PROGRAM: News from Nims Middle School - Benny Bolden
Dr. Bolden, a Miami native, holds a bachelor's in Music Education from Florida A&M, a master’s in Educational Leadership from Capella University, and a Doctor of Education from Aspen University. He is also an adjunct professor at Florida State University. A former band director at Belle Vue Middle School, Miami Northwestern, and Barron Collier High, he transformed programs into national leaders, with performances at prestigious events like Carnegie Hall and the Super Bowl. Currently, Dr. Bolden serves as Divisional Director of Interdivisional Support Services for Leon County Schools. He is also a community leader, honored with several awards, and a member of Leadership Tallahassee and Leadership Florida. He and his wife have three children.
PROGRAM: 2024 Hurricane Season - Ryan Truchelut
Ryan Truchelut graduated from Princeton with a bachelor’s degree in Geosciences and received master’s and doctoral degrees in meteorology from Florida State University. Ryan’s research is focused on tropical cyclone risk, seasonal forecasting, and predictive analytics and has been presented at numerous national and international meteorology conferences. He has also been the recipient of the NASA Earth Science Enterprise Fellowship and the Max Mayfield Award in Weather Forecasting from the American Meteorological Society. He writes weather analysis pieces for major media outlets, including the Washington Post and USA Today, and has appeared on CNN, BBC World News, and other international media outlets as an expert guest meteorologist. His perspectives on commodity weather appear frequently in Bloomberg News and ProFarmer. When he is not watching the weather, Ryan is an accomplished runner and mountain climber, with some of his many other interests including birdwatching, guitar, and America’s national parks. If you have 20 minutes to burn, be sure to ask Ryan about his Jeopardy! appearance.
PROGRAM: Leon County Public Library - Pamela Monroe
Pamela Monroe earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Florida A&M University and a Master’s degree from FSU in Library and Information Science and Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies. She was a Laura Bush Foundation Fellow during her time at Florida State and credits her teachers and mentors at FSU with impressing upon her the importance of reading to children. She worked in a variety of settings, including Florida A&M University and Leon County Schools, as a teacher librarian, media specialist, and classroom teacher before becoming the Director of the LeRoy Collings Leon County Public Libraries. She wants everyone to learn to love reading because reading will help you grow.
PROGRAM: Tallahassee’s Mormon Temple - Doug Shuler
Doug Shuler is a native of Tallahassee. He graduated from Tallahassee Community College (now TSC) and then from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University with his Professional Architecture degree. Today, Doug is one of four partners in the firm of BFBSA (Barnett, Fronczak, Barlowe & Shuler, Architects), where he manages the commercial, residential, educational, historical, religious, and club projects of the firm. In this capacity, he designed the new Tallahassee temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Doug spends volunteer hours working with the Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation and currently serves as the vice chair of this organization. He lives in Tallahassee with his wife and six children. He is a welcomed guest at both imaginary tea parties and spur-of-the-moment backyard military battles. In his spare time he can often be found sketching his latest ideas and brainstorms on most any hard surface within his reach. He has been known to make even the toughest and most “impossible” designing challenges become something truly amazing.
PROGRAM: Replica of First Florida Capitol - Mayor John Dailey
Mayor John Dailey earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from Florida State University, where he served as President of the Student Government Association. He received a master's degree in Public Administration from FSU, and went on to receive a second master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the London School of Economics. He began his professional career working for the Florida League of Cities, representing over 400 municipal governments before the Florida Legislature and Administration. He also represented municipal governments across the nation before the U.S. Congress and Administration while working for the National League of Cities in Washington, D.C. John returned to Tallahassee in 2005 and founded JDA Strategies, a research and development consulting firm focused on local governance. In 2006 he was elected to the Leon County Commission and re-elected twice without opposition. He served as Chairman of the Leon County Commission twice (2010-2011, 2016-2017) and was elected Mayor of the City of Tallahassee in 2018. John and his wife Virginia have two sons, Tommy and Henry.
PROGRAM: Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra - Dr. Amanda Stringer
Dr. Amanda (Mandy) Stringer has been CEO of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra since 2010. Her achievements include growing the budget 233%, increasing both corporate sponsorships and annual fund donations 200%; widening the TSO’s subscriber base; increasing federal and regional funding through new grants; and instituting many new initiatives and programs.
Dr. Stringer is actively engaged in the industry’s association of orchestras, the League of American Orchestras (LAO), and currently serves as Vice-Chair of her constituent group. In 2016, Mandy was chosen to participate in the LAO’s “Emerging Leaders Program,” a highly competitive program where participants are chosen based on their potential to make significant contributions to their orchestras and to the field as a whole. She is also a graduate of the LAO’s prestigious “Essentials of Orchestra Management” program.
Mandy has been on the music faculties of the University of Oklahoma and Florida State University, and has been involved in the Tallahassee community through managing the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music, acting as a Knight Foundation Creative Communities Institute Catalyst, participating in the Leadership Tallahassee program and the Florida Economic Club, serving on the Leon High School Foundation Board of Trustees, acting as the Leon High Lacrosse Boosters’ Treasurer, and sitting on the Leon County Tourist Development Council.
PROGRAM: Premier Health & Fitness - Todd Del Calzo
Todd Del Calzo is the Executive Director at Premier Health and Fitness Center, where he combines his passion for fitness with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Sport Administration from Florida State University. As a former athlete and lifetime fitness enthusiast, Todd believes that fitness, health, and wellness are not just activities but a way of life. In his role, Todd focuses on creating an environment where individuals from all backgrounds can reach their fitness potential, using his knowledge and experience to guide them.
Outside his professional career Todd has been happily married to his wife, Jackie, for over 12 years. In his free time he enjoys relaxing at the beach, watching a good movie, spending time with family and friends, and pursuing his own personal fitness goals. Guided by his favorite quotes, "no pain, no gain" and "the hardest part about the gym is getting there," Todd motivates himself, his staff, and his clients to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness no matter their starting point.
PROGRAM: News from the District - Gov Mike Tatem
Mike Tatem has been a pastor for 30 years, serving the last 18 years in Lake City, FL at Parkview Baptist Church. He was born and raised in Miami and except for a three-year term in the Army in Germany, he lived in Miami until 2006 when he moved to Lake City. Prior to being a pastor, he was a crew chief on a helicopter in the Army and then a transportation supervisor for Ryder Dedicated Logistics. Mike has been a member of the Rotary Club of Lake City for 15 years. He served as Club President in 2017-2018 and has served multiple terms as the Club Treasurer. He served as District Treasurer in 2018-2019, Area Governor 2019-2022, and District Membership Chair from 2020-2023. It is now an overwhelming honor to be able to serve as the 111th Governor of District 6940.
He enjoys a good Netflix series, listening to podcasts, doing word puzzles and sitting in a deer stand. He likes being on a golf course even though what he does there can hardly be considered golf. Above all else, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 37 years, Judy, his two grown children and their spouses, and his five (with one more on the way in September) fantastic and completely adorable grandchildren.
PROGRAM: Red Hills Small Farm Alliance - Tyler Turkle
Tyler Turkle is an artist, filmmaker, teacher and organization executive director. He received a B.A. in History from Mt. Union University (1970)and studied Cinematography at Kent State University. From 1975 to 1987, Turkle taught art, photography and filmmaking at Florida State University and later became the Executive Director of the Leon County Schools’ Foundation. He served as Executive Director of Big Bend Habitat for Humanity in Leon and Gadsden counties from 2007 to 2012 and was the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County, California from 2012 to 2015. He later served as Manager of the Habitat for Humanity U.S. and Canada Support Center in Americus, Georgia. Most recently, Turkle was a faculty member at Fort Braden Middle School where he taught Civics and U.S. History. He is currently the Executive Director of the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance, a not-for-profit organization which serves local farmers, producers and customers in North Florida and South Georgia.
PROGRAM: United Way of the Big Bend - Berneice Cox
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Berneice Cox is President and CEO of the United Way of the Big Bend and is host and producer of the NBC television show "Our Issues Tallahassee". Prior to becoming the CEO of UWBB, she spent over 20 years advocating before the Florida Governor and Cabinet, House and Senate and provided strategy for clients at the national level working with the United States Florida Senate and Congressional Delegation. She was selected as one of the 25 Women You Need to Know in Tallahassee.
She attended Tusculum University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. Berneice taught as an Adjunct Professor at Florida State University.
Her volunteer work includes:
Past Chair of the Board of Directors - United Way of the Big Bend including Leon County and 8 surrounding counties, United Way of Florida Board of Directors, Florida Litfest, Vice President, Board of Directors, Tusculum University Alumni Executive Board, Past Chair Women4FSU, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Past Chair, Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Talent and Workforce Committee, Past Chair, Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce World Class Schools, Knight Foundation Creative Communities Institute Cultivate Cascades Park Co-Chair, Development Director for Word of South Literary and Music Festival, Appointed by the Leon County Commission to the Cultural Plan Review Committee, Economic Development Chair Tallahassee/Leon County Cultural Plan, Tallahassee Community College Campaign Steering Committee, Past President Club 25.
PROGRAM: True Colors Personality Profiles - Larry Kubiak
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This week, Larry Kubiak will guide us through the "True Colors" personality test. True Colors is an insightful tool designed to identify and categorize various personality styles using colors, drawing on the work of researchers like Isabel Briggs-Myers, Katherine Briggs, and David Keirsey.
Larry Kubiak, a distinguished Rotarian, holds a bachelor's in psychology from St. John's University and a PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Florida. An Eagle Scout and Rotary Leadership Institute graduate, Larry has served in numerous leadership roles, including club president and district governor. This interactive program promises to be fun and enlightening, offering a chance to learn more about yourself. Don't miss it!
PROGRAM: News from Riley Elementary - Maurice Stokes
Principal Maurice Stokes is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high schools. In 2021 he was tasked with implementing rapid school improvement at John G. Riley Elementary School. He applied targeted interventions to improve school culture, educator development, and personalized instruction, fostering a belief in addressing both academic and nonacademic needs of the whole child. This effort transformed John G. Riley Elementary, situated in one of Florida’s most economically challenged and high-crime areas, through emphasis on core values such as respect, ownership, responsibility, collaboration, and perseverance. While focusing on the progress of each student, he also prioritized the professional growth of his team.
Since 2020, Principal Stokes has been honored with three Principal of the Year Awards—two in Gadsden County and one in Leon County. He recently received the Transformational Leadership Award from the Florida Department of Education Bureau of School Improvement. He is a catalyst for change, having successfully transformed seven schools, including three under his direct leadership as principal. His dynamic and innovative approach consistently revitalizes educational systems, paving the way for a brighter future for students. In his personal time, Principal Stokes enjoys playing piano for his local church and traveling with his wife Brittani and their daughters, Amaya and Hannah.
PROGRAM: Theatre Tallahassee - Theresa Davis
Theresa Davis is the Executive Director/CEO at Theatre Tallahassee. Along with typical CEO responsibilities like budgeting and grant writing, she also might be found building a set or directing a show. Theresa joined Theatre Tallahassee in October 2011. Prior to this, she was Finance Director for the Tallahassee Museum and has a BA in Humanities from Florida Southern College with concentration in Theatre and English. When not working Theresa loves to occasionally act in a show, travel to watch theatre, hang out with her dog Tater Tot, and cruise as much as possible.
PROGRAM: Celebrating Independence, Col. Tommy Bowermeister
Tommy Bowermeister was the son of a WWII and Korean War Air Force aircraft flight engineer. He attended the University of Georgia and graduated from ROTC as a 2nd Lt in June 1976. On active duty, he attended Navigator training in California in 1976 and then was stationed in 1977 at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
He flew the RF-4 in Japan, S. Korea, and the Philippines, then was assigned to the F-111 and sent to RAF Upper Heyford, England from 1981 to 1984 and flew all over Europe. He then was reassigned to Clovis NM for two years, San Antonio for three years, and Newport RI where he attended the Navy War College.
In 1990 he returned to the RAF flying the F-111, including 29 combat sorties from Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. After the war, he returned to Lakenheath in England and became the Commander of the F-15E transition team and flew the last F-15E from the factory in St Louis to England. He left England in 1994 and was stationed at Blue Flag in Florida where he debriefed Air Force generals during a five-day wartime simulation.
He left that duty and attended the Australian Senior Service School, then returned to Montgomery AL to help the Air Force write its first Operational Doctrine. Finally, Col. Bowermeister came to Tallahassee as the FSU AFROTC Commander from 2000 to 2003 and retired in Oct 2003. Now he is a professional grandfather to 9 kids.
PROGRAM: Changing of the Guard and Service Above Self
Join us this week for a special meeting as we reveal the Service above Self award winner.
Following the award presentation we will have “The Changing of the Guard.”
This is your chance to meet your new board members, hear remarks from our new President, Pam Griggs.
We'll also show our gratitude to the 2023-2024 President, Kelley Phillips and the outgoing board members.
Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate and connect with fellow Rotarians.
PROGRAM: Florida Torte Reform - William Large
William W. Large is a passionate advocate for legal reform and an experienced attorney who led Gov. Jeb Bush's fight to reform medical malpractice rules to cap damage awards. As president of the Florida Justice Reform Institute (FJRI), Mr. Large is responsible for the daily operations of FJRI, which is a lobbying organization in Tallahassee, FL. Mr. Large brings extensive legal and political expertise to our advocacy group and has worked in the highest levels of Florida government to bring about civil justice and tort reform.
Prior to serving as president, Mr. Large served as Governor Bush's deputy chief of staff and was responsible for coordinating and advancing Governor Bush's vision from the governor's executive office to several state agencies, including: the Agency for Health Care Administration; the Agency for Persons with Disabilities; the Department of Health; the Department of Children and Families; the Department of Elder Affairs; the Department of Veteran Affairs; and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Before becoming deputy chief of staff, Mr. Large served as the general counsel for the Florida Department of Health from March 2000 until June 2004. In that capacity, Mr. Large oversaw more than 70 attorneys and managed litigation files for the third largest executive branch agency.
As DOH general counsel, Mr. Large became one of Governor Bush's chief counselors as lawmakers negotiated reforms of the state's medical malpractice laws, affecting legal liability. During his tenure as general counsel at DOH, Mr. Large served as director of the Governor's Task Force on Professional Liability Insurance, playing a vital role in ensuring the governor's medical malpractice reform initiatives were approved by the Florida Legislature. Mr. Large lobbied lawmakers and helped author the governor's medical malpractice legislative proposals—including a cap on non-economic damages—in order to provide much-needed malpractice premium relief for physicians.
William W. Large is the founding president of the Florida Justice Reform Institute (FJRI), an organization dedicated to restoring fairness and personal responsibility to Florida's civil justice system. Under his leadership, FJRI has delivered notable successes on numerous and complex legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues such as repealing Florida’s one-way attorney fee statute and reforming the contingency risk fee multiplier, strengthening the rules of evidence for medical damages, providing COVID liability protections for health care workers, and adopting the Federal summary judgment standard. Prior to serving as president, Mr. Large served as Governor Bush's deputy chief of staff responsible for a portfolio of health and human service agencies. Before that, Mr. Large served as general counsel for the Florida Department of Health, and during that time served as director of the Governor's Task Force on Professional Liability Insurance. Prior to working for the state, Mr. Large was a partner practicing in professional malpractice litigation defense primarily representing hospitals. In 2011, Mr. Large was also appointed by Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson to the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the Northern District of Florida. He was reappointed in 2013 and 2015. Mr. Large received both his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (B.S.B.A. 1989) and his Juris Doctor (J.D. 1993) from the University of Florida, and holds three master's degrees from Florida State University: (1) Political Science (M.S. 2002); (2) Business Administration (M.B.A. 2009); and (3) Risk Management and Insurance (MS-RMI 2009).
PROGRAM: Women Who Care in Tallahassee -Virginia Glass
Virginia Glass enjoyed a 52-year career in real estate which enabled her to be involved in many different community events. Her first exposure to nonprofit work came in 1983 as chair of the Community Service committee for the Altrusa Club, finding a location for Refuge House as one of their projects. We raised enough for a down payment and a local bank believed in us and made the loan. That effort resulted in her receiving the “Service Above Self” award from Rotary International that year. The joy from helping Refuge House helped her become involved in other nonprofits that are still her passion today. She received the Lifetime Leadership award from the Chamber in 2018 and was named Philanthropist of the Year in 2019 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Having retired from real estate in 2017, she finds herself engaged with five nonprofits and in addition, started the group called 100 Women Who Care in 2020.
PROGRAM: Tallahassee Alzheimer's Project - John Trombetta
John Trombetta is a native of Tallahassee. In June of 2020 he became the Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Project of Tallahassee, which began as a ministry of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. In 1992 the organization incorporated becoming a 501c3 organization. The Alzheimer’s Project provides comfort, support, and assistance to persons with memory disorders and their caregivers across the Big Bend area. Prior to his current position John served as President and CEO of the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs where he oversaw programs related to drowning prevention, literacy, civics education and chronic disease prevention. John has also served in fundraising roles at Florida State University, the University of Georgia and Valdosta State University, his alma mater. John was recently named a Fellow of the Florida Health Policy Leadership Academy at the University of Florida. John and his wife Beth Anne attend Trinity Methodist Church and are dog parents to a labradoodle named Boone. John is an avid golfer.
PROGRAM: Village Square Forum - Kate Kile
Kate Kile joins us from The Village Square Forum. The Village Square is a nervy bunch of conservatives and liberals who believe that disagreement and dialogue make for a good conversation, a good country, and a good time. They are building the 21st-century town hall across the partisan divide. She is thrilled to join the staff and community of The Village Square.
Kate has over 30 years of experience in a wide variety of endeavors from banking and fiduciary tax, to accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting in the nonprofit world (primarily performing arts and churches).
For the last 7 years, she has joyfully served at St. John's Episcopal Church as Director of Finance and Stewardship, most recently adding Faith Formation and program development and coordination to her plate.
Kate has a passion for justice, bridge-building, peacemaking, and all things French. She loves meeting new people, walking in the woods, reading, dancing, and traveling.
She is a member of Leadership Tallahassee Class 37 and serves on the national planning committee for The Episcopal Parish Network (EPN).
Married to her college sweetheart, Brad for 30 years this summer, they are the proud parents of 3 incredible humans, Jake, Lucy, and Evan, 2 ill-behaved dogs, Finn and Alice, and 1 cheeky cat, Jackpot.
PROGRAM: The Frederick Clifton Moore Program
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Established in 1984, The Frederick Clifton Moor Award, named after Dr. Frederick Clifton Moor, the first President of The Rotary Club of Tallahassee (RCT) is a very prestigious club member recognition.
The recipient of this award not only displays the highest character in their Rotary Service but also in both their career and community involvement.
Our 2023 Award winner was Walter W. Manley II.
PROGRAM: A Hundred Years of Boy Scouts - Terry Whitaker
Terry Whitaker was born in Albany, Georgia and grew up in the small town of Iron City in Seminole County in the southwest corner of the state. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Theatre from Chipola Junior College in Marianna and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Valdosta State University. Terry began working for the Boy Scouts of America in March of 2004 and has served in four different Councils throughout Georgia and Florida. Since September of 2019, Terry has served as the Scout Executive and CEO for the Suwannee River Area Council, serving 13 counties in North Florida and South Georgia. Terry is an Eagle Scout, member of Leadership Tallahassee, and a former Rotarian from 2007 through 2019. He now serves his home Scout Council that once served him. He and his wife Jenny have two sons, have been foster parents since March of 2015, and reside in Tallahassee.
PROGRAM: Humane Society of the USA - Kate MacFall
Kate MacFall is the Florida senior state director for The Humane Society of the United States. Kate’s primary focus is to work on animal protection legislation, policies, local ordinances and initiatives to protect animals. She also works with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission on wildlife policies, such as protections for black bears, manatees, and gopher tortoises. Kate serves on the board for the Florida Animal Friend license plate, which provides grants for spay/neuter statewide, and is also an advisory board member of FAAWO, the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations. She travels extensively around the state developing a grassroots network of advocates on animal protection measures and visits animal shelters and sanctuaries. Kate served as co-chair of the Protect Dogs- Yes on 13 campaign to pass Amendment 13 and phase out greyhound racing in FL by the end of 2020. Kate lives in Tallahassee where she co-founded and serves on the board of the Animal Shelter Foundation Inc. and fosters for the Leon County Humane Society and volunteers and fosters for Tallahassee Animal Services. When not working on behalf of animals Kate loves running and cycling and especially loves trail running in the woods first thing in the morning.
PROGRAM: Ocean/River Kayak Fishing - Courtney Cashburn
Courtney Ashburn is a Tallahassee native and a Maclay School and Florida State University graduate. He is licensed to provide property and casualty as well as life, health and disability insurance, and has owned and managed apartments in the community. He and his wife Christine have two incredible daughters, Mackenzie and Hadley. After guiding for The Wilderness Way, which eventually went out of business, he began his own Pedal Driven Kayak Fishing Charters (PDKFC) in 2017. PDKFC is a full-service guide service providing kayaks (Hobie pedal drive), personal floatation devices, tackles, rods and reels (Daiwa), food, and necessary transportation. Whether you are an experienced angler or this is your first time, PDKFC provides a unique fishing experience along the Gulf Coast of Florida with guided trips for up to two people, either half-day (5 hours) or full-day (8 hours) trips.
PROGRAM: Human Trafficking in Florida - Marina Anderson
Marina Anderson, Florida Department of Children and Families Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator for Northeast and Northwest Regions
Marina joined the Department of Children and Families in 2002. She began her career with DCF in 2002. For fourteen years she worked as a Child Protective Investigator (CPI) and Field Support Supervisor serving as a Subject Matter Expert in child sexual abuse and human trafficking in Duval County, Florida. In 2015, Marina joined the Office of Child Welfare focusing on combating Human Trafficking on the state level. Marina is a recognized expert in safety methodology and was personally recognized by Governor Rick Scott as a STAR Child Protective Investigator. Marina is a certified investigator and trainer in human trafficking, and a subject matter expert in critical injury, domestic violence, physical/sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Marina is also an approved Human Trafficking Trainer for the Florida Sheriff’s Association, Florida Police Association, Florida Gang Investigator Association, Florida Department of Health, Florida Association of Emergency Medicine, Florida Department of Healthcare and Florida Associate of Pharmaceutical Science. Marina is an executive board member of the Northeast Region Human Trafficking Coalition, Freedom 7 Human Trafficking Coalition, Gateway to Freedom Human Trafficking Task Force and Northwest FL Human Trafficking Task Force, North Central FL Human Trafficking Task Force, Big Bend Human Trafficking Coalition and Circuit 1 Human Trafficking Task Force. Marina is also a member of the Circuit 3,4,7 and 8 Child Abduction Response Teams and a member of the Florida Gang Investigators Association. Marina Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Florida.
PROGRAM: Inside FAMU Football - James Colzie
Jamies Colzie III played baseball and football at FSU, including participation on the 1993 National Championship team. After college he had coaching stints at Simon Fraser University, Southern Arkansas, West Georgia, Valdosta State University and elsewhere, including two seasons at the University of British Columbia as their defensive coordinator and defensive back coordinator. In 2015, Colzie helped the Thunderbirds win their first Vanier Cup Championship since 1997. Before he came to FAMU, Colzie was head football coach at Saint Mary’s University in Canada where he had an overall record of 23-19. He joined the FAMU coaching staff as cornerbacks coach in 2022. At the end of that season coach Simmons promoted him to assistant head coach, and in early 2024 he was selected as the new FAMU head coach. He is also pursuing a doctorate in leadership and higher education at Capella University.
PROGRAM: Independence Landing - Allison Tant
Allison Tant has championed innovation and change since the birth of her now 25-year-old son with developmental disabilities. Her journey began with a mission not only to enhance his life but also to improve the lives of others facing similar challenges. She established a scholarship program, empowering individuals with disabilities to pursue lifelong learning opportunities. Additionally, Allison founded a summer institute designed to equip 16- to 26-year-old students with essential life, social, independence, and job skills, facilitating their early integration into the workforce.
Recognizing the need for collegiate and job skills teaching tailored to students with disabilities, Allison spearheaded the creation of the Eagle Connections program at TCC. This initiative garnered attention and led to an OPAGGA study, resulting in the establishment of the statewide Center for Students with Unique Abilities. Through this center, students across the state receive crucial skills training for workforce success and independence.
As the visionary behind Independence Landing, Allison introduced a groundbreaking and affordable housing option for adults with disabilities. This pioneering endeavor offers a range of support services, enabling individuals to thrive independently. Allison's unwavering dedication and innovative spirit continue to positively impact the lives of countless individuals within the disability community.
PROGRAM: FSU Sports Infrastructure - Bernie Waxman
Bernie Waxman worked at FSU for 45 years before retiring in July of 2019. He started his FSU adventure in the Fall of 1967 when he entered as a freshman. During his time as a student, Bernie ran track for the Noles from 69-72, captaining the team in 72. He received both his BA and MA from FSU. From 1974 to 1990, Bernie worked in the Intramural department. In 1990 he began his 30-year stint with the Athletics Department and retired as the Associate Athletics Director for Facilities, Operations, and Event Management. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction or renovation of every athletic facility. In addition, he also was the oversight administrator for softball, men’s and women’s track and cross country. He and his wife Lisa (retired chair of the Interior Architecture and Design Department at FSU) are looking forward to welcoming a grandchild later this year.
PROGRAM: Healing Centered Peace-Building - Dr. Angi Yoder-Maina
Dr. Angi Yoder-Maina is Director of the Trauma and Resilience Collaboration (TRC) based at Florida State University where she guides organizations toward achieving certification as trauma-aware, informed, responsive, and healing-centered entities. In addition to her responsibilities at FSU, Dr. Yoder-Maina also directs the Green String Network (GSN), a local Kenyan NGO headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya where she has lived for the last 20 years. GSN's mission is to empower individuals in conflict-affected regions, including Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, at the grassroots level. Our programs are designed to facilitate an understanding of trauma's effects, initiate healing processes, and foster community cohesion to develop communal strategies for sustained healing and reconciliation. Central to these efforts is the creation of tailored resources that educate community members about the impact of trauma and provide a secure space for sharing experiences of violence. This healing-centered approach is the culmination of experiences gained over the past 30 years while working in conflict-affected countries around the world.
PROGRAM: Disc Golf in Tallahassee - Dave Muntean
Dave Muntean is employed at Halff Associates, a 1400-employee civil engineering firm. Outside of work, Dave is Tallahassee’s longest professionally-sponsored athlete in the sport of disc golf, sponsored by Dynamic Discs, one of the primary companies in the sport. Dave has won 30 of 135 sanctioned tournaments in 8 different divisions and served on the Tallahassee Disc Golf Association Board for 13 years.
Dave regularly attends course design conferences, workshops, and seminars, and serves as an advisor locally to the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and the City of Bainbridge to help grow the sport and provide enjoyable experiences for competitors, casual players, and families.
SPECIAL VALENTINES DAY PROGRAM: FSU's Carriola Quartet
CARRIOLA QUARTET
Rosalee Walsh, violin
Nicole Vega, violin
Jeremy Hill, viola
Mitchell George, cello
The CARRIOLA QUARTET was founded by FSU violin professor Corinne Stillwell in 2018 in partnership with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast in Destin, FL. The symphony sponsors the Quartet for 6 residencies per year in Walton and Bay counties. The group gives interactive concerts for elementary and middle school students, performs for residents at assisted living facilities, and coaches young string players in the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra.
With a focus on interactively engaging their audiences, the Quartet’s recent programs have explored the concepts of teamwork, storytelling, women’s rights, and dance, through the lens of string chamber music. Coached by Professor Stillwell, the group's name, Carriola, means "wheelbarrow" after a poem by William Carlos Williams. The current members of the Quartet are violinists Rosalee Walsh and Nicole Vega, violist Jeremy Hill, and cellist Mitchell George. They are all graduate students at FSU’s College of Music, where they embody the College's commitment to serving our community through engagement.
❤️Special thanks to Tom and Cathy Bishop for sponsoring this program each year. ❤️
PROGRAM: FSU Disaster Plan - David Merrick
David Merrick is the Director of the Center for Disaster Risk Policy and the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program at Florida State University. David developed and oversees CDRP’s Disaster Incident Research Team (DIRT), which deploys to disaster impact areas to perform field research on disaster and emergency management. DIRT provides unmanned aircraft systems and remote sensing capabilities in various disaster contexts, including urban search and rescue (US&R), damage assessment and other response activities, and international disaster risk reduction projects such as hurricanes, wildland fires, and the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse.
David is the statewide UAS Coordinator and activates as part of the State of Florida’s Air Operations Branch. He leads the Florida UAS Working Group which develops best practices for disaster UAS operations in the state and in conjunction with FEMA Region 4. In addition, the team has assisted local and state law enforcement with missing persons and fugitive cases since 2015. He currently teaches 'Foundations of Emergency Management', “Intelligence Analysis and Communication’, 'Emergency Management Planning and Policy', 'Disaster Systems', and 'Unmanned Aircraft Systems' and routinely lectures on logistics, technology, and cyber security in other EMHS courses.
Prior to joining FSU in 2004, David spent a decade working in information technology, including as a systems administrator and database developer. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in Humanitarian Logistics and Disaster Response. He has been married to his wife Holly for 25 years and has two children, David (23) and Chase (21).
PROGRAM: Revising Circuit Court Boundaries - Frank Allman
Frank Allman has been a circuit judge since 2016. He is now the chief judge of the Second Judicial Circuit. He lives in Quincy and is the first chief judge in the history of the circuit to live outside of Leon County. Judge Allman graduated magna cum laude from The Florida State University College of Law in 1997.
Before taking the bench, Judge Allman was a chief assistant state attorney in Gadsden, Liberty and Leon Counties. He was lead prosecutor in approximately 200 felony jury trials and handled thousands of cases.
Before attending law school, Judge Allman lived in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he was a police officer and a detective. He now lives in Quincy with his wife. He has two adult children. In his spare time Judge Allman enjoys motorcycle riding, golf, and playing the guitar.
PROGRAM: FSU SOFTBALL- Coach Lonni Alameda
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Lonni Alameda took over the Florida State softball program in 2009, and the Seminoles have never looked back in Alameda's 15 seasons as the Seminoles' head coach. Alameda has led the Seminoles to nine ACC Tournament Championships, seven ACC Regular Season Championships and 15 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Seminoles have appeared in the Women's College World Series five times under Alameda including National Runner-Up finishes in 2021 and 2023 and the program's first NCAA Championship in 2018. Alameda was the 2023 ACC Coach of the Year. The same year she was inducted into the 2023 NFCA Hall of Fame class.
Alameda has been named the ACC Coach of the Year six times including winning the award in five consecutive seasons from 2013-17. Alameda also won the Musial Award in 2018 and the coaching staff was named the NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year in the same year following the team's National Championship. Alameda has led FSU to 716 wins during her time at FSU.
Alameda graduated from Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, California in 1988. After pitching at St. Mary's University, Texas in the 1989 season, during which St. Mary's made the NAIA Tournament, Alameda transferred to Oklahoma and went on to earn two second-team All-Big Eight awards on the softball team in addition to playing volleyball. Alameda graduated from Oklahoma with a communications degree in 1992 and played professional softball in the Netherlands in 1993.
PROGRAM: 100 Things to do in Tallahassee - Elizabeth Rosario
Elizabeth Rosario, known to everyone as Ely, is a genuine, vibrant, intelligent, and authentic woman who is not afraid to walk alone. She holds an MBA, is a real estate investor, author of 3 books, participated in Leadership Tallahassee Class 35 and Leadership Florida Class 39, and is one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women to Know members.
She also serves as a Board member of Choose Tallahassee and is the Business Manager of Jackson Properties. She is a lover of life, a seeker of adventures, and loves being able to mentor others and help them achieve success. She is a mother of 3, Nikki, Gabe, and Emma; she loves reading, writing, traveling, and the outdoors. Her never-ending energy and ability to get things done and keep moving forward are genuinely inspiring. Someone you can’t help but smile when you meet her.
PROGRAM: News from FSU - Richard McCullough
Richard McCullough became the 16th president of Florida State University in August 2021, bringing more than 30 years of academic leadership experience to the role. During his tenure, he has built on FSU’s foundation as one of the nation’s top public universities by investing in student success and academic and research excellence.
Prior to joining FSU, President McCullough served as vice provost for research and professor of materials science and engineering at Harvard University. He previously spent 22 years at Carnegie Mellon University, where he began his academic career as an assistant professor of chemistry and rose through the ranks to become the Thomas Lord Professor of Chemistry. He also served as the head of chemistry, the dean of science and the university’s vice president for research.
He is a first-generation college student who attended Eastfield Community College and subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Texas at Dallas and a doctoral degree in organic chemistry from Johns Hopkins University. He also was a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University. He has more than 110 publications, is a serial entrepreneur who started two companies, and is an elected member of the National Academy of Inventors.
Guardian Ad Litem Program - Angela Diorio
Angela Diorio began her current work as Volunteer Recruiter for the Guardian ad Litem Office 2nd Circuit in March of 2022. With a passion for kids and bringing people together, this position was a perfect fit. For 20 years previously she was in the direct sales arena and was a top recruiter and salesperson. She feels that this job came along at a perfect time in her life, enabling her to combine her strengths in one position, to meet some of the best people in our area, and learn so much about herself, other people and the dependency system. She has two grown sons ages 22 and 26 who have grown into incredible humans, and also two amazing pups, a 3 year old male German Shepherd and a 13 year old male min pin Chihuahua mix who is our little alpha and often times puts the 103 pound shepherd in his place. They keep Angela active and outdoors.
Holiday Concert - Featuring Marvin Goldstein
🎶Join us for a heartwarming Rotary Holiday Concert featuring the talented Marvin Goldstein! 🎹
Marvin A. Goldstein is an internationally acclaimed pianist, piano performer, arranger, music producer, composer, and entertainer for over 50 years. At the age of nine, he began his music training and, at the age of 18, he was awarded a music scholarship to Tel Aviv University School of Music in Israel. His studies continued at the famed “Mozarteum” of Salzburg, Austria, and at The Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida where he completed a Bachelor and Master of Music degrees.
Marvin’s greatest passion is his Peace with Music program. His goal is to bridge the cultural, religious, and political differences of people everywhere through the medium of music. With Mr. Goldstein’s rich and extensive association with middle-east performers, he recently completed a highly successful three-week tour in Haifa and Jerusalem, Israel, bringing Arabic, Israeli, and American Jazz vocalists together in a Peace with Music concert. Bring your loved ones and bask in the holiday glow!
Special Olympics Florida - Claudia Estevez
Claudia Estevez is the Area 2 Community Engagement Manager for Special Olympics Florida. She graduated from Florida State University in 2022 and is pursuing her MBA. In her current position, she advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and ensures that the Tallahassee Community is aware of Special Olympics Florida’s presence. In her free time, she enjoys reading, learning new skills, meeting new people, and spending time with her two cats. She looks forward to publicizing Special Olympics Florida’s mission and sharing available volunteer opportunities. She hopes to develop a stronger relationship between Special Olympics Florida and the Tallahassee Rotary Club and is grateful for the opportunity to meet everyone.
FL Council on Black Men & Boys - Terrell Nelson
Terrell Nelson is an accomplished advocate for the well-being of black men and boys in Florida. With extensive experience in sociology, psychology, and mentorship, he currently serves as the Executive Director for the Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. This organization conducts research to identify the factors that negatively impact black males and proposes recommendations and laws for legislative action. Mr. Nelson believes that change is not about elimination but reduction, and he strives to contribute to a system that understands this perspective. Prior to his current role, he worked as an advisor and adjunct professor at Florida State University and as a Student and Parent Services Advisor at Georgetown University. He also directed pageants for college-age young men and women for six years, training over 100 students and earning several titles. Mr. Nelson is an ordained minister, professional caterer, and baker, and he authored a children's book called The Baker's Joy: Children's Book for Effective Leadership. He is also the proud husband to Alexis Nelson. Mr. Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Florida A&M University, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Duquesne University, and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership with a specialization in Higher Education Administration at Saint Thomas University.
Kenya and Global Grants - Dr. Shawn Wooden
Dr. Shawn Woodin began as President/CEO at Southern Scholarship Foundation in July of 2016. Previously, he served as Interim Executive Director at CCID - Community Colleges for International Development, Inc. He has also lived and worked in Kenya for six years, including time as a Peace Corps Volunteer at which time he met his wife, Chero. His previous work also includes social services and urban planning. His Doctorate of Education is from the University of Florida.
He is a Paul Harris Fellow, hosted two Rotary Youth Exchange students, and his daughter went to Brazil with the program. He has served as a bell ringing captain, serves food at the Hope House, and is trained in Naloxone. He serves as the International Services Chair for the Rotary Club of Tallahassee Board. Shawn is author of his bestselling (and only) novel Father, Son, Broken Spirit; In his spare time he facilitates meetings for MenLiving, an organization created to help men connect, heal, and thrive.
News from TCC - Dr. Jim Murdaugh
Dr. Jim Murdaugh, president of Tallahassee Community College since 2010, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminology and a doctorate in public administration from Florida State University. He is also a graduate of Leadership Florida Executive Class VII and the prestigious Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He serves as a board member on the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, member of the Tallahassee Rotary Club, and honorary board member of the Stubbs Educational Foundation. He is a member of the Board of Directors of United Way of the Big Bend, where he served as chair for the 2021-22 year. He is also a former chair of the Leon County Economic Development Council. Jim also is a sustaining member and director of the Economic Club of Florida, a member of the Advisory Board of the Florida Technology Council, a trustee on the board of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
He is a member of the Florida Chamber Board of Governors, and serves on the Leadership Florida Northwest Regional Council. He chaired the Florida College System Council of Presidents in 2019-20, and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship. His personal vision is to make TCC the college of choice for students, the employer of choice for faculty and staff, and the partner of choice for the community.
Challenger Learning Center- Alan Hanstein
Alan Hanstein is the Executive Director for the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee, the K-12 STEM Outreach Program of the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering. He is responsible for all aspects of center operations, including its IMAX Theatre, Planetarium Theatre, Camp Challenger, educational school programs (field trips), lecture series, public programs and more. He has more than three decades of experience leading successful technology companies.
Active in the community, Alan serves on several non-profit boards, including Making Awesome, Tallahassee’s Makerspace and Moonshot Florida.
He served on the board of Florida State University Schools and is a former Knight Creative Communities Catalyst. He is a Jim Moran Institute Fellow. Alan lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Amy. They have two adult children, both of whom grew up visiting our center frequently!
A Report Card for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - James Harding
Dr. James R. Harding teaches management courses in FSU’s College of Business, with special emphasis on inclusion in education and the workforce for persons with disabilities. He helped to co-author the 2004 National Accessibility Guidelines, the 2006 Volunteer Voting Accessibility Guidelines, the 2008 Outdoor Accessibility Guidelines, the 2014 Refueling Assistance Act, and the 2015 Florida Able Act. He serves as a grant reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) and the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation.He also serves on several national, state, and community boards including (but is not limited to) Delta Airlines Disability Advisory Board, Florida Network on Disabilities (FND), Evergreen Life Services (ELS), Tony J Mason Foundation, and as the faculty advisor to the FSU University of Choice (UoC) Initiative for students with and without disabilities. As a 2x quadriplegic for nearly 4 decades, he strives to lead by example within the disability community from both personal and professional experience. He and his wife Erika live and work in Tallahassee, Florida.
Cross Country in Tallahassee - Amanda Heidecker
Amanda Heidecker has a mixture of hospitality sales management experience, event planning, and well-respected athletic accomplishments, as she was an NCAA Division-1 athlete in Track and Field / Cross Country at FSU. Through her experiences as a competitor and sales manager, Amanda has been instrumental in leveraging her expertise to secure and run an unprecedented caliber of events across all sports. Beginning in 2013, Amanda was a vital part of the Visit Tallahassee team and was instrumental in developing Apalachee Regional Park and bringing national exposure and prestigious cross-country championships to Tallahassee—along with tens of thousands of visitors annually. In May 2021, she was promoted to become the new Director of County Parks & Recreation, leaving the Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee. In addition, she is the Chair of the Tallahassee Sports Council, an avid runner, and enjoys spending her free time with her three energetic children.
Artificial Intelligence in the Movies - Tom Mikota
Tom Mikota is an artist, innovator, leader and educator with a passion for making movies. As an artist he specialized in lighting, texturing and shading, and as a supervisor he specializes in creating incredibly efficient production workflows. He spent the first decade of his career working on award winning films like King Kong, Happy Feet, and Avatar at major studios all over the world.
Since 2009 he develops technology for automating film and animation workflows: building out production pipelines as a supervisor on Avatar, working in a tech startup, consulting studios worldwide, or building and running a Virtual Production Stage and research lab at Florida State University's top ranked film program.
District Governor - Kerry Anne Schultz
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Kerry Anne Schultz is the managing attorney at Schultz Law Group, P.L.L.C. and the owner of Pure Title, LLC. She graduated Summa Cum Laude as Valedictorian with a Bachelor’s of both History and Political Science from Oklahoma City University in 1998. Kerry Anne also earned her Juris Doctorate with honors from Western Michigan University-Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in 2000. Kerry Anne is currently a member of the Florida Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and an Instructor with the Florida Division of Real Estate. She serves on the Board of Governors of the Pensacola State College Foundation and is the Vice President of First Judicial Circuit Court Nominating Commission. Kerry Anne has been a member of the Gulf Breeze Rotary Club since 2006 where she served in several officer or director positions, including, President in 2013-2014, 2019-2020 Rotary District 6940 Treasurer, and 2018 6940 District Conference Chair.
Kerry Anne was awarded Gulf Breeze Rotary’s 2018 “Citizen of the Year” and the University of West Florida and Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola 2020 “Ethics in Business Award.” Kerry Anne is a Polio Plus Society Member, a Bequest Society Member and a Major Donor Level Two. Kerry Anne frequently participates in International Service projects in Kenya, Africa assisting several schools and orphanages and a county hospital. Kerry Anne is married to Paul Battle, a civil engineer, and they have a daughter, Ellanor Rosemary Battle.
Artificial Intelligence in the Movies - Tom Mikota
Tom Mikota is an artist, innovator, leader and educator with a passion for making movies. As an artist he specialized in lighting, texturing and shading, and as a supervisor he specializes in creating incredibly efficient production workflows. He spent the first decade of his career working on award winning films like King Kong, Happy Feet, and Avatar at major studios all over the world.
Since 2009 he develops technology for automating film and animation workflows: building out production pipelines as a supervisor on Avatar, working in a tech startup, consulting studios worldwide, or building and running a Virtual Production Stage and research lab at Florida State University's top ranked film program.
Amazon’s New Tallahassee Hub - Karen Valentin
Karen Valentin has a background in recruiting and Human Resources and will celebrate 5 years with Amazon this month! She covers the Jacksonville market and also supports new Amazon facility launches in Tallahassee and Savannah. She plays a vital role in staffing over 18 Amazon buildings with Tier1 associates in her current role as Senior Staffing Coordinator. She also is heavily involved in the community with high school and college students, military veterans and people with disabilities holding information sessions that bring awareness of the limitless opportunities at Amazon.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, catering and spending time with family.
Storm Vulnerability in Leon County - Mark Horner
Storm events come in all shapes and sizes and Tallahassee has seen its share. Whether a hard freeze leading to exploding pipes, 10-inch rain events, drying out structures after hurricanes and tropical storms, or cleaning up homes impacted by falling trees, Mark and his team strive to make it ‘ never even happened ’. He has been a member of our club since 1983.
Cross Country in Tallahassee - Amanda Heidecker
Beginning in 2013, Amanda was a vital part of the Visit Tallahassee team and was instrumental in developing Apalachee Regional Park and bringing national exposure and prestigious cross-country championships to Tallahassee—along with tens of thousands of visitors annually.
Legislative Recap 2023 - Allison Tant
Representative Allison Tant currently serves as the Representative of District 9 in the Florida House of Representatives. She along with State Senator Corey Simon, will provide a Legislative Recap for 2023.
Queen of the Clouds - Taylor Phillips
Taylor Phillips presenting his award-winning “Queen of the Clouds” book recounting Jerri Mock’s solo around the world flight, the first by a woman. A harrowing trip to say the least…long before modern navigation aids like GPS. “Queen of the Clouds” is based on Taylor’s personal interviews with Jerri, a long-time Quincy resident.
Taylor Phillips serves as Chaplain at Westminster Oaks Retirement Community, where he collects the life stories of residents.
State of the Club - President Kelley Phillips
This week our new 2023-2024 President, Kelley Phillips will provide a “State of the Club” address.
President Kelley will be giving an “eyewitness report" on the 2023 Rotary International convention in Melbourne AU along with a look at what’s coming in year 101 for The Rotary Club of Tallahassee.