FSBA Executive Officers

Advocacy Subcommittee: The Advocacy Committee shall develop a comprehensive public relations and communications strategy designed to strengthen FSBA’s advocacy for public education. The strategy must include elements to encourage public involvement and to earn public understanding and support for public education.  The Advocacy Committee has two subcommittees: Legislative and Federal Relations.
​

Committee Staff Support: Joe McGehee, Esq.

MEMBERS
Co-Chair: Cindy Pearson, Duval

Co-Chair: Wendy Atkinson, Charlotte

** NOTE – The membership of the FSBA Advocacy Committee is determined as follows:

Each district school board shall designate annually a member and an alternate to serve on the Advocacy Committee as the FSBA Advocacy Liaison, and shall inform the FSBA office of such appointments. In addition, the Advocacy Committee members will then determine the makeup of the Legislative Subcommittee.

Legislative Subcommittee: The Legislative Subcommittee shall develop a propose legislative platform to be presented to the Advocacy Committee for adoption in accordance with the timeline and procedures set forth in FSBA Policy 2025. The Legislative Subcommittee shall pursue legislative changes consistent with the adopted FSBA legislative platform and shall represent the interests of local school boards before the Florida Legislature, Executive branch, and State agencies.

Committee Support Staff: Joe McGehee, Esq.

MEMBERS

Co-Chair: Laura Hine, Pinellas

Co-Chair: Patti Rendon, Hillsborough

Vice-Chair: Brenda Carlton, Taylor

Committee Documents & Activities:

• Visit the FSBA State Government Page for information on the committee’s work and updates

Federal Relations Subcommittee: The Federal Relations Subcommittee shall pursue legislative changes consistent with the adopted FSBA Federal platform and shall represent the interests of local school boards before the United States Congress, the Executive branch, and Federal agencies.

Committee Support Staff: Joe McGehee, Esq.

MEMBERS

Co-Chair: Bev Slough, St. Johns

Co-Chair: Terri Barenborg, Indian River

Vice-Chair: Bill Ribble, Lee

Committee Documents & Activities:

Equity Committee: Sensitizes and cultivates positive images and attitudes among school board members on multicultural education issues and recommends program topics for workshops and conferences.

FSBA Staff Support: Andrea Messina

MEMBERS

Chair: Debbie Jordan, Lee

Vice Chair: Stacey Hannigon, Gadsden

Committee Documents & Activities:

Bridging the Technology Divide White Papers

Finance Committee: Monitors the financial operation and budgetary process of FSBA.

Committee Support Staff: Jordan Steffens, CPA, CPM

MEMBERS

Chair: Alva Smith, Leon

Vice Chair: Tyler Brandeburg, Lake

Committee Documents & Activities:

• To view previous reports and notes, visit the FSBA BoardDocs page

Leadership Services Committee: Plans, guides, and monitors the implementation of the Leadership Development Program which includes the Certified Board Member Programs, and Master Board Programs, New School Board Member Academy and ethics trainings.

Committee Support Staff: Tina Pinkoson

MEMBERS

Co-Chair: Eddie Hand, Wakulla

Co-Chair: Jason Catalano, Walton

Committee Documents & Activities:

Long Range Planning Committee: Engages in long range and strategic planning to ensure that FSBA’s vision, mission, and strategic directions are pursued and to encourage the smooth transition of leadership within the Association. The membership of the Long Range Planning Committee includes the FSBA executive officers and two at large members elected from the general membership.

Committee Support Staff: Andrea Messina

MEMBERS

Chair: Heather Kahoun, Osceola

Committee Documents & Activities:

Policy Committee: Assists in the review, development, and revision of the FSBA Bylaws and Policies and facilitates the adoption process of any proposed changes.

Committee Support Staff: Dr. Demetrius Rice

MEMBERS

Chair: Justin Sharpless, Polk

Vice Chair: Li Roberts, Martin

Committee Documents & Activities:

• • General Membership Meeting Policy Proposals for 6.11.2026
  • Bylaws and Policies Amendment Process Chart
  • Bylaws and Policies Proposal Form
  • Bylaw and Policy Amendment, Proposal, or Repeal Process Mindmap

Past Presidents’ Council: Serves in an advisory capacity to the Executive Officers on issues of governance, seeks ways and strategies to advance the FSBA President’s focus area, recruits leaders for FSBA, and performs other duties as assigned by the FSBA President.

Committee Support Staff: Andrea Messina

MEMBERS

Chair: Tim Bryant, Okaloosa

Committee Documents & Activities:

The FSBA Nominating Committee is a very important committee that selects a recommended slate of officers for the FSBA leadership team.  The association needs you to be a part of this important process.  Nominating Committee members are elected during the General Membership Meeting, at the FSBA Annual Joint Conference.

The FSBA Nominating Committee is comprised of members elected by regions of the FSBA general membership during the general membership meeting held annually at the joint conference in the fall.  Individuals who are interested in serving in an Executive Officer’s capacity must submit a completed Declaration of Candidacy and related materials to the Committee.  The Committee meets to review the applications, interview all candidates, and nominate a slate of candidates for consideration and election by the FSBA General Membership.

• FSBA Bylaws and Policies Relating to the Nominating Committee and Application Process
• FSBA Bylaws and Policies Relating to Powers and Duties of Executive Officers
• FSBA Executive Committee Time Commitment

Chair: Angie Gallo, Immediate Past President, Orange

• 2026-27 Declaration of Candidacy Application Process and Schedule
• 2026-27 Declaration of Candidacy
• How Does the Nominating Committee Work on Vimeo

Committee Support Staff: Kim Beaty

Know & Grow 2.0 Subcommittee: The Know and Grow 2.0 Subcommittee shall be responsible for developing and implementing a structured plan to engage and welcome newly elected school board members, and shall ensure active participation in the Association’s Mentor Program.

Committee Support Staff: Tina Pinkoson

Co-Chair: Travis Keyes, Polk

Co-Chair: Lauren Ramirez, Flagler

Ad Hoc Committee: Emerging Tech:

The “Head” of governance requires staying ahead of rapid technological shifts to ensure both district success and leadership efficiency. Building on the foundation of the previous Ad Hoc AI Committee, this committee will explore the 1-to-3-year impacts of emerging tools on instructional and operational technology.

Crucially, this committee recognizes that effective governance in the modern era requires board members to be proficient in the digital tools that support their own work. Under Fla. Stat. § 1001.41 (2025), district school boards are empowered to perform duties for the improvement of the district; this committee will ensure board members have the “Head” knowledge to leverage technology for data-driven decision-making, localized advocacy, and efficient communication.

FSBA Staff Support: Dr. Demetrius Rice

MEMBERS

Co-Chair: Thomas Kennedy, Citrus

Co-Chair: Roberto Alonso, Miami-Dade

Committee Documents & Activities:

Ad Hoc Committee: Health & Vitality:

The “Hustle” of leadership requires physical energy and personal vitality. This committee addresses the health and wellness of both students and the board members who lead them. Fla. Stat. § 1003.453 (2025) emphasizes school wellness and physical education, and recent legislative shifts have placed a greater focus on mandatory health screenings and student fitness.

Following the 2025 Executive Order reestablishing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, this committee will explore strategies for school-based programs that reward excellence in physical education. Furthermore, it will focus on the vitality of school board members, providing resources to manage the physical demands of public service and ensuring they have the energy to “hustle” for their districts.

FSBA Staff Support: Joe McGehee, Esq.

MEMBERS

Chair: Laurie Cox, Leon

Vice-Chair: Melisa Jahner, Okeechobee

Committee Documents & Activities:

Ad Hoc Committee: Connection & Service:

The “Heart” of school board service lies in the commitment to the “whole person.” Fla. Stat. § 1012.461 (2025) outlines the opportunities for school boards to adopt policies authorizing volunteer chaplains to support students, while Fla. Stat. § 1003.497 (2025) encourages school districts to initiate meaningful service-learning programs that enhance character and civic engagement.

Between 2026-2027, FSBA will welcome many new members under term limits alongside experienced leaders. This committee will provide chaplain-like support and encouragement to ensure members feel supported in all areas of their lives. Understanding that choosing to serve impacts the whole person, we will honor and support each person’s spirit and desire for service.

FSBA Staff Support: Dr. Demetrius Rice

MEMBERS

Co-Chair: Tim Bryant, Okaloosa

Co-Chair: Chephus Granberry, Jackson

Committee Documents & Activities: