Leadership Pasco Newsletter - Fall 2023

Newsletter
Fall 2023
Join us at Jingle and
Mingle 2023

To our Leadership Pasco Family,
We had a great kickoff to the Class of 2024
program year! I had the opportunity to meet and
welcome our new class of 34 outstanding leaders
during our orientation in August. I encourage
and welcome our alumni to meet our new class
at any of our program days. If you are interested
in attending or assisting with any program days,
please contact me or Angel Cook.
The class went straight into the program the
same day with Leadership in Action Day. It was a
fantastic day filled with learning about leadership
skills, leadership traits, and leadership personalities.
In September, the class had the pleasure of having a two-day bus tour led by our dedicated bus
tour leaders, Harold Sample and Kurt Conover. We all love and remember our bus tour days.
The class had the opportunity to tour and learn about our growing and dynamic county.
I had the pleasure of attending Criminal Justice Day with the Class. Thank you to Craig
Laporte, James Mallo, Sheriff Chris Nocco, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and Pasco
County Corrections for putting on an extremely exciting and informative program day!
We are also about to start our Youth Leadership Pasco program. Barbara Desimone and
Rob Aguis have a great year planned for these young leaders. We had a record number of
applicants this year, 95 applicants from 18 different schools! This enthusiasm speaks to the
successful record of informing, motivating, and cultivating our leaders of tomorrow.
As the new 2023-2024 president of the Leadership Pasco Board of Directors, I would like to
thank the board of directors for the trust you have placed in me. I do not take that trust lightly.
I would also like to thank our program day leaders, volunteers, and speakers for the countless
hours and efforts you put in to making this program a success. Last, but certainly, not least,
I want to thank our sponsors who support our program throughout the year. Without your
financial support, our program would not be possible. I am honored to serve as your president
and I am excited for the year ahead!
I look forward to seeing you at our Jingle & Mingle Leadership Pasco Holiday Party on
December 5th at Thirsty Buffalo!
Best regards,
Brendan Gorman Class of 2018
President, Leadership Pasco
Personal Injury Attorney, Laporte, Mulligan, and Werner-Watkins, P.A.
Leadership
Pasco
Newsletter
SINCE 1991, THE MISSION OF LEADERSHIP
PASCO is to identify and recruit current or potential
leaders of Pasco County, facilitate the development
and interaction of those leaders, and to foster an issues-oriented
learning environment for these leaders
and the citizens of Pasco County in order to encourage
an exchange of ideas and generate enthusiasm
for community growth and development.
The Leadership Pasco Newsletter is published quarterly.
Please direct correspondence about this publication
to Leadership Pasco, P.O. Box 695, Elfers, FL,
34680. Readers also may reach staff by sending an
email to administration@leadershippasco.com.
Editorial Staff
Amanda Hart '14
Editor
Tara O'Connor '16
Editor
Jason Longo '17
Design
Board Members
Don Anderson '16
Chuck Anderson '20
Gary Burden '19
Paul Conley '23
Angel Cook '18, President Elect
Angie Gardner '11
Brendan Gorman '18, President
Kim Hamm '15
Amanda Hart '14
Laura Knight '22
William Labbancz '22
Crystal Lazar '13
Manny Long '16, Treasurer
Kathy Masucci '22
Tara O'Connor '16, Immediate Past President
Joseph Poblick '14
Laura Raposa '19, Secretary
Sam Rockwell '22
Kim Rymanowski '19
Debbie Shackowski '20
James Walters '15
© Leadership Pasco. All rights reserved.

Features
2
4
6
7
Meet the Class of 2024
"ATM" Ask Them, Tell Them, Make Them on
"CJD"Class of 2023 Graduation
A Message from the Class of 2024 Officers
It's a Great Time to Renew Your Alumni Dues
8
9
10
Sponsor Spotlight: United Way of Pasco County
Board Member Spotlight: Laura Raposa '19,
President Elect
Updates from Youth Leadership Pasco
Fall Sponsors
4G Ranch
Covanta
Graybar
Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A.
O'Connor Law Group, P.A.
Olympus Limo, Inc.
Pasco Economic Development Council
Pasco County Public Infrastructure
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
Pasco Hernando State College
Phillips & Jordan Inc.
Photos By J. David Wright
Rotary Club of Dade City Noon
Rotary Club of Holiday
Rotary Club of New Port Richey
Rotary Club of Seven Springs
Rotary Club of Trinity
Rotary Club of West Pasco Sunset
SouthState Bank
Time Trap Escape Room
United Way of Pasco County
USF Federal Credit Union

Meet the Class of 2024
Branford Adumuah
Alexander Alt
Adolfo Alvarez
Ashley Breaux
Cristina Cordon
Assistant County Administrator,
Public Infrastructure, Pasco County
Intergovernmental
Affairs Officer,
Pasco Sheriff's Office
Managing Director,
Bay to Bay Cleaning Solutions
Marketing Specialist,
AdventHealth Dade City and
AdventHealth Zephyrhills
Assistant Director,
Parks, Recreation and Natural
Resources Department
Jacques Hakim
Timothy Hoyt
Matthew Johnston
Karis Kaeser
Traci Kanaan
President,
goSASS.com
Pastor,
Church of the Nazarene
Chief Operations Officer,
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital
Executive Director,
Van Gogh's Palette dba
Vincent House
President, Wings Hypnosis, LLC /
Stand Up Eight, Inc.
Dan Mitchell
J.J. Murphy
Andres Nazario
Benjamin Ortberg
Brian Peterson
SMARTstart Program Director,
Pasco Economic
Development Council
Assistant County Administrator -
Public Safety Pasco County
Independent Consultant--National
Security/Defense, Training and
Development and Foreign Affairs,
Self-Employed
Program Director,
United Way of Pasco County
Project Executive,
Skanska USA Building
Adam Thomas
Leona Wells
Michael Wolf
Executive Director,
Florida's Sports Coast
Director of Development and
Community Engagement,
Metropolitan Ministries
Director, Aquisitions,
Columnar Land

Alex Delgado
Anthony DeSantis
Chris Dunning
Toby Fritz
Connie Galietti
Associate Executive Director,
Tampa Metro YMCA
Associate Vice President for
Student Affairs,
Saint Leo University
Principal, Wendell Krinn Technical
High School
Chief Operating Officer,
Youth and Family
Alternatives, Inc.
Director, State Advocacy
and Leadership, American
Psychological Association
Matthew Lazar
Jennifer Lineburg
Greg Manning
Janine Martin-Literski
Christina Mitchell
Finance Director, Office of Nikki
Alvarez-Sowles, Esq., Pasco
County Clerk & Comptroller
Chief Human Resources Officer,
Premier Community HealthCare
Group
Owner, Suncoast Clinical
Research, Inc.
Clinical Manager,
BayCare Behavioral Health
Chief Membership Officer,
Girl Scouts of
West Central Florida
Angela Pottinger
Executive Director,
Debbie Prouix
Executive Director,
Lukas Roe
Sales Agent,
Samantha
Stauffenberg
Ashley Sulllivan
Owner/Broker,
Florida Medical Clinic
Foundation of Caring
NAMI Pasco
Roe Insurance
Branch Manager,
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Sullivan Insurance Agency
’24 Say No More

"ATM" Ask Them, Tell Them, Make Them on "CJD"
By Craig Laporte '06
Everyone knows that cops like acronyms, but the Class of 2024
heard a new one during Criminal Justice Day on October 19,
2023. During a lively panel discussion, filled with plenty of Q&A’s,
Chief James Walters, Dade City Police, stumped the class with his
use of the acronym, “ATM.”No, not like the bank ATM.
First, a little context. The panel was discussing the state of civil
disobedience we’ve all seen recently on TV; especially with climate
activists around the globe sitting in the middle of busy roads
to disrupt traffic. The panel agreed that such behavior is not
tolerated in the Pinellas/Pasco area, and that law enforcement
will enforce laws prohibiting protesting in the streets, blocking the
free flow of traffic.
Sheriff Nocco explained that the position of the Pasco Sheriff’s
Office is to remove protesters from the streets. He said he has no
problem with people lawfully protesting, but when one person’s
protests interfere with another person’s rights, his agency will step
in.
That’s when Chief Walters said his department employs the
“ATM” method with people: “Ask them, Tell them, and then Make
them” comply with a lawful order.
The panel also heard from Chief Judge Shawn Crane, the first
judge from Pasco County ever selected to sit as chief judge of
the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Judge Crane is nationally renowned for
his innovations in setting up and presiding over Pasco county’s
Veterans Court and Drug Court.
Additionally State Attorney Bruce Bartlett and Public Defender
Sarah Mollo (LP class of 2023) talked about the challenges they
face because of the fentanyl epidemic and mental health issues
plaguing our counties. From the law enforcement agencies to the
prosecutors, the public defenders and the courts, all are keenly
aware of the need for drug and mental health interdiction to help
reduce the number of crimes occurring in Pasco County.
The class had the opportunity to also learn about the technological
advances in Pasco’s law enforcement agencies, especially
in the areas of robotics and drones, as well as IT. Sheriff Nocco
expressed concern about the impact artificial intelligence will
have in both the political and criminal areas, and how his agency
is working to adapt to protect itself and the citizens from the
problem.
The walking tour of the jail was an eye-opening experience for
the group. The jail is now operated by Pasco County’s Public
Safety department, having been turned over to the county by
Sheriff Nocco in October 2022. A new 640 bed jail is being
added to the complex, and the class learned about the issues of
hiring staff and increasing existing staff to run the new facility
scheduled to come on line next year.
Overall, it was another tremendous day thanks to the dedication
of all the participants. We thank Sheriff Nocco for hosting us
and making his entire administrative staff, K-9, SWAT, aviation,
marine, forensics and countless other members of his agency
available to the class. We also thank Pasco County Public Safety
for once again being so hospitable during the jail tour.
SUMMER 2023 NEWSLETTER

Pasco County Sheriff's Office and many other experts wowed the Class of 2024 with expertise and dedication to the entire day.
Leadership Pasco
LEADERSHIPPASCO.COM
5
Class members got to experience intense, simulated law enforcement situations.

A Message from the Class of 2024 Officers
By Christina Mitchell '24 and Connie Galietti '24
Class of 2024 is off to an energizing start. Our class is comprised
of a diverse group of community leaders from a wide variety of
industries. We are proud to be among leaders who are cutting
ribbons on new developments, inclusive county parks, homeless
shelters and even having among us the county wide Principal of
the Year!
Like the classes before us, we leave each class day learning more
about Pasco County which equips us to lead now & in the future.
Just finishing Infrastructure Day, we were encouraged to see the
incredible collaboration that happens within and between the
various branches of the County Administration. Each decision
and plan is considered from every aspect that affects our
residents. The Bus Tour had us exploring every inch of the county
with new eyes. Harold and Kurt enlightened us on the rich history
throughout Pasco County and no one was able to take Harold up
on his free lunch after the tour, we all learned something new.
Last, we remain impressed with the constant innovation
throughout the county. During Criminal Justice Day we were
proud to see the innovative technologies Sheriff Nocco and
his team are researching & implementing that keep both our
residents and officers safer. Even our Waste Management teams
have R&D in the works finding ways to innovate in the disposal of
materials.
We are ending our first quarter feeling proud to be Pasco
Residents and hopeful for the experiences to come.
Class of 2024, Say No More!
Christina Mitchell, Class of 2024 President
Connie Galietti, Class of 2024 Vice President
SUMMER 2023 NEWSLETTER

It's a Great Time to Renew Your Alumni Dues
By Kathy Masucci '22
On Tuesday, December 5th Leadership Pasco
Alumni and guests will be having our Holiday
Jingle and Mingle Social. We will begin the
festivities at 5:30 at The Thirsty Buffalo.
Please register for the event on the Leadership
Pasco website. We will be collecting
unwrapped toys to benefit the Toys For Tots
Foundation.
Your Leadership Pasco alumni committee are
currently planning some great events for 2024. We are excited to be introducing
a Bus Tour 2.0, government panel meet and greet, and a few other
fun events. We are focused on professional and educational growth for our
alumni. As you know our county is growing and developing rapidly. Leadership
Pasco is the place to network, educate, and prosper. Please make sure
your membership is active by paying your $50 alumni dues, as you wouldn’t
want to miss these great opportunities.
Members benefit with discounts to alumni social events and activities, free
access to a class-sponsored alumni mixer, and ability to request the business
contact information for our alumni.
Leadership Pasco Summer Social, August 17, 2023 at Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, Land O' Lakes
Leadership Pasco
LEADERSHIPPASCO.COM
7

Sponsor Spotlight: United Way of Pasco County
By Laura Knight '22
United Way of Pasco County is a not-for-profit agency that is
committed to addressing pressing health and human services
related issues in the county. United Way of Pasco County focuses
within the following areas Domestic Violence, Financial Stability,
Homelessness, Human Trafficking, Mental Health, Physical Health,
Substance Abuse Recovery, and Youth Success and Education.
United Way of Pasco County serves as one of the largest funders
of nonprofits in Pasco County, partnering with more than 40
agencies and more than 50 programs on average a year. We fund
many agencies that you are already familiar with such as Boys and
Girls Club, YMCA, and Premier Health. While some other partners
are more grass roots such as Marjorie’s Hope who provides school
supplies to children, Veterans Alternative who provides mental
health therapy to veterans, and Victory High School, a special
school for children who are recovering from drug use, just to name
a few.
In addition to the programs, we fund through our Partner
Agencies, we also have our own in-house programs. Our in-house
programs include the Fighting Human Trafficking Program, VITA
Tax assistance, and homeless prevention.
Through our Fighting Human Trafficking Program we provide
case management, emergency housing, and wrap around
services to survivors of human trafficking. Our program provides
case management and access to over 100 wrap around services
including legal assistance, education and job training, mental
health therapy, tattoo branding removal, dental care, physical
health and more. We work with law enforcement departments and
other anti- human trafficking agencies throughout the state to
provide emergency housing in the form of hotels.
Through our VITA Program we help senior citizens prepare their
income taxes. On an average year we prepare 6,000 tax returns,
bringing in about $2M in returns to Pasco residents.
Many hard-working families and individuals fall through the cracks
and many grants do not cover many day-to-day expenses. That is
where we come in. In partnership with Pasco County Government,
we provide gap funding to cover many things that other grants
and programs do not through the Homeless Prevention Program.
United Way of Pasco County has been able to help with minor car
repair costs, rent, utilities, day care, and more.
To learn more about United Way of Pasco County please visit our
website www.unitedwaypasco.org.

Board Member Spotlight:
Laura Raposa '19, Board Secretary
Laura Raposa is the current Assistant Dean of Accelerated
Learning at Pasco Hernando State College, working out of the
New Port Richey campus. She works to oversee dual enrollment
for public schools, home schools and private schools; the Early
College Programs; and the FUSE transfer program. She has
served PHSC since 2008 previously as an Academic Advisor and
Assistant Director of Student Life and Leadership.
Laura was born in New Port Richey and attended Ridgewood
High School before receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration from the University of West Florida. She served
as the Historian for Delta Sigma Pi, UWF’s Professional Business
fraternity. Later she received a Master of Business Administration
from Hodges University.
Laura is married to Ben, also born and raised in Pasco County.
She and Ben live in Lutz with their 8-year-old son, Grayson. In her
spare time, she enjoys reading, running, taking naps, and cheering
on her favorite baseball player, Grayson.
www.LeadershipPasco.com

Updates from Youth Leadership Pasco
By Barbara De Simone '96
Youth Leadership Pasco (YLP) is a leadership development
program that informs, motivates, and increases the awareness
of selected high school sophomores and juniors through issueoriented
seminars and interaction with community leaders
The class of 2024 was selected from a record-breaking 95
applications, including schools that are new or returning to
the program after several years. A class of 36 sophomores and
juniors were selected from 18 different schools.
The program began in October with Orientation and Team Building at
TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park, Dade City and continued with the
ever-popular Law Enforcement Day in November. Three program days
remain, and all are welcome to attend graduation on Friday, March 15 at
Timber Greens Country Club, New Port Richey.
If you have any questions about the Youth Leadership Pasco program,
please email bdesimone03@gmail.com.
Sponsors
O'Connor Law Group, P.A.
Pasco Hernando State College
Rotary Club of Dade City Noon
Rotary Club of Holiday
Rotary Club of New Port Richey
Rotary Club of Seven Springs
Rotary Club of Trinity
Rotary Club of West Pasco Sunset
United Way of Pasco County
SUMMER 2023 NEWSLETTER

Youth Leadership
Pasco Class of 2024
Colt Blancher, Angeline Academy of Innovation
Katarina Boglino, Gulf High School
Isabella Bowling, River Ridge High School
Tommy Celotto, Hudson High School
Isabelle Chapman, Gulf High School
Noah Downey, Sunlake High School
Vincent Farides, River Ridge High School
Dominic Fusco, Wesley Chapel High School
William Gantt, J.W. Mitchell High School
Jake Giber, Genesis Preparatory High School
Nadama Gilkerson, Pasco High School
Sophia Giri, Wiregrass Ranch High School
Nathan Grimes, J.W. Mitchell High School
Luiza Guryeva, Wesley Chapel High School
Allan Guzman, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
Jayden Heinemann, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School
Alina Manadyel, Dayspring Early College Academy
Elissa Hill, JW Mitchell High School
Liam Hornung, J.W Mitchell High School
Melodi Kazazi, Sunlake High School
Calina Levy, Wiregrass Ranch High School
Ethan Mendez, Cypress Creek high School
Alyssa Mintrone, Land O' Lakes High School
Montana Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical High School
Morgan Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical High School
Lillian Moore, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School
Alfonso Nava, Dayspring Early College Academy
Victoria Ogundeyin, Cypress Creek High School
Xiomig Ozorio Matias, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
Trinity Perry, Wesley Chapel High School
Justyce Rice, Anclote High School
Ethan Rubin, Hudson High School
Lilliana St Aubin, Hudson High School
Paul Steele, Land O Lakes High School
Hailey Suggs, Anclote High School
Gianna Walsh, Fivay High School
Class Quotes
"At treehoppers I got the opportunity to meet new people
and learn how to be social. Talking to everyone showed
me how many connections there are in the county. I really
enjoyed just being able to bond with new people and
challenging ourselves socially and physically." - Alyssa
Mintrone
"I enjoyed my time at our first meeting. I saw some old
friends and made many new ones. The course was challenging
but persevered through it. Our speaker for the
meeting, Paul Friedlander, gave a very interesting speech
and gave us some great connections. It was a great
experience." - Vincent Farides
"Tree Hoppers was an exciting experience for me
because I got the chance to meet people from different
backgrounds and cultures which helped us connect with
one another and work together in the courses." - Xiomig
Ozorio
"Tree Hoppers was an amazing experience for me
because I got to meet other students from around the
county and challenge myself with others while going
from easy to hard on the courses. I met Noah who I just
recently went to a USF football game with, so it shows to
use your 'people skills' to make new friends wherever you
go or meet people." - Tommy Celotto
Leadership Pasco
LEADERSHIPPASCO.COM 11

Sponsors
Additional sponsorship
opportunties are available
at LeadershipPasco.com