2010 Finalists
Meet this year's finalists!
Carey Beam
Communications Specialist, Craig Technologies
Nominated By: John Craig, Craig Technologies
Carey’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
Use your powers wisely. Everyone has the power to make an impact, for good or for bad. Though you could choose to apply yourself to idleness or negativity, there are tremendous opportunities to create positive outcomes. The efforts of a few can be of benefit to many. It’s easy to rest on the assumption that others will take the lead, but the only way to ensure action is personal commitment and follow-through. Go for it!
Carey is currently involved with Rolling Readers Space Coast, Space Coast FPRA, BSO Vivace Society, Rotary District 6930 Group Study Exchange team to Korea, Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Business Education and Military Affairs Committees, National Space Club and Junior Achievement of the Space Coast.
Julie Braga
Area Director of Sales, Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marriott Melbourne
Nominated By: Alison Bogart, Bogart Risk Auditing, LLC and Julie Roslin, Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast
Julie’s advice to the next generation of leaders:
You must have enthusiasm for your cause, or no one will get excited with you. You must have vision of your destination, or no one will follow you. You must always be true to your values, or no one will trust you. Find your passion and you will make more then just money. Always remember that anything is possible with hard work, vision, & determination.
Julie is currently involved with The Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida Board of Directors, Women’s Business Council, Visitor Bureau Steering Committee, & Chamber 2040 Steering Committee, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, West Melbourne Business Association, Brevard Business Leadership Network, American Society of Quality, and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
Steve Crisafulli
Vice President, Crisafulli Enterprises, Inc. / State Representative, Florida House, District 32
Nominated By: Ryan Smith, Florida House of Representatives, and Peggy Wehrman
Steve’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
Find issues that you are passionate about and get involved in your community. Stay true to yourself. Never forget your roots. If you are authentic, respectful to others, and willing to work as hard as possible, others will follow you and be willing to work with you to accomplish your goals. Remember that, as a leader, teamwork is the key to the success of your mission.
Steve’s proudest recent accomplishment:
Being elected to the Florida Legislature. I am greatly honored to work with my constituents to improve their quality of life and to tackle the myriad of issues facing our state. I have met many fantastic people and have learned a lot about Florida over the past year in office.
Courtney Culver
Manager of Contracts and Compliance, Symetrics Industries, LLC
Nominated By: Mitch Garner, Symetrics Industries, LLC
Courtney’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
Lead by example in all that you do and give back to your community. Encourage young people, as they face tremendous societal pressures and are in dire need of positive mentors in their lives. By providing them the confidence to make good choices, you too will instill a desire for them to work hard to live out their limitless potential. They are our future and deserve our concern for their success.
Courtney’s proudest recent accomplishment:
My first Back-to-School Charitable event while 6 months pregnant was a vision realized the summer of 2008. The birth of my beautiful son however is my proudest
recent accomplishment. With the help and support from my wonderful husband and family I was able to become a working mother in 2009.
Leasha Flammio-Watson
First Vice President- Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Nominated by: Joe Sofia, Florida Business Bank and Greg Watson, FLORIDA TODAY
Leasha’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
Prepare the best you can, ask the hard questions, and be willing to ask for help and accept the advice from those around you. Don’t let failure discourage you from following your dreams, no one gets it right the first time. Most importantly, when you have nothing positive to add, smile and say nothing.
Leasha is currently involved with Brevard Symphony Orchestra, Vivace Society, Founders Forum, The Scott Center for Autism- Evening of Hope II committee, Florida Bar Grievance Committee
Jimi Gonzalez
VP Sales & Marketing, Island Systems & Design
Nominated By: Erik Eavenson, Strategic Insurance Management, LLC
Jimi’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
Fill your personal and professional life with things you are passionate about. The enthusiasm you have when you’re doing something you love will foster innovation, provide inspiration to others, and guarantee that life is never dull.
Jimi’s proudest recent accomplishment:
I am proud of the new Cooperative Marketing Initiative between the Brevard Cultural Alliance and the Tourism Development Council. Our team included some of the area’s greatest marketing professionals and working with them was a rewarding experience that will provide long term benefit to cultural tourism in our county.
Susan McGrath
Vice-President, Resource Development, United Way of Brevard
Nominated By: United Way of Brevard
Susan’s Advice for the next generation of leaders:
Build a career or volunteer efforts around projects you have great passion for; inspiration and motivation become less of an issue when you are constantly surrounded by work that validates your beliefs. Be honest with yourself about your shortcomings. Working to improve skills you lack is much more difficult than one may expect, but can be critical in helping reach the next level of your career.
Susan’s proudest recent accomplishment:
I am proud to have been part of the team of individuals who worked together with our fellow residents to surpass our community-wide goal of raising more than $6.7 million for United Way to provide health and human services for people in need here in Brevard.
Jennifer Neuhard
University Marketing Director, Florida Institute of Technology
Nominated By: Bill Jurgens, Florida Institute of Technology
Jennifer’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
The world is changing so quickly that I often look around and see people frantically trying to keep up, keep pace, and yet move ahead. Take a minute or two to focus on what is truly important to your heart. Go to a place where the “rubber meets the road” and take action to move your heart, and someone else’s. If you truly do this, you can create community action and a real vision for the future.
Jennifer’s proudest recent accomplishment:
Every month, I go to foster children’s homes and find such tragedy-- and inspiration. These lonely, lost youth make me proud to be a GAL because of their uphill battle with the system and their unknown path in the world. Each month, I mark as “accomplishments” that at least one more child has NOT been forgotten.
Jennifer E. B. Ogburn
Sr. Engineering Manager, Harris Corporation – Supply Chain Operations
Nominated By: Cathy Bouck
Jennifer’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
Find your passion and share that with your organizations. Passion can be extremely contagious and helps to motivate the people around you. If you are having fun and truly love what you do in your work and in the community; people will want to share and be part of that with you. You don’t have to have a title to become a leader; instead focus your passion to influence the world around you.
Jennifer is currently involved with Brevard Zoo Paws-On build and Development Committee, United Way Fund Distribution, Meals on Wheels Holiday Bread Drive, Society of Women Engineers Awards Banquet and my son’s Cub Scouts Den this past year.
Joseph Sofia
Commercial Lender, Florida Business Bank
Nominated By: David Hall, Florida Business Bank
Joe’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
I strongly recommend to the next generation of leaders to find a mentor in any activity you want to do well in whether it is work, your church, volunteerism, or even a hobby. I am unable to think of any successful person whose accomplishments were without assistance. Mentors have experience and typically have patience to work with you. As you progress through your career try to listen to your enemies. They will provide the most candid feedback about your weaknesses.
Joe is currently involved with Circles of Care, PREVENT!, Brevard Cultural Alliance, Brevard Art Museum, Young Professionals of Brevard, Brevard County Civilian-Military Association, Evening of Hope II, Emerging Leaders, Vivace Society, and Chamber 20/40.
Lisa A. Stigall
Manager, Community Relations, Harris Corporation
Nominated By: Cindy Kane, Harris Corporation
Lisa’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
The best advice I can give to younger generations is to find an organization or cause you are passionate about and volunteer! In the business world, it may take you years to gain the same leadership opportunities which you can earn in a fraction of the time through a community organization. By volunteering your time and talents you positively impact the lives of others and yourself – through priceless training and development opportunities.
Lisa is currently involved with Junior League of South Brevard, LEAD Brevard’s Governance Committee; Florida Public Relations Society; and Public Relations Society of America.
Andrew M. Walters
Major, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
Nominated By: Sheriff Jack Parker, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
Andrew’s advice for the next generation of leaders:
The characteristics of effective Leadership intrigue young minds and veterans alike. A strong foundation of core values and a positive attitude have enabled me to be successful in my career, and more importantly, in my personal life. In order to be an effective Leader and have a significant impact on the lives of those who work for you, with you, and your customers, you must possess a positive attitude everyday.
Andrew is currently involved with Brevard County TRIAD, Inc., Central Florida CRIMELINE, Inc., and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office PAL, Inc.