 parks, directing state industry affairs, 

including park involvement in associations representing travel, amusement park, zoological, retail, and food and 

beverage industries. In the political arena for more than 20 years, he has represented academic, research and 

educational institutions, and on staff for U.S. House of Representatives Bill Grant and Michael Bilirakis. 

Currently, Jay serves as the Chair of BusinessForce, the Central Florida Partnership’s Political Action Committee, as well 

as the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Government Affairs Committee and the Foundation Board for 

Valencia College. 


Biography 

Pam Gould, Candidate 

Orange County School Board 

District 4 

2931 Sunbittern Court 

Windermere, FL 34786 

Phone: 407.968.3508 

Email: pam@pamgould4schoolboard.com 

After completing college Pam married her high school sweetheart, John Gould, and moved to New York City where she 

worked Broadway and off-Broadway theatre, as a Producer managing everything from finances to marketing. After years 

in NYC they sought a sunny quality of life in Orlando to have their two sons, Gregory and Matthew. Their core values 

based on service have translated into being involved in their church, community and boy’s schools. 

Pam has experience in both for profit and not for profit organizations. At Orlando Health she served as the Chief 

Development Officer for the Health Research Institute and Trauma Center. In 2000, she joined Health Central as the 

V.P. of Community Relations and the President of the Health Central Foundation. There she increased the donor base to 

over 20,000 donors, growing the annual revenue to support sustainable programs and fulfill capital needs. Duties 

included executive management and funding for the School Nurse Program and creation collaborations to provide 

healthcare for uninsured children. 

In 2007 Pam joined Island One Resorts. As Senior Vice President her responsibilities included: payroll, benefits, 

government relations, human resources, creative, communications, public relations, new product development, facilities 

management and business planning/forecasting. She was able to generate a 20% savings by establishing a new 

business model for the Human Resources Division and started Island One Foundation to support projects like building a 

handicap accessible home for the family of a disabled veteran with West Orange Habitat for Humanity, school supply 

drives and food drives. 

Pam has a passion for creative solutions to education issues and wants to use her professional background to bridge 

between the business world and education. 


Biography 

Shannon Gravitte 

Vice President, Government & Community Relations 

Mears Transportation Group 

3840 Vineland Road 

Suite 200 


Phone: 407.254.0454 

Email: sgravitte@mearstransportation.com 

Shannon Gravitte serves as Vice President of Government and Community Affairs for Mears Transportation Group. As 

part of the senior management team, Gravitte assists with the overall strategic direction of the company, particularly as 

it pertains to the public, media, charitable giving, community involvement and external audiences. Gravitte works closely 

with governmental and regulatory bodies at the local, state and federal level on behalf of Mears and its entities. 

With more than 20 years of experience in public affairs, Gravitte brings a depth of understanding of the critical integration 

of business with government and social responsibility. Her public sector work includes serving as senior advisor to 

former Congressman and Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, and former Orlando Mayor and Florida Secretary of 

State Glenda Hood, among others. Gravitte also directed local and state governmental affairs for Universal Orlando and 

spent five years as a Capitol Hill press secretary. 

Most recently, Gravitte directed the Florida office of Public Strategies, Inc., managing issues for a diverse clientele that 

included Orlando Health, Volkswagen, Brighthouse, Accenture, Health First, St. Joe, South Florida Water Management 

District and Lennar Homes. 

Gravitte received the Orlando Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Award in 2008, and is active in many community and 

civic organizations. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Give Kids the World, BusinessForce and the South 

Orlando Downtown Neighborhood Improvement District. 

Serving Central Florida since 1939, Mears Transportation is a private, family-owned company and one of Orlando's 

largest employers, with over 3,000 employees and independent contractors. In addition, Mears owns and operates 

Hello USA!, a full service destination management company with offices in Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, Las Vegas, 

Arizona and Washington, DC. 


BIOGRAPHY 

Jeffery Q. Jonasen 

Partner 

Perez, Bruce & Jonasen LLP 

P.O. Box 4351 

Orlando, FL 32802-4351 

Phone: 407.648.5077 

Email: jeff@pbandjlaw.com 

Jeffery Q. Jonasen practices in the business group, particularly in the areas of business acquisitions, securities offerings, 

financings and business transactions. Mr. Jonasen is experienced in corporate finance and securities law and has been 

involved in various types of equity and debt offerings and venture capital financings. He is also well versed in structuring 

and negotiating corporate bank loans and stock and asset purchases, in forming private equity funds and other 

investment vehicles, and in preparing federal and state securities filings. 

Mr. Jonasen has considerable experience representing both privately held and public companies, as well as not-for-profit 

entities, in connection with planning and completing corporate transactions such as acquisitions, divestitures, 

reorganizations, joint ventures, strategic alliances and technology licensing arrangements. He also advises clients with 

respect to corporate governance issues and public disclosure obligations. His experiences in corporate representation 

include small start-up companies in emerging technology fields, established medium-sized companies in a wide range of 

businesses, charities and community organizations, and large FORTUNE 500 companies. 

He has represented the world's largest power generation equipment manufacturers in business acquisitions throughout 

the United States, in Europe, in South America and in Asia; and he has assisted with the formation and financing of new 

companies created to commercialize emerging technologies developed by academic institutions and by the defense 

industry. 

Before entering private practice, Mr. Jonasen was a judicial law clerk to Justice Ben F. Overton of the Supreme Court of 

Florida from 1989 to 1991, during which time he also served as the Executive Director of the U.S. Constitution 

Bicentennial Commission of Florida. He is also a former Assistant Attorney General with the Florida Department of Legal 

Affairs. 

Mr. Jonasen serves as president of the Central Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America, as chair of the Board of 

Directors of the Central Florida Partnership, a board member of BusinessForce, and treasurer and member of the Board 

of Directors of the University of Florida Alumni Association. He is a life member of the University of Florida Alumni 

Association, and is a member of the University's Hall of Fame. 

Mr. Jonasen is a member of Orange County Bar Association, The Florida Bar, and the American Bar Association. 


BIOGRAPHY 

MS. CHRISTINA JOHNSON 

President 

On 3 Public Relations 

200 West College Avenue 

Tallahassee, FL 32301 

Phone: 850.391.5040 

Email: christina@on3PR.com 

Christina Johnson is president of On 3 Public Relations (On3PR), a full service communications firm providing a 

comprehensive strategy for internal and external communication for local, state and federal associations, businesses, 

civic, community, government, non‐profits; including political campaigns, issue referenda, initiatives, issue management, 

crisis management, and grassroots/grasstops advocacy programs. 

On behalf of Central Florida, she served as executive director of the Project Hometown Citizens Committee, successfully 

advocating the approval of $1.1 billion in funding for construction and renovation of a new Events Center, a new 

Performing Arts Center, and the Florida Citrus Bowl. 

Johnson's political experience includes work with the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) and the Republican National 

Committee (RNC), providing the lead on press, logistics and fundraising events for the President, Vice President and 

various cabinet officials and campaigns. She graduated in 1986 from the University of Central Florida with a degree in 

Political Science. 


BIOGRAPHY 

MICHAEL L. “MIKE” KETCHUM 

Vice President, Public Policy 

Central Florida Partnership 

President, BusinessForce 

75 South Ivanhoe Boulevard 


Phone: 407.835.2464 

Email: mike.ketchum@orlando.org 

Mike Ketchum is the Vice President of Public Policy for the Central Florida Partnership, Vice President for Advocacy for 

Orlando, Inc., and the President of BusinessForce, a line of business of the Central Florida Partnership, he is 

responsible for its political action committee, and he oversees the election of pro-business candidates in the region. He 

is a native of Orlando, was educated in Orange County Public Schools and holds a bachelor degree in Political Science 

from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s degree in History from Rollins College. 

Prior to returning home to Orlando and joining the Chamber staff in l999, Mike’s professional career included spending 

eight years in Tallahassee where he served as a Staff Director for the Florida Senate and a Legislative Liaison within the 

administrations of former Florida Governors Reuben Askew and Bob Graham. After concluding his public service career in 

Tallahassee, he left Florida to enter the corporate world and lived and worked during the next 18 years in Baton Rouge, St. 

Louis and Atlanta as the Regional Governmental Affairs Manager for a major chemical manufacturing and healthcare 

company. His responsibilities included the management of a broad range of state governmental relations, community and 

public affairs activities within a 14 state region and the Caribbean. 


BIOGRAPHY 

AVIDO KHAHAIFA 

Senior Vice President and General Manager 

Orlando Sentinel Communications 

633 North Orange Avenue – MP178 


Phone: 407.420.5341 

Email: AKhahaifa@orlandosentinel.com 

Avido Khahaifa became Senior Vice President and General Manager of Orlando Sentinel Communications in May 2005, 

where he oversees operations, circulation/marketing, interactive sales and human resources functions. His focus is on 

accelerating the company’s growth, increasing operational efficiency and furthering the company’s strategic initiatives. 

Prior to joining Orlando Sentinel Communications Khahaifa was vice president/managing director at the South Florida 

Sun-Sentinel where he was responsible for coordinating the editorial, advertising, circulation and marketing efforts in 

Palm Beach County. He also served as president of Forum Publishing Group, which consists of 25 weekly and monthly 

publications distributed in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties 

Khahaifa also held the position of director of Cross-Media Operations and served as manager of strategic areas from 

1998 to 1999 working with the newspaper’s managers to identify strategic priorities, develop and implement actions 

supporting those strategies and track the company’s progress toward achieving strategic goals in specific geographies. 

In his 20 years with the Sun-Sentinel, Khahaifa held various positions, beginning as copy editor in 1984, then general 

assignment reporting, assistant city editor, night copy desk, editor, news editor, planning coordinator and special projects 

manager and advertising project manager. He began his career as a news clerk for the Tallahassee Democrat in 1982 

and had a brief stint as a replacement reporter at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. 

He is currently on the board of directors for the Heart of Florida United Way, Florida Press Association, Metro Orlando 

Economic Development Commission and is also a member of the Newspaper Association of America’s talent 

management and diversity committee. While at the Sun-Sentinel, he was involved in several South Florida community 

organizations including the Fort Lauderdale chapter of the NAACP and the Broward Workshop. He served on the 

advisory board of the Sun-Sentinel Diversity Venture Fund and as secretary of the board of the Broward County chapter 

of the American Red Cross. He is also the 2006 recipient of the Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Alumnus Award 

from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. 

Avido is a 1984 graduate of FAMU. He was born in New York City and grew up in the Catskill Mountains area north of 

the city. Khahaifa and his wife Deborah live in Lake Mary. They have three children. 


BIOGRAPHY 

TROY L. MCNICHOLS 

Regional Director, External & Legislative Affairs 

AT&T Services, Inc. 

12150 Research Parkway, Room 130 


Phone: 407.514.5383 

Email: tm913x@att.com 

Troy L. McNichols is a seasoned executive in government relations, public affairs, complex operations planning and 

execution. He has worked at the highest levels of government, including the White House and the U.S. Department of 

Energy with Q Clearance and Top Secret Clearance. Troy is an experienced, results-driven leader with a record of 

consistently meeting and exceeding goals and expectations related to management, operations, strategic planning and 

complex logistics. His results-driven leadership qualities, problem solving/critical thinking abilities and forward thinking 

strategies have enabled him to successfully lead large complex organizations. He is a creative decision maker, able to 

function effectively in challenging situations with sound judgment and discipline. Troy is known for his impeccable 

interpersonal, communication, organizational, and presentation skills. He believes in a culture of excellence where 

exceeding expectations is business as usual. Troy’s Federal/State Government experience and understanding can add 

value to any public/private organization. He has a broad cross section of Federal, State, Local and Private Sector 

relationships throughout Central Florida and the entire state of Florida. 

Areas of experience: 

 

 

Strategic Business Development Initiatives 

Developing and Sustaining Relationships with Leadership of: 

o 

o 

o 

o 

State, Local and Federal Government 

• Navigating Complex Government Structure 

NGO’s 

Private Sector Enterprises 

Professional and Trade Associations 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External Affairs 

Government Relations 

Community Relations 

Operations/Protocol/Systems Management 

Large Scale/Complex Organization Leadership/Management 

Corporate Communications/Public Affairs Strategy 


Biography 

Marco Peña 

Candidate 

Florida House of Representatives, District 49 

Phone: 407.900.9544 

Email: Marco@MarcoPena.org 

Raised by his single mom and grandparents, Marco grew up in a close family that moved from Puerto Rico seeking the 

American dream. The oldest of 4 children, Marco is a proud graduate of the Florida public school system. After 

graduating Marco moved to Orlando and entered the University of Central Florida through the LEAD Scholars program. 

In college, Marco continued to work hard. He became one of the youngest Student Body Vice Presidents at UCF and 

later the first Puerto Rican to serve two terms as Student Body President. Marco served two-terms as President and as a 

charter member of the UCF Board of Trustees. He also served as Vice Chair of the Florida Student Association where he 

advocated for improving education and responsible spending to keep tuition affordable. He fought to save the Bright 

Futures Scholarship program to help families and students reach for their own American dream. He opened the campus’ 

Multicultural Student Center where for the first time – the campus’ many diverse groups had a programming and 

academic advising hub. 

After graduation, Marco went to work in marketing at the headquarters of two Fortune 500 companies – Office Depot and 

Target Corporation. He then pursued a Master’s degree at the University of Minnesota and soon thereafter moved into 

healthcare development working at the Minnesota Medical Foundation and Florida Hospital where he found his life’s 

passion to save lives by advancing medical research, education, and care. 

Marco has been committed to helping his community serving on Mayor Glenda Hood’s Citizen Corps Council, Trustee 

member of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, Executive Board of the Orange County Young Republicans, 

Fort Gatlin District Committee of the Boy Scouts, UCF College of Business Alumni Board, Rotaract of Metro Orlando, 

Citrus Civitan, Florida Hospital Diabetes & Translational Research Institute Board, and American Heart Association 

Pulse Committee. Most recently, Marco was appointed and serves on the Health Council of East Central Florida – an 

advisory board of the Orange County Commission – using his experience to help solve health problems faced in our 

community including running programs that help the uninsured and underinsured in our community. 

Marco is a parishioner of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church and resides in Orlando, Florida with his wife, Heather. 


BIOGRAPHY 

THE HONORABLE SCOTT PLAKON 

Representative - District 37 

Florida House of Representatives 

1855 West State Road 434, Suite 242 

Longwood, FL 32750-5071 

Phone: 407.262.7520 

Email: scott.plakon@myfloridahouse.gov 

Councils/Committee Membership: 

Government Accountability Act Council 

Health Care Services Policy Committee 

Joint Administrative Procedures Committee 

Natural Resources Appropriations Committee 

PreK-12 Policy Committee 

Biographical Information: 

City of Residence: Longwood 

Occupation: 

CEO/Publisher 

Spouse: 

Susie Plakon 

Child(ren): 

Jeanne, Timothy, John, Jamison, David, Erica 

Education: Stetson University, B.S., Psychology, 1977-1981 

Born: 

March 13, 1959, Rochester, NY 

Religious Affiliation: Christian 

Recreational Interest: golf, reading, travel, scuba diving 

Legislative Service: 

Elected to the House in 2008 

Affiliations: 

A Safe Harbor Pregnancy Resource Center, current and Founding Board Member 

Christian Life Missions, current Board Member 

Markham Place Homeowners Association, past Member and former President 

Media Research Center, current Trustee 

National Federation of Independent Businesses, current Member 

National Rifle Association, Life Member 

Pinnacle Bank, current Advisory Board Member 

Sanford Rescue Outreach Mission & Open Door Shelter for Women & Children 

current Vice Chairman, Board of Directors 

Seminole County Youth Commission, current Member 

Servants of the People Committee, current Marketing Chairman 

United States Army Freedom Team Salute, current Recipient 


BIOGRAPHY 

THE HONORABLE KELLI STARGEL 

2000 East Edgewood 

Suite 109 

Lakeland, FL 33803-3639 

Phone: 863.614.9156 

Email: kelli.stargel@myfloridahouse.gov 

Biographical Information 

City of Residence: Lakeland 

Occupation: 

Investment Property Manager 

Spouse: 

John Stargel, of Somerset, Kentucky 

Child(ren): 

Rebekah, Amanda, Robert, Mary "Hannah", Laura 

Education: Land O'Lakes High School, 1980-1984; Tallahassee Community College, 1991 

Born: 

March 23, 1966, Tampa, FL 

History: 

John Stargel, husband, Florida House of Representatives, 2002-2006, currently serving as a 

circuit judge; Aaron Jernigan, great-great-great-grandfather, Florida House of Representatives, 1846; James Lane, 

great-grandfather, Sumter County Sheriff, 1899-1911 

Religious Affiliation: 

Recreational Interest: 

Baptist 

family activities, genealogy, reading 

Legislative Service 

Elected to the House in 2008, reelected subsequently 

Other Public Service 

Serves as a Commissioner on the Education Commission of the States 

Served on the Commission on Marriage and Family Support Initiatives 

Affiliations 

Achievement Academy Advisory Board 

American Legislative Exchange Council Education Task Force 

Digital Leader with Digital Learning Now! 

Read Polk Board of Directors 

Republican Women's Club of Lakeland, former President 

USF Education Advisory Board 

Highlights 

Association of Builders and Contractors, Friend of Free Enterprise Award 2009, 2010 

Florida Chamber of Commerce, "A" Honor Roll 2009, 2010 

Florida Right to Life, Legislator of the Year 2010 

Christian Coalition of Florida, Faith and Family Award 2009 

Florida Family Policy Council, Defender of Marriage Award 2009 

Florida Home Builders Association, Friend of Housing Award 2009 


BIOGRAPHY 

Chris Stewart 

Director, Legislative and Business Affairs 

American Resort Development Association 

4901 Vineland Road, Suite 635 


Phone: 407.245.7601 ext. 24 

Email: cstewart@arda.org 

Chris joined the State Government Affairs team at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) in 2007. In 

his position with ARDA he shares responsibility for managing a nationwide state government relations program which 

advocates on behalf of the timeshare industry and more than eight million timeshare owners in the United States. On 

behalf of ARDA and the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA ROC), Chris works with policy makers and regulators in 

diverse states including Florida, South Carolina, California and Utah to promote policies allowing for the vitality and 

continued growth of the industry and protecting the vacation ownership experience. In addition, Chris serves as ARDA’s 

liaison in Central Florida which is considered by many to the epicenter of the timeshare industry. In this role, he serves 

as a member of the board of Business Force and the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association PAC. He is also a 

member of the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida and a graduate of Leadership Orlando (Class 62). 

Prior to joining ARDA, Chris was Director of Government Affairs for California State University, Northridge where he 

oversaw the university’s policy agenda at the local, state and federal levels. He has also worked in the legislative 

process in Florida as chief legislative aide to Senator Lee Constantine and Representative Dean Cannon and with 

Progress Energy as Community Relations Manager. 

Chris holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and a Master’s 

degree in American Government from American University in Washington, DC. 


BIOGRAPHY 

THE HONORABLE DARREN SOTO 

Representative, District 49 


5425 South Semoran Boulevard, Suite 1 - B 


Phone: 407.249.4743 

Email: darren.soto@myfloridahouse.gov 

Representative Soto is of both Puerto Rican and Italian descent. Darren's father, Louis Soto, was born in Manati, Puerto 

Rico and formerly held the position of Treasurer for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Metro Orlando. Darren's 

mother, Jean Soto, was born in Paterson, New Jersey from second generation Italian-Americans. 

Representative Soto has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Rutgers University, and graduated Law School from 

George Washington University and is a commercial and civil rights attorney proudly practicing law in Central Florida. He 

is an ardent defender of civil rights and is committed to rendering legal services pro bono to the community. In 2006, he 

was named class counsel in the federal class action brought on behalf of Hispanic voters against the City of Kissimmee 

in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Representative Soto would like to continue to defend the rights 

and interests of our citizens in Tallahassee. 

Representative Soto is also a former member of the Civil Service Board for the City of Orlando. He has held leadership 

positions with the Orange County Democrats and the Orange County Young Democrats (YD's). He is also the YD Co- 

Host for their Speak Easy events that provide a monthly forum for local and state leaders to speak to young voters. 

Representative Soto is running for reelection in District 49 in order to continue his efforts to refocus government on the 

LONG-TERM INTERESTS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA. As a commercial and civil rights attorney, he believes we 

must STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE INTERESTS OF BUSINESS AND OF THE INDIVIDUAL in order to 

preserve the Great State of Florida for future generations. Representative Soto represents small and mid-size 

businesses in Central Florida everyday and understands that our great State must foster a competitive and attractive 

business environment in order for our economy to flourish. However, he also believes that our State must be fair to 

consumers and workers and that every voice no matter how big or small must be given the opportunity to be heard. 


BIOGRAPHY 

THE HONORABLE GERALDINE F. THOMPSON 



511 West South Street, Suite 204 


Phone: 407.245.1511 

Email: geraldine.thompson@myfloridahouse.gov 

Geraldine F. Thompson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the South Dade town of Perrine, Florida 

where members of her family worked in agriculture and construction. She received a John F. Kennedy/Martin Luther 

King, Jr. Scholarship to attend the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida where she enrolled shortly after that 

school ended racial segregation. In 1970, she received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and business education from 

the University of Miami. She moved with her husband, Emerson, to Tallahassee where he attended law school and she 

worked in state government and higher education. Her first position in Tallahassee was as Executive Secretary to 

Representative Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry, the first African American woman to serve in the Florida House of 

Representatives. After working for several years, she sought a Master of Science degree in Communication from Florida 

State University, which she received in 1973. She then joined her husband in Orlando and immediately became active 

in the Central Florida community. 

She began working in Orlando as a teacher in the Orange County Public Schools System. After six years, she left the 

classroom to accept a position as Director of the Equal Opportunity Office at Valencia Community College where she 

served for 24 years as Assistant to the President. In 1987, she was appointed by Governor Bob Graham to the Florida 

Commission on Human Relations. She received confirmation from the Florida Senate and remained on the Commission 

during the terms of Governor Lawton Chiles, where she was elected by her fellow commissioners to serve as chair. Also 

considered a local historian, her passion for history led her to conducting research and compiling documents which 

resulted in authoring a book entitled, “Black America Series: Orlando, Florida,” in 2003. She is also credited with 

preserving one of Orlando’s unique landmarks, The Wells’ Built Hotel, which housed some of America’s most prominent 

citizens, including Justice Thurgood Marshall, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Jackie Robinson, and many more. She 

helped to secure funds to convert the hotel into a museum, which is known today as The Wells’ Built Museum of African 

American History. In November of 2006, she was elected by the constituents of District 39 in Orlando to serve as the first 

African American female to represent Orange County in the Florida House of Representatives. In her legislative capacity, 

she currently serves as the ranking Democratic member on the State Affairs committee and is a contributing member of 

the Post Secondary Education Committee and the Government Efficiency and Accountability Council. 

She is married to the Honorable Emerson R. Thompson, Jr. and is the mother of three children (Laurise, Emerson III, 

and Elizabeth) and the proud grandmother of four. She enjoys reading and traveling. 


BIOGRAPHY 

CONGRESSMAN DANIEL WEBSTER 


United States House of Representatives 

300 West Pant Street 

Winter Garden, FL 34787 

Phone: 407.654.5705 

Daniel Webster, a family man and small-business owner, has dedicated himself to serving the citizens of Central Florida 

with honor and integrity. For nearly three decades, he has fought on behalf of Florida’s hardworking taxpayers and 

families to advance common-sense reforms and principled policy. 

Webster served as the Speaker of the Florida House and Majority Leader in the Senate, working in these leadership 

roles to shake up the status quo in Florida and pass sweeping reforms that earned him widespread praise from the 

people of Florida. 

From his first day in leadership, Webster worked to reform the way Legislature did business, requiring all proposed laws 

to meet specific criteria that would determine its effectiveness in benefiting the people of the great state of Florida. 

As the first non-lawyer to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee in Florida, Webster led Florida as the only state to pass a 

constitutional amendment protecting its citizens’ property rights in the aftermath of the landmark Supreme Court case, 

Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005), dealing with the government’s ability to seize private property. 

With his engineering background, Webster found transportation issues quite interesting and he was thrilled to serve as 

Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee in the Florida House representing Central Florida’s unique 

transportation needs. Currently, Webster is working in Congress on transportation issues to create jobs, improve 

Florida’s roads and highways, and find ways to save money by eliminating fraud and abuse. 

Webster’s other committee assignment in Congress is on the influential House Rules Committee where he is fighting to 

bring more transparency to the process and advance a policy environment based on principle, not power.

Faculty Bios - Orlando Chamber of Commerce

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