Leadership Gainesville Class 52
Leadership Gainesville Class 52 brought together people from all over our community. We came away with new friends and a feeling that we weren’t done yet.
Our class project
Our class project is The Crock Off, a cook-off where local nonprofits compete for your votes and walk away with real support for their work. This year’s theme is children, youth and education. Other themes we’ve talked about for future Crock Offs include basic needs and crisis support; health, mental health and aging; community enrichment and culture; and environment, animals and conservation.
We wanted something that would bring neighbors, businesses and nonprofits together in one room, and that could keep going year after year. That’s why our class created Leadership Gainesville Community Builders as the project’s nonprofit home.
On December 13, LG52 classmates will be volunteering all afternoon and cheering on every team.
Come see what we’ve been working on
Sunday, December 13, 2026 · 11 AM to 3 PM
First Magnitude Brewing, 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Meet the class
The 52 members of Leadership Gainesville Class 52 come from businesses, nonprofits, schools and public service all across Greater Gainesville.
Alex Flinchum
Technical Support Team Lead
Constant Contact
Alex is a Technical Support Team Lead at Constant Contact, where he moved into tech after starting out in restaurants. He was born in Gainesville and grew up in nearby Melrose.
Allison Downey
Director, Corporate Communications & HR Business Partner
Advita Ortho (formerly Exactech)
Allison leads corporate communications and partners with HR at Advita Ortho, the Gainesville-based orthopedic company formerly known as Exactech. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in communications from the University of Florida.
Amanda Luua Lopez
District Manager & Territory Development
Mi Apa Latin Café
Amanda is District Manager and Territory Developer for Mi Apa Latin Café, where she has worked for nine years. A marketing and culinary professional, she has called Gainesville home since 2013.
Amanda Overton
Café & Food Program Manager
O2B Kids
Amanda is Café and Food Program Manager for O2B Kids, overseeing kitchen operations across the organization's 73-plus locations. A trained chef, she is passionate about nourishing children and communities.
Amy Feutz
Executive Director
Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida
Amy is Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida, where she has held leadership roles for 22 years. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly 30 years.
Amy Rosenberg
Director, Inpatient Pharmacy Services
UF Health Shands Hospital
Amy is Director of Inpatient Pharmacy Services at UF Health Shands Hospital, overseeing acute care pharmacy services. She first came to Gainesville in the 1990s to attend the University of Florida.
Belita James
Director of Program Operations
Children's Trust of Alachua County
Belita is Director of Program Operations at the Children's Trust of Alachua County. She began her career in 2005 as a social service counselor and has lived in Alachua County for over 30 years.
Bridgette Welch
Marketing & Event Manager
Gainesville Sports Commission
Bridgette is Marketing and Events Manager at the Gainesville Sports Commission. She holds a master's in sport management and also coaches girls' lacrosse.
Dr. Carrie Teston Geiger
Director
P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, University of Florida
Dr. Geiger is Director of UF's P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, following 20 years teaching in Alachua County Public Schools. She was selected for the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program in 2024.
Charlene Agin
Mid Market Account Executive, New Sales
Florida Blue
Charlene started her career at a local State Farm office and is now a Mid Market Account Executive for New Sales at Florida Blue. She has called the Greater Gainesville area home for 28 years.
Cindy Michel
VyStar@Work Business Development Leader
VyStar Credit Union
Cindy leads VyStar@Work business development at VyStar Credit Union, bringing financial education to the community after 20+ years in finance. She serves as a Dean for Leadership Gainesville Class 53.
Dave Perez
Security Manager
Oak Hammock
Dave leads the security department at Oak Hammock after retiring from the New York Police Department. He joined Leadership Gainesville to learn more about the Gainesville community.
Deborah Ramsey
Multifamily property management leader
Deborah is a multifamily property management leader with 31 years of experience, including regional management for The Collier Companies in Gainesville and a regional vice president role with NTS Capital and Development.
Emily White
Event & Experiential Learning Coordinator
University of Florida, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Emily is Event and Experiential Learning Coordinator for UF's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and previously led Tyler's Hope for a Dystonia Cure. A Gainesville native, she is active in the Junior League.
Eric Hamilton
Owner
Start to Finish Lawn Care
Eric found his calling in landscaping as a teenager and now owns Start to Finish Lawn Care. Raised in Gainesville, he serves as a Dean for Leadership Gainesville Class 53.
Eric Siegel
Associate Attorney
Siegel, Hughes, Ross & Collins
Eric is an Associate Attorney at Siegel, Hughes, Ross & Collins. A Gainesville native and UF Levin College of Law graduate, he has practiced law in the area for about five years.
Hannah Thompson
Director of Education & Youth Services
Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network
Hannah is Director of Education and Youth Services at Peaceful Paths, the department where she once interned as a UF student. She loves using theatre to engage and educate young people.
Dr. Heidi Keegan
CEO & Founder, Prism Leadership LLC
Prism Leadership LLC; Alachua County Reads
Heidi spent 23 years in Florida public schools as a teacher, coach and principal, and completed her doctorate at UF. She founded Prism Leadership LLC and coordinates Alachua County Reads.
Helene Stanton
Community Association Manager
W Group Property Management (a Fletcher Family Company)
Helene is a licensed Community Association Manager with W Group Property Management, part of The Fletcher Family Companies, where she started as a clerical assistant. She enjoys interior design and event planning.
Jen Lesshafft
Senior Account Executive
EverTrue
Jen is a senior account executive at EverTrue, helping mission-driven organizations reach their fundraising goals. After a decade in nonprofit fundraising, she serves on the board of the Child Advocacy Center.
Jennifer Nash
Head of People
Foresight Construction Group
Jennifer is Head of People at Foresight Construction Group, bringing a hospitality-driven approach to culture and talent. She is a Gainesville native and a proud University of Florida alum.
Jessica Dix
Project Manager
Scherer Construction
Jessica is a Project Manager at Scherer Construction and holds a Florida General Contractor's license. She is passionate about showing that women can thrive as leaders in construction and beyond.
Jessie Ernster
Economic Development Associate
Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce
Jessie is an Economic Development Associate at the Greater Gainesville Chamber. She previously worked in small business development for the City of Providence and loves the region's main streets.
Joni Perkins
Executive Director
American Red Cross, North Central Florida Chapter
Dr. Perkins is Executive Director of the American Red Cross North Central Florida Chapter and an educator dedicated to literacy and youth empowerment. An Alachua native, she also owns NRG Consulting.
Katie Kiester
Talent Manager
Scorpio
Katie is Talent Manager at Scorpio, with talent acquisition and HR experience across construction, tech and healthcare. A Florida Atlantic University graduate, she calls Gainesville the perfect blend of Florida and home.
Kim Martinez
Nurse Manager
UF Health Shands
Kim is a Nurse Manager at UF Health Shands. She moved to Gainesville 18 years ago to earn a master's in exercise physiology and stayed for the people and the outdoor life.
Lakisha Shorter
Community Partnership School Director
Children's Home Society of Florida
Lakisha is a Community Partnership School Director with Children's Home Society of Florida. She has worked in early childhood education for more than 20 years, helping families improve their quality of life.
Laura Fugate
Director of Adult Education
Santa Fe College
Laura is Director of Adult Education at Santa Fe College, where she has spent 18 years teaching and advising adult learners. She loves paddling and hiking the region's waterways and trails.
Laura Smith
Administrative Director of Emergency Services
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital
Laura is Administrative Director of Emergency Services at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, overseeing its main campus and four freestanding ERs. She is a seasoned ER nurse with 20+ years of experience.
Laurence Andrews
Coordinator, Center for Innovation & Economic Development
Santa Fe College
Laurence coordinates Santa Fe College's Center for Innovation and Economic Development (CIED), supporting local entrepreneurs. He holds an MBA in strategy and entrepreneurship from Babson College.
Leesha English
Director of Advancement
GRACE Marketplace
Leesha is Director of Advancement at GRACE Marketplace, Gainesville's homeless services center. She has worked in the nonprofit sector since her freshman year of college and moved to the Gainesville area six years ago.
Lesa Phillips
Community Relations Specialist
University of Florida, Office of the VP for Government & Community Relations
Lesa is Community Relations Specialist in UF's Office of the Vice President for Government and Community Relations. Her 36-year career in education spans K-12, district and university roles.
Lilly Withers
Administrative Coordinator
UF Innovate | Accelerate
Lilly is an Administrative Coordinator at UF Innovate | Accelerate, working across Sid Martin, The Hub and the Collaboratory. A Gainesville native, she enjoys meeting founders of growing startups.
Lynda Bowie-Locklear
WIOA Youth Coordinator
CareerSource North Central Florida
Lynda is the WIOA Youth Coordinator at CareerSource North Central Florida, helping young people prepare for work. She moved into workforce development in 2019 after 16 years in early childhood education.
Maddie McDavid
Branch Manager
Campus USA Credit Union
Maddie is branch manager of Campus USA Credit Union's downtown Innovation branch, where she started as a member service representative. She has lived in Alachua County her whole life.
Maddye Fleming
Director of Community Impact
United Way of North Central Florida
Maddye is Director of Community Impact at United Way of North Central Florida, uniting stakeholders to make a lasting difference. She holds business, higher education and nonprofit leadership credentials from UF.
Mary Benedict
Board member
The Education Foundation of Alachua County
Mary is a former cancer biologist who now volunteers full time for local children. She serves on the board of The Education Foundation of Alachua County and mentors with Take Stock in Children.
Nicole Barabas
Director of Wellness & Life Enrichment
Oak Hammock at the University of Florida
Nicole is Director of Wellness and Life Enrichment at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida. She began her career in health clubs while at Penn State and moved to Gainesville in 2025.
Nina Rowan
Business Development Manager
Florida Credit Union
Nina is a Business Development Manager at Florida Credit Union, building partnerships that strengthen local economies across North Florida. She is also an entrepreneur and community advocate.
Paloma Gutierrez
Human Resources Manager
Oelrich Construction, Inc.
Paloma is Human Resources Manager and Internship Program Director at Oelrich Construction, where she started as Office Manager. She has called Gainesville home for 14 years.
Reagan Potts
Certified Financial Planner, Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
Reagan is a Certified Financial Planner and financial advisor with Edward Jones. A Florida native and UF alum, she moved her practice to Gainesville in 2011.
Remy Albury
Member Development Manager
Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce
Remy is Member Development Manager at the Greater Gainesville Chamber, helping local businesses grow through networking and support. His background spans business development, community engagement and operations.
Ritsa Mallous
Academic Chair, ITE & Education Programs; Acting Chair of English
Santa Fe College
Ritsa is Academic Chair for Information Technology Education and Education Programs at Santa Fe College and is also serving as Acting Chair of English. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher and joined Santa Fe in 2014.
Steffanie Crockett
Photographer & Owner
PROST! Photography
Steffanie has run her own professional photography business, PROST! Photography, in Gainesville since 2013. She also serves on the board of Dream on Purpose, a local nonprofit.
Stephanie M. Kolb
Director of Development & Fundraising Events
The Education Foundation of Alachua County
Stephanie is Director of Development and Fundraising Events at The Education Foundation of Alachua County. A University of Florida education graduate, she previously directed a local childcare center and was named Florida's State Volunteer of the Year.
Susan Card
Co-Owner
Spherion Staffing & Recruiting
Susan is co-owner of Gainesville's Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, matching local businesses with top local talent. A former high school math teacher, she serves as a Dean for Leadership Gainesville Class 53.
Susie Ulloa
Regional Nurse Navigator & Research Assistant
GO2 for Lung Cancer
Susie is a Regional Nurse Navigator with GO2 for Lung Cancer and a Santa Fe College nursing graduate. She received the AONN+ Oncology Navigation Excellence Award in 2019.
Tony Lewis
Senior Account Executive
Cox Communications
Tony is a Senior Account Executive at Cox with more than 18 years in sales, leadership and business strategy. He has lived in the Greater Gainesville area for the last nine years.
Walker Owen
Project Manager
NV5
Walker is a project manager at NV5 in Alachua, having started his career as an engineering intern in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has called Gainesville home for 11 years.
Xaviera White
CEO
Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County
Xaviera is CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County, with more than two decades in social services, child welfare and early education. She also enjoys mentoring youth.
Zach Mayo-Frey
Director of Strategy & Innovation
The Miller Elder Law Firm
Zach is Director of Strategy & Innovation, The Miller Elder Law Firm. He is President of Leadership Gainesville Community Builders and serves as a Dean for Leadership Gainesville Class 53.
Zeriah Folston
Equal Opportunity & Small Business Director
City of Gainesville
Zeriah is the City of Gainesville's Equal Opportunity and Small Business Director. An Alachua County native, he brings more than 12 years of executive experience in public and private organizations.