Thank you to our tremendous Annual Sponsors
Leadership Tampa Alumni
2022 Annual Review
Leadership Tampa Alumni,
Strong, diverse leaders working together can build organizations and solutions that flourish for generations. This is why LTA is such a vital asset to our community.
With more than 50 years worth of alumni, LTA has the extensive, integrated brain power of hundreds of top leaders working across industries who are uniquely informed and connected through our shared Leadership Tampa experience. We are successful, creative and purpose-driven with significant influence in our organizations and community. We are respected for our experience, knowledge and active involvement in all that we do, and we don’t hesitate to speak up or roll up our sleeves to affect positive change. While the value we bring individually to the organizations and causes we serve is great, when we combine our leadership strengths that value is amplified exponentially. That is the power of LTA.
Entering our second half-century as an organization, we set out to more clearly capture and communicate that value to our members, our community and future alumni. Over the course of this year, we made several important steps toward that goal, starting with a fresh mission statement:
Leadership Tampa Alumni connects the strength and talent of leaders across industries who have graduated from Leadership Tampa and are committed to nurturing an engaged, inclusive and prosperous community.
This refreshed statement connects our purpose directly to the larger vision of the Tampa Bay Chamber and conveys that LTA is more than just an extension of the Leadership Tampa program, it’s really the ultimate benefit. Zeroing in on that benefit, we also introduced a new tagline:
Gain. Grow. Give.
These three words are inspired by feedback from our own members about why they remain involved in Leadership Tampa Alumni for years, and even decades, after graduating. The tagline represents the unique opportunities LTA offers to continuously gain new insights, grow meaningful relationships, and give back to our community.
Lastly, we launched an all-new Leadership Tampa Recruitment Committee to help engage the future leaders of our organization. Moving forward, this new committee will help to diversify and strengthen the annual pool of Leadership Tampa candidates while also helping to communicate that Leadership Tampa is the means to an even greater end - lasting involvement and impact through LTA.
These changes were set in motion and implemented throughout the year thanks to the strategic vision and hard work of several key leaders. Many thanks to the 2022 LTA Cabinet, all of whom embraced the challenge to execute significant changes while continuing to plan, produce and deliver exceptional programs, outreach activities and communications. Thanks as well to Sr. Director of Leadership Programs Michelle Ciudad-Real who works with ceaseless energy and commitment to coordinate efforts, champion our members and advance our organization. Thank you to the Tampa Bay Chamber and its executive leadership for supporting new ideas for this year and beyond, and thank you to past LTA Chairs who laid the foundation for where we are today and where we are growing tomorrow, especially Amanda Uliano (LT‘13, Chair 2020) and Luis Martinez-Monfort (LT’15, Chair 2021). Finally, the utmost thanks to all of you - the members of Leadership Tampa Alumni who share your time and talent year after year for the benefit of our community. I’m honored to know you as friends and neighbors and to have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from you as fellow leaders. Here’s to another 50 years and more of gaining, growing and giving back together!
With gratitude,
Crystal L. Lauderdale (LT `15)
Ultimate Medical Academy
2022 Leadership Tampa Alumni Chair
Thank you for your continued support of the Leadership Tampa Alumni program. The events of the past two years have shown us more than ever the importance of working together on our collective good. As graduates of the third-oldest leadership program in the country, you already knew this better than most others around you. LTA has a long roster of outstanding members and a long-standing commitment of positively impacting our community no matter the difficulty. What makes LTA unique is the common bond of participating in a strong, experienced leadership program that evolves each year and remains cutting edge on topics relevant to our region.
This important committee of the Tampa Bay Chamber is integral to our mission “to serve our members and enhance our community by building business success.” Strong leadership is the key to a diverse, inclusive, and strengthened community. Leadership Tampa, and by extension LTA, is an important vehicle to develop that leadership. As part of the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Vision 2026 Plan, Leadership Tampa Alumni will ensure volunteer and professional leaders are skilled at affecting community change, producing catalytic leaders, and leveraging its broad-based sphere of influence.
LTA has played an increasing role in making the vision plan a success. I thank you for your efforts to embrace the Vision 2026 Plan. Your support is critical for the continued success of the plan. Your participation and enthusiasm make a big difference in our community.
Thank you for your membership and your commitment to our community. Our future is not guaranteed to be smooth every year, but we are committed to work together to be resilient and make each year count for our region.
Sincerely
Bob Rohrlack, DBA, CCE
President and CEO
Chair
Vice Chair /
Parke Wright III Chair
Park Wright III Vice Chair
Past Chair
LT '22 Chair
LT'23 Chair
Marketing Chair
Marketing Vice Chair
Community Outreach Chair
Community Outreach Vice Chair
Programs Chair
Programs Vice Chair
Sponsorship Chair
Sponsorship Vice Chair
Membership Chair
Membership Vice Chair
Recruitment Chair
Recruitment Vice Chair
Past Chairs
2025 – Grace Maseda-Sainz (LT ’19)
2024 – Wendy Ross (LT’14)
2023 – Jeff Chernoff (LT’16)
2022 – Crystal Lauderdale (LT’15)
2021 – Luis Martinez-Monfort (LT’15)
2020 – Amanda Uliano (LT’13)
2019 – Michael Blasco (LT’12)
2018 – Jill Manthey (LT’10)
2017 – Christine Turner (LT’07)
2016 – Reid Haney (LT’96)
2015 – Misha Hart (LT’07)
2014 – Troy Atlas (LT’07)
2013 – Randi Widdon (LT’07) / Renee Vaughn (LT’93) & Dianne Jacob (LT’92)
2012 – Renee Vaughn (LT’93)
2011 – Mark Segel (LT’05)
2010 – Eric Bailey (LT’04)
2009 – William Arnold (LT’04)
2008 – John Moors (LT’01)
2007 – Brenda Geoghagan (LT’98)
2006 – Colleen Chappell (LT’99)
2005 – David Stefany (LT’95)
2004 – Paddy Moses (LT’88)
2003 – Susan Welsh (LT ’92)
2002 – Dianne Jacob (LT ’92)
2001 – Paul Catoe (LT ’92)
2000 – John Timmel (LT ’91)
1999 – Gregory Yadley (LT ’88)
1998 – Emeline Acton (LT ’88)
1997 – Henry Woodroffe (LT ’90)
1996 – Susan Lang (LT ’93)
1995 – David Hooks (LT ’90)
1994 – Pat Bowers Holt (LT ’88)
1993 – Mike Urette (LT ’71)
1992 – Robert Rasmussen (LT ’84)
Leadership Tampa Alumni (LTA) connects the strength and talent of established leaders working across industries who have graduated from the Leadership Tampa program and are committed to nurturing an engaged, inclusive and prosperous community.
The connection among LTA members begins with the shared experience of Leadership Tampa, one of the nation’s longest-standing leadership programs. Through this immersive experience, participants get behind-the-scenes exposure to the industries shaping Tampa Bay. Graduates emerge with deep insights, meaningful connections and an opportunity for ongoing influence and impact as a member of Leadership Tampa Alumni.
LTA’s more than 550 members and growing include some of Tampa Bay’s top officials, business executives and owners, university and college presidents, non-profit leaders, philanthropists, subject-matter experts and more. Throughout the year, these leaders come together to continuously gain new insights, grow meaningful relationships and give back to the community we all love and share.
Whether you represent the first best class ever (BCE) of 1971 or our 51st BCE, which just graduated in June - Leadership Tampa was just the start of a now life-long opportunity to gain fresh insights about our community and the people, organizations and industries driving it forward.
At our 2022 Chair’s Choice event, LTA Chair, Crystal L. Lauderdale (LT’ 15) tapped into her journalistic roots and passion for leadership to organize an event focused on Leading for Impact at WFLA News Channel 8 / WTTA-TV Great 38. The event, sponsored by Ultimate Medical Academy, provided valuable leadership insights from LT‘15 alum and leadership expert Jennifer Currence. Participants also had a chance to hear from local journalists and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep Tampa Bay informed.
In June, our LTA early risers gathered for coffee and conversation at The University of Tampa’s Ferman Center for the Arts - a new state-of-the-art facility that provides UT students with the opportunity to learn and experiment using world-class tools for creating and composing music, painting, sculpting, dance and more.
Our final event designed to gain valuable insight within our LTA community took us to USF Health CAMLS for our Conversation with Influence lunch, sponsored by Tampa Bay Food Trucks, with a discussion with the President of The University of South Florida (USF), Rhea Law (LT ‘91).
Ask any Leadership Tampa graduate about the value of their experience, and most will speak to the relationships they established. Through LTA, leaders continuously grow those relationships - not just with members of their own class, but with more than 550 alumni and counting who remain committed to having influence and impact long after graduation.
Our Annual Meeting, sponsored by Baker Barrios Architects, Inc. and Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate. Members attended at the start of the year to reconnect as we passed the torch from 2021 LTA Cabinet Chair Luis Martinez-Monfort (LT ‘15) to Crystal Lauderdale (LT ‘15). Together, we also celebrated exceptional leadership by announcing our newest Parke Wright III Award recipient, Troy Manthey (LT’03).
Our annual Spring Fling, sponsored by The University of Tampa provides an opportunity for prospective LT candidates and LTA members to get acquainted and discuss all of the various ways the program supports personal and professional gain, grow and give initiatives.
Thanks to the CI Group, the LTA Welcome Reception at Steinbrenner Field was a hit in 2022. The reception welcomes the newest members of LTA before their graduation reception and affords the new graduates the opportunity to be welcomed into a lifelong bond with LTA from the past 51 years.
It was back to a truly amazing venue in Hotel Haya for the 2022 LTA Reunion, courtesy of Agentry Real Estate. The Havana Nights themed event is always one of the most popular events of the entire year with incredible food, music, drinks, hand-rolled cigars and company.
Although slightly postponed due to late-season Hurricane Nicole, the annual LTA Bowling event, sponsored by Busch Gardens, was held at Splitsville. LTA members and their team dressed up, not only to compete on the lanes but also for the coveted “best team costume” award. As usual, LT ‘04 claimed the top spot as “Star Fours”
It was all glitz & glam as the LTA Holiday Party, sponsored by BayCare & ChappellRoberts, took to the red carpet at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Even a little rain couldn’t take our red carpet moment away. LTA members showed up in style and in unity, donated toys for Metropolitan Ministries holiday toy drive.
“As leaders and difference makers in Tampa, we are truly blessed … because we are so fortunate, it is incumbent on us to think beyond ourselves.” The words of 2021 LTA Cabinet Chair Luis Martinez-Monfort (LT ‘15) speak to a cornerstone of Leadership Tampa Alumni. The opportunity to give back in collaboration with cross-industry leaders is a reason many remain involved in LTA throughout their careers and lives.
This year’s Outreach activities supported causes related to basic needs, literacy, education, health and social equity.
True leaders roll up their sleeves in the face of a challenge and work as one for the greater good. That's the kind of leadership we saw from our LTA crew as they supported Habitat for Humanity in September.
The annual event at Goodwill Bookworks allows LTA members to volunteer their time supporting our community by sorting books that are provided to Tampa Bay area youth in schools and by recording themselves reading books, where parents and students can access the videos through Bookworks’ portal.
2022 Parke Wright Leadership Award
Mike Griffin
Tampa, FL – A short 6 years after making Tampa Bay Chamber history, Michael ("Mike") E. Griffin is in the community spotlight again, receiving the 2022 Parke Wright III Award from Leadership Tampa Alumni (LTA). On January 24th, Griffin was recognized by his peers for demonstrating exceptional leadership and making a significant difference in the Tampa Bay community over the years.
The Class of 2004 Leadership Tampa Alumnus currently serves as the Market Leader and Senior Vice President of Savills, a worldwide provider of integrated real estate services. “I’m so thankful, grateful and humbled,” said Griffin in a video message he sent in from Morocco. The award ceremony in West Tampa coincided with his first day of meetings overseas. “I desperately wish I was there today to not only celebrate this award with all of you, but also what this represents and all the exciting things happening in our community,” said Griffin.
Accepting the award on his behalf was the Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Melanie Griffin, who also happens to be the honoree’s wife. “To my wife Melanie, you are my best friend, the love of my life, and I accept this on behalf of both of us,” said Griffin on-screen.
Described by his peers as someone who works with thoughtful dialogue and little fanfare, Griffin is now part of a select group of LT alumni to win this leadership award in 21 years. “Put simply, Mike personifies the concept of servant leadership,” says Steven M. Bernstein, the Chamber’s Chair in 2018. “I’ve had a front row seat to some of Mike’s greatest demonstrations of those character traits. He shaped our most important policy decisions as an officer and ultimately as chair of our great organization.”
Griffin is well-known for his civic endeavors and passionate leadership dating back to 2017 when he became the youngest Chairman of the Tampa Bay Chamber in its 130+ year history. He began his involvement with the Chamber when he served as a charter Co-Chair of Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay and was the inaugural recipient of the Chamber’s Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award. He also chaired the Chamber’s Government Efficiency Caucus, charged with identifying cost-saving opportunities within local government.
Even as a college student, Griffin shined as a leader. He served two terms as Student Body President at the University of South Florida and was the very first student member on the university’s Board of Trustees. The USF graduate returned to the USF Board of Trustees in 2019 after his appointment by the Florida Board of Governors and served as the founding Chairman of USF's Financing Corporation, to oversee the bond financing for USF system projects. Under his leadership, financing transactions were valued at more than $1.2 billion, resulting in more than 1.8 million square feet of projects.
He credits mentors for the spark leading to years of community service. “I know that mentors and mentees are why I’m here today,” said Griffin, ending his remarks with this call to action for LT Alumni. “All of us in this room have been impacted by mentors. Dig a little deeper and make more time for it. Find mentees, seek them out. Agree to be a mentor. Perhaps, go out and find a mentor or two for yourself.”
A devoted Eagle Scout, Griffin serves on the Executive Board of the Gulf Ridge Council for the Boy Scouts of America and the Junior Achievement Board of Directors. He is a graduate of Leadership Florida (Cornerstone XXVI) and in 2017, was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the Governing Board of Tampa Port Authority/Port Tampa Bay. His commendations over the years are many, receiving honors from Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, Howard University and the recipient of the Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University. Griffin was named “one of Florida’s 50 World Changers” by Florida Trend in its 50th Anniversary Issue, one of the top 25 most influential business leaders in Tampa Bay by the Tampa Bay Times, in the Power 100 leaders by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, and one of the top 100 most influential people in Florida by Influence Magazine.
Parke Wright III Award Recipients
- 2021 – Troy Manthey (LT '03)
- 2020 – Ronald Christaldi (LT ’03)
- 2019 – Dr. Chloe Coney (LT ’02)
- 2018 – Mark House (LT ‘98)
- 2017 – Robin DeLaVergne (LT ‘84)
- 2016 – Jane Castor (LT ‘00)
- 2015 – John A. Brabson (LT ‘77)
- 2014 – Renee Vaughn (LT ‘93)
- 2013 – Captain John C. Timmel (LT ‘91)
- 2012 – Ann McKeel Ross (LT ‘82)
- 2011 – George Howell (LT ‘99)
- 2010 – Jose Valiente (LT ‘98)
- 2009 – Dianne Jacob (LT ‘92)
- 2008 – Deanne D. Roberts (LT ‘92)
- 2007 – Chase Stockon (LT ‘99)
- 2006 – Paul Catoe (LT ‘92)
- 2005 – Dottie Berger-Mackinnon (LT ‘87)
- 2004 – Gregory C. Yadley (LT ‘88)
- 2003 – Major Elaine White (LT ‘00)
- 2002 – Rhea Law (LT ‘91)