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Executive Committee

• Dwight Cooper, Chair

  

  Dwight Cooper is the founder and CEO of Hueman People Solutions in Jacksonville Beach, as well as the co-founder and former CEO of Professional Placement Resources (PPR) Talent Management Group. Hueman People Solutions is a recruitment company with two unique recruiting divisions: Hueman, Your RPO Partner and Hueman Risk Adjustment Staffing. Both divisions serve specific outsourced recruiting needs.

  Cooper’s previous firm, PPR, began as a permanent placement firm specializing in the placement of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists. In the beginning, PPR was envisioned as a small business, but today PPR has exceeded that vision, most recently (August 2016) identified as one of the fastest growing private companies in America. Over the past two decades, PPR has excelled at recruiting while focusing on the customer experience and culture-based hiring. The firm’s own culture and core values affords it a foundation for delivering the best customer experience. In 2016, PPR was ranked the #7 in Fortune’s Best Place to Work in America, and it was one of 35 companies in the world to receive the Gallup Great Workplace Award.

  From 1993 to 1996, Dwight was the assistant coach for UNF men’s basketball. He is also the past chair of the Brooks College of Health Dean’s Council. Dwight’s community involvement includes roles as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and former board member of Hendricks Day School of Jacksonville.

  Dwight received his bachelor's of science in business from Florida State University's College of Business in 1988.

• Jason Burnett, '85, Interim Vice Chair

  

  Jason Burnett ('85) is a shareholder at GrayRobinson Attorneys, specializing in the areas of commercial litigation and bankruptcy. He is also a frequent lecturer on bankruptcy issues. 

  Jason obtained his bachelor's degree from the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ in 1985 and law degree from Florida State University in 1988. Jason was awarded a Rotary International Foundation Scholarship and studied law in Exeter, England. After obtaining his law degree, Jason served as a law clerk to The Honorable George L. Proctor, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Middle District of Florida.

  Jason has served as the president of the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville and director of the Florida State University College of Law Alumni Board. He is a former member of UNF's Pre-Law Program Advisory Council. He is a COAS Dean's Leadership Council member and received an Outstanding Alumni Award in 2009.

• Chuck Ged, '86, Past Chair

  

  Chuck Ged ('86) is the owner of Advanced Environmental Laboratories (AEL), which is headquartered in Jacksonville and has six additional locations in Florida. AEL is a state and federal certified environmental testing laboratory specializing in the analysis of drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, soil, and hazardous waste.

  Chuck is a graduate of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ and received his B.S. degree in chemistry.

  Chuck’s background includes seven years with the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) and five years with commercial labs in Jacksonville before starting AEL. At AEL, he is responsible for the overall operations and direction of the company.

  In 2007, Chuck and his wife Jennifer established the Ray Bowman endowment in honor of UNF Chemistry Professor Dr. Ray Bowman, who was also the founding director of the Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE). The endowment supports the IERE with funding for research, scholarships, curriculum development, etc. Chuck also supports chemistry majors through the Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Ged Sciences Scholarship. Chuck is a big UNF basketball fan and has gone on several trips with UNF ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ teams to attend away games.

• Steve Bachand

  Steve Bachand serves on the board of the Loblaw Companies Ltd.; the retired president and CEO of Canadian Tire Corp, an $8.5 billion hard goods retailer; and has previously served on the boards of Bank of Montreal, George W. Weston, Ltd, Harris Financial Corp., Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Canadian Pacific Rail, Ltd. 

  Bachand received his B.A. from Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. and his M.B.A. from the University of Virginia, The Darden School. 

  Bachand served on the board for the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and The Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. He and his wife Phyllis have three daughters and five granddaughters.

• Margaret Gellatly

  Margaret Gellatly is President of Stonehenge Equitas Partners, LLC, as well as a number of other investment entities. 

  She received her B.A. from Newcomb College, Tulane University and her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law.
  
  Margaret is a past President of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Foundation Board; past Chairman of the MOCA Jacksonville Board of Trustees; former member of the Jacksonville International Airport Arts Commission; the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors; and the Youth Crisis Center, Inc. Board of Directors.

• Alan Hartley, '05

  

  Alan Hartley ('05) is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of . He has been in the investment field for over 20 years.

  Alan has served on the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Foundation board for over twelve years. He has chaired the Foundation’s Investment Committee since 2016, helping to oversee the $165 million endowment.

  Alan’s career started with a research associate position at Ergates Capital, a long/short hedge fund. Alan next joined Morningstar as a generalist/IPO equity analyst where he covered thirteen different industries. Alan then managed $50 million in assets on the behalf of six different investment advisers. Alan launched Black Cypress in the midst of the 2008 and 2009 recession, with an account of $400,000. The firm now manages over $280 million. Black Cypress was Emerging Manager Monthly’s 2022 Emerging Manager of the Year for United States Large-Cap Equity.

  Alan graduated from the UNF Coggin College of Business summa cum laude in 2005, receiving a B.B.A. in finance. Alan has also earned the right to display the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. The CFA credential is the most respected and recognized investment management designation in the world.

  Alan has been published in Morningstar, SumZero, Barrons.com, Seeking Alpha, and other syndicated publications. In addition to his UNF board involvement, Alan regularly serves as UNF’s industry mentor for the annual CFA Research Challenge.

  He lives with his wife Golden (’08), son, and two daughters in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

• Debbie Johnson, '85, '89

  Debbie Johnson (’85, ’89) is a certified public accountant having practiced in both public and private accounting for more than 30 years. She received a B.B.A. in 1985 and an MBA in 1989, both from UNF’s Coggin College of Business.

  Johnson has served on the UNF Alumni Association board for more than 25 years in various positions, including president, board member, and chairwoman of the UNF Student Affairs Community Council. She is a former board member of the Coggin College of Business Alumni Chapter and was also instrumental in the establishment of the On Campus Transition (OCT) program on UNF’s campus.

  Johnson is a board member and former chairwoman of The Arc Jacksonville; member and former president of the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville Beaches; and former member of the United Way of Northeast Florida Resource Management Cabinet and chairwoman of its health team. She is also a past member of Leadership Jacksonville, as well as Lifework Leadership Jacksonville; chairwoman of the Missions Committee at Switzerland Community Church; and member of two ministry boards: Grace for Glory Ministries and Compass-finances God's Way.

• Irene Lazzara

  Irene Lazzara, named a UNF honorary alumna in 2001, is the president of the Gasper and Irene Lazzara Charitable Foundation and is an officer in the Ocai Company, Inc. with her husband, Gasper. She has been a UNF Foundation Board member since 2001.

  An arts enthusiast, Irene and her husband contributed to the completion of the UNF Fine Arts Center in 2000 and the naming of the Lazzara Performance Hall. In 2003, the couple established the Lazzara Family Scholarship Endowment in Performing Arts, assisting students with funds to further their education.

  Irene later established the Linda Carter Slade Endowed Scholarship, designated for students who receive services from Student Accessibility Services on the UNF campus. At the same time, she created the Susan Remmer Ryzewic Scholarship for undergraduate students enrolled in the Osprey Financial Group. 

  She has served as the past chairwoman of the Florida Theatre Board of Directors and an advisory board member for The Sanctuary on 8th Street. Additionally, Irene has been active on the boards for Jacksonville’s Museum of Science and History (MOSH) and the Bolles School as well as taken leadership roles in various nonprofit fundraising initiatives, including the American Cancer Society, the United Way of Northeast Florida, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

  Irene received a bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University and was recently selected as an honorary Redbird.

• Chuck Moorer

  Chuck Moorer was a founding member of Schoolhouse Capital, LLC., a subsidiary of State Street Bank, which was the first multi-manager of 529 college savings plans. Chuck partnered with Joe Gano, the founder of National Education, in 1996. Together, they orchestrated the creation of National Education Servicing, LLC. Chuck serves as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee for the UNF Foundation. He also serves on the Board for Financing Corp., one of the university’s four DSO’s. Chuck is a supporter of MOCA and has served on the MOCA Board since 2014. He has also supported two endowed scholarships in Arts and Design.

  Chuck graduated with honors from Emory University and served as a U.S. Army scout helicopter pilot in the Republic of Vietnam.

• Lindy Prudencio, '02

  Lindy Prudencio ('02) is The Energy Authority's vice president of risk control and chief risk officer. She is responsible for monitoring all commercial business risk and managing the Credit and Risk Control, Compliance, Analytics, and Power Supply Planning Departments. She and her team oversee the administration of TEA's compliance procedures and perform ongoing maintenance of TEA's Risk Management Policy. Lindy has been featured as an industry speaker on risk control best practices, enterprise risk management, and has spoken at several Women in Energy forums.  In 2011, she received an award as one of the top 40 rising stars of Public Power.

  Lindy earned her MBA from the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ and a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Florida.  

  Lindy is actively engaged in her local community, serving on the Health Facilities Authority of the City of Jacksonville, FL; the board of directors of Community First Credit Union of Florida; and as the president of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Alumni Association.

• Susan Remmer Ryzewic

  

  Susan Remmer Ryzewic is the president and CEO of her family enterprise EHR Investments, Inc., and a director of The Remmer Family Foundation, Inc. She is responsible for the leadership and management of the investment and business operations for her family. Susan is an advisory faculty emeritus of the Institute of Private Investors, an educational organization that she has been involved with since May 1992. Prior to joining the family business in 1989, Susan was a vice president in The Private Bank, Bankers Trust Company. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade working in education.

  Susan is a past president of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Foundation Board. She has served as a member of the Investment Committee of The Community Foundation of Jacksonville; the Advocacy and Public Policy Committee of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida; and the Advisory Leadership Council to the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center.

  Susan holds a Ph.D. in sociology of education from the University of Chicago and a B.A. degree in sociology from Wellesley College.

• Amy Rice

  

  Amy is President and COO of Proficient Auto Logistics (NASDAQ: PAL), based in Jacksonville. PAL is a leading specialized freight company focused on providing auto transportation and logistics services utilizing one of the largest auto transportation fleets in North America. The company is primarily focused on transporting and delivering finished vehicles from auto production plants, ports of entry and rail hubs to a national network of automotive dealerships.

  She is also an Independent Director of FTG Corp, a supplier of printed circuit boards and cockpit panel products to the aerospace and defense industry. She served as Chief Executive Officer of Sy-Klone International, a global leader and manufacturer of air filtration products for heavy equipment and industrial applications from 2019 to 2023. 

  Prior to joining Sy-Klone, Amy was with CSX, a Class I railroad, where she sat on the Executive and Investment Committees. She held roles including Vice President of Intermodal and Coal Operations, Vice President of Strategic Planning, Vice President of Operations Planning and Performance, and Vice President of Finance. In addition, she served on the board of directors for three affiliate and subsidiary transportation entities.

  Amy is an active leader within the community, serving on the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s (UNF) Foundation Board and she is an appointed board director of CareerSource NEFL, a workforce development agency. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University’s Goizueta School of Business and an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

• Conchita Robinson

  Conchita Robinson is president of C. Robinson Associates, a 20-year old leadership development and business performance improvement services firm established in Atlanta with offices in Cincinnati, Ohio and Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to this, Robinson had an 18-year career with IBM Corporation as vice president of sales initiatives.

  Robinson has served on the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta Community Impact Council; Cool Girls, Inc. Advisory Board; the Georgia Conservancy Board of Trustees; the National African American Women's Leadership Institute Board of Directors; the United Way of America's National Women's Leadership Council; and the AARP Foundation's Woman Leadership Council.

  Robinson earned a B.A. degree in mathematics from Newberry College in Newberry, SC. She is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta.

Full Board

• Doug Baer

  Doug Baer is president/CEO of Brooks Rehabilitation, which includes an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, physician practice, and a 27-site outpatient division. A CPA, he received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.

  From 1983 to 1991, Doug worked as an auditor at KPMG Peat Marwick, servicing various healthcare clients. He joined Brooks in May 1991 as vice president/corporate controller. He was promoted to chief financial officer in 1995, became executive vice president/chief operations officer in June 2001, and named president/CEO in October 2002.

  Doug is on the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association (AMRPA) and is the board chairman for both the First Coast American Heart Association and the Northeast Florida Health Information Exchange. He’s also involved with Dreams Come True; St. Paul’s Parish; and several other civic and service organizations in the community.

• Doug Baer
  Mark K. Bennett, managing director, is responsible for Business Banking national growth initiatives, leading Employee Banking & Investments, Local Market Growth and Collaboration and Workplace Benefits. Business Banking serves small to mid-sized U.S.- based companies up to $50 million in annual revenues, by delivering strategic financial advice and solutions to help companies grow, improve cash flow, manage U.S. and international payments, and invest for future.
  
  Mark also serves as president of Bank of America in Jacksonville, where he serves as the enterprise leader to ensure delivery of the full breadth and depth of the bank’s global financial services to individuals and businesses locally. He also oversees the bank’s local corporate and social responsibility activities, including philanthropic giving, community development lending and investing, environmental initiatives, diversity efforts, arts and culture projects, and employee volunteerism throughout the area.
  
  Since joining Bank of America in 2003 as an associate client manager, Mark has held leadership roles, most recently, served as Southeast Region/Mid-Atlantic Region executive, Central and North Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Georgia market executive, North and South Carolina market executive and senior Treasury Solutions officer, where he managed a portfolio of Global Commercial Banking clients with liquidity balances exceeding $900 million.
  
  Prior to joining Bank of America, Mark was an assistant to Florida State University’s Head Football Coach Bobby Bowden in Tallahassee, Florida.
  
  A certified treasury professional, he graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Management Information Systems. He also earned a graduate degree from the prestigious Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington, where he continues to serve as a leadership instructor and executive student advisor.
  
  Mark resides in Jacksonville, Florida and is committed to the community. Mark currently leads numerous business owner initiatives for the bank nationally and actively involved with JAX Chamber of Commerce (board of directors, Past Chair), Communities In-Schools Advisory Council, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (advisory board and selection committee), Leadership Florida (board member and regional council), Jacksonville University (board member and college of business executive advisory board), The Jacksonville Sports Foundation (board director), Emerging Leadership instructor, Leadership Jacksonville, First Coast YMCA (board director), Jacksonville Civic Council (board member), Jacksonville Children’s Chorus River City Dancing with the Stars Contestant, Florida Trend Top 500 Most Influential Business Leader (2023-2025), Boy Scouts of America Honoree (2025), First Coast Business Hall of Fame Inductee (2025), and the North Florida Association of Financial Professionals (board director). He is a member of Florida State University's Academic Excellence Society, Alumni Association, GOLDEN RING Society, and Presidents Club’s Robert Strozier Society. He has also served on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, American Heart Association, Central SC Alliance, Columbia Urban League, Charlotte Global Vision Leaders Group, PACE Center for Girls, and Jacksonville Urban League.
  
• Chris Brady, '15

  

  Chris Brady ('15) works in the investment office at Howard Hughes Medical Institute, a science philanthropy whose mission is to advance basic biomedical research and science education for the benefit of humanity. Chris is a member of the private markets team, where he evaluates investment opportunities across venture capital, private equity, and real assets for the $24 billion endowment. He began his career as a generalist investor at the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust and is a CFA Charterholder.

  Chris graduated from UNF in 2015 with degrees in finance and economics. While at UNF, Chris was a member of the Osprey Financial Group, Student Government, and the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

• Lisa Bowen

  

  Lisa Bowen is GuideWell’s senior vice president and chief of staff, a central role in guiding enterprise direction, execution, and performance. Leading the Office of the CEO, she oversees strategy and planning, transformation and enterprise change initiatives, artificial intelligence, corporate performance, administration, board services, and Corporate Social Responsibility and foundation efforts.

  With more than twenty years of executive leadership and experience transforming, scaling, and managing complex businesses, Lisa Bowen has built a distinguished career across health care, financial services, and other highly regulated sectors.

  Before joining GuideWell, Bowen served as president of public care & health solutions at CINQCARE, where she led strategic growth and operational transformation, driving innovative care delivery models and expanding access for diverse populations.

  During over a decade at CIGNA, Bowen held national responsibility for ACA and Medicaid operations, overseeing individual and family plans, and spearheading initiatives that improved quality, compliance, and customer experience across multiple markets.

  Earlier, Bowen held senior leadership roles at Capital One and E*TRADE, where she directed strategy, marketing, analytics, and business development, leading teams through periods of rapid growth, digital transformation, and market expansion.

  Bowen is deeply committed to community impact, mentorship, and advancing leadership development, particularly for women in health care and business. She currently serves as Treasurer and Board Member for the Main Street Child Development Center, a nonprofit supporting low‑income families.

  Bowen holds an MBA from the George Washington University School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University.

• Bennie Clark

  Bennie Clark Dentist and Owner of Today's Dentistry by Drs Polite and Clark, has dedicated his entire career to improving health and expanding access to healthcare for all. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Florida A&M University. He followed an inner desire to have a more direct impact on his community and continued his studies at Meharry Medical College and the University of Florida receiving his Doctor of Medical Dentistry.

  Having being selected as a United States Public Health Scholar, he served with the US Public Health Corps in Ruskin, Florida before relocating to Jacksonville. Dr. Clark earned Fellowships in the International Congress of Oral Implant Dentistry, as well as the American Dental Implant Association. Further, he is a member of the American Dental Association, National Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

  He has served on the Board of Trustees at Jacksonville Country Day School, Woodlawn Presbyterian Church and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by Florida A&M University.
  

• Jim Conroy

  Jim Conroy is the WW VP of Engineering, New Product Innovation and Value Stream Leadership ​ for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, where he leads process and product innovation with extensive experience in supply chain management and operational integration​.

  He previously worked at Eastman Kodak where he served as the Techincal Director for France and Rochester, N.Y. manufacturing divisions.

  Conroy earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester after completing his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University.

   

• Shantel Davis, '99

  A Jacksonville, FL native, Shantel Davis ('99) was recently named Vice President of Sales, Southeastern U.S. with The Greenbrier Companies. Prior to this role, Shantel worked for CSX Transportation for 20 years, serving in various leadership roles in Sales & Marketing and Real Estate. She is a proven leader who values diversity of thought, experience and culture in shaping strategy and vision for her teams. Shantel traveled the U.S. and Canada fostering relationships while growing profitable businesses in various commodities. She is active in various community and civic organizations. Shantel is a board member for The Sulzbacher Center, Goodwill Industries of North Florida, and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. In July 2019, Shantel was appointed to the Florida State College of Jacksonville Board of Trustees by Governor Ron DeSantis. 

  She earned her bachelor's degree in communications and criminal justice from the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ and her MBA from Jacksonville University. Shantel’s most rewarding and humbling position is being a mommy to her daughter, McKinley.

• Bill Freda

  TBA

• Raj Goswami

  Raj Goswami is the Chief Innovation Leader of CoreLogic|Protect. He was the Founder and CEO of MICA Software, prior to it being acquired by NextGear in 2017, and then subsequently by Corelogic in 2021. MICA Software is a comprehensive solution that’s serving the major Property & Casualty insurance companies for faster claim settlement via automation. Raj has over twenty years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, as a consultant, executive and entrepreneur.

  Raj is originally from Kolkata (Calcutta), India. After completing his bachelor’s of engineering in India, he earned a Master’s in engineering from UT Austin. He has lived the majority of his adult life in the Jacksonville area. He currently lives in Ponte Vedra Beach with his wife Holly and 4 kids. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading and is passionate about supporting educational opportunities for underprivileged students. He and his wife have founded scholarships for first generation college students and support many charities that give educational opportunities to the less fortunate.
  
  

• John Hayt

  John Hayt is the retired chairman and CEO of EquiCredit Corp., a Jacksonville-based public company that was a pioneer in the home equity lending industry. He retired in 1997 after the company was acquired by Barnett Bank of Florida, having served 32 years in various positions.

  He has been a supporter of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ since 1993, primarily its athletics and men’s golf program. He and his wife, Gerri, have supported UNF’s Golf Learning Center, now named the Hayt Golf Learning Center. His backing of the UNF golf team also prompted UNF to rename its annual golf tournament played at Sawgrass Country Club the "John Hayt Collegiate Invitational," one of the premier college tournaments in the country. Hayt has also served on the board of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida and the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, where he was a two-term chairman.

• Ann Hicks, '95

  Ann Hicks (’95), a Jacksonville native, has a longstanding involvement with UNF and the Jacksonville community. A former president of the UNF Foundation Board, Ann, along with her husband David, served as co-chair of UNF's “Access to Excellence” capital campaign. In addition to her years of service on the UNF Foundation Board, Ann was appointed to the UNF Board of Trustees by the then-Governor Jeb Bush in 2001. She was reappointed and served on the board until 2011.

  Over the years, Ann has also served on the boards of numerous Jacksonville organizations, including the Jacksonville Area Planning Board, Jacksonville Service League, Junior League of Jacksonville, HabiJax, Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and The Bolles School. She has also served on the boards of the Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville Public Library Foundation, Jacksonville Art Museum, and Daniel Memorial Home.
  
  As a trustee for the Hicks Charitable Foundation, Ann has supported many organizations in the region. UNF named the Hicks Honors College in honor of Ann and David Hicks on Oct. 15, 2015, after the couple generously donated $7 million to the university. In 2012, UNF named Building 53 as Hicks Hall, to honor the couple for their dynamic leadership and unselfish support. In 1996, the couple originated the idea of the Pathways to Success Scholarship program at the UNF. The program, which David and Ann funded, provides a way for students in HabiJax and public housing to attend UNF. The program began with a $10 million endowment to fund scholarships. Additionally, David and Ann have been involved in providing scholarship assistance to UNF students through the establishment of the Gray Scholars scholarship program.

  Ann received a bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA, in 1959, and a bachelor's degree in liberal studies with a concentration in religion at UNF in 1995.

• Sam Inman, '88

  

  D. Samuel “Sam” Inman ('88) is incoming chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Community First Credit Union of Florida. He has been with the credit union since 1990 and has held various positions starting as an assistant accounting manager to becoming the institution’s first internal auditor to VP of Finance and then CFO in 1997. He was named CEO and president in 2024. 

  Inman has played an instrumental role in growing Community First’s assets from $156 million to now more than $2.8 billion.

  Among his successes, Inman led a 2016 planning process that established a goal to become a $2 billion credit union by 2020, a goal that was achieved and surpassed. He is also credited with building the organization’s risk management function, aggressively expanding the ATM and branch network, and growing the retail investment services program to over 5,000 clients and $400 million in assets under management.

  In his CFO role Inman has been responsible for ensuring the healthy financial condition and viability of the credit union, while developing and implementing long-term strategies, policies and operating objectives. He also served as the credit union’s chief risk officer, responsible for assessing and mitigating risk, especially related to technology and cyber-attacks.

  As a senior member of the executive team, Inman oversaw several departments including finance, accounting, investment and insurance, as well as credit card operations. He also served as chairman of the asset liability management committee, which is responsible for the overall financial condition of the credit union, new product development, loan and deposit pricing, monitoring risk to capital, and developing marketing strategies for current or new select employee groups. 

  Inman has also been responsible for guiding innovation and planning for the future of the financial services industry. He has led the credit union’s Branch Transformation Project, the most radical and comprehensive branch redesign and renovation in the organization’s history that seeks to align branches with the way people bank today. 

  Inman has more than 30 years of experience in the finance industry, including four years at Coastline Federal Credit Union in Jacksonville prior to joining Community First. 

  He has served on the board of the Credit Union Executive Society’s Florida and is a member of the Credit Union Economic Group.

  A Jacksonville native, Inman earned his MBA from Brenau University in Gainesville and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ (UNF). He is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2002. Sam and his wife Karen have been married for more than 30 years. 

  Inman is active in the Northeast Florida community and is passionate about public education and schoolteachers. Inman has served on various nonprofit committees and board including the TEACH Symposium for Northeast Florida educators, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, Learn to Read, Inc. and the UNF Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He is the incoming chair of the board of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. Inman is past chairman of its Dean’s Education Advisory Council of ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. In 2014, Inman was named an “Ultimate CEO” by the Jacksonville Business Journal.   

  Community First Credit Union has grown to serve more than 175,000 members with more than $2.8 billion in assets, making it one of Florida’s largest credit unions. Community First was founded Downtown in 1935 and remains Downtown Jacksonville’s longest continually operating financial institution. It has two HQ locations in LaVilla. 

  Community First Credit Union of Florida is a state-chartered credit union based in Jacksonville serving anyone who lives or works on the First Coast. Community First is one of the largest credit unions in Florida with $2.7 billion in assets and serving 175,000 members. Community First has 22 locations and more than 450 employees. A not-for-profit, Community First is a full-service financial institution offering banking, loans, mortgages and investments for consumers and businesses across the First Coast. Visit

• Patrick Kincaid, '99

  

  Patrick Kincaid ('99) is the Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Manager for Synovus Bank. He is involved with industrial and commercial real estate lending, and manages the commercial banking team in Jacksonville.

  Before joining Synovus, Kincaid held positions at First Tennessee Bank, TD Bank Group and EverBank. He earned his degree from the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ.

  Kincaid serves as the Assistant Committee Chair at The Players, Pro-Am Chair with the Furyk and Friends, and board member for San Marco Rotary, Girls, Inc. and the Jacksonville Sports Council.

• Tom Lightcap

  

  Tom Lightcap is an investment manager with Southpoint Capital Advisors, a $5 billion private investment fund. He joined the firm after serving as managing member of LK Capital, a New York-based investment firm that he founded. Prior to that, Tom served as an associate at Perry Capital.

  Tom received his B.A. from Columbia University where he is now a guest lecturer at the Business School.

• Anne Lufrano

  Anne is a retired psychologist, community volunteer and philanthropist. She was an inaugural member of the Student Affairs Community Council and is a past chair. Anne is an active community volunteer and has also served on the board of directors of the United Way, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Jewish Family and Community Services and is the Treasurer for The Arc Jacksonville.

  Together with her husband Dr. Robert Lufrano, Anne endowed UNF’s Lufrano Intercultural Gallery and serves on the Student Affairs Council DRC and Scholarship Committees. She also served on the THRIVE Fundraiser Committee. 

  Anne graduated from Queens College, CUNY, with a B.A. in Psychology and earned her doctorate in Child and Family Psychopathology from Cornell.

• Whitney Meyer, '10, '18

  

  Whitney Meyer ('10, '18) is the Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer for the Jacksonville Jaguars. She is responsible for the development and implementation of the Jaguars community impact initiatives, including operations of the Jaguars Foundation, Inspire Change and Social Justice Initiatives, and community activities in connection with local development projects.

  She previously worked as the inaugural Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. In that role she advised University leadership on diversity, inclusion and racial equity pertaining to strategies and policies, learning and research, community relations and the recruitment, retention and admission of faculty, staff and students of color.

  Currently, Whitney serves on community boards such as the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, JAX Chamber Hightower Fellowship, and the World Affairs Council. She also is a frequent volunteer for the Friends of Boone Park South.

• Doug Moffitt

  Doug Moffitt serves as the Managing Director of Harbor View Investment Banking and has more than 35 years of experience in the investment industry.

  Doug received a Bachelor of Science and an MBA with a focus on Marketing and Finance from Kellogg Graduate School of Management, both from Northwestern University. He currently holds his Series 65 license. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Doug previously served as Chairman of the Board and as the Strategic Planning Chairman for the Stanwich School in Greenwich, CT. Outside of Harbor View, he enjoys visiting his three sons with his wife, playing golf, and rooting for the Northwestern Wildcats! He is also a UNF parent.

• Almeta Monroe-Turner

  Almeta Monroe-Turner is a former State Farm insurance agent in Fleming Island.

  An entrepreneur focusing on mobile technology, Monroe-Turner is also a member of the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors and the Executive Women’s Golf Association. She is a former member of the executive board of Operation New Hope, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, and Ready for Work.

  Monroe-Turner graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in criminal justice.

• Jorge Morales
  

  Jorge Morales is the chairman of RF-SMART, a division of Information & Computing Services, Inc. (ICS), based in Jacksonville. Founded by Morales in 1982, ICS is a technology firm specializing in wireless, mobile and enterprise software for supply chain management and construction. Morales' vision, leadership and customer-focused approach to the market have enabled him to build ICS into an organization with more than 600 customers worldwide.

  He is a member of the South Jacksonville Rotary Club; past chairman and board member of The Blood Alliance; and board member of The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Foundation. Jorge serves as Chair of the Foundation Board Development Committee and is on the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction Dean’s Leadership Council. ICS has provided scholarship support for students in the School of Computing since 2007. In 2015, the company established the ICS Scholarship Endowment. ICS has made it a priority to hire UNF alums, many of whom have been previous recipients of the company’s scholarship.

• Michelle Mullen
  

  Michelle Mullen is the Vice President, Total Rewards, Medical and People of CSX Corporation. Michelle has a long tenure with CSX, serving in Compensation and Benefits, Talent and Acquisition and Total Rewards for the last sixteen years. Previously, she held similar roles with Halliburton and Hewitt Associates. She earned her Master of Liberal Studies from Rice University and completed an Executive Development Program through Harvard University.

  
  Michelle has served on several boards, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, TX, The Women’s Center of Jacksonville and currently serves on the board of the Florida Theater as well as the UNF Foundation. She is also a member of the Porsche Club of America and is a licensed driving instructor in track and safety fundamentals.

• Rusty Newton III

  Rusty Newton III is chairman and CEO of Timucuan Asset Management Inc., a financial advisory service company he formed in 1988 that specializes in equity portfolio management. He also serves as the general partner of the Timucuan Fund, L.P., which he formed in 1990, and the Timucuan Opportunity Fund, L.P. which was launched in October 2001. Prior to 1981, Newton was employed as a public accountant by Peat Marwick Mitchell & Company in New York City.

  Newton co-chaired the highly successful $130 million The Power of Transformation capital campaign. He has also been a past president of the UNF Foundation Board and past chairman of the UNF Foundation’s Advancement and Investment committees. Newton also serves as a board trustee for the First Coast YMCA of Florida.

  Newton attended the graduate school of business administration, New York University, and received a B.A. in government and economics from Bowdoin College.

• Pam Paul
  Pam D. Paul is a civic and nonprofit leader whose career has focused on expanding opportunities for children, families, and the Jacksonville community through education, philanthropy, and the arts. She has held senior leadership positions with the Jacksonville Children’s Commission (now The Kids Hope Alliance), the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, and the Jacksonville Public Education Fund.

   

  Pam has been an active volunteer and board leader, serving for ten years on the board of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, including three years as Board Chair. Her community involvement has also included service on the Steering Committee of the Women’s Giving Alliance, the Outreach Committee of Christ Episcopal Church Ponte Vedra Beach, and the Dean’s Council of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ College of Arts and Sciences.

   

  A passionate advocate for higher education and civic engagement, Pam has been a strong supporter of UNF’s Public Service Leadership Program. After accompanying students on a policy-focused trip to Washington, D.C., she was inspired by their preparation, professionalism, and commitment to public service. She believes programs like these are essential in preparing students for meaningful careers and informed leadership.

   

  Pam is proud to continue her family’s longstanding support of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, following in the footsteps of her parents, Pam and Bobby Paul, who were among the university’s early champions.

   

  Pam holds a B.A. in American Studies from Middlebury College and an MBA in Human Resources and Organizational Development from City University London.
• Henry Puente, '79

  Henry Puente ('79) is the former CEO of The Ware Group, Inc., a wholesaler of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration products throughout Florida and South Carolina. Puente previously served as CEO for Tree of Life Inc., a $1.6  billion wholesaler of natural and specialty foods throughout the United States and Canada. He currently serves as a board member for RS&H, Inc. and previously served on the board for Johnstone Supply, Inc.

  Puente graduated from the University of Florida before completing his MBA at the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ.

• Clint Pyle, '02

  

  Mr. Pyle ('02) is a CPA with extensive experience in construction industry accounting and finance including construction projects, real estate development and cost-effective procurement. His experience encompasses financial management of design and construction projects in industries such as residential development, food & beverage, distribution, refrigeration, industrial and commercial.

  Clint has been with Stellar since 2006, when he joined the company as a Director of Finance. In that role, he worked directly with the CFO and managed everyday accounting activities. When promoted to Vice President, Pyle took on additional management duties including improvement of Stellar’s existing systems and procedures. His next promotion was to Divisional Vice President, a role that encompassed both accounting and information technology. In that capacity, Clint managed the two departments, whose responsibilities go hand-in-hand, and improved the efficiency of both departments.

  In his current position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Clint is in charge of all activities regarding accounting, payroll, finance, and risk. He plays a key role in corporate strategy discussions and decisions, then develops tracking methods and analyzes results to help ensure corporate success and financial growth.

  Oversight of Stellar’s philanthropic efforts is also Clint’s responsibility. He oversees the activities of Stellar Foundation and sits on the Foundation Board of Directors to identify worthy causes and ensure that funds are appropriately utilized. Clint also has served on various charity boards including, Dreams Come True, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and Community Hospice of NE Florida.

  Clint holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in corporate finance from Stetson University.

• James Pyle

  

  James Pyle is the Chief Executive Officer of LandSouth Construction. Since founding LandSouth in 1998, James has continued to set the bar on excellence in multifamily construction. Through LandSouth’s 25-year history, he and his team have completed over 25,000 successful units. In his entire career, James has completed over 35,000 multifamily units and is a well-respected expert in the multifamily construction industry.

  Like LandSouth’s mission statement, he believes in building communities, and does so by supporting multiple organizations that help children and families in need. James holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Florida State University. James proudly serves on the Board of Directors of Hunger Fight, Inc., whose mission is to significantly reduce the number of hungry children and families in the First Coast and surrounding areas.

• Sid Roberson, '94

  

  Sid Roberson (’94) is Senior Vice President at Marsh, the world’s largest insurance broker and part of Marsh McLennan’s global network, which includes Marsh (Risk & Insurance), Mercer (People & Investments), Oliver Wyman (Management Consulting), and Guy Carpenter (Reinsurance & Capital Strategies).

  With more than two decades of experience in client development, relationship management, and financial advisory services, Sid delivers a client-centered approach to risk management, business insurance, and employee benefits for C-suite executives, boards of directors, and business owners.

  Drawing on prior experience with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, UBS Financial Services, and Morgan Stanley, he serves as a strategic resource for senior leaders, helping organizations reduce risk, optimize costs, and strengthen long-term protection through integrated global solutions.

• Susan Schantz

  Susan Schantz is a full-time community volunteer who recently completed a two-year term as president of the Women’s Giving Alliance, an initiative of The Community Foundation of Jacksonville. She moved to the Jacksonville area in late 2004 and was a member of Leadership Jacksonville’s Class of 2009. Before moving to Jacksonville, Susan served on the faculty of the Antioch University's McGregor Graduate Program in Conflict Resolution, specializing in group decision-making and public processes. She has been a public policy facilitator in several states, helping communities address issues relating to natural resources, public safety, transportation and education. She has also worked as a researcher and program evaluator on projects for several national and international organizations and began her career in journalism, advertising and public relations. 

  Susan received her B. A. from Duke University and her Ph. D. in English (rhetoric and composition) from Ohio State University.
  
  She is a member of the Dean’s Council of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s College of Arts and Sciences and served on the board of the Jacksonville Film Festival and on the steering committee of Learning to Finish, a public education reform initiative of The Community Foundation of Jacksonville. She is also an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, where she is on the outreach committee. From 2004-08, Susan was a Florida certified mediator, volunteering her services to the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission and the Fourth District County Court.

• Ryan Schwartz

  Ryan Schwartz has held board positions in multiple organizations, including chairing the boards of the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida; the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville; the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens; and the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. Additionally, Schwartz chaired the $13 million capital campaign for the Ronald McDonald House expansion. Most recently, Ryan spent 21 years with US Assure, a national insurance organization, where he was Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and a member of the company’s board of directors. Schwartz currently serves as Managing Director of a professional advisory firm focused on privately held businesses. 

  Schwartz graduated from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia.

• Arthur Shad, '94

  

  Art earned his bachelor's degree from the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ in 1994. He currently serves as an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley and is a senior member of The Shad Financial Group at Morgan Stanley. He has held the Certified Financial Planner™ designation since 1999.

  Prior to attending college, Art served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a decorated veteran of Operation Desert Storm. From 2003 to 2011, he represented District 5 on the Jacksonville City Council, where he chaired the Finance, Rules, and Land Use and Zoning Committees. During his 2004–2005 term, Art received the Charles D. Webb Award, which recognizes outstanding legislative service.

  A seventh-generation Jacksonville resident, Art maintains deep roots in the community. He is the father of three grown sons and the grandfather of one grandchild, all of whom reside in Northeast Florida.

• Travis Shore, '99

  Travis Shore (‘99) serves as Chief Investment Officer for the University of Illinois Foundation (UIF) where he leads the investment team responsible for managing the $3 billion endowment.  Travis joined UIF in April 2022.

  Prior to joining UIF, Travis was Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Vanderbilt University’s Office of Investments where he led the private and public market investment teams. 

  Previously, Travis served as Investment Director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and held Director of Investments roles at New York University and the University of Florida Investment Corporation.

  Before entering non-profit investment management, Travis held various roles at Wachovia (First Union) and Merrill Lynch. 

  Travis earned his BBA in Banking and Finance at the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ and is a CFA charterholder.

• Lior Spring

  As of August 25, 2025, Lior Spring will serve as the Interim Executive Director of Congregation Ahavath Chesed (the Temple), the oldest house of worship in Jacksonville and second oldest synagogue in Florida.

  Prior, Spring was the Director of Social Impact for the Miller Families Foundation. In her role, she forges alliances and promotes education throughout northeast Florida. Along with the Miller family, she spearheads the Together Strong Community Fund to address antisemitism in the Jacksonville area, supports Jewish causes and promotes awareness throughout the region.

  Previously, Spring served as the Director of Development at Jewish Community Alliance (JCA), where she currently serves on their board. She also has board membership in the United Way of Northeast Florida, the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida's Weaver Philanthropic Initiative, Leadership Jacksonville and OneJax.

  Spring earned her bachelor's degree from Cornell University.

• Kawanza Suarez

  Kawanza Suarez serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for VyStar Credit Union and has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. She is passionate about volunteerism and economic development. She has volunteered with several nonprofit organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Sisters Hospital Foundation and the Ralph C Wilson Foundation’s Program Committee.

  Kawanza was named to Buffalo Business First’s “Power 200 Women” and has been recognized as a Woman of Influence, a 40 under 40 recipient and a Black Achiever in Industry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English/African American Studies from the University of Buffalo and a master’s degree in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen College.

• Dean Sunas

  Dean Sunas is the President of the South Division of Vulcan Materials Company, where he has worked since 1998 holding various positions across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Dean, Lesley - his wife of 27 years, and their three children have lived in the Jacksonville area for nine years. Dean is active in industry and philanthropic associations and is the current President of the Georgia Construction Aggregates Association and a member of the Parish Council of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville. Dean and Lesley are active supporters of the Jacksonville Symphony and regular volunteers at the Jacksonville City Rescue Mission. 

  Sunas earned his Bachelor of Science in Building Construction degree from Auburn University and received his MBA from the University of Alabama - Birmingham. 

• Jacqueline Thorlakson

  

  Jackie Thorlakson is the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at The Suddath Companies. Jackie started as a paralegal at Suddath over 20 years ago. In 2011, she was promoted to Associate General Counsel, followed by a promotion to Deputy General Counsel in 2021, and in 2025, she was promoted to her current role as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. Jackie provides strategic legal leadership and oversees enterprise-wide compliance initiatives. She partners closely with executive leadership and business teams to manage legal risk, support operational objectives, and promote a strong culture of ethics and accountability across the organization.

   

  Jackie earned her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law and holds a Master of Science in Management from the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. She has a proven track record in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing agreements, with a focus on pragmatic solutions for the business. She is committed to driving business success through strategic legal counsel and innovative solutions.

Ex-Officio Directors

• Fiscal Year 2027

  Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, '01, '07, UNF Interim President
  John Gol, Board of Trustees Representative
  James Beasley, Faculty Association President
  Hazel Joseph, Student Body President​
  Dean Medley, '91, Alumni Association Board President
  Mike Skoglund, '91, Osprey Club President

Past Foundation Presidents

• Historical Leadership

  William B. Bond
  Jason Burnett, '85
  Brandon N. Choy
  James P. Citrano
  James E. Cobb, '07
  Charles E. Commander III
  Daniel W. Connell Jr.
  Thomas P. Coonley
  L. Earl Crittenden *
  W. Patrick Cusick *
  John J."Jack" Diamond *
  Margaret B. Gellatly
  Chuck Ged, '86
  Ann C. Hicks, '95
  William A. Hightower
  Jonathan T. Howe
  Homer H. Humphries Jr. *
  Arthur I. Jacobs
  W. Radford Lovett II
  Vince McCormack
  Thaddeus M. Moseley *
  Russell B. "Rusty" Newton III
  Pamela Y. Paul
  Robert H. Paul III *
  Susan R. Ryzewic
  Howard C. Serkin
  Alford C. Sinclair
  Bruce A. Smathers
  John S. Walters *
  
  * Deceased

Honorary Members

• Full List of Honorees

  Chester A. Aikens *
  Charles A. Clarkson
  Francis I. duPont III
  William E. Flaherty *
  E. K. Fretwell *
  J. Michael Hughes
  Hugh H. Jones Jr. *
  Delores Kesler
  Hy W. Kliman *
  Daniel A. Martinez
  James W. Milligan
  Thomas F. Petway III
  Gert H. W. Schmidt, '79 *
  Nancy R. Schultz, '00 *
  Mary Virginia Terry *

  * Deceased