Leadership Tampa Bay

08/21/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

Please join us in welcoming back Bill Merchant as the 2026-27 Programs Co-Chair of the Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. Bill brings a wealth of leadership experience and community dedication to the role. As Executive Director of the Evara Health Foundation, he champions philanthropic and brand-building efforts that make high-quality healthcare more accessible to underserved communities across Pinellas County. His work reflects a deep commitment to service and impact.

Bill’s passion for leadership extends far beyond his current role. He serves on several boards including the ReliaQuest Bowl and Ultraviolet Giving and is a proud graduate of both The Tampa Connection and Leadership Tampa Bay. His past board service includes The Tampa Club, Kiwanis Club of Tampa, and the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation, where he held multiple presidencies. Bill is excited to help shape an incredible year for the new class of Leadership Tampa Bay.

08/21/2026

Get the most out of your membership by staying connected with the alumni community and continuing to build the relationships that make this program so valuable. Join us for a networking breakfast where you’ll have the opportunity to meet alumni from previous classes, reconnect, and expand your network. Space is limited to the first 30 RSVPs.

Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Cost: $30 - includes buffet breakfast, coffee, and networking
This is not included in your events package. Events package events are Kick-Off, Holiday Pary, Graduation and $75 credit off other events.

Location: Yeomans
202 N Morgan Street
Tampa, FL 33602

Dietary restricts - please send any dietary/allergy's to [email protected]
Alumni Breakfast Meet Up

You’re invited to Leadership Tampa Bay’s “Alumni Breakfast Meet Up” on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. You will have the opportunity to meet alumni from previous classes and join us at this networking breakfast. Space is limited to the first 30 rsvp’s.

08/19/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

We’re excited to welcome back Lex Long to the 2026-27 Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. As President and Lead Architect of Long & Associates, Lex has led over $1 billion in completed public sector projects and is widely respected for his innovative and sustainable design approach. With licenses in architecture, interior design, and general contracting, Lex offers a rare combination of expertise that continues to shape the built environment across Tampa Bay and beyond.

Lex’s dedication to his profession and community is reflected in his leadership roles with AIA, IIDA, and the USGBC, as well as his service as Chairman of the Hillsborough County Historic Resources Architectural Review Board. A native Floridian who lives in Oldsmar with his wife Melissa and their four children, Lex brings his values of faith, family, and service into everything he does. We’re thrilled to have his continued service on the board this year.

08/17/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

We’re excited to welcome back Blake Guthrie as the 2026-27 Recruitment Co-Chair of the Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. Blake brings a dynamic blend of leadership and community engagement to the Board. As Director of Community Partnerships for the ReliaQuest Bowl, he develops strategic partnerships and leads community outreach efforts while managing key bowl events. His two-decade career in sports management includes work with ESPN Events, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, USF Athletics, and more.

Blake is deeply involved across Tampa Bay, serving on multiple boards including the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Visit Tampa Bay, Jackson In Action 83 Foundation, and the Ybor Chamber of Commerce. A proud USF alumnus originally from Bradenton, Blake lives in Lutz with his wife, Morgan, and their two young children. He is excited to help welcome and support the next class of Leadership Tampa Bay.

08/14/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

Please join us in welcoming Erin Stancick to the 2026-27 Leadership Tampa Bay as our Membership Chair. As Membership Director at The Tampa Club, Erin brings a unique blend of relationship-building skills and hospitality expertise to one of the city’s most prestigious private clubs. Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, she made Tampa Bay home six years ago and quickly became an engaged and enthusiastic member of the community.

Before joining the hospitality world, Erin built a successful career in the sports industry and now channels that same energy into creating exceptional member experiences. When she’s not connecting with professionals across the Bay, you’ll likely find her enjoying beach days or embracing her love for all things Disney. Erin is honored to serve on this year’s board and is excited to support the next class of leaders as they grow and make an impact.

08/12/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

Say hello to Kerra Kuzmick, our returning Marketing and Communications Co-Chair for the 2026–27 Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. As the Business Development Manager at Baker Barrios Architects, Kerra plays a key role in shaping the firm’s growth across Tampa Bay, building relationships, and elevating brand visibility in sectors ranging from healthcare to mixed-use development. Her passion for connecting people and ideas makes her a standout leader both professionally and within the community.

Now in her fourth year on the Board, Kerra continues to give back through her involvement with the Pasco Hernando State College Foundation Board, the Light the Night Executive Committee, and multiple local causes. Reflecting on her own LTB experience, Kerra shares that it expanded her network across four counties, offered new perspectives, and connected her with a trusted community of leaders. We are thrilled to have her creativity and dedication helping lead this year’s class.

08/10/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

Please join us in welcoming Justin McAllister, Class of 2024, back for his second year on the Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. Justin helps organizations get ready for the worst day before it arrives. Through Grey Group he provides risk assessments, contingency planning, and security consulting for nonprofits and NGOs stateside and abroad, and through ViTAC Solutions he puts trauma kits and first-aid training in the hands of protectors, law enforcement, and tactical professionals. It's work that comes straight out of 20+ years in the U.S. Army, 16 of them in intelligence and special operations.

Justin also serves as a Tampa Ambassador for the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, where he supports veteran entrepreneurs and military families. He's committed to expanding access and opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking guidance and resources, as well as for young people who may not yet be aware of the pathways and possibilities available to them. Outside of work, he's usually spending time with family and friends, traveling, staying active, reading, and exploring new ideas and technologies. He looks forward to supporting this year's class, connecting with Tampa Bay's business and nonprofit leaders, and introducing more small-business owners to Leadership Tampa Bay.

08/07/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

Please welcome Mike McCollum, returning to serve as Secretary on the 2026–27 Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. Mike is the Chief Philanthropy Officer at United Way Suncoast, where he oversees Corporate and Individual Philanthropy as well as Volunteer Engagement. With a career fully rooted in nonprofit work, Mike brings a wealth of experience and purpose-driven leadership to the board. He is a proud graduate of the Leadership Tampa Bay Class of 2020 and continues to stay actively involved through his work with the YMCA and other community organizations.

Before joining United Way Suncoast, Mike served as Chief Advancement Officer at the Hillsborough Education Foundation, where he built lasting partnerships and successfully led fundraising efforts. His earlier roles include Executive Director positions at multiple YMCA branches, where he first connected with United Way’s mission. A University of South Florida alum, Mike is a dedicated community leader, husband, and father of two. We are excited to have his continued energy and vision guiding the upcoming class.

08/05/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

We’re thrilled to have Amanda Derby returning as Sponsorship Chair on the 2026-27 Leadership Tampa Bay Board of Directors. A proud Class of 2023 alumna, Amanda brings sharp leadership and an entrepreneurial spirit to the board. As Vice President of Operations at Florida Avenue Brewing Company, she oversees taproom operations in Wesley Chapel and Seminole Heights, and played a key role in launching the private events department during the height of the pandemic.

Amanda transitioned from a successful legal career in Florida and California to help grow her family’s brewery, proving her adaptability and drive. She’s passionate about building strong teams, refining operations, and giving back to the community. Outside of the brewery, she's spending her time with her little one and family, or cheering on her beloved FSU Seminoles!

We're excited to have her leadership and energy guiding the Sponsorship Committee this year.

08/03/2026

Meet the Board – Leadership Tampa Bay

Please join us in welcoming our 2026-27 Past Chair, Joe Chiellini, a true example of leadership in business and service. Joe is a Senior Vice President at ASI Landscape a Yardnique Company, which he started in 1993 as a two-man residential lawn service. Under Joe’s leadership, ASI grew into a thriving commercial business with 180 employees and three branches across the Tampa Bay and Orlando regions. Alongside his business success, Joe served Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue for nearly 30 years, retiring as a Captain. His dual career path reflects his deep commitment to growth, resilience and community service.

Beyond business, Joe is deeply rooted in community impact. From launching Wrestling for a Cause and Give Back Days to founding the Krewe of the Knights of St. John to support families of fallen firefighters, Joe leads with heart. As a national consultant, active parish member, multiple-time award recipient and as the LTB Class of 2026 Board Chair, Joe brings unmatched experience. We’re excited for Joe’s continued leadership and commitment to this years class.