CHAIR
Dennis Smith
Vice Chairman, Tripp Scott
Dennis Smith is a practicing attorney with Tripp Scott, P.A. He joined the Firm in 1977 and served as its president from 1992-2000. He is currently Vice Chairman of the Board. Smith grew up in Pompano Beach. He is a devoted community leader who has served the Broward Community in several capacities for various governmental agencies, foundations and associations.
1st VICE CHAIR
Morcene Olmeda
Vice President, Financial Center Manager, Washington Mutual
Ms. Olmeda’s professional banking experience spans over 25 years. Ms. Olmeda has assumed several retail banking positions that include bank auditor, mortgage and small business lender. Olmeda has actively participated in community programs including First Time Home Buyer Workshops and Adult Education Seminars
TREASURER
Kenneth Binger
Senior Vice President, Regional Sales & Service Manager, BankAtlantic
Ken has been in the banking business for nearly 30 years.
SECRETARY
Albert Tucker
V.P, Multicultural Business Development, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
His leadership has helped to triple the tourism dollars brought to Broward County by the African-American, Asian, Caribbean and Hispanic markets. Over the past five years, numerous organizations have held their conferences in Broward County. These organizations include The National Forum for Black Public Administrators, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, and The National Society of Hispanic MBA’s. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, Mr. Tucker is working to develop the Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Complex for Education and Preservation. This $50 million dollar project will be instrumental in locating the Gospel Industry in the heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Dinah Stephenson, Esq.
Senior Vice President, D. Stephenson Construction, Inc.
As Co-founder of D. Stephenson Construction, Inc., Dinah has over 14 years of experience in various aspects of construction and construction management including contract negotiations, insurance issues, human resources management and development, and overseeing and handling of all legal issues. Besides her work with the Urban League of Broward County, she is involved in several organizations including the Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History, National and Florida Board of Realtors and the Business Development Board.
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Sean Jones
President, Jones Construction
Directors
Fred Barboni
President, FAB Consulting Group
Barboni will be responsible for overseeing the company's strategic operations, business development, acquisitions and existing marina operations. Involved in resort and marina operations, real estate and recurring revenue business models with a history of outstanding results, he has proven particularly effective in leading multi-unit operations. He is the former COO of International Marinas and served as Senior Executive Officer with Enterprise Rent a Car, where he was instrumental in the rapid growth of the Florida markets for the Company.
Keith Bell
Sr. Community Development Officer, S. Florida, Wachovia
With over 5 years of experience in community development, Mr. Bell oversees Wachovia’s community development programs in the Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm-Beach markets. Mr. Bell is also active in the community serving on the board of Broward Housing Partnership and Neighborhood Housing Services of Miami-Dade.
David Bucknor
V.P. & Chief Technology Officer, Sun-Sentinel
In this role, he develops strategic initiatives and engages in planning, execution and support for all technology needs. Over the past twenty-two years, he has served as Director of Technology at the Chicago Tribune, Technology Director at the Sun Sentinel and has held technology positions at ECI Telematics and Gribetz International, in the Broward County area.
Dr. Larry Calderon
V.P. of Community and Government Affairs, Nova Southeastern University
An expert in strategic planning and educational policy, Dr. Calderon brings nearly 30 years of experience from America's west coast to southeastern Florida. Before serving as Broward Community College's fifth president, he was president of Ventura College and served as that district's vice chancellor for economic development.
Doria M. Camaraza
Senior Vice President, Card Operations, American Express
Ms. Camaraza joined American Express in 1987. Ms. Camaraza has assumed various roles during her tenure that includes V.P., Publisher of Departure Magazines and President of Establishment Services Group, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Marvin Dejean
CEO, POWERi
Sr. Vice President of Media Strategies at POWERi.
Served as VP of Public Relations for Innovative Communications Corporation in 2007. Mr. Dejean is a recipient of numerous awards that include Maroone/S. Florida Business Journal “Up & Comers” Award, 2003.
Charles Gordon
V.P., World Omni Project Management Office, JM Family Enterprises
Mr. Gordon is the vice president of Project Management Office at World Omni Financial Corp., a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Gordon directs all aspects of information technology service activities for World Omni, which provides financial products and services.
Pauline Grant
Chief Executive Officer, North Broward Medical Center
Grant has worked in health care in the ambulatory primary health care setting for more than 25 years. Prior to working at the "District", Ms. Grant held various positions in health care with Broward County Government, The Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Government of Jamaica.
Jerry Hamilton
Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, LLP
Mr. Hamilton is a Florida Bar Board Certified Admiralty and Maritime Attorney. Mr. Hamilton was named the BEST OF THE BAR in maritime litigation by the South Florida Business Journal and was also recognized by the national publication of Law & Politics as Florida Super Lawyer in the maritime field.
Alan Levine
Vice President/General Manager, Enterprise Rent A Car
Levine is responsible for leading all aspects of the company’s Rent-A-Car, Fleet Services, Car Sales and Commercial Truck Rental divisions. Enterprise’s commitment to diversity resulted in winning the 2004 South Florida Diversity Works Award. Mr. Levine has developed a comprehensive plan that encourages his management team to assume numerous leadership roles with organizations such as the Minority Business Council, Gateway Outreach, Boys and Girls Club and many others.
Alan Levy
President, Great American Farms, Inc.
Levy is the president of Great American Farms, a Pompano Beach-based produce marketing firm. He has been involved in cattle and farming operations in Florida and is active on many committees in Broward county, supporting children and educational issues.
Angelia Millender
V.P., Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Broward Community College
With over 25 years in education, Ms. Millender has been dedicated to equity and higher education. As the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Ms. Millender is responsible for the comprehensive coordination and administration of all facets of district-wide student affairs programs.
Cedric Oliver
Financial Center Manager, Citibank
As a Financial Center Manager for Citibank, his primary responsibilities are to be the key driver of margin growth for the Financial Center through balanced performance with respect to reducing expenses, increasing revenue, maintaining key customer relationships, community involvement and employee motivation.
Fred Perry
Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor, Bank of America
Fred came to Bank of America in 1985. He served with the U.S. Coast Guard and was primarily involved in Drug interdiction and Search and Rescue efforts on the Florida East coast and Greater Antilles area. Fred serves on several board including the Boys and Girls Club, Broward County Sheriff's Advisory Board. Board of Advisors for Pine Crest School and the United Way of Broward County's emergency allocation committee.
Rafael Robert
Sr. Public Affairs Liaison, Eli Lilly and Company
During his 32 year tenure at Eli Lilly and Company, Mr. Robert has assumed various roles such as International Operations and most currently, U.S. Operations. Mr. Robert is responsible for developing advocacy, awareness campaigns and training programs, to name a few. Mr. Robert currently sits on the board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Florida (NAMI).
Barbara M. Sharief
President and CEO, South Florida Pediatric Homecare, Inc.
Besides founding and operating a home health agency that helps keep infants and children with medically complex conditions, Sharief donates toys to sick children and gives furniture, clothing, and cribs to patients and families in need. Sharief has found housing for struggling single moms who couldn’t afford their rent. She speaks openly and passionately about her drive to help those who are less fortunate. She also aims to facilitate change within the community and help people and providers affected by health care reforms.
Elbert Waters, JD
Director, Broward Service Center, South Florida Water Management District
Along with his directorial duties at the South Florida Water Management District-Broward office, Waters serves as the District's Intergovernmental Representative for Broward County. In this capacity he is the lead representative for all Federal, State, County and Municipal Governments, appointed officials, business and community leaders. For more than 26 years, he has been involved in planning and managing complex urban development projects, as well as private sector projects and land development. Areas of expertise and interest include: Urban Development; Community Services Management; Land Use and Zoning; Community and Economic Development; Urban Real Estate/Finance Development; Neighborhood Redevelopment; Affordable Housing Development/Finance; Urban Design; Neighborhood Job/Training; and Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization. In addition, he has extensive experience in finance, operations, capital budgets, and municipal as well as federal administration.
