The Leadership Team is composed of committed individuals who provide strategic direction and policy guidance while serving as a catalyst for collaboration. They promote alignment across working groups by offering oversight, support, partnership, and accountability to advance collective goals and organizational success.

• Evelyn Almodóvar, Executive Director, UnidosNow
• Dr. Laurie Breslin, Superintendent, School District of Manatee County
• Jacki Dezelski, President & CEO, Manatee Chamber of Commerce
• Mary Glass, Consultant
• Deborah Perry, Director of Education & Workforce Partnerships, Manatee Chamber of Commerce
• Veronica Thames, Chief Executive Officer, Manatee Community Foundation

Vision Council

The C-Suite decision makers represent a broad spectrum of local agencies that advocate and work collaboratively for meaningful change. Members agree on a common agenda and collaborative approach to meet the collective’s set goals.

Members:

• Evelyn Almodóvar, Executive Director, UnidosNow
• Dr. Laurie Breslin, Superintendent, School District of Manatee County
• Jacki Dezelski, President & CEO, Manatee Chamber of Commerce
• Mary Glass, Consultant
• Tommy Gregory, President, State College of Florida
• Jamie Kahns, Senior Vice President, Market Executive, Bank of America
• Dr. Brett Kemker, Interim Regional Chancellor, USF Sarasota Manatee
• Josh Matlock, President and CEO, CareerSource Suncoast
• Shirar O’Connor, CEO, Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation
• Deborah Perry, Director of Education & Workforce Partnerships, Manatee Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Brittany Pyjas, Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, State College of Florida
• Veronica Thames, Chief Executive Officer, Manatee Community Foundation

Partner Network

The Partner Network is comprised of stakeholders from community organizations who come together to contribute their time, expertise, passions, and lived experiences to help develop and implement strategies. They are more narrowly focused groups charged with strategy implementation.

Bank of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast

Boys and Girls Club of Manatee

Healthy Teens Coalition

Manatee Technical College

Take Stock in Children Manatee

United Way Suncoast