Leadership Pasco Newsletter - Fall 2024

Newsletter
Fall 2024

Hello Leadership Pasco Alumni,
We have had quite the start to our Leadership
Pasco year. The last few weeks have been a
challenge for our beautiful county of Pasco. Does
anyone remember October? I hope that you and
your families have made it through these two
hurricanes and are on the re-build. As we all
push through to the other side – remember your
Leadership Pasco family is here to help.
I want to welcome the Class of 2025 to the life
changing experience that is Leadership Pasco.
The coming year will be full of new connections
and the development of lifelong friendships.
Congratulations to the Class President Garrett Early, and Vice President Robyn Huber - Their
leadership is a welcomed addition. As you navigate the journey – know that you have an
entire team of leaders ready to help in any way they can – and provide their advice based on
their journey.
I want to thank Sheriff Chris Nocco, his team, and James Mallo for always preparing an
outstanding experience with Criminal Justic Day. Unfortunately, due to the demands on the
entire team responding to the needs of the community after the hurricanes – this day has been
rescheduled for June 5, 2025. We don’t want you to miss this experience and am thrilled that
we have the new date scheduled.
As we come through the other end of this challenging time remember your neighbors both
personally and professionally. Don’t forget to support local businesses for meals, supplies
and services. Many of these businesses have been hit hard from the hurricanes and need our
support more now than ever before.
Sincere gratitude to the Leadership Pasco Board for all of their support in ensuring Leadership
Pasco continues to be the excellent program it has grown to be.
Stay Safe – Stay Strong – Stay Determined
#PascoStrong
Angel Cook Class of 2018
President, Leadership Pasco
Agent, Leaders Insurance, Inc.
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
Photo Credits
J. David Wright '20
Board Members
Don Anderson '16
Gary Burden '19
Angel Cook '18, President
James Downey '11
Anna Farrell '22
Angie Gardner '11, Treasurer
Brendan Gorman '18, Immediate Past President
Jacques Hakim '24
Amanda Hart '14, Secretary
Ashley Jablonski '24
Laura Knight '22
William Labbancz '22
Kathy Masucci '22
Tara O'Connor '16
Laura Raposa '19, President Elect
Sam Rockwell '22
Debi Shackowski '20
Michael Wolf '24
© Leadership Pasco. All rights reserved.

Features
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Meet the Leadership Pasco Class of 2025
Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2025 Selected
Youth Alumni Spotlight: Jake Giber '24
Sponsor Spotlight: Laporte, Mulligan, & Werner
Watkins, P.A.
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New Port Richey Rotary Supports Youth as
Title Sponsors 2025
In Memoriam — Doreen Packard
In Memoriam — Christine Pejot '17
Fall Sponsors
Bank Florida
Ba Da Boom Fireworks
goSASS
Caterpillars to Butterflies Charitable Foundation
Coastal Bay Wealth Management
Diaz Fritz Group General Contractors
Greybar
Innovative Connections
Kouwenhoven Enterprises, Inc.
Laporte Mulligan, and Werner-Watkins, P.A.
O'Connor Law Group, P.A.
Olympus Limo, Inc.
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
Photos By J. David Wright
Pure Project Management
Saint Leo University
Simpson Lakes
SouthState Bank
Turner Construction Company
Northpoint Wealth Management of Raymond James

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer
Garrett Early
Robyn Huber
Tiffany Anderson
Zach Jeffrey
Beth Aker
Project Manager, Williams
Company Tampa
Vice President of Business
Development, Diaz Fritz Group
Manager of Community
Engagement & Special Projects,
Development Officer,
Northwestern Mutual
Director, East Pasco
Meals on Wheels
General Contractors
Saint Leo University
Greater Tampa Bay
Cassandra Garvey
Matthew Gascon
David Geiger
Jordan Gibson
JD Hancock
Founder / Chief Executive Officer,
Career Focus Inc.
VP, Commercial Banking Officer,
Republic Bank
Owner, Spur Systems
Enterprises, LLC
Vice President of Construction,
Habitat for Humanity
Director of Respiratory Therapy,
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital
Cat MacLeish
Nicholas Manns
Richard Matte
Sharon McWilliams
Lauren Miceli
Owner, Comfort Airz
Financial Advisor,
Coastal Bay Wealth
Assistant Vice President of Business
Development, AdventHealth
Wesley Chapel
Community Liaison,
McWilliams and Son, Inc.
Director of Marketing &
Communications, Pasco EDC
Jeff Sklet
Andy Taylor
Daniel Villa
Executive Director, Pasco County
Housing Authority
Regional Affairs Manager,
TECO-Tampa Electric Company
Chief Deputy of Valuation,
Pasco County Property Appraiser

Meet the Class of 2025
Thomas Barker
Laura Beard
Robert DeMelo
Keith Diaz
Nichole Dube
Asst. Superintendent of Schools,
District School Board of
Pasco County
Director of Business Ops,
Suncoast Clinical
Research.com
Director, Transmission &
Project Services, Seminole
Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Sr. Project Director, Pure Project
Management
Owner, Dube's Farm and Market/
Dube's Mobile Market
Brian Hoben
Debbie Jenkins
Tessa Jennings
Jerome Jordan
Jill Lansky
Director of Community Services,
Pasco County Board of County
Commissioners
Mortgage Loan Originator,
Chissell Mortgage Group/
Trinity Rotary
Principal, Spatial HQ Inc
Civil Court Director,
Clerk of Court
Business Growth & Relationship
Development Director, Johns
Hopkins All Children's Hospital
Sherman Milton III
Tom Mudano
Daniel Powell
Bobbi Pridemore
Heather Rodriguez
Real Estate Advisor,
President & CEO,
Vice President Academic Affairs,
Community Engagement Admin,
Director of Public Relations,
Pineywoods Realty
AmSkills, Inc.
Pasco Hernando State College
Pasco Sheriff's Office
Gulfside Healthcare Services

Class of 2025 Adventures
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Leadership Pasco
LEADERSHIPPASCO.COM
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SPONSORSHIPS
• Representation of the company at all
program days
• Class tuition provided for one outstanding
member of the company ($2,000 Value)
• Placement of a banner on the Leadership Pasco
Website including a link to the company website
• Inclusion of the company’s logo in all emails sent
to the class
• Provide and display of a banner with company
information at each program day
• Sponsorship of one Alumni event for the
calendar year
• Incorporation of company logo on all class
materials
EXECUTIVE SPONSORSHIP
$5000
• Access to email Leadership Pasco Alumni twice
during the calendar year (email will be sent by
Leadership Pasco)
• Four full-page ads in our quarterly newsletter
• Twelve social media posts throughout the year
• Formal thank you from the Leadership Pasco
President, as well as three minutes to address the
class at a program day of your choosing
• Opportunity to distribute marketing materials to
the class
• Two tickets to the annual holiday event
• Four tickets to Leadership Pasco graduation
• Payment of Alumni dues for the year of your choice
GOLD SPONSORSHIP
SILVER SPONSORSHIP
$3500 $2500
• Representation of the company at two program days
• Credit Class tuition provided for one outstanding
member of the company ($1,000 Value)
• Placement of a logo on the Leadership Pasco website
including a link to the company website
• Provide and display of a banner with company
information at two program days
• Sponsorship of one Alumni event for the calendar year
($250 value)
• Access to email Leadership Pasco Alumni once
during the calendar year (email will be sent by
Leadership Pasco)
• Two full-page ads in our quarterly newsletter
• Six social media posts throughout the year
• Formal thank you from the Leadership Pasco President,
as well as two minutes to address the class at
a program day of your choosing
• Opportunity to distribute marketing materials to
the class
• Two tickets to Leadership Pasco Graduation
FALL 2024 NEWSLETTER
• Representation of the company at
one program day
• Credit Class tuition provided for one
outstanding member of the company
($500 Value)
• Placement of name on the Leadership
Pasco website including a link to the
company website
• Sponsorship of one Alumni event for the
calendar year ($250 value)
• One half-page ad in our quarterly
newsletter
• Three social media posts throughout
the year
• Formal thank you from the Leadership
Pasco President
• Opportunity to distribute marketing
materials to the class
• Two tickets to Leadership Pasco
graduation

Consider Sponsoring our Program - Download form at
Leadershippasco.com/Sponsorship
SPONSORSHIPS
BRONZE SPONSORSHIP
$750
• Placement of name on the Leadership
Pasco Website including a link to the
company website
• One quarter-page ad in our quarterly
newsletter
• One social media posts throughout
the year
• Formal thank you from the Leadership
Pasco President
• Opportunity to distribute marketing
materials to the class
PROGRAM DAY SPONSOR
$500
• Placement of name on the Leadership Pasco website
including a link to the company website
• Sponsorship listing in the graduation program
• Corporate logo on all produced and distributed material
during the sponsored day’s class session
• Recognition at one Alumni event
• Social media recognition
• Remarks to event participants during the sponsored
day’s class session
• Opportunity to distribute corporate marketing materials
during the event
FRIEND OF LEADERSHIP PASCO
$250
• Placement of name on the Leadership Pasco website including a link to the company website
• Social media recognition
• Sponsorship listing in the graduation program
• Opportunity to distribute corporate marketing materials during the event
**All sponsorships exclude SIMSOC & Youth Leadership Programs.
SPONSORSHIP COMMITMENT FORM
Thank you for your sponsorship of Leadership Pasco. Kindly fill in the form of your sponsorship commitment
and email to sponsorship@leadershippasco.com.
My organization,
Pasco with the following sponsorship package:
Executive Sponsorship ($5000)
Gold Sponsorship ($3500)
Silver Sponsorship ($2500)
Bronze Sponsorship ($750)
Program Day sponsor ($500)
Friend of Leadership Pasco ($250)
(company name), is committed to sponsor Leadership
Make Checks Payable to:
Leadership Pasco
Address:
Leadership Pasco P.O. Box 695
Elfers, FL. 34680
**Disclaimer: Priority deadline August 1st.
CONFIRMED BY
TITLE: SIGNATURE: DATE:

Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2025 Selected
Mariam Ali
Barake Atanga
Judith Audet
Nora Baker
Kayla Behling
Cooper Burden
Tien Do
Aayan Ethan
Emily Freytag
Maxwell Fridman
Nayshun Glover
Matthew Goldfarb
Antonio Gonzalez-Lara, IV
Suzanna Grassi
Lela Gray
Sarah Guzman
Lillian Jackson
Jordan Jones
Iksha Joshi
Kyle Koslin
Zachary Kurland
Kennedy Lorenzo
Austin McCallister
Josiah Mirville
lillianna Mitchell
Gabriella Morcos
Paisley Murphy
Mahi Nooka
Luna Perez Porrata-Doria
Evanee Rodriguez
Eliana Sanfilippo
Mylah Short
Thomas Slobodzian
Alexandria Sowles
Jakob Tafalla
Lailah Thomas
Za’Nia Ward
Trinity Wilhelm
Gulf High School
J.W. Mitchell High School
Zephyrhills High School
Wesley Chapel High School
Hudson High school
J.W. Mitchell High school
Wesley Chapel High School
Pasco High School
River Ridge High School
Pasco High School
Land O Lakes High School
Zephyrhills High School
Cypress Creek High School
Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
Dayspring Academy
Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
River Ridge High School
Hudson High School
River Ridge High School
J.W. Mitchell High School
Wesley Chapel High School
Anclote High School
Wiregrass Ranch High School
Angeline Academy of Innovation
Hudson High school
Dayspring Academy
Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
Wiregrass Ranch High School
Angeline Academy of Innovation
Sunlake High School
Dayspring Academy
Hudson High School
Cypress Creek High School
Land O' Lakes High School
Anclote High School
Land O' Lakes High School
Gulf High School
Cypress Creek High School
Sponsors
Rotary Club of New Port Richey
Title Sponsor
Doggie Cakes
Fred K. Marchman Technical College
Leadership Pasco
Morton Plant North Bay Hospital
O'Connor Law Group, P.A.
Olympus Limo
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
Pasco Education Foundation
Pasco Hernando State College
Rotary Club of Holiday
Rotary Club of Seven Springs
Rotary Club of Trinity
Rotary Club of West Pasco Sunset
SouthState Bank
USF Federal Credit Union

Youth Alumni Spotlight: Jake Giber '24
By Jason Longo '17
At the age of 16, Jake Giber '24 is already living his dream of flying
thanks to his family’s rich aviation heritage. His story was recntly
featured in The Suncoast News. While most teens look forward to
getting their first car, Jake received a 1972 Piper Cherokee 140 as
a birthday gift from his father, Mike Giber. Despite not being old
enough to drive, Jake is a student pilot, recently completing his first
solo flight under FAA regulations that allows 16-year-olds to fly
solo but not take passengers.
Jake’s interest in aviation began early, inspired by flights with his
grandfather, who, along with other family members, has a long
history with airplanes. His first flight was at age 2, but by age 9,
he was already learning to control planes under the guidance of
his grandfather. The Piper Cherokee that Jake flies has a modified
160-horsepower engine, and he meticulously prepares the aircraft
before every flight, showcasing his commitment to safety and
precision.
Jake is well on his way to becoming a professional pilot, either for
the military or a commercial airline. He reflects on his solo flight
experience, remarking on how different the plane felt without the
extra weight of an instructor onboard.
In essence, Jake’s passion for aviation was nurtured by his family,
which includes is mother Kelly Giber '20 (alumna of Leadership
Pasco), and with his solo flights, he continues a multi-generational
love for flying, ready to pursue his future career in the skies.
Rob Aguis '01 and Jake Giber '24 at Youth Leadership Pasco Graduation
Leadership Pasco
LEADERSHIPPASCO.COM
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Sponsor Spotlight: Laporte, Mulligan &
Werner-Watkins, P.A.
By Brendan Gorman '18
Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A. is a proud supporter of
Leadership Pasco. Our experience with Leadership Pasco began
when Craig Laporte was a part of the Class of 2006. From there,
every attorney with our law firm has gone through the Leadership
Pasco program including Brian Mulligan (Class of 2010), Frances
Werner-Watkins (Class of 2011) and Brendan Gorman (Class of
2018). We love Leadership Pasco so much that we remain involved
even though we graduated. Craig Laporte was the long-time cochair
of Criminal Justice Day, served on the board for nine years,
earning Director Emeritus status, and is a past president. Brendan
Gorman is a current board member, past president, and co-chair of
Criminal Justice Day. Frances Werner-Watkins serves as co-chair of
the Bus Tour.
Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A. practices in the areas
of Personal Injury/Wrongful Death and Criminal Defense. We have
limited our areas of practice to Personal Injury/Wrongful Death and
Criminal Defense intentionally, so that we can provide the most
professional representation possible. We offer stability in a time when
that seems to be lacking. Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A.
is active in charitable organizations, community events, and school
activities, demonstrating our commitment to giving back to our
community.
To learn more about Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A.,
please visit www.LMWAttorneys.com
We love this Leadership Pasco not only for the information and
leadership skills this program offers, but the relationships you build
with your fellow community leaders.
Brian Mulligan 10, Frances Werner-Watkins '11, Craig Laporte '06, and Brendan Gorman '18

New Port Richey Rotary Supports Youth Leadership
Pasco Class of 2025 as Title Sponsor
By Amanda Hart '14
In a continued effort to invest in the future of young leaders, Rob Aguis,
President of the New Port Richey (NPR) Rotary, recently made a $1,000
donation to support Youth Leadership Pasco initiatives. He presented the
donation to Barbara DeSimone, further signifying the Rotary Club's ongoing
commitment to empowering young people in the community.
Rob and Barbara have worked alongside each other heading up the Youth
Leadership Pasco program, where they have been passionate advocates for
youth leadership. Together, they have collaborated on various initiatives that
focus on nurturing the leadership potential of local youth. These programs aim
to provide teens with the skills, confidence, and guidance they need to succeed
personally and professionally.
The NPR Rotary has long been a cornerstone of community service, supporting
initiatives that align with its core values of leadership, integrity, and service. By
investing in Youth Leadership Pasco, the NPR Rotary Club is helping to develop
tomorrow's leaders and ensuring that the next generation is equipped to carry
forward the of Service above Self.
The $1,000 donation will go toward expanding Youth Leadership Pasco
programs, offering opportunities for students to engage in hands-on leadership
experiences. Both Aguis and DeSimone are committed to ensuring these
resources reach as many young leaders as possible.
Chuck Anderson '20, Amanda Hart '14, Barbara De Simone '96,
Rob Aguis '01, and Laura Knight '22
With this generous donation, the NPR Rotary continues to play a pivotal role in
shaping the future of the community, one young leader at a time.
Leadership Pasco
LEADERSHIPPASCO.COM
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In Memoriam - Doreen Packard
of Pasco County. From 2020-2021, Doreen served as president
of the Women’s Council of St. Peter The Apostle Catholic
Church, where she was a long-time parishioner. A lover of music,
Doreen enjoyed attending concerts, was an avid reader, and a
dessert lover. Doreen always enjoyed vacationing and dining on
the water, and spending time on her family’s boat.
Doreen is predeceased by her father, Anthony Boris, and her
mother, Florence Boris. She is survived by her loving husband;
Rob, children; Heather and Robbie, brother; James Boris (spouse
Peggy), sister; Sharon Bullard (spouse Larry), nephew, nieces,
great nephews, and a great niece.
If you would like to donate in Doreen’s memory, please consider
the following charities:
Friends of Pasco County Animal Services:
https://www.fpcas.org/donate-2/
Doreen never met a dog she didn’t like or wanted to bring home.
The Gladiator Project:
https://www.gladiatorproject.org/donate
Funds raised contribute to the research efforts, family, and
patient support of those battling Glioblastoma.
The GBM Foundation:
https://www.gbmfoundation.com/donate
100% of funding raised is contributed to Glioblastoma research.
Doreen Florence Packard, 68, of New Port Richey, FL passed
away on the morning of Thursday, August 29, 2024. For three
years, Doreen fought a courageous battle against Grade 4 Glioblastoma.
She passed away peacefully at home under the care of
HPH Hospice, with her husband and children by her side.
Spending her entire childhood and young adult years in South
River, NJ, Doreen met the love of her life, they were married
in 1977, where she and her husband resided in Lakewood, NJ,
before relocating to New Port Richey, FL in 1989. Doreen retired
from Pasco County Government in 2021 after serving 31 years
as a cherished employee. During Doreen’s 31 years of service,
she served roles within Pasco County’s Fire Rescue Department,
Human Resources & Personnel Department, and lastly retiring
from her role within the Organizational Performance Management
Department. Doreen played a critical role in establishing
the Pasco County Employee Wellness Centers and volunteered
for nearly two decades assisting with the Youth Leadership Pasco
program. In August of 2021, Doreen’s career and retirement was
honored with a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory
of Doreen Florence Packard, please visit the funeral home's
flower store.
Make a donation to GLADIATOR PROJECT in memory of
Doreen Florence Packard.
In 2021 Doreen Packard, lifetime volunteer of Leadership
Pasco's Youth Leadership Program was the first recipient
of The Harold Sample Lifetime Achievement Award, following
its naming in honor of Harold Sample.
The honor may be provided to an individual who has
committed 10 or more years to the organization, having
never received compensation, who is a non-Leadership
Pasco board member. Recipients should be committed to
Leadership Pasco's integrity and promote the ideals of the
organization.
FALL 2024 NEWSLETTER

In Memoriam - Christine Pejot '17
Leadership Pasco Board Member
Most recently, she had her own consulting company, K12
Champions in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was also the Chief
Human Resources Officer at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.
She was previously the Director of Human Resources and
Educator Quality at Pasco County Schools, and the Bureau
Chief and Senior Attorney at Florida Department of Financial
Services.
The everlasting, loving memory of Christine will be passed on
through her husband, Jorge, and her children, Jack and Jade of
Charlotte, North Carolina, as well her parents, Jim and Tina
Wilson, and her brother, Michael Wilson of Pasco County,
Florida. She is also remembered by her mother’s siblings, Steve
and Xanthe, and her nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Chrysi was passionate about her faith, the arts, travel, movies,
music and the importance of education, but most of all, she
cherished spending time with her family. If you didn’t find her
supporting her children on the baseball field, volleyball court, or
dance studio, you would find her working on home improvement
projects with her family or making hands-down, five-star family
dinners that became core memories for us all.
She was never satisfied with “that’s the way it’s always been
done.” With her indominable positive attitude, sheer
determination, unwavering commitment to excellence, strong
spirit, and witty sense of humor, she could handle difficult
challenges well. You wanted her on your team – and there are
many teams out there who will feel her absence.
Christine Elizabeth Pejot, known as Chrysi by those who knew
her well, passed away on September 6, 2024, at the age of 50,
in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a two-and-a-half-year battle
with cancer.
Christine Wilson was born on December 14, 1973, to Jim and Tina
Wilson in Clearwater, Florida. Chrysi studied acting and
musical theatre at Florida School of the Arts, and starred in
several musicals and plays, including Gypsy Rose and Damn
Yankees. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in
interdisciplinary sciences from the University of South Florida,
and Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. Shortly
after graduating from law school, she went on to start her own
law practice in Florida, Pejot Wilson Law, PA.
Chrysi met her soulmate, Jorge Pejot, in 1995, and married him
in 1999, in Clearwater, Florida. They went on to have twins, Jack
and Jade. Her children gave her strength during the rough times
and laughter and joy all the time.
Her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound and
is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who
loved her deeply in her wide network of community. The family
immensely appreciates your support during this difficult time
and asks that you share memories of our beloved Chrysi on her
memorial website.
For those of you who have reached out and want to contribute,
details for a memorial fund for Jack and Jade are available at
https://gofund.me/34d6f376
Alumni and friends are encouraged to submit news of
their accomplishments, marriages, engagements, births,
and in memoriam notices. These updates will be shared
in our quarterly newsletter.
Please email your photos and announcements to
administration@leadershippasco.com.
Leadership Pasco
LEADERSHIPPASCO.COM
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