Decades ago, AT&T embarked on a journey — one that has now become a time-honored tradition — of commemorating the profound impact and historical contributions that Black Americans have made to our communities. AT&T has always held the belief that thriving and dynamic communities make for the perfect environments to live, work, and nurture families. This initiative is a testament to that commitment.
In keeping with this enduring tradition, AT&T is delighted to introduce the 32nd edition of our Black History Month Digital Calendar. This interactive chronicle is a symbol of our respect for the distinguished Black leaders who have shaped the world we live in. These exceptional individuals serve as role models for the generations of tomorrow, inspiring them to reach for the stars. Our digital calendar serves not just as a testament to the honorees’ accomplishments, but also as an engaging tool to educate, inspire, and celebrate their legacy.
Check back throughout the month as we feature additional leaders:
Elaine Black
Ms. Black has been an advocate for community and economic development since the early 1970’s when she served as President of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Logan in Philadelphia, Pa, which advocated the creation of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) because banks were not investing in urban neighborhoods. She served on the first Federal Reserve Bank Board for CRA in Philadelphia.
She has held several positions in banking and government—including serving as the Deputy Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia and Executive Director for Tools for Change in Miami. She has served as the Secretary of the Super Bowl Host Committee and on other civic organizations in South Florida.
As President of the Liberty City Trust her responsibility is the development of the Liberty City Community focusing on improving the quality-of-life residents through housing and jobs.
She is currently Secretary of the Gwen Cherry Park Foundation, Vice President of the Belafonte TACOLCY Center, Inc., Chair of Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida. She is on the boards of I Have a Dream Foundation (IHAD), and National Association of Negro Women (NCNW)—the Miami Section.
The Miami Herald, el Nuevo Herald and their parent company, McClatchy selected Ms. Black as one of the 50 influential people in Florida, to be a part of the Influencer Project, a high-profile statewide initiative to fuel in—depth discussions about issues facing Floridians.
In 2024, Ms. Black received President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Services.
She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. She has studied at Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, and Florida International University and in 2012 she received a Certification in Community Real Estate Development from University of South Florida.
Ms. Black is committed to working with individuals and organizations to achieve their goals — working together we achieve more.
Brian Butler
Brian Butler is President and CEO of Vistra Communications (Vistra), a Tampa, FL based integrated marketing, communications and consulting agency. Founded in 2007, Vistra has offices in Tampa and Northern Virginia and provides services to government, commercial and nonprofit clients. Vistra’s growing portfolio includes healthcare, education, transportation and infrastructure, among other client industries. Vistra supports over 12 federal government agencies and several Fortune 500 clients.
Brian is a combat-decorated, retired career military officer. Prior to founding Vistra, he provided strategic communications counsel to senior leaders at U.S. Central Command and served as a policy director on the Homeland Security Council in the White House. He also served as a Spokesperson for an Army Secretary and on the Communications Team for a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon. Brian also worked in the Washington, D.C. office of FleishmanHillard. Brian is an often-sought guest speaker and panel moderator on topics including leadership, entrepreneurship, diversity, and service.
Recognized for his leadership, Brian was named a Tampa Bay Business Journal Most Admired CEO, a Florida 500 Most Influential Business Leader, a Power 100 – Tampa Bay’s most influential leaders, as well as the Tampa Bay Chamber Outstanding Leader of the Year among other awards. The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Brian as the 480th Lightning Community Hero for his work in fostering change in our community. Brian received the United Negro College Fund Corporate Champion for Education Award and the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) Corporate Leadership Award. Brian was named 2023 Living Legend on the Florida Trend Florida 500 list.
Vistra Communications was the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council 2020 Doing Well While Doing Good® Humanitarian Award winner and the 2019 Class 3 MBE Supplier of the Year, Tampa Bay Chamber 2016 Small Business of the Year, and the SBA South Florida District Veteran-Owned 2016 Small Business of the Year. Vistra was recognized as an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Company.
Brian holds master’s degrees from the National War College and Central Michigan University, a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University and numerous certificates from leading universities and programs including the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program with Babson College.
An active and avid community leader and supporter, Brian serves on local and national boards including U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Veteran-Owned Businesses Association, Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council, Tampa Bay Partnership, Visit Tampa Bay and WEDU Public Broadcast Television. Brian served as the 2023 Chairman of the Tampa Bay Chamber Board of Directors. Brian founded the CEOs in Schools initiative with Hillsborough County Public Schools and co-created the Advancing Racial Equity on Nonprofit Boards Fellowship program with the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay.
Christie Grays Chambers
Christie Grays Chambers is Vice President and Lead, Healthcare Practice and Lead, Culture & Inclusion at Blanca Commercial Real Estate, Inc., the leading independently owned commercial real estate services firm in Florida. With a highly specialized career spanning more than 25 years in commercial real estate and healthcare, Christie leads the expansion and client relations of the firm’s healthcare practice across all service lines. Under Christie’s leadership, the healthcare practice has grown from 5 buildings to 24 buildings totaling 1.7 million square feet.
Christie also leads the firm’s culture and inclusion initiatives serving as the liaison with corporate real estate directors and minority and woman-led certification organizations. She actively engages with HBCUs to bring in summer interns to introduce them to the world of commercial real estate.
Christie began her career in commercial real estate in 1996 as the first Black woman broker with Cushman & Wakefield in Florida. In 2000, she was recruited to Miami and worked at Codina Realty and Duke Realty, specializing in office and healthcare properties. She has successfully led the negotiations of significant lease transactions on behalf of both building owners and tenants.
Christie also served as the Director of Government and Community Relations for Baptist Health South Florida. There, she ensured positive relationships in business, government and civic communities were maintained, while managing the department’s multi-million-dollar budget.
Christie is a graduate of Spelman College and has her MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School having studied abroad in Manchester, England and Hong Kong. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. For the past 24 years in Miami, Christie’s involvement in the community has been extensive. Here are a select few.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:
- Healthcare Realty Broker of the Quarter – 1Q2024
- Top Healthcare Professional, Legacy Magazine
- 40 Under 40, South Florida Business Journal
- Distinguished Young Leader, Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- Miami’s Most Powerful & Influential Black Leaders, Legacy Magazine
- Board Member of the Year, Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
- City Year Miami, Board Vice Chair – 2024
- Urban Land Institute Leadership Institute – Class of 2023
- Leadership Miami – Class of 2005
- Former South Florida President, National Association of Health Services Executives
- Former President, South Florida Chapter, National Alumnae Association of South Florida
Stanley G. Gray
Upon graduating from The United States Naval Academy Mr. Gray was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He served in Training, Infantry, Artillery, Ceremonial and Reconnaissance units where he commanded four companies for over three years until an injury forced him to resign his commission. While in the service, he graduated from a host of military courses/career schools to include the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Amphibious Warfare School, Airborne School, Scuba School, and The Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance School. For his service, he was awarded several personal awards for both merit and leadership.
Upon entering Corporate America as a Human Resources Professional, he worked for several Corporate 100 Organizations. In his twelve years with Corporate America, he served over seven at the Director or V.P. level. His fields of expertise and passion were organizational development/effectiveness and labor/employee relations.
In 2001, he established his own H.R. practice that revolved around labor, organizational effectiveness, organizational development and executive search. In addition to his H.R. practice he developed a commercial real estate investment firm that provided housing for renters in the Tampa / St. Petersburg area.
While in Tampa he has served as both a member of the Board of Directors and as a member of the Executive Committee for the YMCA, The Boys and Girls Clubs, Tampa Leadership and Hillsborough Kids. In addition, he was commissioned as a member for the City of Tampa’s Code Enforcement Board and elected by his peers as the Co-Chairperson for the Board.
He has mentored a host of high school students while in Tampa. Additionally, he founded On Track, a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization established to “Sustain and Create Hope, Options, and Opportunity” for several of Tampa’s Title One School attendees. He is a founding member of Naval Academy’s Minority Association (https://www.usnama.org/), and the revived Urban League of Hillsborough County (https://ulhc.org/). In addition, he is a member of Keiser University’s Advisory Board, the Force Recon Association and is a Life Member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Shantae Gilmer
Shantae Gilmer is the Chief Operating Officer of Premier Choice Group. She elevates brands and leaders through print and digital platforms to maintain their competitiveness and relevance in today’s marketplace. Public Relations is a specialty she has optimized at PCG.
She has worked with the Department of Juvenile Justice, Verizon, Boys and Girls Club of America and the State of Florida. Her ambition, supportive nature and innovative approach makes her a great partner to PCG’s CEO and founder, Shanae Hill. For over 20 years, Gilmer has worked in the private and public sectors and has experience in marketing, public relations, strategic planning, content creation, advertising, branding, executive coaching and change management.
Gilmer’s hobbies include writing, traveling, and listening to music. She holds a bachelor’s in health science education and a master’s in Health Administration from the University of Florida and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Alec Hall
Attorney Alec Fitzgerald Hall was reared by his maternal grandmother, the late Maggie Cleggette, along with his two brothers and sister in the Riverview Terrace Housing Projects in Tampa, Florida. Alec graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida with a bachelor of Arts degree in American history (post-bellum America). Alec formerly worked for the Florida Department of Corrections as a probation officer and later worked for the Florida Parole Commission as a parole examiner prior to attending law school. Alec received his Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Shepherd Broad Law Center, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Alec received his master of Divinity degree (in ministry) from Luther Rice University and Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia.
Alec has practiced law for over 26 years beginning his career as a state assistant public defender for Seminole and Brevard Counties. He has been an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Florida for over 24 years. On June 15, 2021, Alec was officially appointed as the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Florida by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Alec specializes in vertical criminal representation, which includes trial, appellate, and habeas corpus practice.
Alec is a member of the Florida and District of Columbia Bars. He is also a member of the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida.
Alec is a 34 year and life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Alec has previously received the Omega Man of the Year Award for his chapter, Pi Iota, for the State of Florida (two times), and for the Seventh District (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi) (two times).
Fred Hearns
Fred Hearns was born in the Bronx, N.Y., and quickly found his roots in Tampa, Fla., where he attended public schools in Hillsborough County and graduated from George S. Middleton High School in 1966. Possessing a fervor for narrative craftsmanship, he attained a B.A. in English and journalism from the University of South Florida (USF). Subsequently, he pursued advanced studies, culminating in an M.S. in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College and an M.A. in Africana studies from USF.
Hearns’ professional trajectory commenced as a newspaper journalist for esteemed publications such as the Florida Sentinel Bulletin, St. Petersburg Times, Tampa Tribune, and Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. In 1975, he began a 32-year tenure with the City of Tampa Department of Community Affairs, reaching the pinnacle as the department’s director in 2007. Post-retirement, he undertook the leadership of Black history tours in Tampa’s historic communities, showing a steadfast commitment to preserving and disseminating cultural narratives.
Since October 2021, Hearns has served as the History Center’s Curator of Black History. In this capacity, he channels his efforts toward curating exhibits and developing programs, not solely at the Tampa Bay History Center but also at Chinsegut Hill Historic Site in Brooksville, Fla., and St. James @ Encore: Tampa’s future Black history museum. Beyond his professional commitments, Hearns is deeply engaged in various community organizations, presiding as the Zion Cemetery Preservation and Maintenance Society, President Emeritus of the Tampa Chapter of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Additionally, he maintains affiliations with his alma mater, serving as the G. S. Middleton High School Alumni Association historian and actively participating as a member of the Pi Iota Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. As a father of four adult children and five grandchildren, Hearns resides in St. Petersburg, Fla., and has been an avid Tampa Bay Buccaneer fan since 1976.
Shanae Hill
Shanae D. Hill is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Premier Choice Group. She has over 20 years of experience in fiscal management, executive coaching and development, change management, branding, constructing corporate philanthropy and image services. As a seasoned consultant, she knows what to do within key networks to identify solutions for clients.
She is a person of faith, who is people-centric, creative and understands the importance of diversity. Hill’s bespoke coaching methods have enabled executive leaders to focus on enhancing their individual performance and effectiveness. Hill has worked with a range of brands including Equifax, Coca-Cola, Takada Holdings, Saks Fifth Avenue, Charlotte Bobcats, Marriott International, 100 Black Men of America, Jackson Health Foundation, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
Her hobbies include traveling, enjoying fine arts and gathering with family and friends. Hill earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Florida, Leadership Certification from Harvard University via KPMG’s Leadership Institute and has been recognized as one of the city’s ‘Most Influential Women’ by Miami Magazine.
Cynthia Johnson
Dr. Cynthia Johnson is the Director of Pinellas County Economic Development and the Executive Director of Pinellas County’s Economic Development Authority. Since 2000, she has been a leader in the organization and is a trusted advisor to businesses large and small, government agencies, policymakers, and community leaders throughout Florida.
As an economic development practitioner, trainer, mentor, and educator, she has supported hundreds of individuals with the creation, retention, and expansion of their businesses. She specializes in partner relations, federal and state grants management and compliance, business and strategic planning, entrepreneurial development, finance, and small business innovation.
Dr. Johnson has more than 23 years of experience in economic development and over 26 years in leadership training and development. She is a certified Master Economic Development Practitioner and manages a $12.2 million budget and 35 employees. She is a proud graduate of Florida Memorial University, Miami, FL with a BS in Education and holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Organization from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale. She also holds a certification from Cornell University in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and advocates public policies and business practices that promote inclusion and marketplace diversity.
A recipient of numerous awards, and recognitions, Johnson was recently named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal Power 100 as one of Tampa Bay’s most influential leaders of 2022, 2023 and of 2024. She has also been honored as a Tamp Bay Business Journal’s Women of the Year, First Lady in African American History by the Woodson African American Museum of Florida in 2022, as ONYX Magazine’s 2022 Woman on the Move, as Girls, Inc., Outstanding Women in STEAM, 2024. In 2021, she was appointed as Honorary Commander to MacDill Airforce Base’s 927th Air Refueling Wing. She is also a member of the St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter of Links, Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Joe Louissaint
Joe Louissaint is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Show Technology, Inc. (STI), a family-owned North Miami Beach based Audio-Visual Rental and Staging company. With over 23 years of industry experience, Joe has positioned STI as a trusted leader in delivering innovative A/V solutions for diverse events, from high-profile corporate conferences and award ceremonies to large-scale festivals and U.S. Presidential engagements.
Joe’s leadership is rooted in excellence, with a focus on maintaining a state-of-the-art inventory and fostering a high-performance technical team trained in the latest advancements in audio, lighting and video technology. His client-first philosophy ensures that every event is flawlessly customized and executed, earning STI a reputation for unparalleled service and reliability.
Beyond these achievements, Joe has made significant strides in real estate development. His ventures span from Fort Lauderdale to Key Largo, with projects that emphasize sustainable growth and community enhancement. Currently, he is spearheading the development of a multi-residential complex in Miami’s Little Haiti, contributing to the neighborhood’s revitalization and growth.
Joe’s commitment extends beyond business to active community engagement. Through partnerships with organizations like the Urban League of Broward County, the Little Haiti Optimus, and the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism, he supports charitable initiatives that uplift local communities. His memberships with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, and other professional organizations highlight his dedication to both industry excellence and community impact.
Notable achievements under Joe’s leadership include managing thousands of successful events, establishing a significant real estate footprint along Florida’s coast, and fostering long-term client relationships through exceptional service. His core skills in event technology solutions, customer service, and team leadership exemplify his versatile expertise.
Dawn Ofodile
Dawn Ofodile is the Assistant Vice President of Regional Community Engagement at VyStar Credit Union, where she oversees the organization’s community partnerships across a nine-county Central Florida region. In this role, Dawn is charged with identifying community needs, establishing relationships with key stakeholders, and deploying VyStar’s resources to “Do Good” in the places its members call home.
Leveraging a potent combination of philanthropy, volunteerism, and board service, Dawn leads the Central Florida team’s partnerships with nearly 100 local nonprofit organizations. In 2023, Dawn oversaw more than a half-million dollars in critical funding to support a variety of causes, including military members and veterans, youth and families, arts and culture, financial stability, and overall community vitality. Her efforts have led the Central Florida team to contribute thousands of volunteer hours to area nonprofits each year.
An avid reader, Dawn spearheaded an ongoing partnership between VyStar and PBS affiliate WUCF TV to launch the Super Readers Book Drive, benefiting Head Start affiliates across WUCF’s nine-county Central Florida viewing area, to help foster a love of reading and provide much-needed resources to families. In addition to providing financial support, Central Florida VyStar branches served as book drop-off locations, with more than 4,500 books collected in the first campaign alone.
Importantly, Dawn’s leadership has been instrumental in both advancing VyStar’s mission as well as enhancing brand visibility, with the organization receiving awards for excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as Corporate Philanthropy & Engagement.
Dawn is passionate about giving back to the Central Florida community that has embraced her and proudly serves on the board of several local organizations, including the Orlando Science Center, Winter Park Institute, African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, West Orange Political Alliance, the City of Orlando Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, and the UNCF Orlando Leadership Council.
Dawn has been recognized by the Orlando Magic and Florida Blue as a “Diversity Game Changer” for her community impact and was named a “Woman On The Move” by Onyx Magazine. Dawn previously served as Fifth Third Bank’s AVP for Community & Economic Development, and before that as the Community Relations Manager at the University of Central Florida. Dawn has a BA in mass communication from Loyola University New Orleans and an MPA from Bernard M. Baruch College in New York. She currently lives in lovely Winter Park with her husband Bryan and son Brody.
Shownda Pagan
Shownda J. Pagan is a dynamic leader in organizational management, currently holding the position of CEO at Belafonte TACOLCY Center. With a wealth of experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, and church sectors, Shownda has finely tuned her skills in program development, implementation, and the advancement of strategic objectives.
Driven by a passion for facilitating the success of others, Shownda has devoted her career to dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for those facing challenges. She has effectively overseen community socio-economic programs, out-of-school initiatives, and days of service projects, securing and administering grant funding totaling an impressive $7.2 million to date.
Shownda excels in infrastructure development, strategic planning, goal clarification, and the coordination and training of program and operational teams. Her reputation is built on her ability to guide organizations through intricate challenges, providing them with effective solutions to achieve their objectives.
Throughout her professional journey, Shownda has remained dedicated to instigating positive change and empowering individuals and communities to realize their full potential. Her leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and dedication have established her as a trusted and respected figure in the field of organizational development.
Sean Prospect
Sean Prospect is the Executive Director of After-School All-Stars of South Florida and the Florida International University After-School All-Stars Program located within its College of Arts, Sciences and Education.
He has been a part of the After-School All-Stars organization since 2004 and helped create the partnership with FIU in 2014. With his passion for helping others in need, Sean has dedicated his time to serving underprivileged children in the South Florida chapter by obtaining millions in grants and creating numerous programs for children. He strives to make his community a better and safer place by providing services to school-aged children during non-school hours. The emphasis of these programs has always been to bridge the opportunity gap when it comes to comprehensive academic, enrichment, career exploration and physical fitness activities in safe and comforting environments. These school-based programs, which occur primarily at the middle and high school level, have provided externally evaluated innovative, research–based activities to advance the lives and increase the successes of our students in school and in life.
Sean holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science (2002) and a master’s Degree in Sports Management (2003), both from Florida International University. He was also a track and field athlete as well as a four-year member of the FIU Honors College. When Sean is away from work, he loves being active and enjoys spending time with his children reading, cooking, and just being a dad. He is married to his lovely wife, Dawn, and they have two daughters.
Keith Tribble
Keith R. Tribble is a prominent figure in the sports and entertainment industry, serving as the founder and Managing Partner of Tricom Management Group and the Managing Partner/COO of Brentwood Partners. These multi-dimensional consulting firms advise clients in various sports and entertainment ventures. Keith primarily focuses on revenue generation, partnerships, brand enhancement, fan engagement, creative content production, digital eSports development, coaching, and C-suite executive search solutions. With over 40 years of experience in college athletics, private business, and non-profit management, Keith brings a sharp vision for the future of sports and entertainment.
Keith has enjoyed a successful career in athletic administration and business. He served as Executive Vice President and Director of Athletics for the University of Central Florida Athletic Association, CEO for the Orange Bowl Committee, senior associate Director of Athletics for UNLV, Executive Director for the Blockbuster Bowl and Las Vegas Bowl, Director of Event Management for Raycom Management Group, and Associate Director of Athletics for the University of Florida.
Keith’s leadership prowess extends beyond the sports and entertainment industry. As the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jackson Health Foundation in Miami, he spearheaded fundraising efforts that secured over 60M dollars in charitable gifts. Over his forty-year career, he has raised a staggering $300M, a testament to his exceptional fundraising abilities.
Keith’s commitment to the community is a cornerstone of his professional life. He serves on the 100 Black Men of South Florida and the University of Florida Foundation Boards. His speaking engagements at local and national business and athletic conference’s further underline his dedication to community engagement. His selfless contributions to the community were recognized by the Orange Bowl Committee, which honored him with the Trailblazer Community Award. This prestigious accolade celebrates the most accomplished leaders civically and philanthropically.
Keith’s professional achievements have earned him widespread recognition. He was named one of Black Enterprise magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Blacks in Sports, one of the Most Influential Minorities in Sports, and one of the 20 Most Powerful People in Sports by Sports Illustrated magazine. Miami’s Legacy magazine also acknowledged his contributions to healthcare, recognizing him as one of the Most Influential African American Leaders in Healthcare.
Tribble attended the University of Florida and played offensive guard for three bowl teams. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism (public relations and marketing). He was named to the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 and the College of Journalism and Communications Hall of Fame in 2007. Keith and his wife, Terri, have a daughter, Carlyn, and a son Kyle.
Phillip Walker
Phillip Walker was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida where he graduated from Kathleen High School and later obtained his master’s degree from Rollins College. Walker started his career as a police officer, and later went on to build his own Allstate Insurance Agency in Lakeland, serving as owner and agency principal.
In 2010, Walker was elected to serve as Lakeland City Commissioner where he was recognized for his consistent, conservative leadership on the commission until November 2022. He held the line on taxes, cut regulations to encourage high-wage jobs and made sure our streets remain safe.
Today, Walker remains actively involved as a volunteer leader in several community organizations while serving in his current role as the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s Vice President of Partnerships and Research. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army, the Board of Directors for Chapters Health System and Christ Community Christian Center and the Board of Trustees for McKeel Academy of Technology.
Mr. Walker is married to Cappy D. Cooke and they have three children, Janelle, Jaela and Christian Phillip, as well as two other children, Tony and John Eric who are part of the walker family.
Freddy Williams
Mr. Williams is a Florida native and a proud Boys & Girls Club alumnus. In 2016, Mr. Williams was named the President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, and in 2023 was named the President & CEO of both the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay though a Shared Services Agreement. Under his leadership, the combined efforts in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties provide services to more than 2,500 youth daily at 35 Club locations, with an additional 30,000 local youth served through outreach programs. Additionally, Freddy serves as the Chairman of the National Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Professional Association.
Prior to becoming the CEO of the Suncoast and Tampa Bay chapters, he held leadership roles for the Boys & Girls Club organizations in Lake County, FL and Alachua County, FL. Before dedicating his career to Boys & Girls Clubs, he was a political strategist. He was also a program consultant for United Way to develop high school graduation and family engagement strategies in partnership with Harvard University’s Family Research Project.
Freddy is a graduate of Harvard University’s Performance Measurement for Effective Management Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and his master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), specializing in Finance and Accounting from Florida International University, where he was named a Robert Woodruff Fellow. He received postgraduate certificates in Nonprofit Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University and Fundraising Management from Indiana University.
Freddy’s leadership goes beyond Boys & Girls Clubs, serving as a National Nonprofit Council Member at Forbes. He is on the Board of Governors for the Pinellas Community Foundation and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
When not spending time with his college sweetheart, Melissa Williams, a Pinellas County native and Owner/Principal Attorney at Finley Williams Law Firm in St. Pete, Freddy enjoys reading storybooks with his three kids.
