BUSINESS PEOPLE May 18

Posted May 13, 2008 by The Tampa Tribune

Updated May 13, 2008 at 02:49 PM

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

Jay Advertising has hired Darcel Schouler as an account director for the Southeast region for GM/Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealer group accounts. She will focus on account service, promotions and advertising. She earned a bachelor of arts in mass communications from the University of South Florida and has more than 12 years of experience.

Ad Partners Inc. announced that Steve Saladino has joined the company as art director. His responsibilities include creating integrated, brand and direct marketing campaigns. He previously worked for Chenoweth & Associates. Cindy Honickman has joined the company as account coordinator. She graduated from the University of Florida’s advertising program. Amanda Curry has been hired as media coordinator. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology.

BANKING/FINANCE

BB&T has promoted Russell Bogue to senior vice president. Bogue joined the company’s legal department as an associate general counsel. He earned his degree in accounting from Duke University and his doctorate degree from the University of Florida College of Law.

HIGH-TECH

IC Intracom announced that Mary Alice Betts has been promoted to chief financial officer. She has extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, global systems implementation and business operations. Betts holds two master’s degrees from the University of Scranton in finance and production operations management. Prior to joining the company, she worked for Tech Data Corp. as director of IT projects.

HEALTH CARE

Robert Rothman has been appointed chairman of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center board of directors. He obtained a master’s degree in finance from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He is also the CEO of the Black Diamond Group, co-owner of the Washington Redskins and has previously served as director of the University of Tampa.

HOSPITALITY

Raquel Avellant has been promoted to manager at Armani’s Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

LAW

Rachel M. Feinman has joined Hill Ward Henderson as an associate in the corporate and tax group. Her practice focuses on general corporate and securities law. Prior to joining the firm she worked for an international firm, where she focused on mergers, acquisitions and general corporate law.

Carlton Fields announced that Erin E. Banks has rejoined the firm as an associate in the real estate and finance practice group. She previously practiced with Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard PLLC.

OTHER

David Hendrix has been named president and chairman of the board of directors of the Boy Scouts of America Gulf Ridge Council. He is a shareholder in GrayRobinson law firm. His practice focuses on commercial litigation and banking, administrative, regulatory, construction and transportation law.

Charles “Butch” Dubecky has been promoted to Southeast director of sales for Englert Inc. He will be responsible for branch sales in Southeastern states.

Junior Achievement of West Central Florida announced that Joseph F. Cannella has been appointed Hillsborough County board chair.

Superior Uniform Group announced that Charles Sheppard has been promoted to vice president of supply chain. He will have responsibility for purchasing and global sourcing. He has more than 23 years of management and executive experience.

Announcements should be submitted, preferably by e-mail, to Camille Scringer at moneysense@tampatrib.com. Or they can be mailed to Business News department, The Tampa Tribune, P.O. Box 191, Tampa FL 33601; or faxed to (813) 258-8504. Photos must be identified on the back and will not be returned. The Tribune does not guarantee that announcements will be published.

---

Business Profile May 18

Posted May 13, 2008 by The Tampa Tribune

Updated May 13, 2008 at 02:42 PM

CHRIS DURAN

41, branch manager, New Tampa office of Prudential Tropical Realty

First job: Dishwasher at Mama Mia’s in Carrollwood

Education: “I graduated from Leto High School here in Tampa in 1984. After a few years of ‘trying college,’ I decided to join the U.S. Navy Reserves, where I was in a program that allowed me to earn an A.S. degree in radiologic technology from HCC in Tampa.”

How did you get here: “I always liked the idea of working in real estate, so I decided to give it a shot. I started in 2001 and had some initial success. In 2002, I made the switch to Prudential Tropical Realty, and my career started to blossom. Since then, I have been a high-producing agent. That led to my recent appointment as branch manager.”

Business philosophy: “Do what is right. I have always run my business that way, and I instill that doctrine to the agents in my office.”

Favorite Web site: “PewterReport.com. I am a die-hard Bucs fan, and this site always has great info.”

Priority for growth in Tampa: Duran said the city should promote itself as a great place to live and raise a family and should attract more corporations to Tampa.

Surprise: “I wanted to be a professional soccer player.”

Biggest mistake:  “In real estate, you must ‘get it in writing’! I lost a sale early in my career because I trusted someone who did not come through to their word.”

Favorite book: “I enjoy the depth and knowledge of Tom Clancy. I got started on his books by watching the movie ‘Hunt for Red October.’ I was hooked. I’ve read just about everything he’s done since then.”

Camille Scringer

---

Business People, March 30, 2008

Posted Mar 28, 2008 by Christina Mancing

Updated Mar 28, 2008 at 11:49 AM

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

Environmental PR Group has announced one promotion and two staff additions. Rebecca Bray has been promoted from supervising account executive to director of client services. Kelly Diedring and Jason Townsend have joined the firm as account executives.

Sandy D’Elosua has been promoted to senior account executive at RFB Communications Group, responsible for strategic planning, media relations, writing and research. She previously served as an account executive for the agency. Rachel Gossett has joined RFB Communications Group as an account coordinator. Gossett previously was a junior account executive for the Dutcher Group in Tampa.

BANKING/FINANCE

Tom Dorety, president and chief executive officer of Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union since 1996, has been elected board chairman of the Credit Union National Association.

Fifth Third Bank (Tampa Bay) announced four appointments. Tasmin Kirkbride has joined as a middle market relationship manager. John McElhone has joined as vice president and area sales manager. Stella Varellas and Jonathan Prieskorn have joined as mortgage loan originators.

Colonial Bank has appointed two new members to its Florida West Coast board of directors. Jack P. Brandon practices at Peterson & Myers in Lake Wales, and James C. Franklin Jr. serves as chairman for Lanier Upshaw Inc.

DESIGN/ENGINEERING

Gresham, Smith and Partners announced that Sheila Bosch has joined the firm as a director of research. Bosch will serve as a resource to support, understand and apply research evidence regarding how the physical health care facility environment can improve patient and staff outcomes. She will work from the company’s Tampa office.

HEALTH CARE

JSA Healthcare Corp. announced the following: Tina Costahas joined JSA Healthcare Corp. in St. Petersburg as director of operations. Lynda Place has joined JSA Medical Group in Tarpon Springs as nurse administrator. Cheryl Meola has joined JSA Medical Group in Bradenton as nurse administrator. Pat Harp, project nurse for JSA Healthcare Corp., has been promoted to case manager for JSA Medical Group City Center in Tampa. Penny McRay, nurse administrator for JSA Medical Group Gateway, has been promoted to director of case management for JSA Healthcare Corp. in St. Petersburg. Debra Venello, training and development coordinator level II for JSA Healthcare Corp., has been promoted to administrator for JSA Medical Group Ninth St. in St. Petersburg. Marcia Miessler, project nurse for JSA Healthcare Corp., has been promoted to nurse administrator for JSA Medical Group Gateway in St. Petersburg. Case manager Diane Kershner has moved from JSA Medical Group Woodlands to JSA Medical Group Sheldon in Tampa.

HONORS

Richard M. Weiss, clerk of the circuit court, accountant, auditor and clerk to the board of county commissioners, received two national awards from the Government Finance Officers Association for the fiscal year that ended September 2006. Weiss received the certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting for Polk County Florida, and the award for outstanding achievement in popular annual financial reporting each for the fiscal year that ended September, 2006.

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP announced that Charles R. Fletcher, partner in the Tampa office, has been appointed to the board of the Florida Biofuels Association Inc., a group of private- and public-sector professionals promoting locally produced alternative fuels such as ethanol. The organization also serves as a resource for the development of a sustainable biofuels sector in Florida.

REAL ESTATE

Patricia Staebler, a state-certified general appraiser and commercial broker, has joined Keller Williams Realty of Greater Manatee and will lead the commercial division. Staebler’s background encompasses management of an engineering office, extensive knowledge in the construction industry as well as property management of residential and commercial units.

Kirby Cockrum has been named home mortgage consultant for Capstone Home Mortgage. Cockrum will work out of Prudential Tropical Realty’s northeast St. Petersburg office.

OTHER

Julie Wills has joined the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Region as regional development director. Wills will develop corporate partnerships and major gifts in support of regional initiatives. She is also responsible for staff development in the four chapters in the region.

Announcements should be submitted, preferably by e-mail, to Christina Mancing at cmancing@tampatrib.com. Or they can be mailed to Business News department, The Tampa Tribune, P.O. Box 191, Tampa FL 33601, or faxed to (813) 258-8504. Photos must be identified on the back and will not be returned. The Tribune does not guarantee that announcements will be published.

 

---

Business Profile, March 30, 2008

Posted Mar 28, 2008 by Christina Mancing

Updated Mar 28, 2008 at 11:25 AM

STEPHEN McDONALD
52, promoted to operations manager for Manhattan Construction Co.‘s Florida division

Notable: In one of his previous positions, he directed the construction of Yacht Haven Grande, a luxury resort and facility for megayachts on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He has been with Manhattan more than 10 years.
First job: “Growing up on a ranch, it was a combination of doing yardwork and working on a ranch.”
Education: Bachelor of science degree in construction science (building construction) through the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University

Inspiration: “The pastor, Benjamin J. Shanks, of my home church. He walked the talk, cared for all and showed strength at all times.”

Unwinding: “I recharge by taking time for ‘me’ in a quiet setting. I read, watch TV and busy myself by writing short inspirational thoughts. I play golf or do other outdoor activities because I enjoy nature.”

Surprise: “That I am a true cowboy at heart and I am really a simple person to understand.”

Biggest mistake: “Not really listening! I have learned that listening is paramount in being able to make good decisions or managing a team and/or your life.”

Favorite song: “Midnight Train to Georgia”

Christina Mancing

---

Business Profile, March 23, 2008

Posted Mar 24, 2008 by Christina Mancing

Updated Mar 24, 2008 at 04:52 PM

RICH PEREIRA
48, promoted to vice president, U.S. sales, East VAR (Value Added Reseller) for Tech Data Corp.

First job: “Dishwasher and cook at the Officers Club on the Cherry Point Marine Corps base in North Carolina.”
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and master’s in business administration from Florida State University

Advice: “Get a good education and then keep on learning, especially about problem solving and communication. And develop a strong network of colleagues that you can count on throughout your career.”

Unwinding: “I enjoy gardening with my wife, along with a nice glass of wine.”

Favorite Web site: www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. “This is where I get my daily Scripture readings and overall news and information for my faith life.”

Priority for growth in Tampa: “Affordable housing and reasonable taxes that enable young, talented professionals to move to our area and obtain the American dream.”

Surprise: “I traveled all over the U.S. and the world before I was 20 years old — living in Japan, Okinawa, Egypt — and visited Europe. Also, that I was an avid surfer and raced sailboats with my family on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.”

Mentor: Pete Peterson, senior vice president, AIS Division, Tech Data, who said: “Problems are not like fine wine; they don’t get better with time, so nip them in the bud.”

Christina Mancing

---