Susan Brennan, Vice President & Interim President is Relationship Manager of The Private Client Group at PNC Wealth Management. She has more than 14 years of wealth management experience and prior to joining National City she acted as a financial consultant with Merrill Lynch in Michigan. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University with Honors. She has also acted as a Chairman’s advisor, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota, member of the Giving Matters Advisory Council and the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council, Girls Inc. Board of Directors, and was named one of Sarasota Magazine‘s “top Wealth Advisors for 2009.”
Jay Clarkson, Treasurer has been a CPA for over 20 years and has provided services to closely-held businesses, not-for-profit organizations, country clubs, construction companies, common interest realty associations, and employee benefit plans during that time. Jay is also part of Leadership Sarasota and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
LaShawn Houston, M.ED, M.A., Secretary, has been a professional educator for over 10 years, serving as a secondary counselor and assistant principal. She is currently the co-founder of Direct Impact Solutions, LLC. sharing her insights through motivational speaking. Part of that message is allowing others to discover their potential. LaShawn gives back to her community by serving on the Board of Directors for The Junior League of Sarasota and holds the office parliamentarian. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she currently serves as the president-elect. She earned her B.S. degree from Florida State University in the areas of Psychology and Philosophy. She also earned her Master’s Degree from the University of South Florida in Educational Leadership and Norwich University in Counseling. She is currently a doctoral candidate. When not being of service to all man-kind, you can often find LaShawn doing what she loves to do most, SHOP!!!! Since 2005 LaShawn has served as assistant principal in the Sarasota County School District. She is currently an assistant principal at Booker Middle School where she supports teachers and other professionals in working effectively with students. She has a passion for kids and wants to ensure that every child has been afforded the opportunity to obtain a high quality education.
Judi Bell serves as the Vice President at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and head of the Nonprofit Resource Center, following a 23 year career with Girls Incorporated as an executive director, regional director and associate director of national services. As a lifelong nonprofit professional who has served in a number of diverse leadership roles: as board chair, as executive director, as fundraiser and as a consultant. Having worked in the fields of mental health, developmental disabilities, youth programming and domestic violence, Judi has a well rounded health and human services, nonprofit background from programs delivery to administration. Judi lives in Nokomis with her husband, Jerry Whiles and two spoiled Yorkshire Terriers. Judi is an avid weekend bicyclist.
Nancy E. Cason joined Syprett, Meshad, Resnick, Lieb, Dumbaugh, Jones, Krotec & Westheimer, P.A. in 1998, became an Associate in 2002 and a Partner in 2006. She was born in New York, N.Y., raised on Sarasota and educated in the State of Florida. She recieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida in 1998, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law, in Gainesville, Florida and was awarded her Juris Doctorate degree in 2002, graduating with High Honors. Nancy was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2002. Since then, she has also been admitted to practice in federal court before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Nancy is a member of the Sarasota County Bar Association, President-Elect of the Young Lawyers Division of the Sarasota County Bar Association, Chairwoman for Law Week and for the YLD’s Holidays in July event, and Co-Chair of the Girls Inc. Alumnae Association and Chairwoman of the 2008 Girls Inc Angel Luncheon. Nancy is a member of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers and a member of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group.
Bold personality and innovative designer, Jason Champion has 15 years experience styling homes, businesses, print media and most recently, himself on HGTV Design Star. Taking thedesign/TV industry by storm, he has captivated audiences with his unique combination of creativity, design savvy, fashion sense and humor—not to mention an unmistakable Southern drawl. Jason has also taken his keen design sense to the airwaves, hosting a weekly radio show that features interior design and fashion advice in a roundtable setting. As personality, stylist and design guru, Jason Champion talks the talk and walks the walk, translating design vision into stunning results.
Audrey Coleman was born in the small steel-mill town of Duquesne, Pa., but grew up in nearby McKeesport, Pa., where at the age of 5, her parents encouraged her to be the best organist that she could be. She eventually graduated from Youngstown University with a Bachelor Degree in Music/Education and after the family moved to Boston; she attended Boston State College, earning a Masters Degree in Education. Audrey rose through the administrative ranks, culminating after 34 years as Director of Comprehensive School Planning for The Boston School Department. Praised for her charisma and warmth, Audrey blossomed as national president of Lambda Kappa Mu, a sorority of black professional and business leaders. She caught the eye of noted civil rights leader Dorothy Height who invited her along with 10 other selected leaders to the White House to meet with President Ronald Reagan. Audrey Coleman rekindled her passion for the arts when she retired to Sarasota eight years ago. In the past, she has served on many boards and is currently affiliated with Asolo Repertory Theatre, Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Girls Incorporated. She is married to Bill Coleman and has one son, Bill Jr.
Larry Face is the President of Next Level Achievement, whose mission is to inspire current and emerging leaders to use their leadership skills and experience to develop stronger teams, organizations, communities, and families. Larry remains involved in the community with leadership roles with the Marine Corp, Girls Inc., United Way, Exchange Club, International Special Olympics, Bayside Community Church, Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and the Attitudinal Healing Center. Larry’s most rewarding and demanding role is that a father to two fantastic grown children who are two of his favorite people and friends. This role requires many of the skills necessary to enjoy personal success including leadership, compassion, unconditional love, walking your talk and being able to let go. All of life is an adventure and when faced with the many challenges that life throws your way, Larry has had the courage to make tough decisions when needed and take the actions needed to make the necessary changes in his life. All, while also having the compassion to consider how those actions will affect others.
Dan Fangmeyer was born in Baltimore, Maryland and has been married to Belle for 41 years. They have been blessed with two daughters, five grandchildren, four girls and one boy. Belle and Dan moved to Sarasota in 1997 and have been self employed since 1989 in the metal recycling industry and currently have two facilities in Florida and one in Maryland. Dan is a member of First Baptist Church and has served as a trustee. Dan looks forward to serving on the Girls Inc. board and creating growth opportunities for the girls.
With more than 31 years of service in the financial services industry, Kathy Francoletti is currently a Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager with Wachovia Wealth Management. Her entire career has been with Wachovia and its predecessor organizations, First Union and Southeast Bank. Kathy majored in Business at Lake Michigan College. She holds the designation of Certified Trust and Financial Advisor issued by the Institute of Certified Bankers. Kathy and her husband, Thomas, reside in Englewood with their daughter, Amanda. Kathy is very involved as a volunteer and fundraiser for Lemon Bay High School and Lemon Bay Performing Arts Academy. Currently she is a member of the Venice Estate Planning Council, is Ex-officio of the board of the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota as well as a member of the board of Girl’s Inc. of Sarasota. She also serves as on the Selby Foundation Administrative Committee. In the past Kathy has been involved with the South County Family YMCA, Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club and the Corporate Coalition for Children-Character House.
Born and raised in Sweden, Johanna Gustafsson moved to Sarasota in 1992. She has been active with Girls Inc. for four years. She is also a mentor for two teenage girls. She and her husband, Chris Pinckney, operate a Wealth Management practice for the benefit of affluent families and businesses. In June of this year they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Zora Olivia. Johanna is a triathlete and marathon runner.
Laura Harto is President of Think Bigger Consulting Group, Inc., based in Southwest Florida. TBCG focuses on people strategies and professional coaching - specializing in smaller to mid-size businesses and nonprofits to solve hiring, development and retention challenges. Prior to starting TBCG in 2002, Ms. Harto held a number of progressively responsible Human Resource Management and Organizational Development positions with Mental Health Services, Inc. The Walt Disney Company, and SunTrust Banks, Inc. She is a graduate of The University of Florida and certified through the Human Resource Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
For over 40 years Bill Johnson has been active in supporting charitable endeavors, primarily in the Clearwater, Fl area and primarily in support of education. Among other positions, Bill was chairman of the Pinellas County Education Foundation and was actively involved in the development of the Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program. He received many local and state awards in recognition of his work. Bill was also an assistant Brownie Troop leader and girl’s softball coach. Recently Bill has been involved in Habitat for Humanity, locally, nationally and internationally, The Fuller Center for Housing, Mote Marine, Save Our Seabirds and Girls Inc.
Susan Jones is a Vice President at JCI Jones Chemicals, Inc. a leading supplier of chlorine both in the US and internationally which has its headquarters in Sarasota. She is also extremely involved in many charitable organizations including Girls Incorporated, Make-A-Wish, Key to the Cure and the Florida Winefest and Auction.
Barbara Kiracofe currently is a medical office consultant and has spent her career in health care administration. She is the 2005 recipient of “She Knows Where She’s Going” and has a long history of community involvement including serving on the board of the American Cancer Society, Charis Counseling Center, Senior Friendship Center, American Business Women’s Association and Girls Incorporated.
Classmates from Jamaica, and at New College, will tell you that Rochelle Nigri was born a world-class networker and ambassador – the ultimate social engineer. Not just providing credible client exposure & service for companies like SRQ MEDIA GROUP, or modeling for fashion houses such as Escada, as well as planning her own intimate soirees, but also connecting powerful people she is in the company of. A Sarasota resident for 11 years, she was most recently nominated for the Observer Group Standing O award. She firmly believes “you can lose everything in life, what you never lose is your character” – DVF. Mrs. Nigri is married to Massimiliano Nigri, owner of authentic southern Italian restaurant Café Amici.
Vanessa Nathalie Opstal was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She grew up in North Miami Beach and has lived in Sarasota for the past 14 years. She received her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 1998 and practiced full time in Manatee County until 2006. She is married to Maurice Opstal and they have four children. Vanessa owns Simply Spoiled Boutique in downtown Sarasota and enjoys volunteering her time with several non-profit organizations in town and with the parent association at the Temple Beth Sholom Schools.
Emily Walsh Parry is the Associate Publisher/Multimedia of The Observer Group. Previously, Emily served as The Observer’s Social Editor for eight years. Emily also was a professional ballerina with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida from 1995 to 2000. Serving on numerous fundraiser committees, Emily has chaired events for organizations such as The Wellness Community, Community AIDS Network, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Sunshine from Darkness. Emily is entering her second term on the board of Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Mental Health Research Organization. Emily’s awards and achievements include winning Girls Inc.’s “She Knows Where She’s Going” award in 2005 and being named one of Sarasota Magazine’s “100 Most Powerful People” in Sarasota County in 2007.
Caryn Patterson owns her own nutritional and personal training business, which is a life long dream. She loves helping people become healthier. In her prior career experience Caryn was a consultant for Price Waterhouse and international sales and marketing representative for her family’s music company. Karen has two Bachelor Degrees from Florida State University, the first in Communications and Marketing and the second in Management Information Systems. She has been married to her husband Steve for 12 years and they have 5-year old Jonah and 3-year old Caleigh. Jonah is all boy and very sweet. Caleigh is a total princess but can be very feisty. Caryn’s hobbies include yoga, exercising, hanging out with friends and family, volunteering, attending FSU games and traveling. Karen believes that you should do the best job you can do and live in the moment.
Alisa Pettingell joined Studley in 1998 as a member of the firm's National Accounts group. Since this time, she has honed her expertise, specializing in corporate advisory services and the national real estate requirements of numerous Fortune 500 companies. In 2000, Alisa was instrumental in opening Studley’s Fort Lauderdale office, and in 2004 she was named Managing Director. Currently, she is the National Account Manager for Protection One Alarm Monitoring, Inc., as well as the Southeast Account Manager for URS Corporation. She has established herself as an expert in national account representations. For three years prior to joining Studley, Alisa provided real estate advisory services to tenants at Grubb & Ellis. She has extensive experience in all areas of consulting services, including multi-facility account management, lease restructures, and acquisitions and dispositions. In addition, Alisa led the process of optimizing and consolidating Crawford & Company's two- million-square-foot real estate portfolio after the company acquired the largest insurance firm in Canada. Alisa previously served as an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce and chairperson of the Advisory Board for the American Red Cross. She is a member of the Commercial Board of Realtors and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). Alisa is also an active member of the Junior League, New College Library Association of Florida, and a board member for Girls, Inc. She is a volunteer for the seeing-eye dog association. Additionally, she enjoys water sports, deep-sea fishing, tennis and travel. Alisa earned Bachelors of Science and Bachelors of Arts degrees from Western Carolina University, North Carolina.
Sherry Watts
Star Student- Krystal Sanchez is the current assistant editor for North Port High School’s newspaper, The Bobcat Sentinel. A junior at North Port High, she has recently graduated from the Community Youth Development (CYD) STAR Leadership class for the fall of 2009. Currently employed at Publix Supermarkets, Krystal has over 500 hours of community service from tutoring and aiding teachers at Lamarque Elementary, serving as a Mote Marine Aquarium guide and junior coaching the North Port Mustang Cheerleaders. Krystal’s interest lies in marine biology pertaining to dolphins and journalism which she plans to pursue in college.
EX-OFFICIO
John Shea, Foundation Board Chairman
Stephania Feltz, Girls Inc. Executive Director
FOUNDATION BOARD
John Shea, Board Chairman
Leslie Juron
Jaime Wallace
Dawnyelle is a Graphic Designer. Her motto is "Every day in every way, my life is getting better!" 
Nancy is an attorney in Sarasota, Fl. Her motto is "work hard, play hard, be honest and be true to yourself." 
Alicia owns her own business, Horizon Title Services. The most exciting thing in her life is her son, Colt and her life motto is "Live Well, Laugh Often, Laugh Much".