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Executive Committee

• President: Patrice Abner, BS '08

  

  Patrice is a proud alumna of the º£½ÇÉçÇø (2008) and Nova Southeastern University (2012). She graduated from º£½ÇÉçÇøwith a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a focus in Public Relations. During her time at UNF, she served as a Senator with the Student Government Association, worked in the Career Center and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is currently the Director of Girl Experience for Girl Scouts of Gateway Council after dedicating a decade to serving students in higher education. In her free time she enjoys exploring Jacksonville with friends & family, traveling and serving as a Big with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida.

• VP: Dean Medley, BBA '91

  Dean Medley is Vice President of HR Operations at iMethods, a Healthcare IT Staffing and Consulting company headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. Dean is responsible for the overall day-to-day operations at iMethods, including human resources, recruiting procedures, and professional development. He has an extraordinary passion for helping the iMethods family develop their skills and knowledge of themselves and the industry. After graduating from the º£½ÇÉçÇø in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management, Dean quickly fell in love with recruiting, hiring, and the staffing industry working for several companies in Jacksonville, Orlando, and Mobile, AL. In 2004, Dean reconnected with his fraternity brother from º£½ÇÉçÇøChad Perce, and his business partner Clint Drawdy, founders of Medical Methods and iMethods. Dean joined the organization as the first employee. Dean is also President & Owner of Medley Employment Consulting, LLC, an organization that can handle all your employment needs, including resume writing, interview preparation, LinkedIn makeovers, strength assessments, and career coaching. Dean is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC). The CPRW is the global industry standard for professional resume writers. Dean has had great success with helping job seekers make career changes and find new roles that are a great fit. With over 20 years of overall business management experience in the staffing industry, Dean specializes in career services, resume writing services, cover letters, personality assessments, interviewing skills, LinkedIn profile makeovers, and more. Dean is a visionary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment where he leverages the team’s strengths. With over 20 years of overall business management experience in the staffing industry, Dean specializes in recruiting, career coaching, employee relations, onboarding, performance management, personality assessments, and much more. Dean is a Board Member of the Hire Purpose Foundation, a faith-based non-profit founded by iMethods in 2019 after 15 years of supporting communities through their Mercy Ministry program. The company is based on the core values of serving its employees, clients, consultants, and communities. Dean is also a Board Member and Vice President of the º£½ÇÉçÇø Alumni Association, Board President of The Giving Closet Project, alumnus of Lifework Leadership First Coast Class of 2017-2018, and a current member. Dean has established himself as a presence and influencer in his community. He is happiest with his wife Jennifer and spending time with her and their two daughters Caroline and Anna, who attend both the University of Florida and Florida State University.

• Secretary: Taj Johnson, BA '20

  

  Taj Johnson is a Miami, Florida native who moved to Jacksonville, Florida to pursue his education. Taj is a proud graduate of the º£½ÇÉçÇø, 2020, and Edward Waters University, 2022, Political Science and Master of Business Administration, respectively and currently attending Liberty University where he is obtaining his PHD in Education. Taj has previously worked at the º£½ÇÉçÇø, Metropolitan Aviation Authority, the Florida House of Representatives and is currently with the Jacksonville Public Education Fund where he is involved with Research and Grants. Taj is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity INC. where he serves on the foundation board. In his spare time, he bartends at local restaurants, creates custom rugs, volunteers with youth, and works on political campaigns through his consulting company Tylan King Strategies.

• Chair of Governance: Ray Holley, MPA '97

  

  THE HONORABLE WILLIAM RAY HOLLEY was appointed a Judge of Compensation Claims in Jacksonville, Florida in 2010 and has been reappointed in 2014, 2019 and 2023. He previously was employed as an attorney with the Law Office of Amy Warpinski, Staff Legal Office for Liberty Mutual, where he specialized in Florida and Georgia Workers’ Compensation. Judge Holley currently serves as President of the Florida Conference of Judges of Compensation Claims, Vice President of Scholarship Selection and state board member for the Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund, Inc., board member of the Stetson University College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, and is a board member and Chair of the Governance Committee of the º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Association. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary, Jacksonville Bar Association (Appellate Section, Professionalism Committee) and an honorary member and past president of the E. Robert Williams Inn of Court He has previously held several other leadership roles including: President of the E. Robert Williams Inn of Court; President of the Stetson University Alumni Association, Board Member of the Stetson University Board of Trustees, President of the Rotary Club of Southpoint; President of the Northeast Florida District Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund; Board Member of The Florida Bar Workers Compensation Executive Committee (Elected two terms); and Member of the Florida Bar Workers’ Compensation Rules Advisory Committee (2009-2015). Judge Holley received his law degree cum laude from Stetson College of Law in 1997, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the º£½ÇÉçÇø (Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society) in 1997 and his undergraduate degree in political science, from Stetson University in 1991.

• Chair of Strategic Planning: Robert Raesemann, Jr., BS '92

  

  Rob Raesemann is a technology consultant specializing in integrating IT and OT systems. Operational Technology, OT for short, is the computer infrastructure and control systems used to operate industrial processes. He also serves as the Chair of the Technical Steering Committee for the Linux Foundation's Project Fledge and as a member of the Technical Advisory Council for the Linux Foundation's LF Edge community of projects.

  Rob studied Electrical Engineering at UNF, graduating in 1992, and believes the University's small class sizes and student focus were instrumental to his professional success, laying a solid foundation to stay at the forefront of technological development. He is currently a founding partner of Process Data Experts and the owner of Raesemann Enterprises.

  Rob has served on the º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Association Board of Directors for over twenty years and is a past president. In 2022, the board awarded him the Johnson Medallion, giving him a lifetime ex-officio position. He is currently chair of the strategic planning committee.

  When he is not engaged in entrepreneurial pursuits or engagement with the alumni association, Rob can often be found cycling down A1A. He is an avid cyclist, having cycled across the country twice in 2005 and 2019 to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities.

• Chair of YASE: Sitou Byll-Cataria, BS '11

  

  Sitou Byll-Cataria is a Togolese entrepreneur and IT expert who graduated from the º£½ÇÉçÇø in 2011 with a degree in Information Technology and a minor in Mathematics, specializing in Computer Security. During his time at UNF, he was the President of the International Students Association and the Student Body. Today, Sitou is the CEO and Owner of Chic Booth, a global photographic experience company with offices in multiple cities. He's also a proud husband and father of two, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact in both his professional and personal life.

Full Board

• Andrew Austin, BA '13

  

  Andrew is a passionate advocate for justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the º£½ÇÉçÇø in 2013, Andrew proudly began working at Mayo Clinic in an entry-level position and quickly excelled through the organization while also earning a Master of Health Administration from Colorado State University in 2016 and academic rank as an Instructor in Health Care Administration from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Andrew has demonstrated a unique blend of confidence, strength, ambition, and humility in his professional endeavors, eventually bringing him to his current role where he is serving as a Program Manager at Mayo Clinic in Florida’s Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity and helping lead related strategic priorities and initiatives. Over the past decade, Andrew has remained committed to seeing his alma mater flourish and giving back to help create positive change in both the workplace and the community. Andrew is a firm believer in leading by example and earning the respect of his peers through hard work, dedication, and unwavering values. His success is not only a testament to his individual achievements but also to his commitment to the widely embraced principle, "If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room." When not applying energy towards those important causes, Andrew enjoys traveling, going to the movies, and playing card games with friends and family.

• Jessica Cummings, BSH '02, MBA '05

  Jessica Cummings serves as the Vice President of Community Engagement at Brooks Rehabilitation where she works with the low or no cost community programs to provide continuous rehabilitative services for all individuals with a differing ability. As a certified athletic trainer she understands the importance of rehabilitative services and is pleased to be able to work with the community programs and services that Brooks provides to the communities surrounding Jacksonville, Daytona, Orlando, Gainesville, Ocala, and Tampa. Jessica’s responsibilities also include leading the Brooks Health Foundation and conducting the Community Health Needs Assessment. Prior to joining Brooks, Jessica was the Senior Director of Development for UF Health Jacksonville and the University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville. During her tenure with UF Health she realized her love of working with vulnerable populations and non-profit organizations. She currently serves: as the immediate Past-President of the º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Association Board of Directors, Executive Cabinet Member for the Go Red For Women Campaign benefiting the American Heart Association, Tony’s Turkey Trot to Benefit UF Health TraumaOne, Co-Chair of the Night for Heroes Gala to benefit UF Health TraumaOne committee, Community Leadership Committee for the American Diabetes Association, board member of WeCare Jacksonville and is a proud member of Leadership Florida Connect 10 class and “The Most Inquisitive Class” of Leadership Jacksonville, 2018. Jessica holds dual degrees from the º£½ÇÉçÇø – a Master’s of Business Administration in International Business and a Bachelor’s of Science in Sports Medicine. She is passionate about ensuring water safety for all and continues to coach middle school swimmers at The Bolles School. As a fun fact, Jessica worked in professional sports for 10 years. She had the pleasure of working with professional golf tournaments, creating tracking technology for marathons, and masterminding the scoring system for the CrossFit Games. She loves spending time with her family and little man, Kade.

• Brittney Cunningham, BA '21

  

  Brittney graduated in the Fall of 2021 with dual degrees in a Bachelor of Marketing and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. During her time on campus, she was involved in Greek life as a sister of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and a member of the Honors in Marketing program and the Order of Omega Greek Honors Society. After graduation, Brittney began working for Stetson University as their Student Philanthropy Coordinator and since has been promoted to the Assistant Director of Young Alumni and Student Engagement. In her role, she oversees their young alumni programming and student philanthropy initiatives. From her work with Stetston's student philanthropy organization, Green, White & YOU, Brittney was a recipient of a 2023 Circle of Excellence CASE Award in the Student Philanthropy division.

• Zach Denson, BS '14

  

  Zach graduated from UNF's Brooks College of Health in 2014 with his Masters in Exercise Science and Chronic Disease. He is a proud alumni and sincerely enjoyed his time at UNF. He has a passion for service and helping others achieve their goals. He is a Strategic Account Manager at Fortinet cyber security, a global leader in cyber security. He has a wife of 12 years and two boys (8 and 3).

• Joseph D. Elkana, BBA '12

  

  Joseph “Joey” Elkana is a Coral Springs, Florida native who moved to Jacksonville to pursue his collegiate goals. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Transportation & Logistics from the º£½ÇÉçÇø, where he also minored in International Business. He also earned his Master of Business Administration. He was involved in many campus organizations such as Presidential Envoys, Coggin College Student Ambassador, Transportation & Logistics Society, AmeriCorps, and Delta Upsilon Fraternity. His dedication to service and impact throughout his collegiate career led him to be recipient of the Spring 2012 Alumni Association Senior Service Award where he logged in as much at 1,000 hours to community service.

  Since graduation, Joey has continued giving back to his community, volunteering with for many local businesses, such as Habitat for Humanity, Mission House, and supporting local businesses through various networking events, Business Network International, and the Jacksonville Women’s Council of Realtors.

  He is currently a 2-20 and 2-15 licensed insurance professional at Brightway Insurance of Ponte Vedra Beach specializing in personal and business insurance.

• Cameron Frazier, BS '12

  

  Cameron Frazier is the Founder and Executive Director of Becoming Collegiate Academy, a tuition-free public charter school in Jacksonville, FL. BCA is the first HBCU-inspired elementary school. Since 2019, Cameron has successfully led BCA’s vision: writing the charter application, raising public and private funds, and building community partnerships to establish a successful school. BCA has been featured in national and local publications, such as Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, and HBCU Buzz. Before founding BCA, Cameron was a fellow at the Freedom Fellowship Institute in Memphis, Tennessee. He has over a decade of experience in public education, including teaching, administration, and school founding. Beyond BCA, Cameron contributes to local community initiatives as a Trustee of the Jacksonville Public Library and a member of the Board of Directors for JAX Chamber's Hightower Emerging Leaders Fellowship. He is also an alumnus of the United Way Stein Fellowship program. In his spare time, Cameron enjoys reading, boxing, and exploring music.

• David Hacker, BBA '08, MBA '09

  

  David Hacker is a Jacksonville Native who earned his undergraduate degree in Building Construction in 2008, and a Master’s in Business Administration in 2009- both from UNF.  As a Sophomore in 2006 David started Construction Specialties of North Florida.  At that time, the company, staffed mostly by fraternity brothers, provided miscellaneous services to home builders & developers.  Following his father’s footsteps, he wanted to pursue a career as a home builder.  However, 2009 was not an ideal time to enter that arena.  Instead, David continued to develop the company as a service provider to builders.  Today, Construction Specialties provides Exterior Cladding & Hardscapes to over 50 builders in North Florida.  It employs over 30 team members & 50 subcontractors.  The company has earned several recognitions, including ‘Fast 50’ & ‘40 Under 40’ by Jacksonville Business Journal, Fred King Associate Member of the Year, º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Owned Service Award and Trade Partner of the Quarter.

  In the past, David has been an Adjunct Professor for the Construction Program.  Teaching classes such as: Housing & Land Development, Admin & Economics, Docs & Contracts and Internship.  In every class, it has always been his top priority to connect industry with the classroom.  

  David gives back to the community by serving on the Nefba Board of Directors, Builder’s Care Board, and the Jacksonville Housing & Community Development Commission.  He also has a named scholarship awarded to current Construction Management students.  In the past he has served as the Chair of the Jacksonville Planning Commission & Chair of the Construction Management Advisory Board.  David is an Osprey Club Member & a proud season ticket holder for the º£½ÇÉçÇøBasketball team.

  David’s greatest success is to be a husband to Corey Hacker, who is certainly out of his league, and a proud father of his son Rhett- 7, and daughter Charley- 4, going on 14.

• Reid Hartsfield, MBA '09

  

  Reid is a proud Alumni of UNF's MBA program in 2009. Reid received a bachelor of science in psychology from Excelsior college . As a Wealth Strategist with TD Bank, Reid collaborates with Relationship Managers to serve TD Wealth clients throughout Florida. Prior to working in the financial world, Reid served 10 years in the US Navy on submarines in Virginia and Hawaii.

• Brandon Jacobs, BS '08

  

  Brandon Kolby Jacobs is a multifaceted individual with a knack for balancing diverse roles and passions. With a Bachelor of Science in Communication (Advertising Concentration) from the º£½ÇÉçÇø (2008) and an MBA in Business Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix (2012), Brandon brings a blend of strategic communication and business acumen to his endeavors. For the past five years, he has been steering the success of Snooks Eatery, LLC, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Simultaneously, his two-year tenure at Jacobs Logistical Consulting has honed his expertise in the logistics realm. Beyond his corporate prowess, Brandon wears various hats as a music and entertainment professional, a community activist, and a motivational speaker for youth. He's currently on the hunt for a managerial or supervisory position, ideally within transportation and logistics, while channeling his creativity into completing his debut novel. Known for his self-drive and reliability, Brandon is a force in both business and community engagement.

• Roderica Johnson, BA '15

  

  Roderica Johnson is an accomplished nonprofit communications and fundraising professional with a proven track record of success. Since graduating from º£½ÇÉçÇøin May of 2015 with a degree in Communications, she has held key positions at organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, and the Public Defender’s Office – second judicial circuit. During her time at UNF, Roderica was a dedicated member of the Velocity Dance Team, volunteered extensively for the º£½ÇÉçÇøWomen’s Center, and participated in various student-led clubs, including the NAACP. Furthering her education, Roderica earned a Master of Social Work degree from Florida State University in 2018.

   

  Currently, Roderica serves as the Assistant Vice President of Community Development for the Central Florida YMCA. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in leading community engagement efforts in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Her responsibilities include galvanizing resources and overseeing various programmatic opportunities, making a significant impact on the local community. She is most excited about supporting first generation college students and young alumni as a member of the º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Association’s Board.
• Lisa Kemph, BAA '92, MHRM '96

  Lisa Kemph currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Brooks Rehabilitation headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. In this role, Lisa is responsible for directing and leading all of the human resources strategies and initiatives for over 2,500 Brooks employees across the system, including talent acquisition and development, compensation & benefits, employee relations and engagement, health & wellbeing, performance management and employee services. Mrs. Kemph is an accomplished HR executive with almost 30 years broad-based HR Generalist experience in industries ranging from transportation, health insurance, financial services, banking, and education. A strategic thinker who is passionate about creating people-centered workplaces, building quality programming, and ensuring employee development, Lisa earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Marketing and a Master’s in Human Resources Management, both from The º£½ÇÉçÇø. Lisa holds her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification from the HR Certification Institute and a Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP). Lisa currently serves on the HR.com Advisory Board, the Brooks College of Health Dean’s Council, and is a certified Emotional Intelligence facilitator. Lisa was recently recognized as one of the Top 100 HR Professionals in the world. In her free time, Lisa enjoys traveling, reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her husband Chris and their three children, Madisen, Mason and Mia.

• Hayden Kestle, BS '17

  Hayden Kestle was an active member of Alpha Tau Omega, OFSL/Greek Ambassador Program, and The Osprey Social Hour while obtaining his BS in Sport Management. He is currently an Operations Analyst for Petauri Health.

• Jessica Kress, BS '13

  

  Jessica L. Kress is a highly skilled and versatile professional with a diverse educational background and work experience. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Communication, Public Relations, from the º£½ÇÉçÇø, where she also minored in Photography and excelled in athletics as a member of the track team, participating in the 100m and 400m hurdles and the 4x400m relay. Jessica is furthering her education at UNF, as she is currently enrolled in classes to obtain her master’s in science in management, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Currently, Jessica serves as the Director of Marketing & Physician Relations at Borland Groover. In this role, she oversees marketing communications and public affairs initiatives for a prominent GI specialty practice with over 100 providers, demonstrating her expertise in strategic planning, brand management, social media, public relations, and digital marketing. Her efforts have led to significant increases in patient volume and the development of effective healthcare initiatives for the Borland Groover Foundation. Jessica has also been an International Flight Attendant with United Airlines. Her aviation skills are further highlighted by her achievement of a Private Pilot License with VFR and IFR ratings. Her experience in event planning and marketing management is evident in her previous roles. She worked closely with clients to organize weddings and events, developing her skill set in client relations, marketing, and project management. With her love for travel, commitment to excellence, and knack for embracing new challenges, Jessica's story is one of continuous growth and exploration, both personally and professionally. Additionally, Jessica is actively involved in her community, serving on the º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Association Board and the Horizons Board for Dreams Come True since 2023. Her proficiency in Microsoft and Windows software, Microsoft applications, WordPress, and Adobe Creative Suite, including Lightroom, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, adds to her diverse skill set.

• Paola Lorenzo, BS '18

  

  Paola Lorenzo is a public relations professional with demonstrated experience in media relations across industries including sports, technology, international communications, etc. A proud alum from the º£½ÇÉçÇø, Paola graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication and a track in PR. Currently, Paola serves as the Manager of Public Relations at Newfold Digital, a leading web and ecommerce technology company. In this role, she oversees all public relations and global media efforts for their portfolio of leading web services brands, communicating through storytelling and thought leadership. Paola is also a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars Public Relations Game Day Staff. Since 2019, she has served as an essential part of game day media operations— whether on the field, press box, or post-game press conferences. Her diverse experience in agency PR, sports PR, large-scale event planning and brand management shines through her previous roles at Dalton Agency and the City of Jacksonville Department of Sports and Entertainment. Since day one on campus, Paola has showcased her commitment to her alma mater throughout her involvement at UNF. During her time as a student, Paola served as a Swoop Squad tour guide and orientation leader, Student Government University & Student Affairs chairwoman, promotions coordinator for Osprey Productions and founding member of Alpha Phi, serving as its first ever Vice President of Programming. As an alum, Paola has remained an active member of the º£½ÇÉçÇøcommunity as a frequent speaker in classrooms, an internship supervisor, the Alumni Liaison for the School of Communication Advisory Board and now serving on the º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Association Board. Paola is passionate about her work, her commitment to the communities we serve and the people we impact. Her goal is to help her alma mater grow and leave a positive impact upon its students and alumni for many years to come. Swoop!

• Bryce McColskey, BS '17

  

  Bryce served on the Swoop Squad, Orientation Staff, Senate, Alpha Tau Omega, OFSL/Greek Ambassador and is an Associate Attorney at Marks Gray, P.A.

• Anthony Mortimer, EdD '18

  Dr. Anthony Mortimer is a retired U.S. Naval Officer and former School Administrator; in his current role at MOSH, Dr. Mortimer combines his Operations Management and Educational Leadership experiences to guide the management and presentation of the MOSH collections, interpretive education and school-connected programs, community and organizational partnerships and engagement, and education programs. 

  Dr. Mortimer is a member of the American Alliance of Museums and has served as a member of the
  Board of Directors for several local and national nonprofit organizations, including TSI Cares Foundation (current), the Florida Council of Administrators of Special Education (former), and GlobalJax (former), and also currently serves on the º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Disability Services Advisory Council. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching (Reading Instruction) from Jacksonville University and a Doctorate in Education (Educational Leadership) from the º£½ÇÉçÇø.

• Alejandro Navarro, BS '22, MS '24

  

  Alejandro graduated from the º£½ÇÉçÇø with his Bachelor of Science in Health degree in 2022 and with his Master of Science in Health degree in 2024. He grew up in the Jacksonville area and started his professional career at iMethods, a local healthcare IT staffing and consulting firm. Today, he holds the title of Senior Healthcare IT Recruiter and has now been with the firm for 2 years. Alejandro strives to build strong relationships with his consultants and to find them meaningful work at the multitude of healthcare systems iMethods is partnered with. Outside of work, soccer is his main hobby, playing weekly in a local adult league. Alejandro and his wife, Emily, a fellow º£½ÇÉçÇøgraduate, are recently married high school sweethearts.

• Joseph Nelson, BA '02

  

  Joe is a seasoned professional in the world of graphic design and web development, backed by a º£½ÇÉçÇøBachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with a focus on Applied Graphic Design from the University of Florida. Currently working for Stitches and Screens, Joe has over 18 years of experience in the decorated apparel/promotional products work space and has helped many Jacksonville-based companies build their outfacing marketing brand identities. Joe's skill set is expansive, revolving around Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, specializing in 4-color process design, pre-press work, and spot color design and separations. His expertise extends to promotions, events, footprinting/displays design for end-user events, and creating branded apparel and swag. He's also adept at crafting brand guidelines and communications marketing strategies With a strong foundation in graphic design, Joe's ability to merge artistic creativity with technical expertise makes him a valuable asset in any design-oriented field. His extensive experience in the promotional products industry, coupled with his proficiency in a variety of design tools and marketing strategies, positions him as a reliable and versatile professional capable of delivering impactful visual solutions.

• Austin Nicklas, BS '20

  

  Austin Nicklas grew up in Fernandina Beach with the desire to one day serve his community. He began his professional career working as a legislative aide for State Senator Aaron Bean in June of 2016. After over three years in the Senate, Austin moved to the Florida House of Representatives to serve in his most recent position as legislative aide for State Representative Jason Fischer. After serving the citizens of Northeast Florida for almost six years in the Florida Legislature, Austin was hired as the Director of Government Affairs for the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) in March of 2022. NEFBA is now the largest builders association in Florida and the fourth largest in the entire country. Austin attended the º£½ÇÉçÇø (UNF) where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He also served on UNF’s Spinnaker Media Student Advisory Board and currently serves on the º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Association Board of Directors. Austin and his wife, Sierra, are recently married and have lived in Jacksonville for almost five years.

• Jasmine Roberts, BA '20

  

  Jasmine is a proud Fall 2020 graduate of the º£½ÇÉçÇø with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She is a multifaceted Osprey who was and is still known for being immersed in various clubs and organizations such as the Black Student Union, the Black Alumni Association (Director of Community Engagement), the Alumni Association, Community Alliance for Student Success (CASS), Child Psychology Club, Diversity in Business, and the Transfer Student Union. Jasmine is committed to setting an example of focus, inspiration and professionalism that is aspires to leave a mark on everyone she encounters. In her current role as an Academic Career Advisor at Florida State College at Jacksonville, her greatest strength is her devotion for helping others to become the best versions of themselves, whether it be academically, professionally, or personally. As a firm advocate for Mental Health, she is a believer in that counseling is an essential guide to helping individuals understand their pathologies as it relates to their relationships, spirituality, actions and much more. Through her efforts, it is with great hope that she can use her knowledge of mental health to aid those that are lost and need a glimmering sense of hope. She has a passion for serving others through the forms of diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating a harmonious and inclusive environment in any given space.

• David Sherman, BBA '17

  

  David is a dedicated Financial Advisor, affiliated with the esteemed Current/Sherman group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Hailing from Jacksonville, his commitment to his hometown led him to pursue his Bachelor's Degree at the º£½ÇÉçÇø, where he graduated with a degree in accounting. With six years of experience at Merrill Lynch, David has established himself as a trusted advisor in the financial sector. Holding Series 7 and 66 FINRA registrations, he's well-equipped to guide clients through their financial endeavors, offering valuable insights and strategic advice. Beyond his professional endeavors, David enjoys spending his spare time in the company of his beloved dog, Goose, often found at the park. His passion for classic cars is evident through his restoration work on a 1967 Mustang, showcasing his dedication to detail-oriented and rewarding hobbies. David's commitment to his community, paired with his expertise in financial advisory services, positions him as a reliable and approachable advisor for those seeking comprehensive financial guidance. His local roots, coupled with his professional acumen, make him a valuable asset to clients seeking thoughtful financial planning and wealth management strategies.

• Chase Smith, BBA '13, MBA '20

  

   Chase Smith is an attorney and real estate investor / broker. He currently works as an Assistant Vice President at Deutsche Bank in Anti-Financial Crimes to protect the financial system from abuse. Chase invests in single & multi-family housing in Jacksonville predominantly focusing on rehabilitating dilapidated housing and helps clients find homes providing legal and real estate expertise. His legal and financial acumen is complemented by a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous learning, which recently earned him recognition in the Jacksonville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 for 2024.

  Chase graduated from º£½ÇÉçÇøwith a Bachelor's in 2013 and an MBA in 2020. During his MBA, he was a part of Osprey Financial Group - a student-run investment group that manages a portion of UNF's endowment. He believes in UNF's unique ability to provide functional real-world experience to students so that they excel after leaving the classroom.

• Lorin Thies, BS '03, BS '06

  

  Lorin Thies is a native of Neptune Beach, FL. She graduated from the º£½ÇÉçÇø with a BS in Communications (Journalism track '03) and a Master’s in Public Administration ('06). Lorin has worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly 20 years, including time at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Tree Hill Nature Center, the Florida Theatre, MOSH, UNF, and currently 904WARD. She was recognized by the Jacksonville Business Journal as a “40 Under 40” in 2021. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Community First Cares Foundation and the Searching for Identity Foundation.

• Kara Tucker, BS '06, MS '07

  

  Kara Wade Tucker was born two months prematurely and weighed 3 lbs. Complications during delivery resulted in a diagnosis of cerebral palsy which affected her balance and ability to walk. Her disability did not hold her back from accomplishing her goals.  In fact, her challenges gave her resiliency and a passion for everything she does, especially advocating for people with disabilities.

   

  Ms. Tucker has served as Chief of Disabled Services for the City of Jacksonville since 2019. She currently serves as the City Liaison to the Mayor’s Disability Council (MDC) & the Mayor’s Hispanic American Advisory Board (MHAAB).  

   

  Ms. Tucker graduated with honors from º£½ÇÉçÇø. She earned a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling (2007) and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (2006). She completed postgraduate work at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama where she received a Graduate Certificate of Rehabilitation Leadership and Management (2013).

   

  At age 24, Ms. Tucker was the youngest-elected female official in the State of Florida.  She served two 4-year terms on the City Council in Neptune Beach, which included 2 years as Vice Mayor. During this time, she was awarded the 2009 º£½ÇÉçÇøYoung Alumni Achievement Award.

   

  Ms. Tucker was appointed by two State of Florida Governors to serve on the Florida Rehabilitation Council, where she served as Chair.  She was appointed by the Commissioner of Education to serve on the State Advisory Committee for the Education of Exceptional Students. Ms. Tucker is committed to advocating.

   

  Community Involvement includes Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2020 & Jacksonville Women’s Network Class of 2024 and Jacksonville Jaycees. She currently serves on several disability and diversity boards.  Ms. Tucker loves to cheer on the Ospreys and is a Season Ticket Holder for Basketball. Go Ospreys! SWOOP!

Ex-Officio Board Members

• Fiscal Year 2025
  Teresa Nichols, Vice President for University Development & Alumni Engagement

  Ashley Washington, BS '13, M Ed. '18, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement

  Alex Linton, Black Alumni Association Chair

  Debbie Johnson, BBA '85, MBA '89, Johnson Medallion Recipient

  Jay Johnson, MBA '90, Johnson Medallion Recipient

  Robert Raesemann, Jr., BS '92

  Mike Tanner, BBA '91, MACC '94, Johnson Medallion Recipient