The Top 100 Women Leaders of Tampa for 2022 (Complete)

Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 100 Women Leaders of Tampa for 2022. This city, full of rich history and diversity, has had women leading its progress since its very early days. Much like this year’s awardees, Tampa’s historical women were innovative, equality-focused and driven by the desire for change. Clara Frye, a nurse who relocated to Tampa 1901, spent 15 years treating patients of color in her home before purchasing a building on her street and turning it into a hospital for individuals of any race or income level. Many years later, Adela Hernandez Gonzmart, the founder and owner of Florida’s oldest restaurant, was also a tireless advocate for the citizens of Tampa. One of her more notable successes was co-founding the Latino Scholarship Fund at the University of South Florida, which assists academically excellent but financially challenged students.

This year's awardees have continued in their footsteps leading companies and driving change across nearly all industries including educational technology, healthcare, insurance and financial services, retail, media and more. They continue to break barriers into new territories that will allow those who follow after them to lead successful and meaningful careers.

Awardee Kris Morico, the Vice President of Environment, Health & Safety and Sustainability of Baxter International, uses her 35+ years of leadership experience and industry knowledge to guide the company in their decision making, ensuring safety and compliance as per government rules, regulations, and standards. Meanwhile, Ebony Langston, the Vice President, Sales Executive of Healthcare for TTEC Healthcare Solutions, has been involved in the BPO industry for the last 15 years leading large, multichannel and geographically diverse relationships, managing annual revenue up to $30M and up to 1,200 employees. Awardee Michelle Gervais, a Partner of Blank Rome, co-chairs the firm’s sports law practice and advises high-profile athletes, celebrities, and executives in complex disputes that involve the intersection of business and family law matters.

From educating and advocating to managing and developing, these awardees are dedicated to continuing the momentum of success for their organizations year after year. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 100 Women Leaders of Tampa for 2022.

1. Maggie Burke
Capital One

Maggie Burke is the Senior Vice President of Loan Originations of Capital One. She first joined the company in 2021. Capital One specializes in credit cards, auto loans, banking, and savings accounts. They are headquartered in McLean, Virginia with operations primarily in the United States. It is on the list of largest banks in the United States and has developed a reputation for being a technology-focused bank. The bank has 755 branches including 30 café style locations. The company helped pioneer the mass marketing of credit cards in the 1990s. In 2016, it was the 5th largest credit card issuer by purchase volume.

Previously, Burke was an associate director at Berkadia. Earlier in her career she worked with HIMSS as a research associate. Burke earned an undergraduate degree in fine arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

2. Suzette Degrazia
RedSail

Suzette Degrazia began her professional career 30 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Customer Success of RedSail. RedSail Technologies is a family of brands that include PioneerRx®, Integra®, PowerLine®, and QS/1® brands. They are hoisted by long-term stability and the unique, strong relationships that have been synonymous with their brands for decades. Their growth mindset drives them to continuously invest in their business, employees, and customers who are foundational in the communities they serve.

Degrazia first got her start in 1992 as a director of strategic accounts at McKesson Health Solutions. From there, she went on to Allscripts, before eventually rising to become the VP of client delivery at Benefitfocus, her most recent position prior to joining RedSail. Degrazia graduated from St. Norbert College with an undergraduate degree in accounting and computer science.

3. Karen Etzkorn
Qurate Retail Group

Karen Etzkorn began her professional career 36 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Information Officer of Qurate Retail Group. Qurate Retail Group is an American media conglomerate that combines the best of retail, media, and social to curate experiences, conversations, and communities for millions of highly discerning shoppers. They also curate large audiences, across their many platforms, for their thousands of brand vendors. The company reaches approximately 218 million homes worldwide via 14 television networks and reaches millions more via multiple streaming services, social pages, mobile apps, websites, print catalogs, and in-store destinations.

Etzkorn first got her start in 1986 as a senior manager of IT at Limited Brands. From there, she went on to Gap Inc., before eventually rising to become the SVP & CIO at Ascena Retail Group, her most recent positions prior to joining Qurate Retail Group. Etzkorn graduated from The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business with an undergraduate degree.

4. Kris Carrera
FIS
Kris Carrera is a Business Line Executive for Card & Money Movement for FIS. FIS offers a wide range of financial products and services and is most known for its development of Financial Technology. FIS offers its solutions in three primary segments: merchant solutions, banking solutions, and capital market solutions. Annually, FIS facilitates the movement of roughly $9 trillion through the processing of approximately 75 billion transactions in service to more than 20,000 clients around the globe. They have a portfolio of products for the financial services sector, including both retail and investment banking. Carrera is responsible for driving the strategic direction, innovation, P/L, and overall business for FIS Payments including consumer, PLCC, SMB and commercial cards.

Previously, Carrera served FIS in a number of executive positions including product, innovation and business development. Carrera has spent over 35 years in the payments industry holding several key positions with international and North America financial institutions focused on payments, both acquiring and issuing. In addition, she serves on various committees including Visa & Mastercard, blockchain councils and digital technologies, and previously served on the Payments council for the UK government.

5. Kris Morico
Baxter International

Kris Morico is the Vice President of Environment, Health & Safety and Sustainability of Baxter International. Baxter International Inc. is a multinational healthcare company with headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois. The company primarily focuses on products to treat kidney disease, and other chronic and acute medical conditions. Baxter's BioScience business produces recombinant and blood plasma proteins to treat bleeding disorders, while Baxter's Medical Products business produces products used in the delivery of fluids and drugs to patients; inhalational anesthetics; contract manufacturing services; and products to treat end-stage kidney disease, or irreversible kidney failure. Morico has 36 years of experience. She began her career in 1986.

Before joining Baxter International, Morico was a VP and global client account executive at Jacobs, and before that, a strategic executive director at Aecom. Earlier in her career she worked with ABB/Combustion Engineering as an environmental compliance officer and environmental team leader. Morico graduated from the University of Connecticut with an EMBA and MS in civil engineering, from Yale University with a master’s in environmental management, and from Fairfield University with an undergraduate degree in biology.

6. Alexandra Band
Raymond James Financial

Alexandra Band began her professional career 27 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Development of Raymond James Financial. Founded in 1962, Raymond James Financial is a Florida-based diversified holding company providing financial services to individuals, corporations, and municipalities through its subsidiary companies. They are engaged primarily in investment and financial planning, in addition to capital markets and asset management. Through its three broker/dealer subsidiaries, Raymond James Financial has approximately 8,400 financial advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas.

Band first got her start in 1995 as an associate in corporate finance at BT. Alex Brown. From there, she went on to Lucent Technologies, before eventually rising to become the SVP of private equity at Bank of America, her most recent position prior to joining Raymond James Financial. Band graduated from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management with an MBA, from The London School of Economics and Political Science with an MS in European economics and integration, and from Harvard University with an undergraduate degree in government, economics, and social studies.

7. Ebony Langston
TTEC Healthcare Solutions

Ebony Langston is a Vice President, Sales Executive of Healthcare with TTEC Healthcare Solutions. She first joined the company in 2017 as executive director of service delivery. TTEC, formerly known as TeleTech, is a global customer experience technology and services company focused on the design, implementation, and delivery of exceptional customer experience. They house over 62,000 employees in 24 countries. Their purpose, mission, and vision are to add humanity to business, grow quickly by making customer interactions personalized and engaging, and to be the world’s most emotionally connected, valuable, and respected organization. They speak and serve customers in 42 languages - digitally, on the phone, on chat and text.

Previously, Langston was a VP of operations and director of client operations at Optum. Earlier in her career she worked with Connextions as a supervisor and coach. Langston earned an MBA from Webster University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Duke University.

8. Melanie Williams
Frontier Communications

Melanie Williams is the Senior Vice President of Operations for the Southeast Region of Frontier Communications. Frontier Communications is an American telecommunications company. Established in 1935, the company previously served primarily rural areas and smaller communities, but now also serves several large metropolitan markets and has grown to provide service in 25 states. They offer internet, phone, television services, and a broad range of complex communications services to all types of residential and business customers. Williams has 19 years of experience. She began her career in 2003.

Before joining Frontier Communications, Williams was a Florida regional president of operations, sale sand marketing at Verizon. Williams graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a MA in executive and leadership development and from Nova Southeastern University with an undergraduate degree in management.

9. Mary Delong
iHeartMedia

Mary Delong began her professional career over 40 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Travel Partnerships of iHeartMedia. With over 250 million monthly listeners in the US, iHeartMedia has the largest national reach of any radio or television outlet in America. With more than 860 live broadcast stations in 153 markets across America, there’s a local iHeartRadio station virtually everywhere. iHeartMedia’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM, HD digital radio, satellite radio, via mobile apps, wearables and smartphones, and on gaming consoles.

Delong first got her start in 1982 as a senior account group supervisor at Barker Campbell & Farley. From there, she went on to Tennessee Performing Arts Center, before eventually rising to SVP and director of the tourism division at BVK, her most recent position prior to joining iHeartMedia. Delong graduated from Kent State University with an undergraduate degree in marketing and journalism.

10. Jillian Feltham
Ashley Furniture Industries

Jillian Feltham is a Senior Corporate Counsel of Ashley Furniture Industries. She first joined the company in 2019. Ashley Furniture is an American home furnishings manufacturer and retailer, headquartered in Wisconsin. It is the largest furniture manufacturer in the US and one of the largest in the world. Established in 1945, Ashley offers one of the industry’s broadest product assortments to retail partners in 123 countries and is passionate about every piece of furniture they build, from the finest detail to the largest idea.

Previously, Feltham was an attorney at Phelps Dunbar LLP, and before that, a manager of legal affairs and associate general counsel at Laser Spine Institute. Earlier in her career she worked with Young van Assenderp, P.A. as a law clerk. Feltham earned a JD from Florida State University College of Law and an undergraduate degree in business administration from American University.

11. Bethlee McLaughlin
rue21

Bethlee McLaughlin is a Vice President for rue21. She first joined the company in 2021. rue21 is an American specialty retailer of women's and men's casual apparel and accessories. Its clothes are designed to appeal to people who desire, wish, or feel to be 21. rue21 is all about bringing the trendiest clothing at affordable prices. In 2014, they began offering plus sizes for women, in various categories of merchandise, with their rue+ brand. McLaughlin has 15+ years of operational leadership and consulting experience in the electronic retail and financial services industries.

Before joining rue21, McLaughlin was an SVP of the project management office with HSN, and before that, a director of quality at Fidelity Investments. Earlier in her career she worked with Bank of Boston as a senior consultant and communications manager. McLaughlin graduated from Brown University with an MBA, from IE Business School with an EMBA, and from Regis College with an undergraduate degree in English and communications.

12. Kye Mitchell
Kforce

Kye Mitchell began her professional career 29 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operations Officer of Kforce. Kforce is a solutions firm specializing in building and managing elite teams within technology and finance & accounting with top employers nationwide. They empower their clients, candidates, consultants, and employees to reimagine how business gets done with innovative and scalable solutions. The firm works with over 70% of the Fortune 100 and has over 8 million professionals in their talent database.

Mitchell first got her start in 1993 as an account manager at Trecom Business Systems. From there, she went on to co-found VistaRMS where she served as president, her most recent position prior to joining Kforce. Mitchell graduated from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree.

13. Lorraine Buck
Feld Entertainment

Lorraine Buck is the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Feld Entertainment. She first joined the company in 2013. Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. The company began with the now-defunct Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus then expanded into additional live events, including Disney On Ice, Monster Jam, AMA Supercross Championship, and Sesame Street Live.

Previously, Buck was an SVP and global client director at Ketchum, and before that, a VP of marketing at Kids II. Earlier in her career she worked with The J.M. Smucker Company as a brand manager and regional sales manager. Buck earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from Indiana University - Bloomington.

14. Harmony Widman
BNI Global

Harmony Widman is the Vice President of US Core of BNI Global. Established by Dr. Ivan Misner in 1985, BNI is the world’s largest business referral network. BNI has over 285,000 small to large business members, in over 10,500 chapters across 70 countries. In 2020 alone, BNI members shared over 11.5 million valuable new client referrals and generated over US$16.2B in revenue. Their proven approach provides members a structured, positive, and professional referral program that enables them to sharpen their business skills, develop meaningful, long-term relationships, and experience business growth. Widman has nearly 26 years of experience. She began her career in 1996.

Before joining BNI Global, Widman was an attorney at The Law Offices of Lucas - Magazine and before that an attorney at McFarland, Gould, Lyons, Sullivan & Hogan, P.A. Earlier in her career she worked with Florin Roebig, P.A. as a law clerk. Widman graduated from the Stetson University College of Law with a JD and from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in American studies.

15. Jayme Brooks
Limbach Company

Jayme Brooks began her professional career 28 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Limbach Company. Limbach is an integrated building systems solutions firm whose expertise is the design, installation, management, service, and maintenance of HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and control systems. With over 1,500 employees across the US, Limbach has assembled a team of engineering, construction, maintenance, and technology experts to provide their building owners and general contractor clients with systems that work while offering insights and outcomes that maximize the return on their investment.

Brooks first got her start in 1994 as a senior accountant at Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP. From there, she went on to Edward White & Company, before eventually rising to become the EVP and CFO at Capstone Turbine Corporation, her most recent position prior to joining Limbach Company. Brooks graduated from Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business with an MBA and from UC Santa Barbara with an undergraduate degree in business economics.

16. Michelle Gervais
Blank Rome

Michelle Gervais is a Partner of Blank Rome. She first joined the company in 2015. Blank Rome is a law firm with 13 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Gervais co-chairs the firm’s Sports Law Industry Practice and advises high-profile athletes, celebrities, and executives, as well as businesses in complex disputes. Gervais handles highly delicate matters protecting her clients from serious financial and reputational harm.

Previously, Gervais was a Partner with Duane Morris LLP, and before that, a lawyer at Carlton Fields, P.A. Earlier in her career she worked with Young, Berman, Karpf & Gonzalez as a law clerk and lawyer. Gervais earned a JD from the University of Miami School of Law and a dual undergraduate degree in broadcast & cinematic arts and political science from Central Michigan University.

17. Karin Coleman
HCI Group

Karin Coleman is the Chief Operating Officer of HCI Group. The HCI Group is a global leader in healthcare IT consulting and technology solutions, committed to improving healthcare globally through a combination of disruptive innovation and cost reduction. HCI’s vision is to transform the healthcare industry into the leader of the adoption of digital technology. Headquartered in Florida, with international headquarters in the UK, HCI offers a broad scope of healthcare IT solutions in more than 15 countries in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Coleman has 35 years of experience. She began her career in 1987.

Before joining HCI Group, Coleman was a VP at TypTap Insurance Company and before that, a VP of strategic alliances at Take Stock in Children. Earlier in her career she worked with Florida Progress & Florida Power as a director of foundation and community partnerships. Coleman graduated from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree.

18. Susan Leandri
The Hackett Group

Susan Leandri began her professional career 35 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Strategic IP Development of The Hackett Group. The Hackett Group is an intellectual property-based strategic consultancy and leading enterprise benchmarking firm to global companies, offering digital transformation including implementation of leading enterprise cloud applications, workflow automation and analytics that enable digital world class performance.

Leandri first got her start in 1987 as a partner at Arthur Andersen Business Consulting. From there, she went on to PwC Consulting, before eventually rising to become a leader for enterprise knowledge and collaboration at Verint-Systems, her most recent position prior to joining The Hackett Group. Leandri graduated from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management with an MBA and from Northeastern Illinois University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.

19. Kit Robertson
Integra Connect

Kit Robertson is the Vice President of Clinical Data Operations for Integra Connect. She first joined the company in 2018 as the VP of client services. Integra Connect is driven to make specialty care practices clinically and financially successful through value-based, precision medicine. While other companies may focus on one of these areas, Integra Connect’s combined focus means providers, payers, and life sciences companies can harness value-based, precision medicine principles to improve their decision-making and make a difference in patients’ lives.

Previously, Robertson was a VP of operations at New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, and before that, an oncology nurse educator at AbbVie. Earlier in her career she worked with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute as a director of integrated clinical services. Robertson earned an undergraduate degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix and Dabney S. Lancaster Community College.

20. Meralis Hood
City Year

Meralis Hood is a Market President for City Year. City Year is an education nonprofit organization founded in 1988. The organization partners with public schools in 29 high-need communities across the US and through international affiliates in the UK and Johannesburg, South Africa. City Year teams are made up of 18- to 24-year-olds, who provide student, classroom, and whole school support, intended to help students stay in school and on track to graduate high school. Hood has 19 years in the educational services and nonprofit organization industry. She began her career in 2003.

Before joining City Year, Hood was an assistant principal at Milwaukee Public Schools. Hood graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with an MS in curriculum and instruction and from Marquette University with an undergraduate degree in public relations, advertising, and applied communication.

21. Tania Tawil
Kobie Marketing

Tania Tawil began her professional career over 25 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Client Services of Kobie Marketing. Kobie is a loyalty marketing company that designs, builds, optimizes, and supports customer experiences for the world’s most successful brands. They solve the complex business issues their customers are facing and deliver impactful results. Kobie Marketing believes in building and enabling loyal relationships by deepening the emotional and behavioral connections with customers.

Tawil first got her start in 1996 as a regional director of affiliate sales and marketing at Comcast. From there, she went on to Vibes, before eventually rising to become an operating partner at Morgan Hill Partners, her most recent position prior to joining Kobie Marketing. Tawil graduated from Indiana University - Bloomington with an undergraduate degree in telecommunications.

22. Kendra Barry
Integra Realty Resources

Kendra Barry is a Partner and the Senior Managing Director of Integra Realty Resources Tampa Bay. Integra Realty Resources provides world-class commercial real estate valuation, counseling, and advisory services. Routinely ranked among leading property valuation and consulting firms, they are now the largest firm in the United States, covering over 60 markets coast-to-coast. Barry has more than 23 years of commercial real estate and appraisal experience.

Along with commercial real estate valuations, Barry’s experience includes the management of professional office buildings, strip centers and multi‑tenant complexes, as well as portfolio management for commercial real estate investors. She has performed commercial real estate valuations on numerous property types. Barry specializes in special use properties including churches, funeral homes, and educational facilities and has appraised more than 200 properties across the southeastern United States. Her practice also includes a specialization in manufactured home and recreational vehicle communities, including Class A motorcoach resorts and 55+ senior communities. Barry earned an undergraduate degree from Florida State University.

23. Laura Cole
Lakewood Ranch

Laura Cole is a Senior Vice President for Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch is a planned community and census-designated place located in southwest Florida, on the Gulf Coast, consisting of approximately 31,000 acres. Lakewood Ranch offers a variety of home types, including attached villas and townhomes. There are also many options for apartment living and senior living. Lakewood Ranch boasts a total of 9 golf courses, and 15 pre-schools, with 10 campuses of higher education. Their primary and secondary schools are consistently top-rated. Through generations of careful planning and dedicated building, Lakewood Ranch has become a thriving community and home to more than 52,000 residents. Cole has 27 years of experience. She began her career in 1995.

Before joining Lakewood Ranch, Cole was a VP of marketing at Willowsford, LLC, and before that, a VP of business development at Robert Charles Lesser & Co. Earlier in her career she worked with Greater Houston Partnership as a marketing executive for the biomedical industry. Cole graduated from the University of Arizona with an undergraduate degree in urban development.

24. Martha Rea
Phoenix Marketing International

Martha Rea began her professional career 38 years ago. Today, she is the President of Phoenix Marketing International. Phoenix MI helps their clients elevate their brand, refine their communications, and optimize their customer experience. Phoenix MI is technology and methodology agnostic. They recommend to clients only those activities that will enable them to achieve their business goals. Research is reborn every day at Phoenix MI, always pushing the industry by developing and applying new approaches, tools, and techniques, resulting in faster, more disruptive insights.

Rea first got her start in 1984 at PSI. She graduated from Auburn University and the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree.

25. Dipawali Shah
Coast Dental

Dipawali Shah is a Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Coast Dental. She first joined the company in 2019. Coast Dental & Orthodontics is one of the largest providers of dental practice support in the US. It was founded in 1992 by Dr. Adam Diasti and Dr. Derek Diasti in Holiday, Florida. Today, Coast Dental is a leading provider of quality dental care in over 100 practices in the Southeast United States. Despite the company’s phenomenal growth, Coast is committed to staying on the cutting edge of clinical information and technology.

Previously, Shah was a CEO at DSA Consulting, and before that, a consultant of counsel at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey as a law clerk. Shah earned a JD from the Widener University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in business administration from Temple University.

26. Dulani Porter
SPARK

Dulani Porter is a Partner and Vice President of SPARK. SPARK has transformed brands across wildly different industries. They build lasting brands based on meaningful insights and bring them to life in extraordinary ways, using an insight-driven community to create a direct connection between brands and audiences, igniting loyalty, engagement, and action. Their expertise ranges from healthcare to hotels and their wide experience has included destinations, food and beverage, boats and auto, tech, retail, packaged goods, sports, education, attractions, and more. SPARK’s truth-driven approach applies across all industries. Porter has over 17 years of experience. She began her career in 2004.

Before joining SPARK, Porter was a director of account services at The Dutcher Group. Porter graduated from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in communications and advertising.

27. Joy Gendusa
PostcardMania

Joy Gendusa began her professional career nearly 24 years ago. Today, she is the Founder and CEO of PostcardMania. PostcardMania is a full-service postcard direct mail marketing company and the leader in innovation in the industry. The company's services include graphic design, printing, mailing list acquisition and mailing services. Added to their menu of products and services are landing pages, websites, email marketing, PPC, and video production. Additionally, PostcardMania is widely recognized through numerous awards for its highly effective marketing advice offered on its website.

Gendusa founded PostcardMania in 1998 with only a phone, a computer and her own marketing savvy, no capital injections or outside funding whatsoever. She had no MBA or formal business education and in fact dropped out of high school at 16. Today, she is a successful entrepreneur, accomplished speaker, business owner, author, and philanthropist. What began as a tiny startup in a 600-square foot cottage is now a thriving business.

28. Melissa Desmond
MindGym

Melissa Desmond is the Regional Vice President of the East Division of MindGym. She first joined the company in 2021. MindGym is a team of behavioral change specialists. They equip ambitious companies to be ready for tomorrow. MindGym translates behavioral science principles into a unique set of experiences, products and tools that slip into people’s days, hands and minds - creating company-wide behavior change. It’s a proven approach that they uniquely configure to address a company’s most pressing challenges, helping them be ready for whatever tomorrow holds.

Previously, Desmond was a business development manager at Korn Ferry. Earlier in her career she worked with Rewards Network as an account executive. Desmond earned an undergraduate degree in marketing and business studies from Australian Catholic University.

29. Lorna Taylor
Premier Eye Care

Lorna Taylor is the President and CEO of Premier Eye Care. She is an accomplished leader, both in directing Florida-based Premier Eye Care, one of the 75 largest private companies in Florida, and in making an impact in the community. Premier manages full-risk medical and routine ophthalmic care for over 4 million people and is recognized for industry-leading technology-based solutions and a successful corporate culture. Taylor promotes associate engagement through an organizational model that encourages innovation and self-direction to team members, half of whom are millennials.

Taylor is involved in a wide variety of community and nonprofit causes. She has board positions with The Dalí Museum, Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts, Preserve Vision Florida, and The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. Taylor is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in divinity, concentrating in social ethics.

30. Sara Nichols
The Planet Group

Sara Nichols began her professional career over 27 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of The Planet Group. The Planet Group is a diversified professional services organization focused on providing high-value outsourced human capital solutions and niche consulting services to Fortune 500 and other leading clients in the fastest growing and most in-demand sectors. The company consists of staffing and consulting entities that have been purposefully built to address the professional services needs of leading companies in the technology, energy & engineering, healthcare, accounting & finance, HR, administrative, and digital marketing industries.

Nichols first got her start in 1994 as a manager and audit & business advisor at Arthur Andersen. From there, she went on to Monster Worldwide, before eventually rising to become the CFO at Coastal Cloud, her most recent position prior to joining The Planet Group. Nichols graduated from Florida State University - College of Business with an undergraduate degree in accountancy.

31. Tara Battiato
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tara Battiato is the Vice President of Community Impact and Executive Director of Glazer Vision Foundation of Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She first joined the organization in 2014 as a senior cheerleader manager. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional football team based in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's South division. The Buccaneers have won two Super Bowl championships and, along with the Baltimore Ravens, are the only two NFL franchises who are undefeated in multiple Super Bowl appearances.

Previously, Battiato was a production coordinator at HFF, and before that, a marketing coordinator at Jones Lang LaSalle. Earlier in her career she worked with Howl at the Moon, Houston as a manager of party sales and events. Battiato earned an undergraduate degree in communications, interpersonal communication, radio and television production from Boise State University.

32. Maureen Duffy
Revecore

Maureen Duffy is the Vice President of Operations of Revecore. Revecore is the definitive source for revenue recovery solutions for underpayments, denial prevention and complex claims reimbursement solutions for motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and Veterans Affairs claims. Revecore offers hospitals and health systems over two decades of unrivaled technology and expert insight into the most challenging areas of the revenue cycle to ensure they are appropriately reimbursed for the care they provide. Duffy has 23 years of experience. She began her career in 1999.

Before joining Revecore, Duffy was an independent consultant and before that, a director at Navigant Consulting. Earlier in her career she worked with Ernst and Young as a senior consultant. Duffy graduated from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree in health policy and administration.

33. Debbie Moore
Pilot Bank

Debbie Moore began her professional career nearly 35 years ago. Today, she is a Vice President and Market Leader for Pilot Bank. Pilot Bank is a full-service bank providing retail, commercial, and investment services to individuals, businesses, and institutions in the greater Tampa Bay and Lakeland Florida areas. The bank’s holding company, Pilot Bancshares, acquired a specialized lending organization called National Aircraft Finance Company (NAFCO). This partnership has added financial strength, diversification, and resilience to the corporation.

Moore first got her start in 1987 as a VP at Wells Fargo. From there, she went on to Bank OZK where she served as a VP and branch manager, her most recent positions prior to joining Pilot Bank. Moore graduated from Stetson University with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management and from The Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management with an undergraduate degree in banking and financial support services.

34. Robin Dufresne
CSG Government Solutions

Robin Dufresne is an Executive Vice President and the Director of Healthcare and Human Services for CSG Government Solutions. She first joined the company in 2012 as a principal and client executive. CSG Government Solutions is a national leader in planning, managing, and supporting complex projects that modernize the IT and business processes of large government programs. For more than 20 years, CSG has applied their expertise, innovation, and results-oriented mindset to government program modernization projects for more than 200 agencies across 46 states and territories. They provided multiple service offerings to their clients including project management, independent verification and validation, quality assurance, organizational change management, and strategy.

Previously, Dufresne was a senior advisor at Public Consulting Group, and before that, a project manager for the State of Maine. Earlier in her career she worked with Harcourt Brace Jovanovich as a corporate tax accountant. In December 2021, Dufresne was appointed to the Advisory Panel for the University of Southern Florida MUSMA School of Business’ Digital Marketing Certificate program. The advisory panel is comprised of senior leaders with marketing expertise to enhance the program content. Dufresne earned a master’s in health care administration and management from New England College and an undergraduate degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern University.

35. Jennifer McComas
MediaLab 3D Solutions

Jennifer McComas is the COO and EVP of Operations of MediaLab 3D Solutions. MediaLab 3D Solutions is a digital content creation house, providing leading-edge imaging solutions to the architectural design and consumer products industries. Powered by their in-house innovation lab, MediaLab is challenging the limits of what’s possible and pushing their clients’ brands to new levels. From photo-real renderings to interactive marketing solutions, the company’s unique mix of developers, artists, and business strategists are united in their passion for creating engaging experiences. McComas has over 23 years in the marketing and advertising industry. She began her career in 1998.

Before joining MediaLab 3D Solutions, McComas was an internal communications lead at Scient - Razorfish. Earlier in her career she worked with EchoMail as a marketing and communications associate. McComas graduated from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree in creative writing and communications.

36. Patricia Lawman
Morphogenesis

Patricia Lawman began her professional career 31 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Morphogenesis. Morphogenesis is a clinical-stage company developing novel cell and gene therapies based on distinct and synergistic technology platforms. It focuses on a platform of cancer immunomodulators that stimulate the immune system to recognize and kill tumor cells. Its mission is to change the way chronic diseases are treated by engaging the innate intelligence of the body.

Lawman first got her start in 1991 as a director of cancer molecular biology at Walt Disney Memorial Cancer Institute before eventually rising to associate professor and research associate at the University of Central Florida, her most recent position prior to joining Morphogenesis. Lawman graduated from the University of Florida with a PhD in immunology and medical microbiology, a master’s degree in plant pathology, and an undergraduate degree in sociology and anthropology.

37. Gina Pomponi
Bluewater Media

Gina Pomponi is the President and COO of Bluewater Media. She first joined the company in 2015. Bluewater Media is a DTC marketing and advertising agency converging all the services needed to be relevant to consumers where they live, work and play. Their experienced, talented team of converged professionals make them remarkable. Their vision is in response to a major gap in the marketplace, where the needs of today’s omni-channel marketer are often being serviced by vendors with narrow capabilities and an unwillingness to share data.

Previously, Pomponi was an SVP at Mercury Media. Earlier in her career she worked with Direct Response Media as a VP and director of media.

38. Jessica Burns
Squaremouth

Jessica Burns is the Chief Executive Officer, Affiliate Manager, and Director of Customer Service for Squaremouth. Squaremouth and their multi-award-winning customer service team, has helped over 2 million travelers save time and money to find the best travel insurance policy for their trip. Leveraging decades of expertise and industry-leading technology, Squaremouth hosts the most intuitive travel insurance quoting and comparison engine on the market today. Coupled with verified customer reviews and the largest portfolio of products, Squaremouth allows travelers to instantly purchase a travel insurance policy from every major provider in the US. Burns has over 12 years of experience. She began her career in 2010.

Prior to taking over as CEO, Burns spent 6 years as Squaremouth’s director of customer service, where she used her extensive knowledge of the industry and the customer base to build and develop a multi-award-winning customer service team. Burns works with the customer service management team on a daily basis to improve and maintain Squaremouth’s high customer satisfaction rating.

39. Rosa Shores
BlockSpaces

Rosa Shores is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BlockSpaces. BlockSpaces offers a B2B integration platform that connects business applications to public and private blockchain networks hrough managed Web3 infrastructure, no/low code workflows and robust performance analytics. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Shores has 28 years of experience. She began her career in 1994.

Before founding BlockSpaces, Shores co-founded Clearvoter Project and before that, she served as an e-commerce manager with HSN. Earlier in her career she worked with Byron’s as a visual merchandising manager. Shores graduated from St. Petersburg College with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.

40. Maja Bobic
Security Compliance Associates

Maja Bobic is a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Security Compliance Associates. Security Compliance Associates delivers world-class cybersecurity assessment and advisory services to help organizations identify, reduce, and manage risks to their assets, reputation, and revenue. In her role as a CISO she leads a team of cybersecurity consultants and advisors that perform cybersecurity audits and advisory services for multi-billion-dollar financial institutions, State Government Agencies, large healthcare operations and many other organizations where cybersecurity is mission critical.

Bobic is also involved in her local community, serving as the vice president of the Tampa Bay Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), a not for profit, international organization of security professionals to enhance the knowledge and skills of its members. She is also an active member of InfraGard which is a national partnership between the FBI and the private sector for the protection of U. S. Critical Infrastructure. Bobic is the only female senior leader in her organization and with over 15 years of corporate leadership experience, she brings diversity of thought and real-world expertise by leveraging people, technology, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

41. Carol Emery
HSW Engineering

Carol Emery is a Vice President of HSW Engineering. HSW Engineering started in 2020 with a vision to build a consulting company focused on the environment to make the world a better place. They combined five consulting companies that all shared this common focus for a better world and put people first. Their teams have committed to providing a better, greener future by collaborating with their clients and the communities where they work. Emery has 34 years of experience. She began her career in 1988.

Emery graduated from Stanford University with an MS in civil engineering and from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree in environmental science.

42. Deborah Duffey
Dermazone Solutions

Deborah Duffey is the President and Chief Product Development Officer at Dermazone Solutions and Kara Vita and is COO of NuVessl. Dermazone Solutions is a product development company serving the pharmaceutical industry along with brand owners in the medical aesthetic and dietary supplement industries. Duffey applies her experience in operations, brand development, patent, and formulation invention to develop category-defining products that enhance the health and wellness of people’s lives. Duffey is also the creator of Kara Vita, an anti-aging skincare company that guarantees results in two weeks or less by using its proprietary nanotechnology.

Duffey began her professional career over 30 years ago at Applied Strategic Planning, a Boston-based consulting group working on domestic and international commercial development. She was also previously the marketing and product development director at Fountain Pharmaceuticals. She is a business mentor to college graduates and an international speaker in her profession. Duffey graduated from Stonehill College with an undergraduate degree in industrial psychology.

43. Cindy Laviolette
CEOHR

Cindy Laviolette is the Vice President of Human Resources of CEOHR. She first joined the company in 2018. CEOHR is a licensed professional employer organization founded with the simple goal of providing an innovative approach to delivering outsourced business solutions to the marketplace. The company specializes in the critical administrative tasks of payroll, human resources, workers’ compensation, loss control, and employee benefits administration for clients ranging in size from 10 to 1,200 employees across 36 states.

Previously, Laviolette was a director of HR and client services at Choice HR and before that, she worked in PEO finance and payroll tax management at Howard Leasing. Earlier in her career she worked with ADP TotalSource as a northeast region controller. Laviolette earned a master’s degree in human resources management from Villanova University and an undergraduate degree in business administration from Franklin Pierce University.

44. Naomi Burgess
Stark Service Solutions

Naomi Burgess is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Stark Service Solutions. For nearly 20 years Stark has been ahead of the curve, providing hotels, casinos, restaurants, assisted living communities, the tools they need to deliver exceptional customer care. Stark’s uniquely designed programs are established on a foundation of five-star, five-diamond hospitality service standards and integrated with current technology. Recognized by the medical community, Stark is the national exclusive MD Preferred Service Award recipient for outstanding Technology and Training Services for the hospitality industry. This privately owned and operated company is built upon a distinctively personalized approach to the hospitality business. Burgess has 19 years of experience. She began her career in 2003.

Prior to joining Stark Service Solutions, Burgess was an area director of customer satisfaction management with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

45. Ann Kennedy
Superior Electronics

Ann Kennedy began her professional career over 45 years ago. Today, she is the CEO of Superior Electronics. Superior Electronics, Inc. (SEI), a minority and disabled veteran owned company, was established in Dunedin, Florida in 1986. It is a firm comprised of highly qualified individuals, trained in the manufacture of electronic equipment, testing of complex electronic systems, application software development and systems integration, with extensive experience in both military and commercial applications. SEI is the low-cost solution for electrical design, software development, IT, systems design, manufacturing, integration and testing. SEI is also qualified as a contract manufacturer of FDA approved electronics.

Kennedy graduated from New York Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in chemistry.

46. Paulee Day
e-TeleQuote Insurance

Paulee Day is the Chief Legal Officer, Compliance Officer and Secretary of e-TeleQuote Insurance. She first joined the company in 2019. e-TeleQuote Insurance is a digital insurance agency that sells life and health insurance nationwide via the internet and fulfillment centers. The company offers consumers a convenient and efficient access to well trained professionals through whom they purchase insurance from the country's most respected and competitive carriers. Their licensed agents utilize state of the art technology solutions in secure, fully compliant and professional environments.

Previously, Day was a legal counsel and advisor and before that, an EVP, chief legal officer, and assistant secretary at MarineMax. Earlier in her career she worked with Trenam Law as an associate attorney. Day earned an MBA from Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management, a JD from Indiana University - Robert H. McKinney School of Law, and an undergraduate degree in multi/interdisciplinary studies from Vanderbilt University.

47. Amy Weiss
MobyMax

Amy Weiss is the Vice President of Marketing for MobyMax. MobyMax unlocks the power of personalized and blended learning to help students learn twice as fast. The company offers the only complete K-8 curriculum covering English language arts, math, science, and social studies. MobyMax identifies skill gaps with find-and-fix technology that targets instruction and helps students increase by one full grade level in just 40 hours. Moby's comprehensive system includes multiple motivation tools, test prep, assessments, messaging, parent portal, classroom clicker, and progress monitoring. Weiss has 32 years in the e-learning industry. She began her career in 1990.

Before joining MobyMax, Weiss was a VP of marketing at Marketyze, and before that, a CMO at Outbid. Earlier in her career she worked with Celebration Station as a store manager. Weiss graduated from the University of South Florida with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in marketing.

48. Melissa Moran
Statistics Solutions

Melissa Moran began her professional career nearly 15 years ago. Today, she is the President of Statistics Solutions. Statistics Solutions is a dissertation editing service with expertise in every aspect of the dissertation from both a quantitative and qualitative approach. Their services are for grad students, researchers, and businesses. For graduate students, Statistics Solutions provides significant value as their dissertation consultant, ensuring they move smoothly through each chapter and revision. For researchers or grant recipients, the company delivers the statistical and qualitative expertise needed to complete research. For those in the business world, the company employs relevant research modalities, data mining and other quantitative and qualitative analyses that enhance everything from marketing growth to operation cost reductions, providing a competitive edge, and higher bottom-line profits.

Moran graduated from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in psychology.

49. Julie Rupenski
MedBest Senior Care Recruiter

Julie Rupenski is the Founder & CEO of MedBest Recruiting, a senior living executive search firm. Since opening its doors in 2001, Rupenski has grown MedBest into an award winning, multimillion-dollar national firm, garnering impressive awards including INC 5000 2021 and Tampa Bay Fast 50 2021. Rupenski’s company has gained national recognition due to her industry expertise and high level of success. Rupenski’s in-depth knowledge of the senior living industry can be credited to the years she worked in operations in the industry. Today, she still makes it her personal and professional mission to place qualified executives in positions where they have the greatest impact.

Rupenski continues her industry education through various conferences, forums, and expos. She has been interviewed and served as a guest columnist for many major industry publications including Argentum Magazine, Provider Magazine, LeadingAge, McKnight’s Senior Living, and Senior Housing News. She was asked to lead a roundtable discussion at InterFace Housing Southeast for talent recruitment and retention. Among her long-standing professional recruitment affiliations are National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), National Investment Center for Senior Housing & Care (NIC), and Next Level Exchange. Rupenski earned an undergraduate degree in gerontology from the University of South Florida.

50. Jill Dominguez
Energy Insurance Mutual

Jill Dominguez is a Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer for Energy Insurance Mutual. Energy Insurance Mutual (EIM) is a mutually owned excess liability insurance carrier. Membership is available to utilities along with members of the energy services industry that meet the underwriting standards established by the company. EIM provides excess liability coverage to more than 160 companies in the United States and throughout the world. Coverage is purchased on a direct basis or through member brokers. Dominguez has nearly 33 years in the insurance industry. She began her career in 1989.

Before joining Energy Insurance Mutual, Dominguez was a senior specialist underwriter at Firemans Fund Insurance Company. Dominguez graduated from Florida State University - College of Business with an undergraduate degree in finance.

51. Christa Thomas
IDEA Public Schools

Christa Thomas began her professional career nearly 14 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Schools for IDEA Public Schools. IDEA Public Schools, Inc (Individuals Dedicated to Excellence and Achievement Public Schools) is a not‐for‐profit charter school operator based in Weslaco, Texas. It was formed in June 2000. In 2015 it served roughly 19,000 students in 36 schools, about 85% of whom were economically disadvantaged. For the 2021-22 school year, IDEA will educate more than 70,000 students across Texas, Southern Louisiana, and Florida. For 15 years in a row, 100% of their seniors have been accepted to colleges and universities nationwide.

Thomas first got her start in 2008 as a fourth-grade teacher at Duval County Public Schools. From there, she went on to Teach For America, before eventually rising to become the managing director of recruitment at Teach For America, her most recent position prior to joining IDEA Public Schools. Thomas graduated from Spelman College with an undergraduate degree in political science.

52. Emma Maurer
Peerfit

Emma Maurer is the Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships for Peerfit. She first joined the company in 2017 as the director of enterprise health. Peerfit is a digital platform that connects employers, brokers and insurance carriers to local fitness experiences and wellness services. Through their platform, users gain easy access to a variety of fitness studios and gyms, empowering each individual to personalize their journey to wellness, enabling them to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle, with the potential to be paid for by employers. Maurer has more than 20 years of experience helping companies achieve great wellness outcomes.

Previously, Maurer was a director at St. Vincent's HealthCare, and before that, a director of wellness services at GBS Benefits. Earlier in her career she worked with Sandy City Corporation as a recreation program coordinator. Maurer earned an undergraduate degree in recreation from RMIT University.

53. Nicole Soler
Cenegenics

Nicole Soler is the Vice President of Sales & Member Experience for Cenegenics. Cenegenics provides the world’s best age management performance health solution. Their physician-led program holds each individual accountable and provides a full performance health team to keep progress on track. Cenegenics uses precision medicine to get real results with increased stamina, lower stress levels, improved sleep, increased concentration and desire, all while optimizing body composition and slowing down the biological aging process. Since 1997, Cenegenics’ proven age management program has helped over 33,000 clients live their best lives. Soler has 18 years in the health, wellness, and fitness industry. She began her career in 2004.

Before joining Cenegenics, Soler was a director of sales at Hair Club and before that, a director of field sales at Ideal Image. Earlier in her career she worked with King Pharmaceuticals as a sales representative. Soler graduated from the University of Phoenix with a master’s in planning and from Hofstra University with an undergraduate degree in political science and education.

54. Debra Livingston
ReEmployAbility

Debra Livingston began her professional career 32 years ago. Today, she is the CEO and Founder of ReEmployAbility. Founded in 2003, ReEmployAbility is the largest national provider of early return-to-work services and transitional employment programs. Their Transition2Work program offers employers a turnkey, cost-effective solution to modified light duty assignments, reducing claim costs while giving the injured worker time to heal. Utilizing their accredited, national network of nonprofit partners, they create innovative programs to help accommodate injured workers in the transition back to work.

Livingston first got her start in 1990 as a claims adjuster at Aetna Life & Casualty. From there, she went on to Staff Leasing, before eventually moving on to become a claim account executive at Wells Fargo Insurance Services, her most recent position prior to joining ReEmployAbility. Livingston graduated from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree in marketing.

55. Suzanne Gorman
Global Learning Systems

Suzanne Gorman is the Vice President, Information Security, and Risk Management Evangelist at Global Learning Systems (GLS), a leading Security Awareness Training and compliance solutions company. Gorman is well known for designing and implementing comprehensive information security programs, with an emphasis on security awareness training that enable organizations to mitigate the risks and consequences of security breaches resulting from human error.

Gorman is a member of the GLS executive team and through her industry experience and market knowledge has introduced new training product solutions and offers that expands GLS’ training portfolio of products, services, and capabilities. As an experienced industry practitioner, she actively consults and works with client IT security leaders and executives to understand their needs, and then provides recommendations and proven training strategies that enable organizations to successfully prepare and educate employees to operate securely. Frequently called on to speak to industry groups on security training issues and trends, she has recently presented to The Information Systems Security Association International (ISSA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on how to “Create a Cyber Security Culture,” and a webinar for industry partners on “Exploring Aspects of Human Errors in Cybersecurity.” Gorman holds both CISSP and CRISC certifications.

56. Kimberly Bonati
The Bonati Spine Institute

Kimberly Bonati is the Senior Vice President of Media, Marketing and Corporate Communications of The Bonati Spine Institute. The Bonati Spine Institute is the world leader in advanced spine surgery. With over 35 years of experience and more than 70,000 successful procedures performed, The Bonati Spine Institute achieves a 98.75% patient satisfaction rate. Dr. Alfred Bonati pioneered many of the advanced procedures used today in spinal surgery. The surgeons of The Bonati Spine Institute have been trained on these procedures exclusively by Dr. Bonati and have a level of experience unmatched by any other spine center. The Bonati Spine Institute's surgery centers are located in the Tampa Bay and Las Vegas areas. Bonati has nearly 9 years of experience. She began her career in 2013.

In addition to her current roles, Bonati is an executive producer and host of American Medicine Today TV and Radio Program.

57. Adriana Generallo
Big Sea

Adriana Generallo began her professional career 13 years ago. Today, she is the VP of Client Experience for Big Sea. Big Sea is an agile digital marketing agency. Since 2005, they have been partnering with successful businesses and organizations to provide branding, strategy, design, development, and marketing. They plug in where their clients need a boost, and hone and amplify what they are already doing. With locations in St. Petersburg, Florida and Colorado Springs, Colorado, they serve clients all over the country.

Generallo first got her start in 2009 as a graphic designer at Planet Hollywood International. From there, she went on to Greenpac UK Ltd, before eventually moving on to become a graphic designer at Newl&Potter. Generallo graduated from Valencia College with an undergraduate degree in graphic design and from the University of Central Florida with an undergraduate degree in advertising and public relations.

58. Keri Higgins-Bigelow
livingHR

Keri Higgins-Bigelow is the Chief Executive Officer, Founder and Chief People Officer of livingHR. She founded the company in 2009 and since then, livingHR has partnered with hundreds of clients in a broad range of industry and size, from technology start-ups to Fortune 500 organizations. livingHR helps organizations design innovative and impactful talent and workplace experiences that empower people to perform. livingHR gives their clients the ability to impact their own journey, while giving the support and opportunity to have an impact on professional success.

Previously, Higgins-Bigelow was a senior consultant at Paychex. Earlier in her career she worked with Pier 1 Imports as a regional sales and training leader. Higgins-Bigelow earned an undergraduate degree in human resources from Old Dominion University.

59. Nancy Harris
Harris Hunt & Derr PA

Nancy Harris is the Founding Partner of Harris Hunt & Derr, P.A. The experienced attorneys of Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A. practice exclusively in the area of marital and family law. They pride themselves on providing responsive, personal, and effective legal service of the highest quality. They assist their clients with a wide range of marital and family law matters, including dissolution of marriage, custody and parenting plans, alimony, child support, paternity, post-judgment matters, prenuptial agreements, and domestic violence proceedings. They are experienced in traditional litigation, negotiated settlements, and the collaborative divorce method, and will work with their clients to determine which approach best fits their case.

Harris has 35 years of experience practicing law. She has received the Hillsborough County Family Law Professionalism Award, was chosen by her peers in Tampa Magazine’s 2022 “Top Lawyers List” for Family Law and Collaborative Divorce and was named Best Lawyers 2017 “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law in Tampa. She is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale‑Hubbell and has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers every year since 2007. She was also selected for inclusion on the Super Lawyers Top 50 Women list (2019‑2021). To challenge her comfort zone, Harris climbs mountains with friends while fundraising for The Academy Prep Center. Harris has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, completed the Tour of Mont Blanc, France, and hiked the mountains of Bhutan.

60. Talyn Guercio
Shea Barclay Group

Talyn Guercio began her professional career over 20 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and a Partner of Shea Barclay Group. Shea Barclay Group is an independent insurance advisory firm concentrating in professional liability, cyber, crime and employment practices liability coverages. SBG also maintains a specialized team of property and casualty advisors, as well as a dedicated employee benefits department. Through strong organic growth and strategic acquisitions, SBG has grown to meet the needs of their clients. Their value-added proposition includes a vast offering of services to include, but not limited to, in-house capacity to conduct risk management audits, claims counseling/advice, policy analysis and a wide range of additional resources that address their client’s everyday challenges.

Right out of college, Guercio secured a position with one of the nation’s top 10 publicly traded brokers. It was during this time that Guercio assisted with the integration of three successful acquisitions. Upon moving to Tampa in 2008, she soon joined what is now Shea Barclay Group. Under a management buy-out in 2012, Guercio is one of four owners of the firm. Guercio had the honor of winning the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s CFO of the Year Award in 2013 and has also served on the Applied ASCNet Board of Directors. She currently holds a position on the Special Olympics of Florida Executive Committee. Guercio graduated from the University of Arkansas with an undergraduate degree in finance, insurance, and risk management.

61. Laura Boodram
FatTail

Laura Boodram is the SVP of Partner Success of FatTail. She first joined the company in 2016 as the VP of client engagement. FatTail is redefining the business of advertising by designing, developing, and deploying powerful sales, operations, and marketplace solutions that puts the publisher in charge. It is a highly flexible advertising management platform that helps increase monetization, control, and scale. FatTail’s software products are readily adaptable to many business practices and help with already existing processes, only faster, more efficiently, and more profitably.

Previously, Boodram was a business transformation manager at The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, and before that, a senior director of business process excellence at Triad Retail Media. Earlier in her career she worked with Royal Bank of Scotland as a continuous improvement manager. Boodram earned an undergraduate degree in environmental economics and environmental management from the University of York.

62. Louisana Louis
St. Petersburg College

Dr. Louisana Louis is a transformative and thoughtful leader that inspires and motivates. She is a determined, passionate, futuristic, and an innovative change agent that implements evidence-based practice to deliver the highest quality of nursing education. She is passionate about preparing future nurses that are competent and ready to meet the needs of our ever-changing healthcare system and the community. She has over 21 years of nursing experience with 15 years in higher education leadership and nursing education. Dr. Louis is the Dean for St. Petersburg College of Nursing. St. Petersburg College (SPC) is a multi-campus state college located in Pinellas County, Florida. The College of Nursing student population averages between 1100-1500 students per academic year. Dr. Louis considers herself an advocate for change and a visionary who consistently strives for excellence in not only herself but also those that she leads and mentors.

As an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), Dr. Louis continues to serve the mental health community as the Owner and Chief Executive Office of Prestige Health and Wellness, LLC. Her practice serves children, adolescents, and adults who present across the spectrum of mental health needs. As an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Louis strives to improve the dynamic and take away the negative stigma of mental health in the community. She desires to bridge the gap in mental health between the over-served and underserved population.

63. Genevieve Casagrande
SeaSucker

Genevieve Casagrande began her professional career over 7 years ago. Today, she is the President and Chief Operating Officer of SeaSucker. SeaSucker is a Florida-based designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of bike racks and board racks for cars, marine accessories, and small electronics mounts for holding iPads, iPhones, and similar gadgets. The company strives to be innovative in all things, including new product development, their marketing, and in their day-to-day manufacturing and operations.

Casagrande first got her start in 2014 as a conflict analyst at The Carter Center. From there, she went on to the Institute for the Study of War as senior Syria analyst, her most recent position prior to joining SeaSucker. Casagrande graduated from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in linguistics.

64. Sunda Scanlon
RealWired!

Sunda Scanlon is a Chief Technology Officer and Principal of RealWired!. She first joined the company in 2006. RealWired! is a consulting firm that provides its clients with a holistic approach to all of their real estate and marketing needs. The firm is focused on streamlining the business of commercial real estate with processes and technology, all the while focusing on what makes the industry tick – people and the relationships they build.

Previously, Scanlon was a VP and GM for Florical Systems. Scanlon earned an undergraduate degree in business management from Santa Fe Community College.

65. Mallory Taylor
Bravado Health

Mallory Taylor currently serves as the Chief Operating and Financial Officer of Bravado Health, Bravado Health is a healthcare technology company connecting clinicians, case managers and patients by automating and simplifying best practices for pre-op readiness and post-op recovery, enabling efficiencies and transparency for patients while freeing up provider time to deliver prompt and quality care. Taylor’s experience includes over 15 years in healthcare technology, mergers, and acquisitions.

Taylor previously founded and held the role of CEO of MTT Innovations, where she consulted for numerous government entities, non-profits, healthcare, and technology companies. She dedicated her time to helping clients create or capitalize on strategic initiatives that facilitated growth and opportunities. She also previously co-founded and served as the CEO of assessURhealth, an e-screening mental and behavioral health tool for clinicians, trade associations, higher education institutes, government entities and more. Her previous positions have included VP of a healthcare technology company where she was responsible for developing and then managing numerous departments and divisions. Taylor graduated from LSU with an undergraduate degree in political science and is pursuing a master’s in international business and policy from Georgetown University.

66. Stacy Warren
Vault

Stacy Warren began her professional career nearly 28 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Sales and Customer Experience Officer of Vault. Vault is the new standard in personal insurance, committed to delivering an unrivaled customer experience where every detail and interaction is thoughtful and unique. The company is made up of more than 200 smart, dynamic and driven professionals throughout the United States. They build strong and true relationships, giving their customers the luxury of feeling safe and protected before a claim even happens.

Warren first got her start in 1994 as a president at the State Insurance Agency. From there, she went on to Superior Insurance, before eventually rising to become a VP and regional marketing director at AIG Private Client Group, her most recent position prior to joining Vault.

67. Christa Garcia
Three Five Two

Christa Garcia is the Executive Vice President of Operations of Three Five Two. She first joined the company in 2011. Three Five Two is a growth agency and a team of 60+ individuals that are obsessed with growing new products and business models. Companies hire Three Five Two to also find new customers and pioneer new ventures. Their team of business strategists, technologists, marketers, designers, and researchers leverage their experimental frameworks to achieve fast growth.

Previously, Garcia was a marketing and event manager at SDII Global Corporation, and before that, an ad production supervisor at St. Petersburg Times. Earlier in her career she worked with Independent Florida Alligator as an ad production supervisor. Garcia earned an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Florida.

68. Jolynn Lokey
Visit Tampa Bay

JoLynn Lokey is the Chief Operating Officer for Visit Tampa Bay, a private organization with a mission to create vibrant economic development for the community by collaboratively increasing visitation in Tampa Bay. Lokey’s extensive operational and executive management skills keep the organization running smoothly and efficiently while providing a collaborative work environment for a results-driven staff. Lokey brings more than 25 years of expertise in finance, human resources, and operations to Visit Tampa Bay.

After Lokey joined Visit Tampa Bay in 2005, she established best practices for Visit Tampa Bay, as well as, for the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and most recently, Film Tampa Bay. She was a pioneer in the administration of host committees for Super Bowl XLIII in 2009 and LV in 2021, the 2012 Tampa Bay Republican National Convention, and the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship, among other high-profile, community-wide event-planning organizations. She serves on the executive committee of the board of directors for Feeding Tampa Bay and sits on the University of Tampa’s Board of Fellows. Lokey earned a master’s in human resource development from Villanova.

69. Andrea Sugden
Workforce Logiq

Andrea Sugden began her professional career 26 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Global Sales Officer of Workforce Logiq. Workforce Logiq by PRO Unlimited, a global provider of AI-powered workforce intelligence, technology, and services to large corporations, enables organizations to win and retain the talent they need to grow. With clients in 50+ countries, Workforce Logiq provides expert guidance, real-time and predictive analytics, and patented and award-winning technologies. Workforce Logiq’s universal sourcing solution addresses all elements of its clients’ acquisition and retention programs, including full-time, contingent, and freelance workers.

Sugden first got her start in 1996 as a district director at Spherion. From there, she went on to ManpowerGroup, before eventually rising to become an EVP at Adecco, her most recent position prior to joining Workforce Logiq. Sugden graduated from the University of Tampa with an undergraduate degree in finance.

70. Monica Bolbjerg
Qure4u

Monica Bolbjerg is the CEO and Co-Founder of Qure4u. She co-founded the company in 2001. Qure4u is America’s leading fully integrated complete digital health and patient experience platform deployed in hundreds of practices, clinics, hospitals, and health systems today. Their flagship solution, MyCarePlan, eliminates the need for numerous healthcare IT vendor relationships, multiple time-consuming implementations, or disjointed workflows with fragmented EHR data integrations.

Previously, Bolbjerg co-founded C4U Technologies Ltd. and served as the CTO. Before that, Bolbjerg was an urgent care physician at Lillehammer Kommune. Earlier in her career she worked with Rigshospitalet as a PhD researcher. Bolbjerg earned an MD from the University of Copenhagen.

71. Mia Hyun
MobiusPay

Mia Hyun is the CEO of MobiusPay. MobiusPay has over 80 years of combined experience in banking, payment processing, and customer service. Over the years, they have garnered partnerships with the industry’s top banks and technology. They have over 100 industries securely managed. Their team covers the globe so they can support any businesses 24/7. Hyun has over 28 years in the financial services industry. She began her career in 1993.

Before joining MobiusPay, Hyun was on the research and development committee at Electronic Transactions Association, and before that, she served as an EVP at Merchant Service Provider. Earlier in her career she worked with Loma Linda Children’s Hospital as an assistant group therapist. Hyun graduated from Loma Linda University with an MS in behavioral science.

72. Andrea Kiehl
Metrc

Andrea Kiehl began her professional career 20 years ago. Today she is the General Counsel at Metrc, LLC, where she leads the company’s internal legal and compliance management functions. Metrc is the industry leading provider of supply chain management technology whose track and trace SaaS solution ensures the safety and security of the nation’s legal cannabis market.

Prior to joining Metrc, Kiehl was named Shareholder at two law firms, where she practiced everything from civil rights to products and premise liability to employment law. Kiehl served as the head of global compliance for a publicly traded company operating in 44 countries and has served as Senior Employment Counsel or General Counsel at 3 privately held companies in the Tampa Bay area. Kiehl has led due diligence and integration for global mergers & acquisitions on both the sell and buy side, covering over twenty countries. Kiehl’s proudest accomplishments include leading on a global company’s crisis emergency response team to rapid plan and navigate the disruption through the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the largest revenue growth in the company’s history. During the pandemic, she also created a global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program. Kiehl made her mark in the company’s first DE&I leadership role by focusing on policy change, diverse talent development and retention, and education. Kiehl served as the President of the Board of Directors for the Sexual Violence Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and providing services to those affected by sexual violence. Kiehl also served for six years on the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries-Suncoast. Kiehl professional achievements include being named a Minnesota Law & Politics Rising Star, and a Tampa Bay Top Corporate Counsel. Kiehl earned her JD with honors from the University of Minnesota Law School.

73. Melissa Morris
Stormy Sea Studio

Melissa Morris is the CEO and Social Media Manager of Stormy Sea Studio. She first joined the company in 2009. Stormy Sea Studio is a creative graphic design, photography, and social media management company, bringing a storm of creativity and translating abstract ideas into a visual story. The studio is involved in all aspects of the clients’ visual and social identities, creating, and honing their brand.

Previously, Morris was an account designer at GSP, and before that, a graphic artist at Tampa Bay Lightning - St. Pete Times Forum. Earlier in her career she worked with Flash Foto as a photographer and manager. Morris earned an undergraduate degree in graphic design from Santa Fe Community College.

74. Sandy Mills-Alford
AliveTek

Sandy Mills-Alford is the President and CEO of AliveTek. AliveTek offers high quality solutions for eLearning. Their design and development teams specialize in building and supporting interactive online environments. Skilled in a wide array of online course platforms and multimedia solutions, AliveTek provides specialized custom consulting and support services for building and managing innovative online programs. They also host special projects, create registration systems and help to integrate with their client’s CRM. Mills-Alford has 25 years of experience. She began her career in 1997.

Before joining AliveTek, Mills-Alford was an educational program manager at WebCT. Earlier in her career she worked with St. Petersburg College as an instructional technologist and instructor. Mills-Alford graduated from the University of South Florida with a master’s in instructional technology and from Central Michigan University with an undergraduate degree in special education and teaching.

75. Tatyana Harris
PECRKO Research

Tatyana Harris began her professional career over 15 years ago. Today, she is the Founder of PECRKO Research. PECRKO Research is the bridge between research and the minority community. It was founded in 2018 to educate the minority community about the benefits of pharmaceutical and medical research and offer minorities opportunities to participate in various local clinical trials by way of an online database. The minority participants database is organized and solicited to research providers to decrease research healthcare disparity.

Harris first got her start in 2006 as a clinical research coordinator and ancillary staff manager at DURAMED. From there, she went on to ASG, before eventually moving on to become the regional administrator at KJ&U Enterprise, her most recent position prior to founding PECRKO Research. Harris graduated from the University of Phoenix with a doctorate in health administration and from South University with a master’s in health administration and an undergraduate degree in healthcare management.

76. Betsy Irizarry
HR Contempo

Betsy Irizarry is the Chief Executive Officer of HR Contempo. She first joined the company in 2014. HR Contempo is a boutique human resources and talent management consulting firm. They deliver human capital strategies that effectively assist companies build a high performing workforce. The company uses the extensive HR industry knowledge of its employees and partners alongside modern human capital trends to hand craft innovative solutions. HR Contempo prides itself on always evolving to dissolve stagnant business practices and keep its clients on the cutting edge.

Previously, Irizarry was a CHRO at PMSI, and before that, a director of training and organizational development at Pharmerica Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Avmed Health Plans as an educator. Irizarry earned an MBA from Florida Atlantic University.

77. Andrea Ceely
BECK Strategies Inc.

Andrea Ceely is the President of BECK Strategies. BECK Strategies’ team of US based experts and their years of experience provides an in‑depth understanding of how to integrate and maximize ServiceNow within their client’s enterprise. They provide consulting for companies ranging from small and midsize businesses up to Fortune 140 and government agencies as a federal certified vendor. Ceely has over 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2001.

Before joining BECK Strategies, Ceely was a center director at César A. Lara, M.D., Center for Weight Management, and before that, a training store manager at Casual Corner Group. Earlier in her career she worked with Unisa as a store manager. Ceely graduated from St. Petersburg College with an undergraduate degree.

78. Brittany George
Synuity

Brittany George began her professional career over 14 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Sales of Synuity. Synuity is a professional employer organization and a human resource outsourcing company that provides more than a century of combined expertise in payroll administration, human resource administration and compliance, workers’ compensation, and Fortune 500 benefits administration. Through Synuity’s HR management, insurance, and employee administration services, they have created flexible business solutions that will meet any company’s individual needs. This in turn optimizes people, processes, and systems, allowing companies to move freely between human resource services as the business evolves.

George first got her start in 2008 as a senior sales executive and team lead at Cbeyond. From there, she went on to SourceOne, before eventually rising to become the VP of corporate benefits at M.E. Wilson Company, her most recent position prior to joining Synuity. George graduated from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in finance.

79. Donna Calleja
Synergy Florida

Donna Calleja is the Chief Financial Officer of Synergy Florida. She first joined the company in 2014. Since 1994, Synergy has been providing security, safety, comfort, convenience and entertainment systems to Florida homes and businesses. Their system operates using a dedicated cellular connection, so their client’s property remains secure even if the phone line is cut, the power is out, or the internet is down. Recognized as one of Florida’s premier full-service technology systems integrators, Synergy is focused on providing technology solutions that increase efficiencies and improve lifestyles.

Previously, Calleja was a finance manager at Verizon. Calleja earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Tampa.

80. Amanda Dugger
GenuineHuman.org

Amanda Dugger is the Founder and President of GenuineHuman.org. GenuineHuman is a not-for-profit organization established to enable individuals to effect positive and impactful change in their local communities through outreach, education, resources, and funding. The organization supports various charities and organizes teams and events where they can see a true impact in the community. Dugger has 24 years of experience. She began her career in 1998.

Before joining GenuineHuman.org, Dugger was a regional manager at World Wide Technology, and before that, a sales operations manager at Coleman Technologies. Earlier in her career she worked with EZL Dot Com as a Service Desk Technician. Dugger graduated from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville with an undergraduate degree in computer management and information systems.

81. Antonia Mason
Assist-U University

Antonia Mason began her professional career 12 years ago. Today, she is the Founder of Assist-U University. Assist-U University is dedicated to empowering Black mental health professionals with the marketing skills they need to level up their businesses. Their vision is to help establish their students as the expert in their niche and to connect them to a network of other Black mental health professionals that share similar goals.

Mason first got her start in 2010 as a litigation billing supervisor at Shapiro, Fishman & Gache, LLP. From there, she went on to ALAW - Albertelli Law, before eventually rising to firm administrator at Ospina, Everett & Shechter, LLP, her most recent position prior to joining Assist-U University. Mason graduated from the University of Phoenix with an undergraduate degree in accounting and business management.

82. Veronica Swiatek
Massage Studio

Veronica Swiatek is the Founder & CEO of MBS Brands and Massage Studio, as well as Joint Venture Partner with Paradies Lagardere TPA. After attending State University of New York at Buffalo, Swiatek moved to Tampa to launch her career. She held top-level marketing positions with high-profile firms such as Clear Channel Communications, OSI Restaurant Partners and Cox Media Group. Managing advertising initiatives, campaigns, and business and creative development was only the tip of the iceberg. With her extensive marketing and branding experience, and an entrepreneurial spirit since childhood, Swiatek struck out on her own founding Massage Studio in 2007. Offering a complete wellness experience specializing in luxury wellness products and top tier massage services, Massage Studio proved a successful and lucrative venture, with a second location opening in 2014.

In 2015 the opportunity to partner with Paradies Lagardere TPA, a global leader in airport retail and concessions, presented itself as Tampa International Airport officials were seeking local, innovative partnerships for their master plan expansion. By the end of 2017 Swiatek had become a Joint Venture Partner with Paradies Lagardere TPA owning ten specialty retail stores at Tampa International Airport, including CNBC, Tampa Bay Times, News Channel 8, Spanx, Corsa, PGA Tour, Dylan’s Candy, Ybor City News, Tampa Life and The Apartment. In addition to leading multiple private business ventures, Swiatek also prioritizes giving back to the community which includes a seventeen-year relationship with City of Tampa’s Ybor City Economic & Urban Development Department, for whom Swiatek served as YCDC Chair of the Board of Directors. Fundraising for causes benefiting women and children, a passion for Veronica, led to the creation of South Tampapoply in 2009 with all proceeds going to Circle of Love Center for Grieving Children.

83. Christine Randle
Cross3

Christine Randle is a Partner of Cross3. Cross3 is a group of three highly focused and successful businesswomen who have honed their skills building very large and successful direct-to-consumer or business-to-consumer companies and business lines. Randle has nearly 13 years of experience. She began her career in 2009.

Before joining Cross3, Randle was a social media manager at It Works! Global, and before that, a marketer at Origami Owl. Earlier in her career she worked with Kmart Corporation as a sales associate. Randle graduated from Michigan State University with an undergraduate degree in communication arts and sciences.

84. Dana Russell
SleepCare Solutions

Dana Russell began her professional career nearly 6 years ago. Today, she is the President, Founder, and Coach of SleepCare Solutions. SleepCare Solutions provides diagnostic and treatment services for sleep disorders by American Board-Certified Sleep Specialists. The Sleep Center is a state-of-the-art facility in compliance with American Academy of Sleep Medicine and The Joint Commission guidelines. They treat a variety of sleep disorders in both adults and children, including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy. Their technical staff is well trained and highly experienced in conducting polysomnographist.

Russell first got her start in 2016 as a certified mastery coach at All-Star Dental Academy. Russell graduated from Seminole State College of Florida with an undergraduate degree in respiratory care therapy.

85. Jill Creager
iPaladin

Jill Creager is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of iPaladin. She first joined the company in 2012. iPaladin is a blockchain-powered fiduciary technology for next generation family offices. Their Digital Family Office platform (DFO) allows management information and operational knowledge to be captured, shared, and evolved in a single, immutable platform, for an unrivaled level of transparency, control and empowerment.

Previously, Creager was a private client advisor in the US Trust and before that, an attorney at Fisher & Sauls P.A. Earlier in her career she worked with Law Offices of Wm. Fletcher Belcher as an attorney. Creager earned a JD from Stetson University College of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

86. Allison Maughn
Gulfside Healthcare Services

Allison Maughn is the Chief Financial Officer of Gulfside Healthcare Services. Gulfside Healthcare Services is a non-profit organization serving the community for 30 years. Its three lines of business include Gulfside Hospice, offering care for patients at end of life, Gulfside Palliative Care, providing treatment options for those with chronic illness, and Gulfside Home Health, helping patients stay independent through skilled nursing and rehab at home. Maughn has over 19 years in the hospital & health care industry. She began her career in 2002.

Before joining Gulfside Healthcare Services, Maughn was a director of implementation at Suncoast Solutions, and before that, an assistant vice president of post-acute services at Holy Name Medical Center. Earlier in her career she worked with Halifax Health as a hospice finance director. Maughn graduated from Webster University with an MBA and from Stetson University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.

87. Jennifer Phelps
Prospr

Jennifer Phelps is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Prospr, a full-service management company providing business consultation, medical billing, collections, and much more. Phelps is also a board-certified behavior analyst and serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience. She has started and sold multiple companies and been an adviser to others. Over the past decade, Phelps has turned her passion for helping children and families into successful companies that have helped thousands of children. Her last company, Engage Behavioral Health and Learning for Life Academy had six clinics locations and three school locations. Engage made the Inc 5000 list three consecutive years.

In addition to her roles with Prospr, Phelps is the Co-Founder of Do Better Collective, a domain for those with a shared commitment to engage in lifelong learning focused on developing humane, culturally informed, and compassionate behavior analytic interventions. She is also the CEO of Nest Life, a provider of creative and connected whole family behavior therapy. Phelps graduated from Florida State University with an MS in applied behavior analysis and from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in psychology.

88. April Avila
instaHome

April Avila is the Founder and CEO of instaHome. She first joined the company in 2013. instaHome Healthcare Services is a home care-based company that exists to ensure that those which need help in any manner or capacity, will receive that help with compassion and generosity. The company is built on the foundation of understanding and family. The difference between the instaHome and everyone else, is that their mission is to ensure clients and their loved ones will be treated as if they were a member of their family.

Previously, Avila was a realtor at Real Estate Sales Force, Inc. and before that, a digital sales executive at YP Marketing Solutions. Earlier in her career she worked with Box Office Hair as a marketing manager and receptionist. Avila earned an undergraduate degree in mass communication from Hillsborough Community College.

89. Monika Valentine
Discovery Behavioral Health

Monika Valentine is the Vice President of Business Operations of Discovery Behavioral Health. Discovery Behavioral Health operates treatment centers across the United States and provides the highest quality of care available. They also offer mental health, eating disorder, and addiction services in a continuum of care including outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization/day treatment, residential treatment, and inpatient detox. Discovery Behavioral Health specializes in helping children, teens, and adults suffering from mood and anxiety disorders, substance use and addiction, self-harm, attachment, and eating disorders. Discovery treatment teams are comprised of national experts in these disorders. Her mission is to create a positive business impact that creates sustainable communities and increases quality of life.

Valentine is a results-oriented executive with a proven track record of providing operations solutions for corporate start up and growth, multi-state, regulatory compliance and strategic partnerships. Before joining Discovery Behavioral Health, Valentine was a director of regional and workers’ compensation consulting at The Redwoods Group, and before that, the CEO at ML Valentine. Earlier in her career she worked with HealthONE as a director of occupational medicine and specialty practices. Valentine graduated from Villanova University with a master's degree.

90. Colleen Tabala
PennyMac Loan Services

Colleen Tabala began her professional career over 15 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Human Resources of PennyMac Loan Services. PennyMac is an American residential mortgage company headquartered in Westlake Village, California. PennyMac’s goal is to be a trusted financial partner that clients can count on as long as they own their home. Being one of the top direct mortgage lenders in the country means PennyMac can focus on the needs of its customers rather than maintaining a network of branches and banking products.

Tabala first got her start in 2006 as an HR manager at SL Green Realty Corp. From there, she went on to Marken, before eventually rising to become the global head of HR at International Swaps and Derivatives Association, her most recent position prior to joining PennyMac. Tabala graduated from Post University with an undergraduate degree in business management.

91. Victoria Kuklina
Pinnacle Home Care

Victoria Kuklina began her professional career nearly 20 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Financial Officer of Pinnacle Home Care. Pinnacle Home Care is a Medicare Certified and Florida Licensed full-service clinically owned and operated health care company. They are led by professionals who are passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes and quality care beyond expectation to patients, referral partners, staff, and the communities that they serve. Pinnacle Home Care believes in exceptional outcomes which is why their patients receive exceptional customized care services in the comfort of their home.

Kuklina first got her start in 2002 as a staff accountant at Atlas Cold Storage. From there, she went on to CFO Financial Services, before eventually rising to become a CFO consultant at CFO Alliance, Inc., her most recent position prior to joining Pinnacle Home Care. Kuklina graduated from Laurentian University with an undergraduate degree in business commerce, from the Schulich School of Business - York University with an undergraduate degree in logistics management, and from Seneca College with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.

92. Deborah Kelly
MyCare Finance

Deborah Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer of MyCare Finance. MyCare offers several ways to assist their members, while continuing to pay the doctors and nurses providing the community with healthcare. It allows patients the peace of mind to extend payment over time with no credit check, low annual and service fees, and low monthly payments, and with customizable terms and flexible programs. Kelly has 30 years of experience. She began her career in 1992.

Before joining MyCare Finance, Kelly was an executive director at BayCare FCS/MedMax.

93. Shannon Gougis
Slide

Shannon Gougis has successfully built a progressive, 23+ year career as a Chief People Officer, S/VP of Human Resources and HR Director for national and global insurance, technology, healthcare, and financial services companies. She is highly skilled in creating a compelling employee experience in combination with innovative talent acquisition and management programs to successfully align human capital strategies to business objectives. Today, Gougis serves as Slide's Chief People Officer. Slide is a full-stack insurtech that makes it easy for modern consumers to choose the right coverage for their unique needs and budgets. Slide's cutting-edge technology leverages artificial intelligence and big data to hyper-personalize, optimize, streamline every part of the insurance process.

A professional and personal passion of Gougis's is inspiring women to aim high and achieve their full potential. Her focus as a leader is to challenge and "push" her team to achieve career goals through opportunity, coaching and structured education. Gougis has partnered with the CARA Program in Chicago, IL to help women affected by poverty and homelessness secure work opportunities, provide life and job skills, and connect them with the necessary professional attire. Gougis has also been involved with the ARDX Foundation and coordinating the Women's Wellness Celebration conferences (Shining a Light on Mental Wellness) and Envision, Lead, Grow which is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through providing entrepreneurship opportunities to girls and young women in Norfolk, VA. Currently, she is working with the Community Action Stops Abuse organization in St Petersburg, FL, which helps victims of domestic violence. Gougis holds a master’s in industrial and organizational psychology from Antioch University in Seattle.

94. Myriam Vidalon
NielsenIQ

Myriam Vidalon is the Global Head of Diversity, Talent and Culture of NielsenIQ. NielsenIQ is the industry leader in global measurement and data analytics, and the most trusted source for retail and consumer intelligence. They deliver the complete truth to retailers, manufacturers, and their partners through the company’s comprehensive data sets and powerful insights. They enable businesses to make critical decisions confidently, accelerating growth and optimizing performance. As part of their commitment to advancing a more diverse and equitable CPG industry, NielsenIQ offers a data analytics training program for undergraduates to fast-track their post-graduate careers. Vidalon has over 16 years of experience. She began her career in 2006.

Vidalon graduated from The University of Tampa with a master’s in marketing and from St. Petersburg College with an undergraduate degree in international business.

95. Jean Kneisler
Jabil Healthcare

Jean Kneisler is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Jabil Healthcare. Jabil Healthcare, formerly Nypro, is the industry's largest provider of design, engineering, and manufacturing solutions. They collaborate with the world's leading healthcare brands to deliver advanced products and services that support optimal patient outcomes. Jabil Healthcare serves five sectors including medical devices, diagnostics, orthopedics, pharmaceutical delivery systems, and consumer health. Kneisler has over 17 years of experience. She began her career in 2005.

Before joining Jabil Healthcare, Kneisler was a global account general manager at CSC. Earlier in her career she worked with Unisys as a VP. Kneisler graduated from Youngstown State University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.

96. Jeannie O'Grady
Creative Mortgage Lenders

Jeannie O'Grady began her professional career 14 years ago. Today, she is a Mortgage Broker and President of Creative Mortgage Lenders. Creative Mortgage Lenders helps people feel comfortable when financing real estate in the state of Florida. Buying a home is typically the largest investment a person makes, and as such, Creative Mortgage Lenders take this very seriously by helping clients to structure the best financing terms that meet their needs, budget and long term-goals.

O'Grady first got her start in 2008 in the leadership team at BNI Nexus. From there, she went on to the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals, before eventually rising to become the president at 4th Street Business Association, her most recent position prior to joining Creative Mortgage Lenders.

97. Kelly Betts
Matter Surfaces

Kelly Betts is the Vice President of Healthcare for Matter Surfaces. She first joined the company in 2021. Matter Surfaces is a partner for design flooring and entrance systems. They believe in the power of good design to beautify the world, enhance health, and protect the environment.

Previously, Betts was a healthcare sales manager for the East region with Interface and before that a director of hospitality sales with DuChâteau. Earlier in her career she worked with Mannington Mills as a district sales manager. Betts graduated from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree in nutrition and exercise.

98. Kim Crist
FirstOnSite Restoration

Kim Crist is the Vice President of International Sales with FirstOnSite Restoration. She first joined the company in 2011. FirstOnSite is a leading disaster restoration and property reconstruction company serving North America and beyond. They offer comprehensive, coast-to-coast coverage and service across all 50 United States and Canada, with the equipment, technology and expertise to respond to disasters of all kinds. They are proud to provide expert planning, remediation, restoration, and reconstruction services for essential industries of every kind including healthcare, education, retail, residential and more.

Crist graduated from St. Petersburg College with an undergraduate degree in biology.

99. Samantha Abraham
My Paper Pusher

Samantha Abraham began her professional career nearly 10 years ago. Today, she is the CEO, Founder, and Bookkeeper of My Paper Pusher LLC. My Paper Pusher is a full-service bookkeeping firm that provides weekly and monthly services for growing businesses and nonprofits in the Tampa Bay area. The company relieves the burden of bookkeeping by assembling a team of dedicated accounting experts that can be trusted to streamline operations and give their clients more time, energy, and resources to focus on their most valuable asset - their business and clients.

Abraham first got her start in 2012 as a paralegal at The Law Offices of Kimberly K. Muenter, P.A. From there, she went on to Wagner & Company, LLC as accountant and business advisor, her most recent position prior to founding My Paper Pusher. Abraham graduated from St. Petersburg College with an undergraduate degree in paralegal studies.

100. Leah Veal
BLI Learning Labs

Leah Veal is the Founder and Executive Director of BLI Learning Labs. She first joined the company in 2017. BLI is an educational nonprofit organization with a mission to promote self-worth and increase academic proficiency in the lives of all children. Their certified teachers provide educational programming for students ages 5-12 in site-based learning labs, literacy outreach programs, and by contracting with schools and youth programs to provide tutoring services to students most in need.

Previously, Veal was an educator at Pinellas County Schools. Earlier in her career she worked with Faith Lutheran School as an assistant director. Veal earned an educational specialist degree and master’s degree in professional counseling from Georgia State University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville.The Top 25 Growth Equity Firms of 2021