Chief Executive Officer
Jacksonville Transit Authority: jtafla.com
Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. is Chief Executive Officer of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and past Chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). His distinguished career spans more than three decades, including tenures as CEO of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.
Ford is a champion of multimodal transportation, walkable neighborhoods, public-private partnerships and transit-oriented development; and known for industry-leading insights and thought leadership on international transportation issues from trade and study missions around the world.
Ford holds an Executive MBA from the Davis School of Business at Jacksonville University and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in organizational leadership from Mercer University. He is a graduate of the Executive Development Consortium Program at Emory University, has completed executive training at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and recently became a published author.
President
JAXUSA Partnership: jaxusa.org
Aundra Wallace is the president of JAXUSA Partnership, the regional economic development arm of JAX Chamber. He directs a staff of 16 in the areas of business development, international, workforce development, research, and marketing.
Prior to joining JAXUSA, he served as CEO of the City of Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority, where he has directed economic development efforts in the city’s downtown, facilitating more than $150 million in public investment dollars that created more than $800 million in private capital investments during his tenure.
A leader in managing community, housing, and economic development initiatives throughout his career, Aundra has held similar leadership positions for agencies in Detroit, Miami and the state of North Carolina. Throughout his career, Aundra has managed more than $650 million in equity, grants, loans, and tax-exempt bonding capacity, in addition to creating and/or retaining 15,000 direct jobs. He is a Certified Housing Development Finance Professional and a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional.
Partner
Foley & Lardner, LLP: foley.com
Kevin E. Hyde is the Office Managing Partner in Jacksonville of Foley & Lardner LLP, one of the nation’s largest law firms. Kevin practices labor and employment law and represents employers in a variety of human resources matters. His practice focuses on day-to-day employment counseling and workplace safety, and he has represented employers in numerous charges of discrimination, employment-discrimination cases, wage-hour, and management-union matters.
Kevin is active in the community. He is a past President of the Jacksonville City Council and is the former Chief Administrative Officer of the City Jacksonville and was the Interim President of Florida State College at Jacksonville. He is the current chair of the University of North Florida Board of Trustees, is a member of the Jacksonville Civic Council, and has served among others on the boards of WJCT Public Broadcasting, Jacksonville Public Education Fund, Teach for America, and Red Cross.
President
First Coast Auto Group: 1stcoastautoauctions.com
A Jacksonville native and Wake Forest University graduate, Guy Marvin, IV, has spent 35 years in the automotive industry. His companies focus on serving the underserved with transportation needs throughout N.E. Florida and S.E. Georgia.
An introduction to former Goodwill CEO, Bob Thayer, in 1995, inspired Guy to get involved in the mission. Over the past 25 years Guy has served in many capacities from advisor, to Board Member and ultimately Chairman.
North Florida Market President
TD Bank: tdbank.com
Bank®. As Market President, she has leadership responsibilities over the Jacksonville, Gainesville, Daytona Beach and Ocala areas of Florida. Cindy is responsible for the successful operational management of Commercial banking while providing leadership and guidance for TD Bank’s North Florida overall strategic and market performance.
Throughout her career, Cindy has received numerous awards for outstanding performance, as well as various volunteer awards, to include Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award and Jacksonville Business Journal Women of Influence Award. A community advocate and volunteer, Cindy currently serves on a number of boards, to include Jacksonville Civic Council and Jacksonville Chamber. She is also a member and Past President for the Rotary Club of Jacksonville. previously served as a cabinet member for the United Way of Northeast Florida and is a past graduate of Leadership Jax.
Cindy graduated from the University of Georgia where she received a bachelor's degree in Economics.
Vice President and General Manager
WJXT
WJXT is a fully local television station, and WCWJ, the CW affiliate, in Jacksonville, Florida. Cope-Walton replaces Bob Ellis. Prior to joining WJXT, Terri served as News Director at WRTV, the ABC affiliate in Indianapolis, Indiana, since 2013, and worked in many roles upon joining the WRTV staff in 1998, including Assistant News Director, leading the station's community affairs efforts and being the lead producer for Good Morning Indiana. Before joining WRTV, Cope-Walton worked as a producer for WHIO-TV in Dayton, Ohio, a producer/reporter for WHIO-AM in Dayton, Ohio, and was an English teacher for Dayton Public Schools. She served on the board of governors for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Central Great Lakes Chapter, and is a lifetime member of the National Association of Black Journalists. Cope-Walton is a four-time Emmy winner and has earned a regional Edward R. Murrow Award. She is a graduate of Central State University with a B.A. in English Literature and has a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University. Terri and her husband, John, have two children.
President
Florida State College at Jacksonville
With more than 30 years of community college experience, Dr. Avendano was previously the president and CEO of Kankakee Community College in Illinois. He also served as the president of the Illinois Council of Public Community College Presidents and the past chair of the South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium President’s Council in Illinois. Dr. Avendano was a first-generation college student for whom English is his second language. He received his associate degree from Waubonsee Community College, bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from Northern Illinois University, master’s degree in adult continuing education from Northern Illinois University, and his doctorate in educational administration and foundations from Illinois State University Dr. Avendano has previously served as a board member and chair for the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, the Grundy-Livingston-Kankakee Workforce Investment Board, Cornerstone Services and the Riverside Medical Center Board. In 2014-15, Dr. Avendano served as co-chair for The United Way of Kankakee County and formally served on the Pioneering Healthier Communities Advisory Committee for the area YMCA. He recently finished serving in his sixth year as the presidents’ liaison for the Illinois region of Phi Theta Kappa. Dr. Avendano received the following recognition and awards from Waubonsee Community College: Fab 40, Distinguished Alum, induction into their Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Skyway Conference Hall of Fame. He was recognized by Phi Theta Kappa with the following awards: Distinguished Administrator, Shirley B. Gordon Award and the 2019 Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, Dr. Avendano was inducted into Illinois State University’s Educational Administration and Foundations Hall of Fame. He also received the 2017-18 Illinois Community College Trustees’ Association Advocacy Award. Additionally, The Daily Journal recognized Dr. Avendano as its 2019 Citizen of the Year. He and his wife Janet have three children - Michael, Nicole and Marissa.
Randolph Moorer is an innovative, focused business leader with 20 years of International leadership experience in the B2B technology industry at IBM. An industrial engineer by education, he began his career as a product specialist and since then have spent more than 18 years in sales leadership.
After leading a software business in Central and Eastern Europe for five years, he recently returned home to the United States and is responsible for leading the 500+ person sales team responsible for software sales, strategy and technical support driving client value in IBM’s Mid Atlantic Region. He maintains involvement in several community service organizations including Goodwill of North Florida and Children’s International Summer Village.
Partner in Charge, Jacksonville Office
Adams and Reese LLP: adamsandreese.com
Leslie A. Wickes is a business lawyer who advises clients in Florida and across the United States. She has deep experience counseling clients in the formation, licensure, regulation and purchase and sale of insurance companies and insurance-related entities, including retail and wholesale brokers, claims administrators, managing general agencies and service providers. She also litigates claims arising out of the failure of insurance companies, claims involving coverage and reinsurance matters, and disputes over agent commission, profit sharing, failure to procure and unfair competition.
In addition to her insurance practice, Leslie advises clients in multiple industries with matters relating to contracting, corporate governance, employment and agency, trade practices, licensing, and professional negligence matters. She has also provided outside general counsel services to a national advertising agency, technology companies, and insurance companies and agencies.
Leslie received her J.D., with honors, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1992. While attending law school, she was a senior editor of the Florida Law Review. She obtained her B.A. from the University of Florida in 1989.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Jacksonville Civic Council, Inc.: jaxciviccouncil.com
Jeanne Miller has established a reputation for bringing diverse stakeholders together to create positive change. In a career ranging from private legal practice to local government, higher education and the nonprofit sector, Miller has used her executive and negotiating skills to help resolve complex fiscal and economic dilemmas, promote higher education, grow hundreds of jobs, and add over $1B to the Duval County tax base. As President & CEO of the Jacksonville Civic Council, she works with leaders of Northeast Florida’s largest companies to identify and promote solutions to the region’s greatest challenges.
Currently Chair of Goodwill Industries of North Florida and a Member of the FSU Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors, Miller has been extensively involved in civic and community service throughout her career. AV-Preeminent-rated by Martindale Hubbell, she has been recognized frequently by her peers, most recently being named one of Attorney-At-Law Magazine’s Top First Coast Women in Law for 2020. An honors graduate of Albertus Magnus College and Florida State University College of Law, Miller is also an alumna of both Leadership Jacksonville and Leadership Florida.
President
General Truck Equipment & Trailer Sales, Inc.: generaltruckequipment.com
John Murray is the owner of General Truck Equipment & Trailer Sales, Inc. he started in 1972. He attended Bowling Green State University, Eastern Michigan University and The University with majors in Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry. Murray is a past president of Goodwill and a member of the board for over forty years.
President & CEO
Infinity Global Solutions, LLC: infinity-gs.com
One of Northeast Florida’s premiere economic development and government relations professionals, Jim Gilmore has spent a lifetime working to build community, create job opportunities and encourage capital investment. Over the past 30 years, he has brought partners together to generate more than $1.5 billion in new investment in public and private projects, primarily on the First Coast.
Mr. Gilmore’s efforts have helped spur corporate relocations -- generating high-paying jobs and raising property values -- and provided millions in federal grant funds for transportation and infrastructure improvements and economic development. Among his high-profile successes are the development of Cecil Commerce Center and formation of the Jacksonville International Airport Community Redevelopment Area, which led to the creation of the Northside’s vibrant River City Marketplace.
A values-centered professional who is deeply invested in the Florida region, Mr. Gilmore’s extensive civic engagement includes service on the boards of Leadership Florida and Goodwill.
Manager, Marketing Strategy and Integration
GuideWell Connect: guidewellconnect.com
Innovative, focused and diversity driven leader with 16 years of leadership and program development experience in the health insurance industry. Anubhav (Andy) Dahiya is computer engineer by education and is currently the Client Portfolio Lead with GuideWell Connect, a sister company to Florida Blue. Prior to his current role, he has held strategy and development lead roles on multiple business initiatives within GuideWell Connect and Florida Blue since 2008 and previously with other health insurance companies. He leads program delivery, client and/or vendor relationship management, product design and development and driving strategic business initiatives that ensure long-term success & measurable impacts for Guidewell Connect and its east coast health plan client(s). His expertise includes marketing strategy and execution, sales channels development and management, consumer tools and portfolio management.
He is also executive committee member for Indian Cultural Society of Jacksonville, supporting various cultural, educational, and other community activities in Jacksonville
Andy holds Masters in Computer Science from New Jersey Institute of Technology, Bachelors in Computer Science and Engineering from Kurukshetra University, India and is certified Pragmatic Marketing professional.
Patrick D. Coleman retired from the active practice of law in January 2020. He continues to be certified by the Florida Bar in the area of Labor and Employment law and has a mediation practice in which he attempts to resolve litigation cases pending in state and federal courts. A graduate of Duke University and the Vanderbilt School of Law, he is a former Board Chair of Goodwill Industries of North Florida, the City Rescue Mission, and Seniors on a Mission, and is currently on the boards of the Goodwill Endowment, the Salvation Army Advisory.
Vice President, Sales & Group Manager
The Greenbrier Companies
Shantel Davis is the Vice President and Group Manager of Southeast Sales with The Greenbrier Companies (GBX); which are leaders in rail car, barge manufacturing, and freight transportation services. She provides executive sales and marketing leadership by implementing both short-term and long-term business strategies and supply chain solutions of approximately $700M portfolio of revenue and volume growth for domestic and global distribution.
Prior to joining GBX Shantel served as Vice President of Real Estate and Facilities Management at CSX Transportation where she managed land sales and auxiliary services totaling over $600M.
Davis draws upon over 20 years of experience in sales & marketing, real estate, and facilities management in her prior experience with CSX. Shantel previously lived in Vancouver, WA, Tampa, FL and now resides back in her birthplace, Jacksonville, FL. Shantel holds a Master of Business Administration from Jacksonville University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida.
Shantel serves on various boards including the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, University of North Florida Foundation, Jacksonville University Public Policy and the Jacksonville Classical Academy.
In July 2019, Shantel was named to the Board of Trustees at Florida State College of Jacksonville by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Shantel is the proud mother of one daughter. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. She is a lifetime member of Leadership Florida, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and Jack & Jill of America, Inc.
President
Brownlee Global LLC
Edward Brownlee is the President of Brownlee Global LLC; which creates operational freedom and flexibility for small businesses. He provides facilities consulting services to clients in areas of facilities operations, facilities management, building services, security, project management and development of request for proposals and contract agreements.
Edward served as the Director of Facilities at Woodruff Arts Center for five years and was also the VP of Facilities Operations at Turner Broadcasting for 12 years. While at Turner, he oversaw facilities and operations for 6,500 Turner employees in 23 locations with full accountability for $62.68M annual budget. Additionally, he was responsible for more than 2.5 million square feet of owned/leased domestic broadcast, office, retail and technical multi-use sites.
In his current role, Brownlee draws upon over 20 years of executive level leadership and operational experience. Edward holds a Masters of Science in Operations Research from Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from the US Naval Academy.
Edward served in the US Navy as a US Naval Officer for 20 years. Edward is the Board Director, Chair of Military Affairs and Vice Chair of Inter-Club Committees for the Downtown Atlanta Kiwanis Club of America.
President/CEO
St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce
Isabelle Renault is the President/CEO of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce which is the second largest networking organization in Northeast Florida. Isabelle and team are advocates and a voice for the business community.
Prior to her appointment as President/CEO, Renault served as Vice President of Operations for St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and held a number of economic development positions within the organization.
In her current role, Renault draws upon over 20 years of experience in small business and economic growth. Isabelle holds a Degree in Tourism Development and International Commerce from University Blaise Pascal, France. She is fluent in French, Spanish and English.
In 2007, Isabelle was recognized by the Jacksonville Business Journal as one of the “40 under 40” and in 2018 she was recognized by Jacksonville Business Journal as a “Woman of Influence”. Renault is a graduate of the Leadership St. Johns program and Leadership Florida.
Isabelle and her husband live with their five children in Northern St. Johns County.
As Chief Strategy Officer at Miller Electric, Kerri Stewart works collaboratively across the entire business to leverage data and analytics to drive improvement to business and customer outcomes. Kerri participates in the development of business strategy and establishes/manages plans to achieve corporate business objectives. She also provides support for initiative owners and strategic committees to ensure alignment across the company. And to that end, she works with internal and external resources to foster government and industry relations in support of Miller's strategic initiatives and business growth.
Prior to joining Miller, Kerri was the Chief Customer Officer for JEA. Kerri lead the team responsible for the entire relationship with the customer for one of the largest municipally-owned electric, water and wastewater utilities in the country, including business development, customer experience, communications, field and meter solutions, utility and customer analytics, billing and payment, call center operations and community engagement.
Prior to joining JEA, Kerri served as Chief of Staff for current Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, providing policy and public affairs guidance. From 2011 – 2015, Stewart was a Senior Vice President at Infinity Global Solutions, focusing on the areas of government privatization, public infrastructure development, general management consulting and government relations. Through her consulting practice, Kerri served as interim-President of Visit Jacksonville, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and LISC.
A deeply committed, experienced public servant and inspirational change-leader, Stewart also served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Jacksonville under Mayors John Peyton and Alvin Brown where she oversaw day-to-day government operations for the city, including directing and managing a nearly 5,000-member workforce, $1 billion municipal budget and $164 million annual capital improvement plan.
Before her jump to the public sector, Kerri worked for Alltel Information Services (now Black Knight Financial Services). Kerri served as a program manager for a mortgage banking software/solution joint venture with a bank in Leeds, U.K. Kerri graduated with a B.B.A. from the University of North Florida and holds a certificate in Business Analytics from Harvard University.
Manager
Northrop Grumman
Orville “Orv” Dothage is a Senior Manager with Northrop Grumman Aerospace which is one of the world's largest weapons manufacturers and military technology providers. He coordinates the development and review of process performance and health metrics. Orv has been employed with Northrop Grumman for over 34 years.
In his current role, he draws upon over 30 years of experience at Northrop Grumman in aerospace systems. Orv holds a Master of Business Administration and Management from Kent College.
Orv was an instrumental driving force with creating a partnership between Goodwill, First Coast Technical College (FCTC) and Northrop Grumman. This partnership program allows Goodwill to recruit and support members of the St. Johns community to earn a certification in introductory aircraft manufacturing at FCTC, thus creating a talent pipeline for careers at Northrop Grumman. Orv is a member of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce.
Partner
Assurance Dimensions: assurancedimensions.com
Scott Mattson is a Partner with Assurance Dimensions which offers assurance, tax and advisory services to private, public and nonprofit clients nationwide and internationally. Prior to joining Assurance Dimensions, Scott worked with The LBA Group as an Assurance Principal overseeing employee benefit plan practices and assurance work for non-public companies in a variety of industries including Goodwill Industries of North Florida.
In his current role, Mattson draws upon over 20 years of experience in auditing and accounting. Scott holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida State University. He holds a license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Florida.
Scott is a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and previously was a board member of the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville.
