Roll Call

October 2024

L.E. Baskow, B.S. Journalism 1994, is the staff photographer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and freelance photographer with Left Eye Images. He was recently named Nevada Outstanding Visual Journalist of the Year from the Nevada Press Foundation and also received the Photo of the Year honor.

Tony Gregory, B.S. Telecommunication 2009, is a remote operations producer for ESPN broadcasts. He oversees the planning and technical execution for one of ESPN’s college football crews and one of ESPN’s United Football League crews. In 2015, he helped develop and launch the REMI workflows that have quickly become an industry standard across all networks. He resides in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

Edward Leonard, B.S. Telecommunication 1996, is a sales associate with the Las Vegas Raiders – The Raider Image in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Merissa Lynn, B.S. Telecommunication 2009, is the director of executive & strategic communications for the University of South Florida Athletics in Tampa, Florida. Previously, she worked in television news and sports, and provided strategic counsel and communications for leaders with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department and the BayCare Health System.

Lucy March, M.A.M.C. 2017, is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. She recently received a Ph.D. in Media and Communication from Temple University and now works in the Center on Digital Culture and Society in the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School of Communication. She resides in Philadelphia.

Jesse Sokolov, B.S. Telecommunication 2017, is a producer/editor for Nickleodeon/Paramount in New York. In his role, he has played a part in the creative development, production and editing of video content across various digital and on-air platforms.

Matt Sterling, B.S. Advertising 1991, is the author of “Mighty: Finding the Strength to Survive.” The book is a memoir of survival against insurmountable odds and a look at the obstacles inherent in living life with a permanent disability.

September 2024

Andrea Carrier, B.S. Telecommunication 1999, is a case manager for the Aspire Health Partners Community Action Team, a program that helps children and their families who are in a mental health crisis. She resides in Casselberry, Florida.

Matt Pendleton, B.S. Telecommunication 2006, is the owner of Matt Pendleton Photography. He specializes in commercial photography, UF event coverage, professional and college-level sporting events for USA TODAY Sports and is a contract photographer for World Wrestling Entertainment covering their NXT brand in Orlando. He resides in Gainesville.

August 2024

Laurence Alexander, M.A.M.C. 1983 and UFCJC faculty member and administrator for 22 years, is the new chancellor of the University of Michigan-Flint and has joined the University of Michigan leadership team as of July 2024. For the last 11 years, he was the chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a historically Black land-grant research university.

Casana Fink, B.S. Telecommunication 2019, was crowned Miss Florida 2024. Previously, she held the titles of Miss Tampa 2024, Miss Florida Citrus 2023 and Miss Gainesville 2022. She is the chief operating officer of More Transplants More Life and the founder of the global clothing brand The Unverified. She is based in Orlando, Florida.

John Janokaitis, B.S. Telecommunication 1979, is the chief of media relations at Aerodyne Industries in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Aerodyne is an engineering services firm whose clients include NASA, the Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense. He resides in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Karla Jennings, M.A.M.C. 1996, is a senior lecturer at the Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus in Savannah, Georgia. She teaches public speaking and communications in the Department of Communication Arts and recently received the College of the Arts and Humanities’ Distinguished Service Award.

Ainslie Lee, B.S. Journalism 2020, is the Auburn University beat reporter for AL.com. She is based in Auburn, Alabama.

Marissa Olson, M.A.M.C. 2020, is the marketing manager for the Florida Theatrical Association where she coordinates paid marketing efforts in the Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Markets in the Broadway Across America Network. In addition, she recently graduated from the Broadway League’s Rising Star Fellowship Program. She resides in Gainesville, Florida.

Debbie Owens, Ph.D. 1994, was named a Murray State University emeritus professor in Journalism and Mass Communication. She retired after serving 22 years at the University and resides in Murray, Kentucky.

Amanda Root, B.S. Public Relations 2013, is the chief communications officer of Americas for TK Elevator, a global leader in mobility projects and services. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mark Skipper, B.S. Telecommunication 1994, was appointed as an Orange County Judge in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida and was assigned to the county criminal division. He resides in Maitland, Florida.

Tonyaa Weathersbee, B.S. Journalism 1981, M.A.M.C. 2016 and Hall of Fame 2020, is the Hardin Chair of Excellence in the University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. She is the department’s sixth chair of excellence and the only woman chosen for the position.

June 2024

Kyle Boulia, B.S. Public Relations 2015, is the deputy press secretary to Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and director of Communications for Archewell Foundation. He is based in Los Angeles.

Lauren Garcimonde-Fisher, B.S. Advertising 2001, is vice president, brand for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. She is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Amanda Root, B.S. Public Relations 2013, is the chief communications officer for TK Elevator, a global leader in mobility products and services, leading all internal and external communications as well as marketing. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

May 2024

Kevin Abrams, M.A.M.C in Web Design and Online Communications 2015, is the owner and operator of three businesses: Digital Renegades, specializing in website management and development, a web-to-workflow consulting firm and a field-sales company generating leads for the insurance industry. Abrams is based in Groveland, Florida.

Kelly Layman, B.S. Journalism 1993, is the owner of In Layman’s Terms, Inc. She is in her second decade of freelance work with entities pursuing funding in state and federal arenas. She also is a legislative and external relations consultant for the Town of Jupiter Island. She is based in Hobe Sound, Florida.

Angie Orth, B.S. Public Relations 2004, is the publisher of the Angie Away Media travel website. She is the author of the new travel memoir, “Flirting with Disaster, True Travel Tales of Fear, Failure and Faith,” and travel series, “The Jet Sisters.” Orth also is the host of the “Traveling with AAA” and “But Did You Die?” podcasts.

Alexandra “Lexi” Thompson, B.S. Telecommunication 2020 and M.A.M.C. in Global Strategic Communication 2023, is a senior account executive for Edelman in New York City. Thompson is part of the integrated brand team and works with the Lululemon and Shell Oil Company accounts. Previously, she worked on the Delta Air Lines, Beyond Meat, Samsung, Arby’s, Crockpot and GlaxoSmithKline accounts. She is one of six Edelman staff who were chosen to participate in the inaugural U.S. New Business mentorship program.

April 2024

David Lawrence Jr., B.S. Journalism 1963 and Hall of Fame 1982, is the founder and board chair of The Children’s Movement of Florida. He will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 29th Annual Claude Pepper Awards Luncheon in Miami on May 9. The awards honor individuals and organizations exemplifying the spirit and ideals of the prestigious awards’ namesake, The Honorable Claude Pepper. The event is a benefit for United HomeCare, a non-profit that helps families care for aging relatives and South Florida’s older and disabled adults.

March 2024

Neal Boling, B.S. Telecommunication 2001, is president of Cowles Broadcasting in Spokane, Washington. The family-owned broadcast company owns four NBC, four ABC and four FOX television stations and a local sports network. He is also on the board of directors for The College Success Foundation.

Michelle Boudin, B.S. Telecommunication 1996, is an Emmy Award-winning senior reporter for WCNC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is also the owner of Embolden Creative which produces creative content for nonprofit organizations and conducts media training.

Alexa Elliott, B.S. Telecommunication 2002, has received a Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle Emmy Award for 25 years of service in public media broadcast production. She is the creator and series producer of “Changing Seas” at South Florida PBS in Miami. Since 2009, the series has taken viewers on an exciting adventure to the heart of the liquid planet.

February 2024

Jenna Leigh Burger, B.S. Telecommunication 2015, is the owner and operator of two Tijuana Flats restaurant franchises in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. After 17 years as an entrepreneur, she is also now working as a high school teacher.

Will Gray, B.S. Advertising 2006, is the Betting + Fantasy editorial lead overseeing the PGA Tour’s Golfbet. Gray leads a team of content creators focused on building an audience for legalized golf/sports betting. He is based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Jeff Hardison, B.S. Journalism 1984, received first and second place in the 2022-23 Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Contest in the Online, Independent News Site, Class A-C category for Hardisonink.com. The daily website features news, human interest stories, photos and videos.

John Lawson III, M.A.M.C. 1992, is a writer and military analyst in Arlington, Virginia. His first novel, “Kurtz,” will publish on March 1. The book features the story of Annie Kurtz, a Marine whose split-second decision leaves her wrestling with whether she should have followed her orders or her conscience.

Jennifer Magrath-Singer, B.S. Advertising 1988 and M.A.M.C 1992, is an instruction resource teacher for the School District of Palm Beach County and an adjunct professor at Palm Beach State College. She is based in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

Matthew Moore, B.S. Journalism 1993, is the managing editor and copywriter for Academic Initiatives at the University of Oregon School of Law. In addition, he recently edited a book titled “I Lived To Tell The World” by journalist Elizabeth Mehren that will be released in the spring of 2024. Moore is based in Eugene, Oregon.

Amar Shah, B.S. Journalism 2003, is the author of a debut novel, “Play the Game #1: The Hoop Con,” the first book in a trilogy. It will be released through Scholastic Press in March. Shah is an Emmy Award-winning producer and former digital content executive for the NFL, ESPN and Fox Sports.

January 2024

Gregory Hare, B.S. Advertising 1999, is the chief communications officer for Arch Capital Group Ltd. The company is part of the S&P 500 and provides insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis.

Tom Veenstra, B.S. Journalism 1977, is the vice president of administration at CareerSource Palm Beach County. He resides in West Palm Beach, Florida.

December 2023

Kristin Carter, B.S. Journalism 1993, is the assistant county attorney at the Broward County State Attorney’s Office in Fort Lauderdale. She also serves on the UF Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Kelly Lammers, B.S. Advertising 2007, is vice president of Cyber Program Management at NBCUniversal. Previously, she worked for Universal Parks & Resorts as senior director of Digital & Technology Program Management. She resides in Orlando.

Mina Radman, B.S. Journalism, 2014, is a senior manager, Corporate Communications at Hilton in McLean, Virginia. She manages strategies to protect, measure and enhance Hilton’s global reputation.

Michael Wozney, B.S. Journalism 2005, is the field marketing manager for the Molson Coors Beverage Company. In this role, he manages the relationships the beverage company has established with all of the professional sports teams in Florida. Previously he worked as senior partnership manager for the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team and as a senior account executive for the National Basketball Association. He resides in Clearwater, Florida.

November 2023

Alisson Clark, B.S. Journalism 1998, M.A.M.C., 2016, will receive a National Association of Science Writers Excellence in Institutional Writing Award in the Short-Form category for “The Geneticist’s Goal: Cure the Disease That Runs in His Family.” The story was published in UF’s Explore magazine. Clark was one of two winners in the competition. She received the award at the annual convention on Oct. 7 in Boulder, Colorado.

Sean Bellafiore, B.S. Telecommunications 2015, is the morning meteorologist at KWTX News 10 in Waco, Texas. He recently received his National Weather Association Television/Radio Seal of Approval.

Billy Berrios, B.S. Public Relations 1998, is a senior account manager for Brandstar Digital in Pompano Beach, Florida. In his role, he manages a variety of digital services for the multimedia agency’s national clients.

Miles Doran, B.S. Telecommunication 2010, is a coordinating producer for CBS News in Atlanta. Previously, he served as a producer for “CBS This Morning” and was an associate producer for “60 Minutes.” He resides in Atlanta.

Gregory Hare, B.S. Advertising 1999, is the chief communications officer for Arch Capital Group, Ltd. In Greensboro, North Carolina. Arch, which is part of the S&P 500 Index, provides insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis through its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Mike Konstan, B.S. Telecommunications 1988, is the owner and senior editor for MAK Digital Media Inc. in Orlando. The company is a post-production services provider for broadcast television, streaming services, corporate brand marketing and live events.

Kelly Layman, B.S. Journalism 1993, is the director of external and governmental relations for the Town of Jupiter Island, Florida. Previously, she served as a state agency chief of staff in Gov. Charlie Crist’s administration and at the Florida Supreme Court as its legislative and communications liaison for the State Courts System.

Sarah Malpeli, B.S. Journalism 2001, is the account director for Technica Communications in Palo Alto, California. Recently, she received the Golden Bridge Awards Woman of the Year in Business and the Professions for her expertise in securing global media attention for climate tech startups, including those in sustainable aviation and the automotive industry. She resides in Waynesville, North Carolina.

Greg Mondshein, B.S. Journalism 2004, is co-founder and managing partner of SourceCode Communications. The company has expanded its operations to include the United Kingdom. SourceCode works with technology, consumer and lifestyle brands on communications strategy and creative campaigns based on data and insights.

Karen Patelski-Rose, B.S. Telecommunication 1982, works in the Palm Beach County School District assisting teachers and staff with middle- and high-school classes. She resides in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Edgar Sanchez, B.S. Public Relations 1988, is the president and country managing partner of Ernst & Young Colombia in Bogata, Colombia.

Kathleen Vacca, B.S. Journalism 1980, has retired as interim chief of the New College of Florida Campus Police department. Her career included 30 years in law enforcement and prior to her interim chief status she was a captain in the department. She resides in Bradenton, Florida.

October 2023

Edgar Sanchez, B.S. Public Relations 1988, is the president and country managing partner of Ernst & Young Colombia in Bogata, Colombia.

September 2023

Michelle Abrego, B.S. Journalism 2008, in the senior editor for Insider. She is part of the finance team that covers Wall Street and is based in New York.

Hilary Batsel, B.S. Advertising 2004, is senior director for Global Media at Microsoft. She is based in San Diego, California.

Steve Bergsman, B.S. Journalism 1973, has published four books in 2023 including “The Wanderers – Killer Teens, Rebel Teens, Gang Teens and the Evolution of the Last Great Greaser Feature,” “Earth Angels – The Short Lives and Controversial Deaths of Three R & B Pioneers,” “What a Difference a Day Makes: Women Who Conquered 1950s Music,” and “All I Want Is Loving You: Popular Female Singers of the 1950s.” (You can read a CJC profile of Bergsman here.)

Sherry Goldberg, M.A.M.C. 2001, B.S. Public Relations 2000, is president, North America of GCI Health, a global health-focused communications agency. She is based in New York City.

Josh Kapke, B.S. Journalism 2021, is a production assistant at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. At CJC, he majored in Sports Media and Sports Management.

Melissa Guerra Singletary, B.S. Advertising 2016, is the manager of End-to-End Connections and Media for The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia.

Chris Vivian, B.S. Telecommunication 1986, is the associate vice president of Communication for the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Based in Gainesville, Florida, she leads a team of more than 40 professionals in media relations, graphic design, social media, video production and web support.

August 2023

Gail Gedan Spencer, B.S. Journalism 1988, is the Alerts/Home Page editor for CBS Sports. She is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Mark Swanson, B.S. Telecommunication 1997, joined CNN in May and is one of 30 directors. Previously, he served as senior technical director for coverage of various Atlanta shows and networks and for national special-event coverage.

Carlina Williams, B.S. Telecommunication 2013, is the CEO and owner of Cooking with Carlina, which teaches Millennials how to make quick and easy meals. She is also the executive producer of CWC Productions focused on creating programming for children and families. She is based in Jacksonville, Florida.

June 2023

Brad Good, B.S. Advertising 1995, is an owner/partner for Good Marketing Group, a full-service advertising agency focused on home contractors and trades in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Jason Granados, B.S. Telecommunication 2007, is the director of the sports talk show “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” produced at the Meadowlark Media studios in Miami.

Jason Medina, B.S. Public Relations 1997, is the public information officer for the Florida Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Tampa, Florida, Field Division.

Patrick Ryder, B.S. Advertising 1992, is a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General serving as the Pentagon press secretary in the U.S. Department of Defense in Arlington, Virginia.

May 2023

Allison Barkett, B.S. Advertising 2012, is an attorney in the Dean Mead law firm’s Business Litigation Department representing clients in matters related to disputes, including real estate and contract actions. She is based in Orlando, Florida.

Jan Westmark Bauer, B.S. Advertising 1984, is the editor-in-chief of Sidelines Magazine, a national equestrian lifestyle magazine. She is based in Crossville, Tennessee.

Kimberly Bissell, B.S. Journalism 2007, has been named dean of the Louisiana State University Manship School of Mass Communication in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Previously, Bissell served as an administrator and faculty member in the University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Science.

Annie Dollarhide, B.S. Advertising 1997, is as a copy editor at CNN in Atlanta. This is her 25^th year at the cable news network.

Scott Eldridge, B.S. Telecommunication 1988, is associate professor and Communication Department chair at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

Willie Jackson, Jr., B.S. Telecommunication 1993, is the new head football coach for P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida. Jackson has 25 years of football experience including playing at P.K. Yonge, UF and nine seasons in the NFL.

Marnie Kain, B.S. Advertising 1989 and Hall of Fame 2018, is the new Growth Chief for WPP, a multinational advertising and public relations company and the largest employer in the advertising industry.. Kain is also a partner at advertising agency Grey Group, a WPP-owned company. She is based in New York City.

Jordan March, B.S. Telecommunication 2012, is the executive producer of streaming at WPTV NBC South Florida’s 9 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Ananya Roy, Ph.D. 2015, is a senior consultant for the Indian Institute of Mass Communication’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi, India. Roy executes research projects in development communication, gender, health and government communication, and conducts training programs and workshops on social behavioral change communication for government officials.

April 2023

Patty Abril, B.S. Telecommunication 1992, is the director of Media Relations and Strategic Communications for Baptist Health South Florida. She is based in Miami.

Kenet Adamson, B.S. Journalism 1980, will retire as dean of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Arts and Sciences Division in July 2023. During his 26-years tenure, he has taught composition, literature, critical thinking, human values and meaning, and student success classes. Adamson resides in Woodfin, North Carolina.

Steve Bergsman, B.S. Journalism 1973, author, journalist and travel writer, published his latest book, “Earth Angels: The Short Lives and Controversial Deaths of Three R&B Pioneers” on March 27. CJC profiled Bergsman in 2022.

Amy Green, B.S. Journalism 1998, is the Florida correspondent for Inside Climate News. Previously she covered the environment and climate for public radio station WMFE in Orlando.

Fitz Koehler, B.S. Political Science/Communications, is an author, speaker, race announcer and fitness professional for her business Fitzness International. She recently released the second and third books in her “Cancer Comeback” series: “Your Healthy Cancer Comeback: Sick to Strong,” “My Noisy Cancer Comeback: Running at the Mouth, While Running for My Life.” CJC profiled Koehler in April 2021.

Abby Murphy, B.S, Telecommunication 2019, has joined the hosting team of The Bert Show, a syndicated weekday morning radio show and podcast featuring a humorous look at a variety of topics. Murphy hosts the Entertainment Buzz featuring the latest Hollywood stories. Previously she served as an on-air personality for Cox Media Group in Jacksonville, Florida.

Rob Rogers, B.S. Public Relations 1998, is a partner in The Rock Law, P.A. in Orlando specializing in first-party property insurance defense at trial and appellate levels. He resides in Winter Garden, Florida.

Sara Waldman, B.S. Advertising 2003, is the director of Corporate & Community Communications for the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball team. She is based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

March 2023

Stephanie Davis, B.S. Telecommunication 2004, has been the senior supervising producer for the “Rachael Ray Show” since 2007. She has received five Emmy Award nominations and one Emmy for her work on the show. She has also worked on Rachael Ray’s non-profit initiatives including overseeing humanitarian coverage on the ground in Ukraine, a partnership with World Central Kitchen, COVID-19 restaurant relief, and animal rescues during natural disasters. Davis is based in New York City.

Lisa Kohlbrenner, B.S. Journalism 1998, is the public information officer for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. She is based in Westminster, Colorado.

Meg Rosenoff, B.S. Advertising 2018, is a senior copywriter for &Barr in Orlando. In the past two years, she has won five global creative awards including a 2022 Graphis Advertising Annual Gold and ADDY Awards from AAF Orlando and 4^th District AAF.

Sara Sidner, B.S. Telecommunication 1995 and Hall of Fame 2011, was part of a CNN team that received one of the 2023 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards for CNN Worldwide’s coverage of the Russian invasion into Ukraine and the refugee surge to Poland. The prestigious competition presented 16 awards recognizing the best work in the realm of audio and video journalism.

Arlene Timoney, B.S. Broadcasting 1975, recently retired from her position as a post-production director/editor at WAGA-TV in Atlanta. She now resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is the author of two children’s books: “Adventures in Time” and “Adventures in Time 2 – The Treasure.” Both books are sci-fi travel adventures for children ages 10 to 14.

February 2023

Eman Elshahawy, B.S. Journalism 2019, is a digital producer and banking and finance reporter for South Florida Business Journal in Miami. She recently received first place in the Writing Business News Class C category from the Florida Press Club 2022 Excellence in Journalism Competition.

Kristen Bartlett Grace, B.S. Journalism 2003, is the resident photographer for the Florida Museum of Natural History on the UF campus in Gainesville. She served as the sole photographer for a new book, “All Things Beautiful,” published by University Press of Florida, honoring the Museum’s 100^th Anniversary.

Michael Lenninger, B.S. Public Relations 1979, is the publisher and Chief Financial Officer for NEIGHBORS of Greater Brighton, a Michigan monthly magazine, and a publication for Best Version Media in Milwaukee.

Brad Love, B.S. Journalism 1998, was recently selected for membership in the University of Texas (UT) System Academy of Distinguished Teachers, the only system-wide university teaching academy in the U.S. Love is the UT at Austin College of Liberal Arts associate director for the Center for Health Communication and is an associate professor in the School of Advertising and Public Relations.

Caitie Switalski Muñoz, B.S. Journalism 2017, has been appointed director of daily news and original live programming at public radio station WLRN in Miami. While at UF, Muñoz served as local “Morning Edition” anchor, producer and digital content producer at public radio station WUFT from 2014-17.

Peggy Jo Shaw, M.A.M.C. 1982, is the owner of Wren Cottage Writing & Editing in Decatur, Georgia. She has written and edited almost 50 books in a variety of genres

January 2023

Chad Darwin, B.S. Public Relations 2000, is the Vice President, Financial Services at Edelman Smithfield in Dallas, Texas. In this position, he specializes in verticals including asset management, private equity, hedge funds, banking, cryptocurrency, and more.

Mariah Rabideau, B.S. Telecommunication 2018, is Vice President, Internal Communications & Engagement at BNY Mellon in New York City. Her duties include strategic communications and employee engagement for the global product and technology teams.

Julie Stricker, B.S. Journalism 1989, is a writer, editor and public information officer for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Services. Stricker joined this organization after a 33-year career in community journalism.

Kim Svarney, B.S. Advertising 2003, is the managing director of Quirk Creative a creative strategy and video production agency in Brooklyn, New York. Quirk Creative hosted an intern from the 2021 CJCxNYC summer session.

Correction: Jeff Worthington, B.S. Telecommunication 2000, M.A.M.C. 2002, is the Manager for National Strategic Partnerships and Affiliate Relations Director for the Florida News Network.

December 2022

Kate Feldman, B.S. Journalism 2013, is the assistant Major Leage Baseball editor for CBS Sports. She serves as an editor and leads year-round coverage of the sport. She is based in Brick, New Jersey.

Kimberly Grovermann Hunt, B.S. Advertising 1984, is an administrative assistant for Tidewater Equipment Company in Tampa, Florida.

Norman Kelton, B.S. Broadcasting 1978, has retired after a 42-year career in information technology for Pinellas County Schools. During his tenure, he served as project manager and assistant superintendent of Management Information Systems. He is based in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Jeff Worthington, B.S. Telecommunication 2000, M.A.M.C. 2002, is the Manager for National Strategic Partnerships and Affiliate Relations Director for the Florida News Network.

November 2022

Kim Capps, B.S. Advertising 1989, is an account director for Think Integrated in Orlando, Florida. She directs and manages client and agency relationships and collaborates with internal teams for marketing and advertising solutions.

Christine Cox, B.S. Public Relations 1997, M.A.M.C. 1999, has relaunched her wellness business Happiest Healthiest YOU. She is a certified health coach and yoga instructor.

Greg Mondshein, B.S. Journalism 2004, is co-founder and managing partner for SourceCode Communications in New York City, which was recently named to the Crain’s New York Business 2022 Fast 50. The latest installment highlighted the companies that have not only weathered the pandemic storm, but also enjoyed explosive growth during a tough economic climate.

Veena Shrestha, B.S. Public Relations 2008, is the liaison for national programs (dinners, galas and golf fundraisers) for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Hemal Trivedi, M.A.M.C. 2005, is a producer/director/editor at Manjusha Films in New York City. She is the recipient of a 2021 Peabody Award in the Documentary category for her work as editor for “Philly D.A.” The eight-part series was broadcast on PBS stations in April 2021.

Tonyaa Weathersbee, B.S. Journalism 1981, M.A.M.C. 2016 and Hall of Fame 2020, is the bureau chief for the non-profit news organization Chalkbeat Tennessee in Memphis, Tennessee. Chalkbeat focuses on education equity and has eight bureaus throughout the U.S.

October 2022

Arla Bernstein, Ph.D. 1998, is a Communication assistant professor and program coordinator for the B.A. in Communication program for Mercer University College of Professional Advancement in Atlanta.

Keaton Campo, B.S. Public Relations 2019, is a media relations associate consultant for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in Arlington, Virginia. Previously he worked in media relations for the Clyde Group, a public relations agency in Washington, D.C.

Kathryn Deen, B.S. Journalism 2011, is the managing editor of TAMPA Magazines, a group of monthly lifestyle publications with a circulation of 65,000.

D. Joel Whalen, B.S. Telecommunication 1972, is an associate professor and curriculum director for the DePaul Center for Sales Leadership at DePaul University in Chicago. He is also the president of the Association for Business Communication.

Daniel Wine, B.S. Journalism 1992, is a producer for CNN Digital in Atlanta, Georgia. He is part of the programming team that manages platforms including desktop, mobile web and the news ap

September 2022

Carolina Garcia Aldridge, B.S. Telecommunication 2012, is the Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist for Baptist Health South Florida based in Miami.

Amanda Sams Bradshaw, Ph.D. 2021, has received an honorable mention in the 2022 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Nafziger-White-Salwen Dissertation Award competition for “Our Ultimate Hope or Something Sinister: Social Media Advertisements, Digital Discourse with Physicians, and Maternal Source Credibility Perceptions of Pro-Vaccine Messages During a Global Pandemic.”

Tom Doerr, B.S. Journalism 1976 and M.A.M.C. 1978, is the director of Local News and Content for the Fort Myers Broadcasting Company’s WINK News and Noticias WINK. He is responsible for the oversight of television, digital and magazine publications.

Gigi Gorgone, B.S. Telecommunication 2019, is a content production specialist for Adobe working on Creative Cloud and apps based in Denver, Colorado. She is also a designer for a merchandise and event company called Elev808.

Jeff Houck, B.S. Journalism 1989, is the Vice President of Marketing for the 1905 Family of Restaurants in Tampa. His new book, “The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers,” was published by the University Press of Florida.

Carol Tate, B.S. Journalism 1992, is an elementary and adult ESL substitute teacher for the Wake County School System in Apex, North Carolina.

Tatiana Thompkins, UF alumna, is a newscast producer at Sinclair Broadcast Group’s WCIV-TV ABC News 4 in Charleston, South Carolina.

August 2022

Dana Cassidy, B.S. Journalism 2022, has joined The Washington Post as a software engineer on the News Engineering Elections team.

Vanessa Gordon, B.S. Telecommunication 2009, is a project coordinator for Florida State College at Jacksonville, Florida, is producing an encore presentation of the play “Airing Grandma’s Laundry and Other ‘Hush-Hush’ Family Secrets” on Sept. 3 at the Ritz Theatre.

Kevin Hull, Ph.D. 2015, is the author of the new textbook Sports Broadcasting with HKPropel Access to be published in 2023. The book offers a comprehensive look at the field and serves as a resource for entry-level sports broadcasters.

Jessica Mahone, Ph.D. 2013, is the research director for the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media for the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Hussman School of Journalism and Media. She leads applied research projects focused on understanding local news ecosystems in the U.S.

Allyson Park, B.S. Public Relations 1996, has been named Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Yum! Brands. Yum! Brands is based in Louisville, Kentucky, and operates a system of over 53,000 restaurants in 155 counties and territories, including KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.

Sean Upland, B.S. Public Relations 1995, is the communications and development director of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

July 2022

Kimberly Ambayec Caparas, M.A.M.C. 2011, is a communication specialist focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion at Stanford University in California.

Alonzo Felder, B.S. Public Relations 1980, is the president of My Roots Foundation based in Durham, North Carolina. He is the author of his family story “Discovering A.S.J. Allen: A Story of Skinfolk, Kinfolk and Village Folk.”

Todd Lewis, B.S. Telecommunication 1997, is the chief marketing strategist for Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors in Gainesville, Florida.

Hoyt Maulden, B.S. Journalism 1972, has retired from ManTech and Parsons. He was a technical writer focusing on cyber security. He resides in Fairfax, Virginia.

Lauren Miller, B.S. Public Relations 2007, is the new chief executive officer Moxley Carmichael, a public relations firm located in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Andy Selepak, Ph.D. 2011, was the guest speaker on “Social Media Trends” at the Florida Public Relations Association Volusia/Flagler chapter May 2022 luncheon.

Jacob Silver, M.A.M.C. 2020, is a senior data and implementation officer at Oversight Board in New York City. The purpose of the board is to promote free expression by making principled, independent decisions regarding content on Facebook and Instagram and by issuing recommendations on the relevant Facebook company content policy.

Sara Waldman, B.S. Advertising 2003, is the head of Communications for Larry H. Miller Dealerships, part of Asbury Automotive, the fourth largest dealership group in the U.S. She is based in Denver, Colorado.

Caroline Webb, B.S. Advertising 2022, is the ew Digital Marketing Coordinator for iLS Network in Gainesville, Florida. The company helps match students with their perfect apartment.

Leslie Zlotnick, B.S. Advertising 2000, has been named the marketing division manager for Yamaha WaterCraft. In her new role, she will oversee all advertising, digital marketing, public relations and event campaigns. She resides in Kennesaw, Georgia.

May 2022

Michael Barile, B.S. Telecommunication 1988, has received the National Academy of Television Arts and Science Suncoast Chapter 2021Regional Emmy Award for Special Event Coverage – Edited for “Driving Amelia.” Barile, a managing partner at elvacomm in Jacksonville, Florida, served as one of two writers on the project.

Fonda Berosini, B.S. Public Relations 1993, has been promoted to Vice President of Communications at Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution in Los Angeles, California.

Boyzell Hosey, Journalism Advisory Council, has joined the the staff of ProPublica as a Senior Editor for Visual Storytelling. Hosey has been a member of the CJC Journalism Advisory Council since 2014.

Laura McKeeman Rutledge, Telecommunication alumna, is a ESPN anchor and reporter, will receive the 2022 Zeta Tau Alpha Outstanding Alumna Award for her excellence in sports broadcasting. While at CJC, Rutledge received the 2011 Red Barber Award for Excellence in Broadcasting.

Nicole Weitman, B.S. Advertising 2008, has been named the new head of social media for Taco Bell. Her new role, created earlier this year, will oversee Taco Bell’s social presence, including community management and content strategy.

April 2022

Kelly Frank, M.A.M.C. 2017, was named president and general manager of CBS News Stations’ Local Businesses in Philadelphia including KYW-TV (CBS 3), WPSG-TV (The CW Philly), the CBS News Philly streaming channel and CBSPhilly.com. She is the first woman to hold this position at the station.

Mary F. Heagley, B.S. Public Relations 1986, has been appointed as the Vice President for Advancement and Executive Vice President of the Thomas Edison State University (TESU) Foundation in Trenton, New Jersey. Previously, Heagley served as Senior Director of Principal and Planned Gving for the Institute for Advance Study in Princeton, New Jersey.

Rachel Porter, B.S. Public Relations 2019, is a senior media analyst and buyer for VaynerMedia in New York City. She works with JP Morgan Chase, Gillette, NYX, American Eagle and Olay. She is also an NFL cheerleader for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jill Sujie Wu, B.S. Public Relations 2013, is the Director of Public Relations for Stanford University School of Engineering in Stanford, California. Wu previously handled media relations for Emery University in Atlanta.

March 2022

Mike Dello Stritto, B.S. Telecommunication 2001, has been named vice president and news director at CBS News and Stations’ local businesses in Los Angeles, including KCBS (CBS2), KCAL (independent), the CBS News Los Angeles streaming channel and CBSLA.com.

Kathryn Duncan Stasio, B.S. Journalism 1988, is an English professor at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida. She is the author of the recently published book Jane Austen and the Buddha: Teachers of Enlightenment. The book explores how Austen and the Buddha shared an understanding of human nature and suffering.

Aliette Fournie, B.S. Advertising 2013 is the marketing services coordinator for Miami-Dade County Communications and Customer Experience in Miami. In her role, she works on countrywide strategic branding, media buying, and account management including Miami International Airport and Port Miami.

Katie Mellinger, B.S. Journalism 2018, is an attorney-advisor for the Federal Communications Commission International Bureau in Washington, D.C. She covers the Middle East and North Africa regions, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and cross-border relations with Canada and Mexico.

Rebecca Patterson, B.S. Journalism 1990, was elected chair of the Council for Economic Education (CEE). She is a current CEE board member and chief investment strategist at Bridgewater Associates headquartered in Westport, Connecticut.

Scott Walker, B.S. Journalism 1992, is a project manager for Reuters Plus custom content studio for Thomson Reuters in Atlanta. In this role, he guides and delivers multiplatform storytelling and media solutions with worldwide partners.

February 2022

Jessica Mahone, Ph.D. 2013, is the new research director at the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media at the University of North Carolina Hussman School of Journalism and Media in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Michael Maurino, B.S. Telecommunication 2006, is the executive director of Westshore Alliance in Tampa. The membership-based organization of business and community leaders works together on issues including transportation, urban development, public safety and education.

Wes Rodriguez, B.S. Telecommunication 2012, is a writer, director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles. His new film, ASCENSION, is a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi short that he wrote, directed and served as director of photography. The film has been nominated for an audience award from the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award 2022 competition in partnership with Ghetto Film School and Endeavor Content. A link to voting for the best emerging filmmaker is open until the Feb. 14.

Leanna Scachetti, B.S. Telecommunication 2015, was named to the “40 Under 40: Class of 22” list in The Roanoker magazine. Scachetti is a digital anchor/multimedia journalist and podcast host at WDBJ7 in Roanoke, Virginia. She is the first digital news anchor at the station.

B.J. Terhune, B.S. Journalism 1993, is the new Assistant Manager Editor at the Los Angeles Times. She will manage the “Fast Break Desk,” a combination of the newspaper’s Metro and Entertainment breaking news teams.

Sara Waldman, B.S. Advertising 2003, is the head of Communications for Larry H. Miller Dealerships in Denver, Colorado.

January 2022

Julie Immanuel Brown, B.S. Public Relations 1997, has been appointed to the Florida Gaming Control Commissio n for a four-year term by Governor Ron DeSantis. Brown, who resides in Tampa, is the secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Michelle Douglas, B.S. Advertising 2010, is the author of Don’t Wear Shoes You Can’t Walk In: A Field Guide for Your Twenties, to be published in April 2022. Douglas is the founder and brand strategist at Ladder in Annapolis, Maryland.

Roberta Fiorito, B.S. Journalism 2015, is the co-author of Royal Trivia: Your Guide to the Modern British Royal Family published in Dec. 2021. Fiorito is the senior editor of Branded Content for Gallery Media Group and the co-host of the podcast “Royally Obsessed.”

Zoe Haugen, B.S. Telecommunication 2017, is the new director of Marketing for MOGL, a sport tech start-up platform that allows college athletes and businesses to connect for name, image and likeness deals and automates university compliance contracts for immediate disclosure when a deal is initiated.

Sara Sidner, B.S. Telecommunication 1995 and 2011 Hall of Fame, has been promoted to senior national correspondent at CNN. She has been a national and international correspondent at CNN since 2008.

December 2021

Erik Hofmeyer, M.A.M.C 2006, is the director of Communications for Spirit Airlines. He is based in Miramar, Florida

Joe Zubizarreta, B.S. Advertising 1982, has been named the interim CEO of Miami United Way. He is also the owner of Zubi Advertising in Miami.

November 2021

Bre Auberry, B.S. Advertising 2015, is now the vice president and Sports & Entertainment Marketing manager at JP Morgan Chase & Co. She is based in Los Angeles.

Carrie Harnish Ferenac, B.S. Telecommunication 1993, is the co-founder and president of Convention News Television (CNTV). Her video production company, based in Orlando, Florida, creates content for business events including conventions, trade shows and conferences around the U.S.

Russell Lewis, B.S. Telecommunication 1993, has been named supervising editor for Planning/Breaking News at National Public Radio (NPR). For the past 15 years, Russell has served as the NPR Southern Bureau Chief.

Serena Marshall, B.S. Telecommunication 2007, M.A.M.C. 2010, is the senior political correspondent for NowThis News. Based in Washington, D.C., Marshall covers the White House, the upcoming 2022 midterm elections and Capitol Hill news.

Greg Mondshein, B.S. Journalism 2004, is the co-founder and managing partner at SourceCode Communications. His company recently acquired Strike 2 to expand its digital practice and bring advertising, creative and campaign development in-house. The company is based in New York City.

Ron Thompson, B.S. Journalism 1989, has retired. He served as the Tampa Bay Times senior photo editor for 20 years and then worked with the Citrus County School District for the last 10 years.

Susan Towler, B.S. Public Relations 1985, is the executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation and the incoming chair of the Florida Chamber Foundation. For the third consecutive year she was named a Florida Trend magazine “Florida 500” influencer.

Jenny Weigle, B.S. Public Relations 2003, is the chief community officer and strategic consultant for Jenny Community, LLC. In her role she helps enterprise brands launch their online brand community.

October 2021

Jay Greene, B.S. Journalism 1981, recently retired after 40 years as a full-time healthcare beat reporter and is now a part-time special health care reporter for Crain’s Detroit Business and Modern Healthcare. He resides in Sarasota, Florida.

Laini Kotchers, B.S. Public Relations 2001, is the author of the young adult survival thriller SKI WEEKEND: A Novel to be published under her pen name “Rektok Ross” on Oct. 26.

C. Allen Kynes, Jr., B.S. Advertising 1966, is an attorney with Freeborn & Freeborn, P.A. in Dunedin, Florida.

Nancy McCarthy, APR, B.S. Advertising 2000, is the director of Marketing and Communications for the United Way of Martin County in Stuart, Florida. She was honored with the distinguished Doris Fleischman Award from the Florida Public Relations Association.

Darcy Schild, B.S. Journalism 2019, is a brand journalist for Honeywell in Charlotte, North Carolina. She writes editorial content and drives the content strategy for Honeywell’s corporate newsroom and brand. She also works on social media storytelling and producing Honeywell’s “The Future Is…” podcast.

September 2021

Tabitha Basuselo, B.S. Public Relations 2018, is the North and South America internal communications lead for Elekta based in Washington, D.C. Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders.

Lainey Johnson, B.S. Public Relations, 2008, was named a Crain’s Chicago Notable Executive in Marketing. As the head of paid media, Americas marketing for Ernst and Young (EY), she led an EY campaign that received a Gold at the 2021 ANA B2 Awards competition. “Business Interrupted: Insights on the New Now” provided information to the business community in the height of the pandemic. Johnson managed the relationship with CNBC and coordinated across the EY organization to implement the campaign.

Eliot Kleinberg, B.S. Journalism 1977, B.S. Telecommunication 1978, has retired from the Palm Beach Post after a 33-½ year tenure. He is now writing novels, doing lectures and publishing a blog on bad writing and how to fix it called “Something Went Horribly Wrong.”

Ramon Looby, M.A.M.C. 2008, is the CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association (MBA). He is the fifth president and CEO since the Association’s founding in 1896. Prior to joining the MBA, he served as senior vice president and public policy lead at Bank of America Corporation.

Lisa Miranda, B.S. Journalism 1998, is the assignment editor for KMGH-TV, the ABC-affiliate in Denver, Colorado.

Mary Kate “MK” Rosack, B.S. Advertising 2005, is the senior director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

July 2021

Nicki Karimpour, M.A.M.C. 2013, Ph.D. 2016, is the Associate Director of Communications at the University of Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute in Los Angeles. She also teaches undergraduates and graduate students part-time in the Department of Public Health at California State University Los Angeles.

Patricia Klier, B.S. Advertising 2002, is a project manager for OCALI in Columbus, Ohio. The organization inspires change and promotes access to opportunities for people with disabilities.

Christina Morales, B.S. Journalism 2020, was recently promoted to the position of Food and Cooking reporter for The New York Times. Previously, she served as a fellow on the national trending and breaking desk for the newspaper.

Diana Moskovitz, B.S. Journalism 2003, is the is the investigations editor and co-owner of Defector Media in Manhattan, New York. The company is a subscription-based sports blog and media company founded in 2020.

Robert Robbins, B.S. Telecommunication 1999, J.D. 2002, is a partner at Robbins Geller Rudman & Down LLP in Boca Raton, Florida. He focuses on investigating securities fraud, initiating securities class actions and helping institutional and individual shareholders litigate their claims to recover investment losses caused by fraud.

Rick Schneider, B.S. Telecommunication 1994, Hall of Fame 2013, is the new president and CEO of Maine Public. Maine Public is an independently owned and operated nonprofit organization broadcasting content from PBS, NPR and other independent producers from studios in Bangor, Lewiston and Portland, Maine.

June 2021

Susan Bennett, B.S. Journalism 1970, M.A.M.C. 1971, is the president of Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.. The business is celebrating 30 years in Fort Myers, Florida. Recently she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), Southwest Florida Chapter.

Michael Cohen, B.S. Telecommunications 1992, M.A.M.C. 1994, Ph.D. 1996, is the CEO of Cohen Research Group, a political, public affairs and corporate research firm in Washington, D.C. Cohen recently published his first book, Modern Political Campaigns, How Professionalism, Technology, and Speed Have Revolutionized Elections. Cohen, a member of the 1995 UF Student Hall of Fame, also published the “Congress in Your Pocket” suite of mobile apps and teaches graduate courses on political campaigns, research methods and digital strategy at Johns Hopkins University.

Christian Cooper, B.S. Public Relations 2016, is the director of Marketing for ReKTGlobal in Charlotte, North Carolina. ReKTGlobal serves as a media entertainment agency helping endemic and non-endemic brands engage with the esports industry and Gen Z through content, digital media, influencers and two championship-winning esports teams, Rogue and the London Royal Ravens.

Gina Filipelli, B.S. Advertising 2012, is a photo stylist and art director for The Home Depot corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia. She directs lifestyle photography for multi-channel platforms including animations, CGI and augmented reality.

Louis Garcia, B.S. Advertising 1994, is the Program Innovation & Effectiveness director for Big Brother Big Sisters of America in Tampa, Florida. After 10 years serving as CEO/COO for Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in Seattle, Tallahassee, and Albuquerque, he is now in the national headquarters.

Ira Griffith, B.S. Journalism 1974, recently retired from a 46-year tenure in newspaper advertising to become a substitute kindergarten and first grade teacher in Johns Creek, Georgia.

S. Lisa Hayes, B.S. Journalism 1979, is the founder and CEO of Creative Financial Planning, Inc. in South Nyack, New York.

Sara Roszak, B.S. Journalism 2009, is the new senior vice president for Health and Wellness Strategy and Policy for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) in Arlington, Virginia. She was also elected president of the NACDS Foundation.

May 2021

Rokeshia Renné Ashley, B.S. Public Relations 2013, is the author of a new children’s book, SunFlower Child. The book celebrates Black girlhood and changes the narrative of colorism and color caste systems.

Christi Bowen, B.S. Telecommunication 1992, is a full-time voice actor for Audible Creations LLC in Franklin, Tennessee. She is the Director of Corporate and eLearning for ACM Talent and the associate producer of VO Atlanta, the largest voiceover conference in the world. She has won two Voice Arts Awards for Outstanding Political Announcement.

Heather Slavkin Corzo, B.S. Journalism 2001, is the new policy director at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In this position, she will lead a team of policy experts who will advise SEC Chair Gary Gensler on rulemakings.

Josh Lane, B.S. Telecommunication 2014, is the video production senior manager for the Miami Dolphins. He manages video content execution and is part of the videographer/editor production team for both the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium.

Jasmine Rangel Leonas, B.S. Journalism 2005, is a public information specialist for the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, a public research university focused on science and engineering.

Bryan Mingle, B.S. Journalism 1981, is a continuous quality improvement specialist for Lutheran Services Florida. The organization supports recovery best practices in 23 counties to improve mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Monica Switzer, B.S. Telecommunication 2006, is the director for the 6 p.m. weekday newscast an the daily “Windy City LIVE” segment on WLS-TV, ABC 7 Eyewitness News in Chicago.

April 2021

Riya Data, B.S. Telecommunication 2019, is an associate producer for Comedy Central in New York City. Data primarily focuses on comedy, with a passion for bringing comedic story lines to unexpected topics.

Debra Krawczykiewicz, B.S. Public Relations 1996, an administrative specialist for University of Florida Information Technology in Gainesville, was recently selected to participate in an inaugural program from the Harvard Business Continuing Education Program.

Darcy Schild, B.S. Journalism 2019, is the associate lifestyle editor for insider.com. She oversees, edits and writes stories across Insider’s style, beauty, home, royals and entertainment verticals. She recently appeared live on British TV network Sky News to analyze Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.

John Walkinshaw, B.S. Telecommunication 1971, is a senior environmental coordinator for Grenman-Pedersen, Inc. in Tampa. He is the former Director of Public Communications at the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

March 2021

Erica Bahrenburg, B.S. Telecommunication 2016, is a production associate at Mashable.com in New York City. She handles all talent booking for videos on the website.

Lauren Bobek, B.S. Public Relations 2016, is a publicist for CNN in New York City. She is the publicist for hundreds of CNN’s editorial reporters, staff and executives that make up CNN Digital Editorial, including CNN.com, CNN Politics and Breaking News.

Jamie Cortera, B.S. Journalism 2009, is the co-founder of Compass Legal Marketing in Miami. The marketing consulting company advises lawyers and law firms on the best strategies to generate business.

Roberta Fiorito, B.S. Journalism 2015, is a branded content editor for Gallery Media Group in New York City. She is also co-host of the Royally Obsessed podcast.

Mike Horn, B.S. Journalism 1975, is the Mayor of Lewisville, North Carolina. Previously he served as founder/partner at Vela Strategic Marketing and Public Relations, one of the Piedmont Triangle’s 10 largest advertising agencies.

Rex Humbard, B.S. Telecommunication 1987, is the Executive Vice President of Operations for UP Entertainment LLC in Atlanta, Georgia.

Michelle Calcote King, B.S. Public Relations 1998, M.A.M.C. 2000, is the Principal and President of Reputation Ink, a public relations and marketing agency focused on law firms in Jacksonville, Florida. She was recently elected to the Legal Marketing Association Southeast Regional Governing Board.

Jake Logan, B.S. Public Relations 2000, is the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of Texas at El Paso. In his role, he oversees development, alumni engagement and advancement operations.

Rachel Cheyenne Porter, B.S. Public Relations 2010, is a Media Analyst and Buyer at VaynerMedia in New York City. In her position she works on campaigns for Chase Bank.

Jim Roberts, B.S. Advertising 1993, is the founder of Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington in Wilmington, North Carolina. The organization is now ranked in the top 100 Emerging Ecosystems in the World by Startup Genome.

Domingo Santana, B.S. Telecommunication 2013, is the TV and Digital Research Manager for CNN/Warner Media in Miami. His position is part of the broader CNN Research/Analytics supporting CNN en Espanol for both TV (U.S) and Digital (globally).

William Schreiber, B.S. Journalism 1986, is the founder/owner of Schreiber Media LLC in Seattle, Washington. His debut novel, a Southern-set family saga entitled Someone to Watch Over, won the Rising Star Award from the national Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

Susan Thomas, B.S. Journalism 1978, is the principal at Sue Thomas Copywriting in Phoenix, Arizona.

February 2021

Alyssa Gay, B.S. Telecommunication 2017, is the Founder and Chief Content Strategist for Alyssa Gay Consulting in Bradenton, Florida. She also was recently named to the 2020 Business Observer’s “40 Under 40” class.

Joshua Gertzog, M.A.M.J. 1983, is the owner of Grand Strand Answers, a marketing and advertising agency in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Marsha Kiner, B.S. Journalism 1992, is the Interim Executive Director and CEO of Association of Florida Colleges based in Tallahassee, Florida. She was named the 2020 Executive of the Year by the Florida Society of Association Executives.

Christina Morton, B.S. Public Relations 2007, is the new Director of Communications for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association based in Maitland, Florida.

Thomas Nolen, B.S. Advertising 1995, is the co-founder and CMO of The Roundtrip Group, an advertising and sales consulting firm, based in New York City.

Shea Perez, B.S. Public Relations 2014, has been promoted to Senior Brand Manager of Tampa-based DeMert Brands, parent company of haircare brand, Not Your Mother’s. Her role is to generate and execute strategic communications and strategies.

Jason Pratt, B.S. Telecommunication 1999, a middle school social studies teacher for Hillsborough County Public Schools, is the author of the picture book Three Squeezes published in August 2020.

Cresonia Wong, B.S. Journalism 2017, has joined Teak Media + Communication as a senior account executive. The public relations agency, located in South Boston, Massachusetts, serves nonprofits and sustainable and socially responsible companies.

January 2021

Victoria Asgard, B.S. Public Relations 2020, is the Client Relationship Manager for Grow Pro Agency in Tampa. The agency specializes in online and social media marketing for the martial arts industry.

James Chapin, B.S. Journalism 2016, is the author of a new novel Ride South Until the Sawgrass published by Lanternfish Press in October 2020. The literary work is set during the tumultuous years of the Florida Territory’s Second Seminole War and early statehood.

Cara Chiaramonte, B.S. Journalism 2014, is the Community Director for Her Campus Media (HCM) in Tampa. She oversees HCM’s campus and influencer communities from high school to post-grad, which are comprised of 40K+ Gen Z and Millennial content creators.

Kayla Hauge, B.S. Journalism 2008, M.A.M.C. 2018, is the Marketing Manager for the environmental non-profit organization Miami Waterkeeper. The organization is dedicated to ensuring swimmable, drinkable and fishable water in South Florida.

Rae Kauder, B.S. Telecommunication 1994, was featured in a Leadership is Female podcast. She is the Founder of rae-works, llc. in Charlotte, North Carolina. Previously she was Vice President for Octogan and was a key member in managing the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Carly Mackler, B.S. Advertising 2019, is an Account Manager for advertising agency Mckinney in Durham, North Carolina. She is responsible for the Choice Hotels, Pampers Pure and Samsung Times Square accounts.

Ali Soule, B.S. Public Relations 2008, is the Chief of Staff for the high-speed passenger rail system Brightline Trains based in Miami. Recently she received the 2020 ATHENA Young Professional Award by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and the 2019 PR Star of the Year from the Gold Coast Public Relations Council.

Robin Taylor, B.S. Telecommunication 1990, is Editor/Product Manager for SCW Fitness Education in Palm Harbor, Florida. In her position, she writes and edits three fitness publications and handles purchasing and sales of fitness apparel and equipment.

December 2020

Kate Wilkinson Bartlett, B.S. Public Relations 2007, is a Public Diplomacy Officer for the US. Department of State in Washington, D.C. She is a diplomat working in Foreign Service and specializes in public diplomacy which manages U.S. embassy communication, public relations, social media and foreign audience engagement oversees.

Suzanne Cala, B.S. Advertising 2002, is the Director of Major Platforms for CNN in Atlanta. She is responsible for evaluating and optimizing CNN presence on off-platforms including social, video and news aggregators.

Jennifer Matto, B.S. Telecommunication 2001, is a Media Production Specialist in the Charleston, South Carolina County Government Public Information Office. She assists with providing social media assets and press releases to local media.

Josh Taylor, B.S. Journalism2002, is the Communications Manager/Public Information Officer for the City of North Port, Florida. Recently he was named President of the Florida Municipal Communicators Association through the Florida League of Cities.

November 2020

Scottie Andrew, B.S. Journalism 2019, is an Associate Writer at CNN in Atlanta focusing on digital culture and trends.

Michael Barile, B.S. Telecommunication 1988, is the recipient of an NATS Suncoast Chapter Emmy Award in the Best Event Coverage Program category for his role as a writer and producer of “Winning Amelia.” The television special covered the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Barile is a Managing Partner at elvacomm in Jacksonville, Florida.

Olivia Blitchington, B.S. Advertising 2018, is the Market Director for the ILS Network in Windermere, Florida. The company is one of the top apartment listing services in the state. In 2019, she received the North Central Florida Apartment Association’s Supplier of the Year Award.

Debbie Domer, B.S. Advertising 1986, is the Senior Director of Brand Marketing for The Honey Baked Ham Company in Alpharetta, Georgia. She oversees brand strategy and growth, new product development and national marketing calendar planning.

Terry Latham Holt, B.S. Journalism 1993, is the Marketing Coordinator for Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture in Arlington, Massachusetts.

Stephanie Lewis, B.S. Public Relations 2006, is the communication and marketing manager for Haines City, Florida. Her position is responsible for coordinating strategic messaging.

Mindy Marques, B.S. Journalism 1986 and Hall of Fame 2012, is the new Vice President and Executive Editor of Simon & Shuster beginning Nov. 30. She is currently Senior Vice President/News and Executive Editor of the Miami Herald.

Jeff Moriarty, B.S. Journalism 1992, is the Senior Vice President of Consumer Products for Gannett. He leads the digital consumer products division across Gannett, now with 260 daily newspapers across 46 states.

Alyssa Nieves-Mendez, B.S. Public Relations 2014, is a content specialist at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She serves as the in-house strategic writer, manages social media efforts and leads media outreach efforts.

Taylor Robertson, B.S. Advertising 2007, M.A.M.C 2009, is the Targeted Marketing Director for Vitalant, the nation’s largest independent blood center, in Denver.

John Walkinshaw, B.S. Telecommunication 1971, is a Water Resources Specialist for the environmental engineering firm Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. located in Tampa, Florida.

Christine White, B.S. Public Relations 2007, M.A.M.C. 2009, is the State Director in the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Well-Being in Tallahassee. She was hired in March 2020 to create an office serving a diverse workforce of more than 12,500.

Tyler Mikell Winkler, B.S. Public Relations 1997, is the Resource Development Officer and Grant Writer for Florida State College at Jacksonville. She is responsible for securing external funds from federal, state, and local grantmaking agencies and private foundations.

October 2020

Joshua Azriel, Ph.D. 2006, is a Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University in Marietta, Georgia. He recently published a new book Restricting Los Angeles Paparazzi: California’s Legal Efforts Impacting Free Press Rights.

Mary Baures, B.S. Advertising 1969, is the author of Awakening Awe: An Illustrated Journey to Reverence and Love Heals Baby Elephants – Rebirthing Ivory Orphans. She is a practicing psychologist in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Anna Mewbourne Elias, B.S. Broadcasting 1986, a self-employed author and screenwriter, recently published her first novel, The Vessels, which is under consideration for a television series. She has worked on “Miami Vice” and studio features including “A Time to Kill,” “Practical Magic,” “12 Monkeys,” and “My Dog Skip.”

Deborah Matthies-D’Aurelio, B.S. Advertising 1989, is the author of her first middle-school age novel entitled The Secret Notebook. The story combines fact with fiction and has STEM tie-ins to encourage girls to be inventive and inspire them to careers in engineering.

J. Keith Saliba, B.S. Journalism 2001, M.A.M.C. 2005, Ph.D. 2008, is a Jacksonville (Florida) University Journalism professor and the author of a new book Death in the Highlands: The Siege of Special Forces Camp Plei Me

September 2020

Whit Blanton, B.S. Journalism 1986, is the Executive Director of Forward Pinellas, a Pinellas County, Florida land use and transportation planning organization working in tandem with 25 local governments, the transit agency and the Florida Department of Transportation.

Katie Burns, B.S. Public Relations 2015, is the Digital Marketing & Design Manager for City Parks Alliance in Philadelphia.

Miles Doran, B.S. Telecommunication 2010, is now the Atlanta-based producer for “CBS This Morning” and CBS News. Previously he worked for CBS’s “60 Minutes” in New York.

Jay Greeen, B.S. Journalism 1981, is a health care, environment, insurance and energy reporter for Crain’s Detroit Business. He currently resides in Detroit.

Peggy Shaw, M.A.M.C. 1982, is owner of Wren Cottage Writing & Editing in Decatur, Georgia. She produces press releases and publications for Morehouse College in Atlanta. She is a writer and editor and has published books and poems.

Melissa Smith, B.S. Public Relations 2016, is the Customer Success Manager at Orlando-based Novi AMS, an association management software company for clients using QuickBooks. Smith works remotely from Cedar Park, Texas.

Jennifer Tuel, B.S. Advertisting 2002, is the in-house creative director for Pet Paradise in Jacksonville, Florida. The company specializes in overnight boarding, resort-style day camping, professional grooming and veterinary care.

Tony Wichman, B.S. Public Relations 1996, is the Director of Public Affairs for U.S. Pacific Air Forces Headquarters at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. In addition to serving as the communication advisor to the Pacific Air Forces Commander and headquarters staff, he is responsible for communication activities in Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Alaska and Guam.

July 2020

Roy Broderick Jr., B.S. Telecommunication 2012, is is President and CEO of Authentique Agency in Atlanta. The full-service marketing consulting firm focuses on creating brand campaigns that genuinely reflect multicultural and LGBTQ life, voices and viewpoints. Clients have included AT&T, Instagram, the Dallas Mavericks and the National Museum of African American Music.

Anna Ellias, B.S. Telecommunication 1986, published her debut novel, The Vessels, on July 14. Elias is a freelance author and screenwriter and has worked on TV series and studio feature films including “Miami Vice,” “A Time to Kill,” “12 Monkeys,” and “Practical Magic.”

Erika Engstrom, Ph.D. 1991, is the new director of the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media. Previously she served as a professor of Communication Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Yvette Miley, B.S. Broadcasting 1985, 2000 Hall of Fame inductee and UF Distinguished Alumna, is the new Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC in New York City.

Michael Monahan, B.S. Public Relations 1996, is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Moxē, an integrated marketing agency and subsidiary of Massey Services, based in Orlando, Florida.

Kisakye Mugwanya, B.S. Public Relations 2017, was named the Public Relations Society of America Chicago 2020 Skyline Award Young Professional of the Year. She is an account executive for FleishmanHillard.

Andrew Nathanson, B.S. Public Relations 1989, serves as a film producer for Gator Media, Inc . in Miami. Previously, he worked at the Miami-Dade Film Commission overseeing all filming for the county and more than 25 municipalities.

Meg Rosenoff, B.S. Advertising 2018, is a copywriter for &Barr, a full-service advertising agency in business for more than 60 years in Orlando.

Scott Rubens, B.S. Telecommunication 1986, is a television producer and director for the United States Agency for Global Media in Washington, D.C.

Kathleen Vacca, B.S. Journalism 1980, holds the rank of captain in the New College of Florida Police Department and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campuses.

June 2020

Wright Gres, B.S. Advertising 1969, is a book author for Riverhouse Books. He is the The Empty Grave and Macedonia Passage: Dangerous Cargo. He is based in Savannah, Georgia.

Robert Jury, B.S. Telecommunication 1992, is a screenwriter/director/producer based in Iowa. His new feature film, “Working Man,” was released and is currently available on demand. The film was an official selection in more than a dozen festivals, winning Best Narrative Feature in Savannah and Kansas City, and Best Ensemble at the Fort Lauderdale fête.

Melissa Lorenzana, B.S. Advertising 2003, is the Internal Communications Director for Comcast Advertising’s Technology & Operations group, based in Denver, Colorado.

Erica Morgenstern, B.S. Public Relations 2001, is the Chief Communications Officer for digital health company Welltok. She is based in San Mateo, California.

Seraine Page, B.S. Journalism 2010, is the author of the ebook Freelance Writing 101: Everything You Need to Launch Your Writing Career. She is the CEO of Seraine Page, LLC. She works with brands across the globe as a content strategist to improve search traffic through marketing content.

Julia Thomas, B.S. Advertising 2003 and M.A.M.C. 2004, is the Marketing Manager of Oelrich Construction in Gainesville, Florida.

Tonya Weathersbee, B.S. Journalism 1981, M.A.M.C. 2016 and Hall of Fame 2020, is the Metro Columnist for The Commercial Appeal in Memphis. She was honored as a standout performer in the 2019 Best of Gannett contest for her newspaper columns. The annual awards program spotlights the best work by journalists at the 261 newspapers that comprise the USA Today Network.

April 2020

Erin Collins, B.S. Telecommunication 2005, is the Executive Director of the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking in Tallahassee.

Bailey LeFever, B.S. Journalism 2019, is the new Tampa Bay Times/FRONTLINE reporter focusing on stories about aging and seniors. The position is funded by a partnership between Report for America, the PBS public affairs series and the Tampa news organization.

Shea Perez, B.S. Public Relations 2014, has joined Tampa-based DeMert Brands, parent company of skincare and haircare products including Not Your Mother’s. As Brand Manager, her role is to generate and execute strategic campaigns and initiatives. She was previously Brand Manager for PDQ Restaurants for six years.

March 2020

Robert Davidsson, B.S. Journalism 1976, is the winner of the Florida Historical Society’s 2019 Hampton Dunn Digital Media Award. The award recognizes outstanding media projects expanding the knowledge of Florida history. He created “Origins & History of Palm Beaches” an indexed digital blog and full-text archive allowing free access to 25 original articles.

Daniela Dimitrova, Ph.D. 2003, has been named editor of Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly.

Katherine Fitzwater, B.S. Journalism 2012, is the new Vice President of Marketing and Communications for United Way of Central Florida in Lakeland, Florida.

Andrew Stanfill, B.S. Journalism 2009, has been elected president of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). He is currently the deputy photo editor at the New York Times News Service in Gainesville.

February 2020

Allison Banko, B.S. Journalism 2013, is the Recruitment Marketing Manager for Hilton Hotels. She is based in Washington, D.C., and is a member of Hilton’s Global Recruitment Team.

Alex Miniak, B.S. Telecommunication 1999, is the founder, owner and talent for A-LIVE Marketing and Media in San Diego, California. He is also one of only 30 Major League Baseball public address announcers and his work is featured prominently in-park and live across national and regional telecasts. He is also the exclusive voice of Petco Park for the San Diego Padres.

B.J. Terhune, B.S. Journalism 1993, has been promoted to Deputy Metro Editor at the Los Angeles Times.

Ken Schwencke, B.S. Journalism 2009, has been named editor of the News Apps team for ProPublica covering hate crimes and white supremacist movements. He previously worked on The New York Times’ interactive news team and the Los Angeles Times data desk.

December 2019

Eric Burroughs, M.A.M.C. 2000, is the director and deputy editor for BlackRock Investment Institute in London. He oversees publications, digital content and online interactive tools, especially on macroeconomics and portfolio construction research.

Jaclyn De Bonis, B.S. Journalism 2015, is the new content marketing manager for WPromote in El Segundo, California.

Laura DeBruce, B.S. Journalism 1984, is a lawyer, filmmaker and entrepreneur based in Sanibel, Florida. Her most recent film project is a documentary about the Equal Rights Amendment.

Bill Ebersole, B.S. Journalism 1949 and M.A.M.C. 1957, served as a U.S. Air Force pilot in Iwo Jima during World War II. He plans to return to Iwo Jima with his wife to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the battle. Ebersole is a former publisher of The Gainesville Sun.

Bill Gulliford, B.S. Journalism 1966, has been appointed to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. He is the president of Major Machinery and Equipment LLC in Jacksonville, Florida.

Joshua Pila, B.S. Public Relations 2004, is the general counsel for Meredith Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia.

November 2019

Brian Canning, M.A.M.C. 2009, is Vice President of Business Growth and Marketing for Delta Vacations, a subsidiary of Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia.

Marc Daniels, B.S. Telecommunication 1988, is Director of Broadcasting for University of Central Florida Athletics. He was recognized at UCF’s homecoming football game on Oct. 19 for calling radio play-by-play for his 300^th UCF football game and for 25 years of service.

Judith (Jude) Hagin, B.S. Journalism 1988, is a Producer at You Belong to Me LLC in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. She recently completed a documentary film on Ruby McCollum entitled “You Belong to Me: Sex Race and Murder in the South.”

Debra Leithauser, B.S. Journalism 1992 and Hall of Fame 2013, was named Vice President, Corporate Services and Communications, for Idaho Power. She joined Idaho Power in 2017 after a long career in news media.

Eric Lewis, B.S. Telecommunication 2009, was recently promoted to Project Manager for QC Operations at Netflix, the internet entertainment service, located in Los Angeles, California.

Debbie Mason, CFRE, APR, CPRC, PRSA Fellow and B.S. Public Relations 1981, is the new Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer at Stratum Health and Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, Florida.

Merrie Meyes, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, B.S. Public Relations 1978, M.A.M.C 1979, is the Editor of ruff DRAFTS, the quarterly newsletter of the Dog Writers Association of America.

Steve Orlando, M.A.M.C. 2007 and Adjunct Journalism Professor, is the new University of Florida Assistant Vice President for Communications. During his 23-year tenure at UF, Orlando has served as Associate Director of UF News & Public Affairs, Interim Associate Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations, Senior Director, Media Relations and Director of Print/Online Media.

October 2019

Liz Campanile, B.S. Advertising 1992, is the CEO of House of Gemini Industries in Pasadena, California. She recently launched a YouTube channel, Adora 2000, to support her accessorizing business and multimedia efforts.

Jamie Cotera, B.S. Journalism 2009, is the co-founder of Compass Legal Marketing in Miami, Florida. The business advises minority and female law firms on strategies to generate business and market their practices.

Bernadine Douglas, B.S. Public Relations 1994, has been appointed Vice President or Institutional Advancement at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida.

Lukana Justin, B.S. Advertising 1998, is the Senior Vice President of Marketing, for Now Optics, a leading eye health provider under the retail brands of My Eyelab and Stanton Optical, based in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Natalie Fisher, B.S. Advertising 2009, is Managing Partner of Blu Dove Designs located in Gainesville and Orlando. Blu Dove Designs recently partnered with Sportsone Apparel to develop a new rally towel, The Original Growl Towel, that is now officially licensed by the University of Florida.

Susan Spiegel Kehl, B.S. Public Relations 1989, and her husband Don have opened a franchise of The Malted Barley restaurant in Juno Beach, Florida. They were recently profiled in The Palm Beach Post.

September 2019

Melissa Gomez, B.S. Journalism 2018, is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times. She will be on the team covering the 2020 Presidential Election.

J. Michael “Mike” Neumeier, B.S. Public Relations 1993, is a 2019 inductee in the PRSA Georgia Order of the Phoenix and Georgia Public Relations Hall of Fame. Neumeier was honored for his many achievements and contributions to the public relations profession. He is currently, owner, CEO and CMO of the Arketi Group in Atlanta.

Carl Stein, B.S. Broadcasting 1973, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles. Stein retired in 2014 after a 34-year career as a photojournalist at KCBS-TV, the CBS network affiliate in Los Angeles.

July 2019

Jamie Dupree, B.S. Broadcasting 1985, is a journalist with WSB Radio in Atlanta, received the 2019 RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Innovation for “Jamie Dupree 2.0.” Dupree, senior Washington correspondent for Cox Media Group’s Washington Bureau, lost his voice to a condition called protrusion dystonia. WSB worked with a software company in Scotland to recreate his voice electronically. The text-to-voice software allows him to type his reports and run them through “Jamie Dupree 2.0” to turn them into audio for broadcast.

Christine Van Blokland, B.S. Telecommunication 1995, is the host of “Curious Traveler,” an educational travel series broadcast on PBS television stations nationwide.

Patricia Vernon, APR, CPRA, B.S. Journalism 1988, recently earned professional certification in Public Relations and received the designation of Certified Public Relations Counselor from the Florida Public Relations Association. She is one of only 100 practitioners in Florida to achieve this certification. She is currently the director of marketing for Darr Schackow Insurance in Gainesville.

Tonyaa Weathersbee, B.S. Journalism 1981, M.A.M.C. 2016, is the metro columnist for The Commercial Appeal, Memphis’ daily newspaper and part of the USA Today network. She recently received a first-place award along with two colleagues from the Tennessee Associated Press Broadcasters and Media Editors for her work on stories about the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike. She also presented a paper at the Latin American Studies Association Congress in Boston on cable news’ influence on rural voters’ attitudes toward their Latino neighbors.

June 2019

Robert “Bobby” Desmond, B.S. Telecommunication 2015, is an associate attorney at Walters Law Group in Longwood, Florida. He focuses his practice on First Amendment, Internet law, and intellectual property issues.

Steven Gallo, B.S. Telecommunication 2013, M.A.M.C. 2015, is the content marketing manager at Reputation Ink, a business-to-business content marketing and public relations agency based in Jacksonville, Florida.

Allison Johnson, B.S. Public Relations 1983 and Hall of Fame 2010, is the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of PayPal in San Jose, California.

Arthur “Art” Levy, B.S. Journalism 1984, is the associate editor of Florida Trend Magazine. His new book, “Made in Florida: Artists, Celebrities, Activists, Educators and Other Icons in the Sunshine State,” published by University Press of Florida, is a compilation of 90 “Florida Icon” interviews Levy produced for Florida Trend magazine between 2007 and 2018.

Chris Peralta, B.S. Telecommunication 2012, M.A.M.C. 2014, is the new executive producer for WSMV-TV News 4, the NBC television affiliate in Nashville, Tennessee.

May 2019

Andy Freedman, B.S. Public Relations 2001, is a five-time Emmy Award-winning director with more than 15 years of experience at CBS Sports. He also a lecturer at University of North Carolina School of Media and Journalism.

Amanda Holt, B.S. Public Relations 2001, M.A.M.C 2003, is the Director of Communications for Jacksonville Jaguars. She is responsible for the corporate relations for the team and related entities. She is one of the team’s primary media relations contacts and coordinates communications campaigns related to fan engagement, ticketing, communication relations and all off-the- field Jaguars programs and activities.

Mindy Marqués, B.S. Journalism 1986 and 2012 Hall of Fame, is the 2019 Gran Caiman honoree at the UF Association of Hispanic Alumni’s (UF-AHA) Gator Guayabera Guateque. Marqués is the publisher of The Miami Herald.

Brittany Wallman, B.S. Journalism 1991, Susannah Bryan, B.S. Journalism 1987, Michael Stocker, B.S. Telecommunication 1986, Dana Banker, B.S. Journalism 1986; and Rosemary Goudreau O’Hara, B.S. Journalism 1976 and 2017 Hall of Fame, are part of the South Florida Sun Sentinel team whose series of stories and editorials on the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings in Parkland, Florida, won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

Chris Warren, B.S. Advertising 1993, is the new Chief Operating Officer of Hyrell. Located in North Wales, Pennsylvania, Hyrell specializes in providing applicant tracking systems to franchisors and franchisees for employee hiring.

February 2019

Laurence Bolotin, B.S. Public Relations 2001, has been named director of AJC Chicago. AJC is a global Jewish advocacy network that works to enhance the well-bring of the Jewish people and Israel.

Phoebe Fan, M.A.M.C. 1995, is the head of of Internal Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at General Motors China in Shanghai City. She is responsible for GM’s philanthropy strategy in China.

Maghan McDowell, B.S. Journalism 2007, is the new Innovation editor at Vogue Business. Located at the Condé Nast International headquarters in London, Vogue Business is a new digital-only business-to-business title offering analysis of fashion, beauty and luxury industries.

November 2018

Andres “Andy” Triay, B.S. Broadcasting 1985, is the coordinating producer for Justice and Homeland Security at CBS News in Washington D.C. Triay has worked at various positions at CBS News since 1985.

Cindy George, B.S. Journalism 1999, is the assistant editor for the Houston-based Texas Medical Center news publication TMC Pulse.

Yolanda Cash Jackson, B.S. Journalism 1980, J.D. 199, is an attorney at the Florida-based Becker and Poliakoff law firm. She was also selected as one of Daily Business Review’s Most Effective Lawyers in 2018.

Lisa Thatcher-Kresl, B.S. Journalism 1985, is the publisher of Advocate Magazine in Dallas, Texas.

September 2018

C.L. Conroy, B.S. Public Relations 1980, was elected as 26th president of the Public Relations Global Network.

Morgan Ginn, B.S. Advertising 2018, was recently featured in the UF Alumni magazine for work on the Bicycle’s Against Poverty project in Northern Uganda.

Robert “Rob” Lasky, B.S. Public Relations 1989, is the Special Agent in Charge for the Federal Bureau of Investigation Miami Division.

Matt Sauer, B.S. Journalism 1989, M.A.M.C. 1989, is the new general manager of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Sauer also serves as executive editor and will continue to oversee the Herald-Tribune’s newsroom but will now also work with the media company’s seasoned team of executives.

Brian Slowik, B.S. Public Relations 1986, is the senior vice president for Wage & Corporate Disbursement’s for Green Dot Corporation and is the founder of rapid! PayCard.

Julie Talenfeld, B.S. Public Relations 1984, is the president and founder of BoardroomPR, a public relations and marketing agency that was recently ranked seventh on the South Florida Business Journal’s “Largest Public Relations Agencies” list. The agency has eight Gators on staff including three alums who serve in senior management along with Talenfeld: Executive Vice President Todd Templin, B.S. Public Relations 1984; Vice President Jennifer Clarin, B.S. Public Relations 2002; and Vice President Michelle Griffith, B.S. Public Relations 2006.

July/August 2018

Rose Herrera, B.S. Public Relations 1998, is the new associate director for Communications at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of the Associate Director for Science in Atlanta.

Rick Jervis, B.S. Journalism 1995, is a national correspondent for USA Today in Austin, Texas.

Randall Metting, B.S. Advertising 1996, is the Texas Brand Ambassador for Woody Creek Distillers.

Andrew Schoss, B.S. Advertising 1985, is an inside account executive for Apple Education, selling to k-12 school districts in Wisconsin and Illinois. He is based in Austin, Texas.

Brooke Shenkin, B.S. Public Relations 2005, is a senior voice president at Cohn & Wolfe, a global communications and public relations agency in Austin, Texas.

John Young, B.S. Journalism 1992, was named 2018 Top Real Estate Agent by the Washingtonian magazine.

June 2018

Erika Hodges Confeda, B.S. Journalism 1996 and M.A.M.C. 2002, is director of communications and marketing at the University of Central Florida College of Business.

Natalie Fisher, B.S. Advertising 2009, is managing partner and co-owner of Blu Dove Designs. The firm has offices in Gainesville and Orlando.

Steven Gibson, B.S. Public Relations 1981, is president of Dealer Risk Services, a provider of risk management services and insurance placements for the automotive, truck, equipment and marine industries, located in Indialantic, Fla.

Mary Beth Head, B.S. Broadcasting 1982, is production manager and producer for UF Health Office of Lifelong Learning in Gainesville, Fla.

Katie Reid, B.S. Journalism 2004, is a partner for accounting firm PwC in Sydney, Australia.

Martin “Marty” Stone, B.S. Broadcasting 1967, is the general manager for Egis Projects, Inc., a provider of toll management services in Central Florida.

May 2018

Andrew Cohen, M.A.M.C. 1998, is the Vice President for Technology Strategy and Operations for Hillel International in Washington, D.C.

Jessica Dinon, B.S. Public Relations 2008, is the director of Brand Communications at Darden, a family of national full-service restaurants headquartered in Orlando.

Peter Frey, B.S. Advertising 1993, is the vice president for Discovery Cove, an Orlando, Fla. adventure park featuring animal encounters and the chance to swim with dolphins.

David Lawrence, B.S. Journalism 1963, is the recipient of the 2018 Florida Blue Sapphire Award in the individual category for his efforts to improve the lives of children in Florida. Lawrence is the former publisher of the Miami Herald and the Detroit Free Press.

Dennis Mesina, B.S. Public Relations 1999, is public affairs specialist at the Office of Communications and Outreach for the U.S. Energy Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Rick Schneider, B.S. Telecommunication 1984 and 2013 Alumnus of Distinction is the new senior vice president for the National Center for Family Philanthropy, a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit dedicated exclusively to families that give to them.

April 2018

Latria Graham-Leak, B.S. Telecommunication 2005, is president of Graham Leak Branding and GLB Promos based in Winter Park, Fla.

Candice McElyea, B.S. Telecommunication 1996 is owner and president of THREE SIX OH Public Relations, Inc. based in Sarasota, Fla.

J. Keith Moyer, B.S. Journalism 1977 and Alumnus of Distinctions 2003 is the new publisher of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Jim Swan, B.S. Public Relations 1982 is sales manager for All Points Pioneer, a professional moving company for residents and businesses in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

March 2018

Carrie Ferenac, B.S. Telecommunication 1993, is president and co-founder of CNTV, a video marketing company located in Orlando.

Alex Harris, B.S. Journalism 2015, is the first climate change beat reporter for The Miami Herald.

Lisa Kiefer, B.S. Public Relations 2007, is the new vice president of Wakefield Research in Washington, D.C.

Vicky Mixson, B.S. Public Relations 1978, is the chief communication officer for Wycliffe, a non-profit Bible translation service located in Orlando.

Laurie Shader Smith, B.S. Advertising 1985, is vice president of Personal Mini Storage.

Kirk Wingerson, B.S. Telecommunication 1994 and B.S. Public Relations 1996, is the marketing division manager for Orlando Venues.

Trish Wingerson, B.S. Telecommunication 1994, is the director of corporate communications for the Orlando Magic.

November 2017

Bruce Demps, B.S. Broadcasting 1978, is the owner of Demps Media Consulting LLC in Atlanta, Ga. He is also currently serving as radio development consultant for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Anne Freedman-Fischer, B.S. Journalism 1971, is the CEO of Speakout Inc. based in Tallahassee, Fla. The company provides leadership communication and public speaking training services.

Debra Leithauser, B.S. Journalism 1992, former president and publisher of the Idaho Statesman is the new communications director for Idaho Power.

Jay Morgan-Schleuning, APR, CPRA, B.S. Telecommunication 1994, is the principal, strategic business communication strategist for Authentic Reputations, LLC in Tallahassee, Fla.

Caitlin Switalski, B.S. Journalism 2017, is a reporter/producer for WLRN News.

Francine Walker, B.S. Journalism – Public Relations 1981, is the director of public information at The Florida Bar in Tallahassee, Fla.

August 2017

Lauren Crawford, B.S. Telecommunication 2015, is a reporter/writer at OKMagazine.com in New York City.

Jennifer Fusco, B.S. Telecommunication 1992, is the major giving advisor for Greater Public in Minneapolis.

Alicia Gonzalez, B.S. Telecommunication 1992, is principal/public involvement manager at Media Relations Group, LLC in Palmetto Bay, Fla.

Bonnie Mott, B.S. Telecommunication 2015, is a sports multimedia journalist/managing editor for Bucs Wire at USA Today Sport Media Group in Tampa.

Mark Segel, B.S. Telecommunication 1988, is the senior vice president/chief administrative officer for Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation in Tampa.

Charles D. Tobin, B.S. Journalism 1984, joined the Washington D.C. law firm Ballard Spahr.

May 2017

Alex Cornelio, B.S. Advertising 1991, is president and CEO of EchoPartners in Miami, Fla.

Michael Higdon, B.S. Telecommunication 2014, is the new anchor/reporter at WCSC-TV Live 5 News in Columbia, S.C.

JaSheika James, B.S. Telecommunication 2003, is the executive story editor at Twentieth Century Fox in Los Angeles.

Stuart “Stu” Moore, B.S. Public Relations 1992, is the business continuity manager at JM Family Enterprises in Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Annelie Schmittel, Ph.D. Mass Communication 2015, is celebrating her one-year anniversary with Oakland Raiders Player Engagement.

Kenn Tomasch, B.S. Telecommunication 1987, is southwest region internal communications manager for Cox Communications in Phoenix, Ariz.

April 2017

Albert “Al” Diaz, B.S. Journalism 1983, is a photojournalist for The Miami Herald.

Ronald “Ron” Pecora, B.S. Journalism 1968, is the chief marketing officer for Waste Pro USA.

Michael Petros, B.S. Advertising 1986, is the senior vice president, associate branch manager for private wealth management for Robert. W. Baird & Co.

Brian Siemienas, B.S. Telecommunication 1994, MAMC 1995, is the senior director marketing development for Hilton Grand Vacations.

Heather Traynham, B.S. Telecommunication 1996, is the CEO of LightbulbPR.

February 2017

Paolo Delp, B.S. Public Relations 1991, is the president of Delp & Associates Inc., a healthcare consulting firm.

David Galloway, B.S. Public Relations 1974, is a family law and estate planning attorney in Plant City, Fla.

Steve Sherry, B.S. Advertising 1992, is the president of The Sherry Group LLC, a marketing and brand consulting company focusing mostly on business-to-business and technology.

January 2017

Thomas Armstrong, B.S. Advertising 1986, is the President/CEO of Premium Retail Solutions.

Charles “Charlie” Harris Jr., B.S. Advertising 1978, is the CEO of Central Florida Community Action Agency.

Cindy Kanstoroom, B.S. Advertising 1989, Founder and Principal Managing Partner, NIH Research & Consulting. NIH is celebrating its 25th business anniversary.

Jose Navarro, B.S. Telecommunication 1998, and Mathew Tainow, B.S. Telecommunication 1996, are the owners of Sidebar and Park Bar in Atlanta.

Judge Louis Schiff, B.S. Public Relations 1977, co-wrote Baseball and The Law: Cases and Materials.

Dalton Yancey (aka Frederick D. Yancey III), B.S. Advertising 1967, is the president of Friends of Carr Cabin, Inc. and serves on the board for Florida Hospital Waterman.

November 2016

Angela Rodriguez, B.S. Advertising 1999, is the vice president of strategic insights at Alma Advertising Agency.

Sandra Fine, B.S. Public Relations 2002, is senior vice president, director of results measurement for rbb Communications.

Patrick Fraser, B.S. Public Relations 1980, is an investigative reporter for WSVN. Fraser has worked on the “Help Me Howard” segment for over a decade. The segment offers options for viewers facing legal issues.

Lucy Reed, B.S. Journalism 1990, is editor emeritus of The Triton: Nautical News for Captains and Crews.

October 2016

Leslie Zlotnick, B.S. Advertising 2000, is the advertising manager for the Yamaha WaterCraft Group.

Mark Segel, B.S. Telecommunication 1988, is the vice president, market manager for NorthStar Bank.

Ronald Oldano, B.S. Public Relations 1984, is celebrating 21 years as a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Dana Kanfer, B.S. Public Relations 1991, is a law clerk at the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida in Tampa.

September 2016

Courtney Baker, B.S. Advertising 2000, is Anheuser-Busch’s Senior Brand Manager for the southeast region.

Cliff Courtney, B.S. Advertising 1980, is the Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Zimmerman Advertising.

Jeff Darlington, B.S. Telecommunication 2004, has joined ESPN as a reporter for Sports Center and multiple ESPN platforms.

Kathryn (Stolarz) Deen, B.S. Journalism 2011, was promoted to Managing Editor of The Villages Magazine and The Villages Grandparents Magazine at The Villages Media Group.

Yudi Fernandez, B.S. Journalism 2008, was promoted to Vice President at Schwartz Media Strategies. Fernandez leads bilingual public relations, marketing and digital campaigns for the firm’s real estate, hospitality and financial clients.

Robert Imfeld, B.S. Journalism 2011, has written his first children’s book entitled A Guide to the Other Side. In his paranormal debut, Imfeld tells the story of a boy, Baylor Bosco, and his ghostly twin sister who work together to pass messages from the beyond. The book will be released on Oct. 4.

Ramon Looby, MAMC 2008, was named Senior Vice President, Public Policy at Bank of America.

Dr. Merrie Meyers, B.S. Public Relations 1978, MAJC 1979, is the grants development manager for the Office of Grants Development of Broward College. She also teaches as an adjunct at several South Florida institutions.

Tony Wickman, B.S. Public Relations 1996, is now the deputy commandant of the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade, Md. In this role, he assists the commandant in leading a team of 400 military, civilian and contractor professionals in training nearly 3,000 students a year in various public affairs and visual information disciplines from across the Department of Defense, as well as interagency and international partners.

July/August 2016

Tracy Belcher, B.S. Public Relations 2003, is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Pérez Art Museum Miami.

Christi Bowen, B.S. Telecommunication 1992, is a voice actor for commercials, corporate narrations, e-learning and business training, phone/on-hold messaging and internet videos

David Bruce, B.S. Advertising 1985, is the Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Relations for Ryder.

Kristin L. Celano, B.S. Public Relations 2004, is Founder and CEO of JaneHudson, a retail lifestyle brand of luxury basics and womenswear clothing for game day and every day.

Rhonda Victor Sibilia, B.S. Broadcasting 1977, is the Communications Director for the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics & Public Trust.

Shane Santiago, B.S. Advertising 1999, is Vice President, Digital Director at St. John & Partners in Jacksonville, Fla.

May/June 2016

Kirsten Flanik, B.S. Advertising 1989
has been promoted to president of BBDO New York.

Amy Hammond, B.S. Public Relations 2002
is a St. Petersburg-based writer. Her five-book series encourages children to form a collegiate allegiance early in life. The series includes When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a Gator and follows a young boy as he tours campus and learns what life will be like when he grows up to be a Florida Gator.

Robert McClure, B.S. Journalism 1982
won a Knight Science Journalism Program Fellowship at MIT. The premier global fellowship is for journalists covering science, technology, health and the environment. McClure was one of ten journalists chosen for the 34th class of fellows.

Everton Allen, B. S. Advertising 2011
was promoted to manager of Creative Services for the Miami Marlins.

Carolyn DeWitt, B.S. Public Relations 1980
is a partner at Coherent Counsel where she serves as a diversified business consultant of sales effectiveness, business leadership coaching, strategic planning, and crisis management.

Steve Burkowski, B.S. Telecommunication 1994
is on air talent for the Golf Channel.

April 2016

Don McLearn, MAJC 1979
was inducted into the National Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter Hall of Fame. McLearn, who is now retired, served as the commissioner for public affairs at the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for 17 years before joining FleishmanHillard as a senior vice president in the Healthcare Practice.

Chad Robinson, B.S. Telecommunication 2005
is the Miami Marlins’ Public Address Announcer.

David Deliman, B.S. Telecommunication 1994
has recently been named Market Vice President for the Gulf Coast market for Cox Communications.

Mark Feinberg, B.S. Broadcasting 1985
is the owner and executive producer for Fine Productions which specializes in corporate video productions, broadcast television commercials and media video news releases.

C.L. Conroy, B.S. Public Relations 1980
is the founder of The Conroy Martinez Group based in Coral Gables, Fla. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, the organization is a full-service, bilingual and bicultural (English-Spanish) public relations, marketing and social media firm.

Robert “Bob” Rothman, B.S. Journalism 1974
was named Atlanta Lawyer of the Year for First Amendment Litigation by Best Lawyers in America. This is the second time he has been honored in the last three years. (Profile)

March 2016

Robert “Bob” Bobber Jr., BS Journalism, 1971
is president of RJ Publishing Solutions where he handles small publications. Bobber retired after more than 30 years in newspaper circulation.

Bob Morris, BS Journalism, 1975
is president of Story Farm, a custom publishing company for restaurants, chefs, museums, resorts, and even the average travel noire. Story Farm also offers public relations and marketing. Morris has written five mystery novels set in the Caribbean and Florida.

Ron Rothberg, BS Advertising, 1985
is the digital media manager Mid-South Region for Comcast Spotlight, the Ad Sales Division of Comcast.

Bonnie Solloway, BS Advertising
is the executive producer for the First Coast News WTLV NBC12/WJXX ABC25 show “The Chat.”

Jackii Molsick, BS Advertising, 1979
is a signature member of the Florida Watercolorist Society. She teaches classes at her studio named Jackii Molsick Fine Art.

Marc Lubet, BS Journalism, 1969
is a judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Orange County. Previously he was a defense lawyer for 32 years.