Trustee Program

David C. Aiken; Commercial Development Director. With 37 years in the Palm Beach market his role is to connect the Dots between CEMEX’s resources and market opportunities. CEMEX is a leading heavy building materials supplier focusing on cement, aggregate, block and ready-mix. Internationally, they employ 45,000 people in 50 countries with annual sales of approx. 13 billion dollars.  Locally in Florida, CEMEX employ approx. 2700 individuals doing 1.7 billion in sales.

Kate Arrizza is the President and CEO of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium.  After receiving her degree from the United States Naval Academy, she served as an Officer in the U.S. Navy for seven years. After the Navy she obtained her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. Kate's work at the Science Center over the past twelve years has earned her such recognition as South Florida Business Journal's "40 Under 40” award, Sun Sentinel's Top Workplace Professional Award, Palm Beach County’s 100 Most Influential Business Leaders, Women of Worth Award winner, and ESPN’s veteran of the month. Kate is a board member of Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, International Women’s Forum, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer, and the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

Stephen V. Avallone, MD, FACP, PE, is Regional Medical Director of Concierge Medicine for Cleveland Clinic Florida. He received a medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2000 and completed his internal medicine residency training at the Cleveland Clinic Florida in 2003. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Avallone then began his practice in Executive Health, becoming medical director of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Huizenga Executive Health Department in 2010. He also served as co-director of outpatient internal medicine and core faculty for the internal medicine residency program.
Dr. Avallone was awarded the Jose Muniz, M.D. Best Teacher Award in 2008 and the John and Margaret Krupa Distinguished Chair in Preventative Medicine in 2014. He also served as an international medical consultant for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. 

Sue Ellen Beryl is Managing Director of Palm Beach Dramaworks, a professional theatre company she co-founded with her husband in September of 2000.  A graduate of Pace University, she began her career in theatrical management as Managing Director of the Schimmel Center for the Arts, and Box Office Manager and Publicity Director for Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. In addition, her business experience includes 10 years in the New York advertising industry and several years managing a family-owned business on the New York Commodity Exchange. She is proud of her service to the community as a former board member of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, serving two years as Chairman of their Cultural Executives Committee, served three years on the Allocations Committee for the Town of Palm Beach United Way and is a National Ambassador for the Actors’ Fund. Beryl currently serves as a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

Bill Bramlett is a Senior Commercial Lender with Centennial Bank. Centennial Bank currently has 76 branches in Florida, with the Palm Beach County Commercial Lending headquarters located in West Palm Beach. Bill works closely with business owners and commercial real estate investors to provide cash flow solutions including commercial lending, treasury management and deposit products. Bill is a member of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and volunteers his time to SunFest of Palm Beach County, Boy Scouts of America and the Knights of Columbus. Bill currently serves as a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

Joshua P. Bratter, Esq is the founder of BRATTER PA, a full-service international Immigration Law Firm assisting clients from around the world in their corporate and individual immigration matters. Specializing for over 20 years in exclusive immigration representation for Athletes, Entrepreneurs, Entertainers, Artists and IT Professionals, Attorney Bratter earned his B.A. at Hamilton College and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. He currently serves as the official Immigration Counsel to many companies and organizations and has worked at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs in Washington DC and for the Organization of American States. Attorney Bratter currently serves as a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

Brandon Cabrera is the Owner and CEO of The BrandX Company, a private real estate development firm with projects from single family homes to multifamily rental apartment complexes. He holds a Contractors license, and a Real Estate license, along with owning a diverse portfolio of properties in Palm Beach County. His company focuses on quality affordable homes and rental apartments for the everyday working-class family. Mr. Cabrera was raised in Greenacres, and invested in his first property at the age of 18. He is continually seeking to improve Palm Beach County with quality housing that anyone can afford, and he also gives back by serving on a variety of boards and committees in the community.

Kelly Cavers has spent over 25 years in the hospitality industry.  For the past eight years, she has led the strategic sales and destination services efforts for Discover The Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County’s official tourism agency.  In 2022 she was named Chief Sales Officer managing both the group and leisure sales for the organization.  She started her career in sales for United Airlines and then transitioned to destination marketing with The San Diego Tourism Authority and Choose Chicago, before arriving in The Palm Beaches.  She is currently active in industry organizations such as PCMA, ASAE, IRF, and Association Forum, and serves on various advisory boards and committees with The Above and Beyond Foundation, Destinations International and PCMA. 

Joe Chase is a shareholder and business and corporate attorney with the Gunster law firm. In addition to assisting clients with their day-to-day business law needs, Joe has handled numerous complex business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. He is the chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. He also serves on the board of governors of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the board of directors of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. Joe was previously with Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago, Illinois and is a graduate of Harvard University and Vanderbilt University Law School. At Vanderbilt, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Vanderbilt Law Review. Joe lives in a historic home in West Palm Beach's El Cid neighborhood with his wife, Alex, and their son, Joe, Jr.

Katie Colon serves as a Retirement Plan Consultant for OneDigital Florida. She is a champion of providing holistic solutions, due to her background as a Benefits Consultant. She has more than 9 years in the insurance and financial services industry, with a background in P&C and Employee Benefits. She is committed to educating clients on how to operate their Retirement Plans with greater efficiency while delivering better retirement outcomes, and passionate about improving financial literacy and empowering others so they can retire comfortably. She is deeply involved in the local community of South Florida, where she’s a Board Member for PBC SHRM, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, and United Way of Palm Beach’s MISSION UNITED. 

Since joining in 2016, Cody Crowell has taken a leadership role guiding Frisbie Group as a preeminent investment organization, focused on placemaking, revitalization, and large-scale mixed-use developments. Prior to FG, Cody was a partner at Portfolio Acquisition Group, a real estate private equity group, where he helped build a portfolio with a total cap of $750M. Prior to PAG, he co-founded Interprise Partners, where he assisted with the acquisition, stabilization and disposition of over $100M of bank-owned real estate assets. Cody currently serves as a strategic advisor to FVLCRUM, a first-of-its-kind fund targeting $250M, focused on creating generations of wealth in minority communities, as well as the Long-Range Planning Committee of Palm Beach and the Town’s Main Street Association. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business development from Vanderbilt University, where he was a four-year starting pitcher for the Division 1, nationally-ranked baseball team. 

Serge D’Haiti was born in Pahokee and is a graduate of Palm Beach Lakes Community High School.  He attained a BBA from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Accountancy at Nova Southeastern University. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in the state of Florida and serves the Broward and Palm Beach County areas under the DBA Serge W. D’Haiti, CPA PLLC.
 
Serge served in the Student Government Association and Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. He volunteered for the Internal Revenue Service’s VITA program through the United Way of Palm Beach County.  Protecting citizens through the Department of Financial Services, he has worked with the Florida Department of Revenue on child support and business tax matters.
 
Serge currently serves as a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

Michael Davis is Senior Vice President and shareholder at WGI (Wantman Group, Inc). As Chief Strategy Officer, he leads the development and implementation of WGI’s strategic planning efforts. Michael has served in the Army Corps of Engineers, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Interior, including appointments as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Associate Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and Director of Everglades Restoration. He has served on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center’s Board of Directors, and the FAU Foundation Board.

As the Vice President and a Principal at KAST Construction, I am responsable for growing our company geographically and within market sectors.  KAST Construction is the largest General Contractor founded and based in West Palm Beach with over 200 Team Members.  Our portfolio includes hospitality, condo, multi-family communities, retail centers, office complexes, assisted living facilities, educational and municipal centers. 

Mr. Diffenderfer maintains a diverse governmental practice that includes complex environmental and land use matters, including representation before local, state and federal legislative and regulatory bodies; growth management counseling; comprehensive plan adoption, implementation and defense; DRI approval and implementation; environmental resource permitting; and related litigation. His practice also includes projects relating to special district creation, operation and administration, as well as representation of local general-purpose governments on a variety of specialized governmental, growth management and natural resource issues. Mr. Diffenderfer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Florida State University and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.

. Ray Dorsey, CIC, is a third generation resident of West Palm Beach, Florida. Following in his father and grandfathers footsteps he chose a career in the insurance business; which started in the 1920’s focusing on commercial lines insurance. Mr. Dorsey is Vice President of Insurance Office of America, which is a privately held, full-service insurance agency founded in 1988. His firm is one of the fastest growing independent agencies in the U.S. and has been named one of the “Best Places to Work”, 2007-2010. Active in the community Mr. Dorsey serves on the following boards: Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adults, Flagler Sunrise Kiwanis and Associated General Contractors. Other areas of involvement are: Palm Beach Atlantic University, Economic Forum, Forum Club, Gathering of Men and his church. Recreational time is spent enjoying boating and water sports with his family.

David Eiler is the chief banking officer of Locality Bank. A banker for more than 20 years, Eiler’s primary role is developing relationships on the production side, sourcing loans and deposits, and other ancillary bank products. He has been an executive at several local community banks where he has helped start two banks, including his current bank that opened for business in January 2022.
 
A Chi-Town native, Eiler holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from Illinois State University and a Master of International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona. 

C. Robin Galanti is the Director of Business Development for Moss & Associates. Ms. Galanti earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Upon graduation, she worked for FPL in West Palm Beach as well as Edwards & Zuck, PC and McGraw-Hill Construction in New York City. After returning to West Palm Beach, she worked for The Morganti Group before joining Moss in 2017. She is active in organizations including the Business Development Board, Quantum House, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Grow for Good, Save the Chimps, and the Leadership program of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. 

Allen Gast is the Founder and President of Gast Construction Group, an award winning, full-service Construction Management Firm located in West Palm Beach, FL.  Gast Construction Group specializes in Commercial and Residential Construction as well as Property Management in Palm Beach County. Allen is a Licensed General Contractor in the State of Florida and is a graduate of the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction at the University of Florida.  He also serves as the Chairman of the ACE Mentor Program of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. 

Dale R. Hedrick, LEED AP BD+C, is the Founder & President of Hedrick Brothers Construction, a privately-owned company headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. A fourth generation general contractor active in Palm Beach County since 1979, Dale has been instrumental in building and maintaining the company's reputation for providing quality craftsmanship, professional project management, and conducting business with integrity. Hedrick brothers Construction provides general contracting, construction management and design-build services for Commercial, Luxury Residential, Education, Municipal, Historic Restoration, and Sustainable/LEED construction projects in South Florida. Dale was born and raised in West Palm Beach and graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Building and Construction from the M. E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction.

Christopher B. Hopkins is a member of McDonald Hopkins LLC, a business advisory and advocacy law firm. He has more than 20 years of trial and appellate experience representing businesses and families in commercial, construction, legal/medical malpractice, and probate litigation. In addition to his work in the courtroom, Christopher’s practice involves a wide range of emerging technologies such as cybersecurity, e-discovery, Internet crimes, policy/terms-of-service drafting, privacy, and social media discovery. Christopher’s work in those areas permits him to protect client data as well as effectively target discovery and investigation of other parties. Christopher is a frequent speaker on litigation issues and has written over 100 articles as well as an iPhone app.  Admitted in Florida, DC, and New York. Chamber Trustee. Leadership West Palm Beach Class of 2018.

Jeremy Johnson has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County since May 2011. Prior to joining the Historical Society, Jeremy was President of JRJ Partners, an independent consulting practice providing strategic planning and development support for businesses and nonprofits. Before starting his own small business, he was the Vice President of the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association, where he promoted the interests of hospitals and healthcare providers among elected officials, the business community and the general public. Jeremy became a Certified Association Executive through the American Society of Association Executives in 2007, was selected as a ?Thought Leader? for the Center for Bioterrorism and All-Hazards Preparedness by Nova Southeastern University in 2006, and was selected as an ?Up & Comer? for executives under 40 by the South Florida Business Journal in 2005.

Deborah has dedicated her career to serving non-profit organizations. She sees fundraising as a value proposition and an opportunity to align one’s personal values and purpose to help solve humanity’s most pressing problems.  

Prior to the role of President/CEO of the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, she served as Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Boys & Girls Club Martin County and was the Vice President of Development for the Everglades Foundation.  She has dedicated over 12 years of her career to independent school education from Fort Myers to Hobe Sound. 

Deborah graduated cum laude from Barry University with a degree in business and marketing.  She is accredited through CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executives) International, where she is one of only 6,800 professional fund raisers worldwide that hold the designation.  Deborah serves as a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

In 1989, Mr. Kirschner launched Passport Publications & Media Corporation (PP&M) as a high-end custom publishing and media firm specializing in enhancing the brands and identities of business organizations, institutions, destinations, sporting events and government entities, while a student at the University of Miami. Since then, PP&M has produced more than 600 publications and media-related collateral pieces for an A-list roster of clients, with opportunities to share in the advertising and sponsorship revenue. An award-winning publisher, a successful entrepreneur and a dedicated husband and father of four, Mr. Kirschner attributes PP&M’s success to the core team of talent who continue to find creative and effective solutions to clients’ marketing, media and communication challenges.

Patrick C. Koenig has been active in the real estate industry for over 27 years, acting as a real estate broker, manager and developer of commercial properties. He began his career with Boulevard Bank in Key West where he served as loan officer and bank supervisor. In 1983 Patrick joined W.G. Lassiter, Jr., a prominent south Florida real estate developer as a licensed real estate broker. In 1996, Mr. Koenig joined Richard S. Johnson and Scott A. Johnson to form Flagler Realty & Development, Inc based out of West Palm Beach. Working as a property developer and licensed real estate broker, he developed an impressive client list of nationally recognized retailers which included Publix, Winn-Dixie, Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot. As a principal of the company, Mr. Koenig brings his comprehensive approach to real estate leasing, management and development to a wide range of clients including investors and owners of real estate properties.

Anthony LaCavalla is the Vice President North End Development for the industry leading Rybovich Boat Company, LLC, a Mega Yacht marina and refit and repair facility located in West Palm Beach, FL. At Rybovich, Anthony is responsible for handling development, facilities and governmental affairs. Prior to joining Rybovich, Anthony held positions as a Business Development Consultant with Kast Construction, Vice President of Business Development for HRH Construction (New York), Project Director/Executive Consultant with Harlem River Yard Project (New Yorrk), and Chief Operating Officer with Crystal Waste Paper (New York). Anthony currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

Jill Lanigan is a Principal of Song + Associates, Inc. which provides architecture, planning and interior design services to both public entities and private clients. She is responsible for the planning and programming aspects of each project, and also serves as a client liaison from conceptual design through construction.  Jill studied architecture at the University of Miami including study-abroad in Venice, Italy. Jill proudly serves as a Trustee and Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.  She is passionate about education in our community and is involved with the Palm Beach State College STEAM program,  Urban Land Institute, and Florida Library Association.

Kimberly Lea, Ed.S., has over 30 years of higher education and leadership experience in Palm Beach County. She is an award-winning community leader with a passion for connecting people and ideas. As the District Dean for Workforce Programs for Palm Beach State College, she aligns the needs of Palm Beach County through strategic partnerships in support of student success and employment.
Kimberly is also working with the Foundation at Palm Beach State College through Achieve Palm Beach County which advocates, collaborates, and leads the community in creating an educational environment which supports all students to attain credentials beyond high school graduation in conjunction with the Florida College Access Network.

Brandon Leon represents individual and institutional clients in the banking, real estate, mortgage servicing, title insurance, and automotive industries in both litigation and transactional matters. Mr. Leon devotes his practice to complex litigation in both state and federal court, where he has defended clients in individual and class action consumer finance and regulatory matters, as well as commercial business disputes. Mr. Leon’s practice also  involves the representation of national banks and other lenders in numerous actions involving alleged violations of state and federal consumer protection statutes and regulations, including Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”),
Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”), Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (“FCCPA”), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”).

Since March 2022, J. Duane Meeks has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Potentia Academy.  Dr. Meeks and his wife, Janice Meeks, founded Potentia Academy in 2009 as an education alternative for unique learners in middle and high school, most of whom are on the autism spectrum.  Dr. Meeks served pro bono as Chair of the Board of Directors from its inception until his recent transition to day-to-day leadership of the school.  Before joining Potentia Academy full time, he enjoyed a long and distinguished career in higher education and media production.  From 2006 to 2020 Dr. Meeks was the Dean of the School of Communication and Media at Palm Beach Atlantic University.  His final administrative role at the university was as Associate Provost for Strategic Innovation. 

Michael Michuda, PE is Vice President of Industrial Operations at Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida. Prior to joining the Cooperative in 2014, he was a consulting engineer and project manager for a variety of clients in Palm Beach County including Pratt & Whitney, South Florida Water Management District, United Technologies and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
A native of Palm Beach County, Michael is a graduate of Cardinal Newman High School and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida. He currently serves as President of the Florida Division of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, is longtime member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Florida Engineering Society and is a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Florida. Michael currently resides with his wife Nora in the City of Lake Worth Beach.

Sheri Montgomery, chief executive officer of Good Samaritan Medical Center, has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. She has more than 20 years of health care leadership experience with an extensive background in hospital operational, financial and strategic excellence. For the last three years, she served as the Group CFO for Delray Medical Center and the five hospitals that comprise the Palm Beach Health Network. Over her many years with Tenet, Montgomery has proven herself through a variety of leadership roles, including CFO of Delray Medical Center and Coral Gables Hospital. Montgomery is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree before completing her Master of Business Administration in Finance at Nova Southeastern University.

Julia Murphy is the Chief Development Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County with over 15 years' experience in nonprofit management, community organizing, advocacy, program development, and fundraising in public health & education related to social justice.  She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida Atlantic University and a master's in social work from Barry University. As a senior member of the executive team at Habitat, Julia shapes agency strategy that includes programs such as fundraising and cultivation events, annual appeals, corporate and foundation giving, major gifts, prospect research, and donor stewardship.

 

Harvey E. Oyer, III is a partner in the law firm of Shutts & Bowen LLP, an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Miami School of Law, and an Adjunct Professor at the Florida Atlantic University Honors College. He is a fifth generation native Floridian and served for seven years as the Chairman of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. He also serves as a Director of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, a Trustee of the South Florida Science Museum, a Director of the Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, a Director of the Palm Beach Community College Foundation, and the Florida Senate President’s appointee to the Great Floridians Committee. He is a former Trustee of the Palm Beach United Way, a former Director of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, and a Fellow of the Duke of Edinburgh Foundation (United Kingdom). Oyer has received numerous awards, including selection into Best Lawyers in America and the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Ben Sadler is a native Floridian, having returned from a 20 year sojourn to South Carolina for college, law school, military service, and starting a family.  He is employed as real estate counsel to Florida Crystals Corporation and its affiliates.  Ben graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC, and attended law school at the University of South Carolina.  Prior to entering active military service after the events of 9/11, he practiced law in Beaufort, South Carolina.  Upon discharge from active duty, he returned to civilian life as in-house counsel for one of the largest power providers in South Carolina, focusing on real estate and economic development. Ben returned to his native Florida in 2018; he is a member of the vestry at Holy Trinity, is active in his son’s Boy Scout Troop, and assists with his children’s rowing practice in North Palm Beach.  He retired from the reserve components as a judge advocate major. 

With over 20 years of experience, Jon Schmidt is the Principal Landscape Architect at Jon E. Schmidt & Associates Inc. Jon's expertise in land planning resonates with an in-depth review of long range comprehensive goals to identify opportunities for compliance, as well as consistency with Land Development Codes. His experience includes all aspects of entitlement and land use matters, such as due diligence, site analysis, master planning, comprehensive plan adoption and public representation before local government and regulatory bodies, as well as transfer of development rights and design standards. He acts as lead consultant directing all planning aspects and strategic outlining, as well as implementation of site/landscape design on a wide variety of projects throughout South Florida. Jon Schmidt is committed to delivering the highest standards of design quality and professional services to his clients and our community.

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, an accomplished higher education academic leader, innovator, scientist and physician, was named president-elect of Palm Beach Atlantic University on January 16, 2020. Dr. Schwinn previously served as associate vice president for medical affairs, dean of the Carver College of Medicine, and professor of anesthesiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry at the University of Iowa. She will assume the office of president on May 4, 2020, following the retirement of President William M. B. Fleming Jr. after a highly successful eight-year tenure. Prior to her positions at the University of Iowa, Dr. Schwinn served in senior leadership roles at the University of Washington and Duke University, where she was director of cardiovascular genomics in the Center for Genomic Medicine. Dr. Schwinn holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster and earned her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine.

Stephen Travers is the District Manager of Rosemary Square with Related Companies.
 
With more than 40 years in leadership roles
managing teams in hospitality, sales, operation and guest services, Mr. Travers oversees day to day business operations, including parking, food & beverage operations, front of house guest services, maintenance and security at Rosemary Square in West Palm Beach. 
 
Stephen began his career in Ireland with Unilever and transferred to the United States in 1994. He 
became the Advertising Director for the Irish Voice Newspaper in New York, moved his way up 
Operations Manager at NYC OTB and held the role of VP of Hospitality at the New York Racing 
Association for the past 11 years. He joined Related Companies in June 2019. Mr. Travers graduated from Benildus College in Dublin, Ireland, and currently resides in Boca Raton.