Kathy Bell’s journey began as a recent college graduate venturing from Tallahassee to Atlanta, stepping into the male-dominated realm of high-tech personal computer sales. Fast forward to 1995, and she returned, transformed into a seasoned corporate trainer and manager.
In a pivotal move, Kathy, along with her husband, acquired Coloney Bell in 1995, with her assuming the role of CEO in 1999. Her leadership extends beyond the business realm, evident in her tenure as the chairman of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce board. A staunch advocate for local businesses, Kathy’s leadership philosophy revolves around genuine engagement and commitment.
Living in Midtown, she and her husband embrace the vibrant community life, relishing the proximity to Cascades Park and local eateries. Kathy’s commitment to Tallahassee goes beyond business; as a devoted member of the Southern Scholarship Foundation, she gives back, ensuring others have educational opportunities.
Engaged in Leadership Tallahassee and Youth Leadership Tallahassee, Kathy actively guides high school juniors through etiquette courses and networking lunches. Her advice to aspiring leaders is simple yet powerful: “Keep showing up. Don’t wait to be invited! You are wanted!”
Shelly Bell, Tallahassee Community College
Shelly Bell serves as the Vice President for Workforce Development at Tallahassee Community College, a position she accepted in July 2023. She previously had served as the Director of Lively Technical College since June 2017. Under her leadership, the school transitioned from a vocational center to a technical college and experienced remarkable growth.
Bell attended Florida State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration. Prior to Lively, she served as principal of Amos P. Godby High School where she spearheaded the development of engineering, aviation, and certified nursing assistant career programs. Shelly’s commitment to broadening career options extended beyond Godby, as she collaborated to also introduce welding programs at Rickards High School, an automotive program at Lincoln High School, and nursing programs at Chiles, Rickards, and SAIL High Schools. Bell had previous leadership roles as the principal at Elizabeth Cobb Middle School and as an assistant principal at Bond and Leonard Wesson Elementary School.
Bell has been recognized statewide for her leadership in the field of career and technical education. She serves on the Board of Directors for CareerSource Capital Region, the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, she was named Workforce Partner of the Year by CareerSource Florida.
Recognizing the importance of inclusive education, Shelly spearheaded the establishment of the Success for Occupational Area Readiness (SOAR) Program in 2021 at Lively. In collaboration with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, this pioneering initiative provides post-secondary educational opportunities specifically tailored to individuals with intellectual disabilities, fostering their personal growth and empowering them for successful careers.
Bell’s greatest accomplishment is that of her family. She has been married to her husband for twenty years and they are the proud parents of two sons. Parker, a sophomore at the University of Florida and Taylor a freshman at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Both Parker and Taylor are members of their college golf team.
Rob Clarke is a shareholder and member of the Management Committee of Ausley McMullen as well as the 2024 Chair of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber’s Board of Directors. As a board-certified attorney in Business Litigation by The Florida Bar, he is renowned for his exceptional representation in civil litigation.
Specializing in diverse cases, Rob serves as lead trial counsel for complex business disputes, wrongful death claims, personal injury cases, class actions, and other regulatory matters. His clients range from national corporations to state and local governments, with a track record of securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Recognized by Best Lawyers for “Bet-the-Company” Litigation, Rob is acclaimed for his legal acumen and strategic thinking.
Beyond his litigation practice, Rob contributes to Florida’s legal landscape through his service on The Florida Bar Civil Procedure Rules Committee. A leader in civil procedure, he has argued before the Florida Supreme Court and is a sought-after lecturer on court procedure, including e-discovery.
For over 15 years, Rob has also been an Adjunct Professor of Law at The Florida State University College of Law, teaching courses on Florida Civil Procedure, Trial Practice, and Electronic Discovery and Digital Evidence. His distinguished career includes four years of active duty in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2004 after serving in the Army Reserves. During his Reserve tenure, Rob held roles as a Reserve Forces Officer and Commander assigned to the Selective Service System for the Northern District of Florida.
Rob serves as lead trial counsel in a broad array of cases including complex business disputes, significant wrongful death and personal injury claims, class actions, and other litigation and regulatory matters. His litigation clients include national corporations, state and local governments, construction companies, estates, partnerships, and individuals with complex and comprehensive litigation requirements.
Rob has successfully litigated cases resulting in multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements for his clients in many types of civil cases. Additionally, he has successfully defended clients facing significant exposure in state and federal courts. In this regard, he has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of “Bet-the-Company” Litigation, and is recognized for his keen legal analysis, strategic thinking and singular focus on results.
Rob’s experience with and knowledge of Florida courts is also enhanced by his service on The Florida Bar Civil Procedure Rules Committee. He was a member of the Civil Procedure Rules Committee for many years and served as Chair in 2005. Rob is recognized by his peers as a leader in the field of civil procedure and has argued before the Florida Supreme Court relating to matters involving court rules. Additionally, he is a frequent lecturer on court procedure including teaching Bar Examination preparation classes and topics on e-discovery.
In addition to his litigation practice, Rob has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at The Florida State University College of Law for over 15 years, where he teaches Florida Civil Procedure, Trial Practice, and Electronic Discovery and Digital Evidence.
Prior to entering the practice of law, Rob served on active duty for four years as an officer in the United States Army and continued to serve in the United States Army Reserves during his practice, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2004. While in the Reserves, Rob served for ten years as a Reserve Forces Officer and Commander assigned to the Selective Service System for the Northern District of Florida.
Sue Dick, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
bio coming soon
Andrew Gay, Grimsley and Company CPAs
Andrew is the President and Shareholder of Grimsley and Company CPAs. Grimsley and Company CPAs is a boutique accounting firm that specializes in tax , business consulting, and campaign finance. For nearly 40 years, Grimsley and Company has specialized in corporate and individual taxation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate transactions, valuation, and complex tax issues. Andrew is a Certified Public Accountant , has his Master’s in Business Administration and his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Current civic obligations include serving on the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Board Council, United Way Finance Committee, Current Board Member of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation of North Florida Board Member, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and Leon County Housing Finance Authority Board of Directors and Treasurer.
Andrew is an active member of City Church Tallahassee and married to his wife Mary Katherine. They have two daughters and one son and reside in Tallahassee, FL. Outside of the office, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family, hunting and the outdoors, traveling, and FSU Football.
Donald Gray, Fitzgerald Collaborative Group
Donald is a highly accomplished professional who plays a multifaceted role as the Managing Principal, Architect, Urban Designer, and Project Manager at the firm, bringing to the table an impressive tenure of over 15 years in the field. His educational journey includes completing the Urban Design program at the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Design, along with architecture programs at the University of Michigan and Florida A&M University.
With a background in design research, Donald has delved into diverse areas, focusing on elderly urban environmental issues in city redevelopment, eastern city formation, and vernacular housing typologies specific to Florida. His commitment extends to actively addressing design and redevelopment challenges across North Florida, showcasing his dedication to the betterment of urban environments.
Donald has successfully spearheaded the design and production efforts for a spectrum of architecture projects, ranging from single and multi-family residential developments to commercial spaces, higher learning institutions, and mixed-use building programs. His wealth of experience is a testament to his versatility and expertise in navigating various facets of the architectural landscape.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Donald is actively engaged in advocacy efforts with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), collaborating with the local business community, and participating in mentorship initiatives for youths
Scott Higginbotham, Prime Meridian Bank
Scott Higginbotham, currently serving as the Vice President Business Development Officer at Prime Meridian Bank, boasts a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the automotive and power sports industry. As an accomplished President, Scott has demonstrated his leadership prowess throughout his career.
His skill set encompasses a broad range of expertise, including sales, merchandising, entrepreneurship, strategic planning, team building, and management. This diverse skill portfolio underlines his ability to navigate and excel in dynamic business environments.
In addition to his position with Prime Meridian, Scott is also an investor with Analytical AI, and Alabama-based artificial intelligence technology company. With a reputation as a strong business development professional, Scott Higginbotham continues to make significant contributions to Prime Meridian Bank, leveraging his skills and experience to drive success in the financial industry while staying at the forefront of technological advancements through his investments in Analytical AI.
Sha’Ron James, Gunster Law Firm
Sha`Ron James is an Of Counsel Shareholder on the Government Affairs team at Gunster. Sha`Ron has over two decades of experience providing forward thinking, strategic advice to clients on a number of business and regulatory matters.
Sha’Ron most recently served as the Insurance Consumer Advocate for the state of Florida, where she represented insurance consumers and the public before state regulators and the courts. As a policyholder advocate, she championed key healthcare legislation that led to reforms in unfair consumer billing practices, intervened in triple digit long-term care insurance rate filings and in the proposed merger and acquisition of two of the largest health insurance carriers in the country.
Sha’Ron was appointed to this role by State Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater after her tenure as Division Director of the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation, where she directed the operation of over 48 highly complex receivership estates with entrusted assets totaling over $1.4 billion dollars. Sha’Ron has extensive experience as a lobbyist and legislative advocate, having championed key legislation and public policy reforms that have been modeled in states around the country. As a result of her legislative advocacy, Sha’Ron has been cited in national publications such as the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Brookings Institution, and Consumers Union. She has also been invited to present to the National Governors’ Association, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
Through her public service and civic engagement, Sha`Ron has earned an outstanding reputation in the community for her leadership and commitment to civic, charitable and professional organizations, garnering her the trust and respect of some of the state’s most influential decision makers. A member of Leadership Florida Class 37, Sha`Ron currently serves as the President of the National African American Insurance Association of Florida, Immediate Past Chair of Leadership Tallahassee, and Chair of the Community & Prosperity Community for the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.
Sha’Ron received her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Florida A & M University, a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, and an Advanced Project Management certification from Stanford University.
James Light, Precision Building & Renovating, LLC
James and Kyndra Light are the founders and owners of Precision Building & Renovating, LLC, a state-certified commercial and residential construction company, and Gulf Coast Additive Manufacturing & Design, LLC, a company that supports the application of 3D printing in the construction field. In 2022, the leadership of the Precision Building and Gulf Coast teams completed Florida’s first 3D printed house, a certified affordable home in Tallahassee, FL. This is the first step in what they describe as a vision to increase jobs in manufacturing, trades, and technology through the production of housing and infrastructure using innovation and collaborative energy.
James earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Flagler College and went on to become a certified building contractor. He has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, and 8 years in additive manufacturing and design. James is an accomplished material analyst, studying everything from concrete additives to hempcrete and geopolymers. He is passionate about working on innovative solutions to help communities find access to affordable housing and is continually researching with other experts working on the innovation side of this important issue.
Kyndra Light, Precision Building & Renovating, LLC
James and Kyndra Light are the founders and owners of Precision Building & Renovating, LLC, a state-certified commercial and residential construction company, and Gulf Coast Additive Manufacturing & Design, LLC, a company that supports the application of 3D printing in the construction field. In 2022, the leadership of the Precision Building and Gulf Coast teams completed Florida’s first 3D printed house, a certified affordable home in Tallahassee, FL. This is the first step in what they describe as a vision to increase jobs in manufacturing, trades, and technology through the production of housing and infrastructure using innovation and collaborative energy.
Kyndra earned her bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Women’s Studies, and master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy, both from Florida State University. In addition she has a graduate certificate in Additive Manufacturing & Design from MIT. She has over 15 years of experience as an executive in the private sector, and 6 years in nonprofit administration. She is a published author, engaged scholar, and program designer who thrives in creating, implementing, and evaluating projects related to community development and empowerment.
Ana Melendez is the CEO and owner of A&E Wholesale, which is a distribution company that provides over 3,000 items in the categories of beverages, candy, chocolate, medicine, cigars, automotive supplies, and paper products to over 1,200 convenience stores in North Florida and South Georgia.
Under A&E’s new leadership, Ana has been able to reinvent the company within the last 7 years. They now operate with an Oracle ERP system that empowers the company to streamline operations, enables them to improve order accuracy, manages inventory turn targets, and ensures the highest standards of government compliance. This provides higher service levels to locally owned convenience stores, as well as large chains such as Family Dollar and Dollar General.
During her time in Tallahassee, Ana has won the 2017 and 2022 TAN Awards for her lobbying contributions in the Florida Senate and House of Representatives. In 2017 she was invited by the DBPR to be a panel leader for the “Celebrating Women in Business” event held at FSU. In 2018, she won the Golden ACE Award in recognition of her leadership and commitment to Authentic Community Engagement. She has made contributions to AMI Kids, Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Legal Aid Foundation, Seminole Boosters, and The Kearney Center/CESC. Additionally, she currently serves as the President of the Florida Association of Wholesale Distributors Board of Directors, as the Treasurer for the CESC (Kearney Center) Board, and a Board member of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Second Harvest of the Big Bend, North Florida Community Foundation, and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
Ana holds a BSBA in Marketing and an MBA from The Ohio State University. She was also one of 60 Latino CEOs around the country that were accepted into the Stanford Business Scaling Program in 2017 and graduated from FSU’s Jim Moran Institute SBEP program in 2022. Her interests include painting, performing on alto saxophone, car racing, sports, and traveling. Originally from Mexico City, Ana currently resides in Tallahassee, Florida with her husband Michael and her son Addison.
Chris Mills is the Market President for the Tallahassee Region with Truist Bank. Chris has a combined 20 years of consumer, commercial, and corporate banking experience. Prior to being appointed as Tallahassee Market President in 2019, Chris was as a Middle Market, Commercial Banking Advisor for SunTrust’s Commercial Group serving the Florida Panhandle, South Georgia, and South Alabama markets. Prior to SunTrust, Chris was the Senior Commercial Leader for Regions Bank over the Tallahassee Area. Chris is Certified in Risk Management Lending by the Risk Management Association. Chris is married to Melinda and they have three children, Christopher (19), Lexie (15), and Hazel Grace (6).
Chris is active in the community as a member of The Rotary Club of Tallahassee, the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, and a Class 34 Graduate of Leadership Tallahassee. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Florida State University College of Business, United Way of the Big Bend (Treasurer Elect), and Junior Achievement Big Bend (Past Chairman, Vice Chair, and Treasurer).
Chris received a BS in Business Administration in Finance from the College of Business at the University of West Florida. Chris is also a graduate of multiple Dale Carnegie Leadership curriculums.
Deborah Minnis, Ausley McMullen
Deborah Stephens Minnis is a distinguished attorney and shareholder at Ausley & McMullen. With a career spanning over 30 years, Deborah has garnered extensive expertise in administrative law and governmental matters.
Specializing in labor and employment law, Deborah is a dedicated advocate for her clients. She provides comprehensive representation and counsel to management clients in a wide range of employment discrimination cases. Her proficiency includes navigating complex issues related to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Pregnancy Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and various other civil rights acts, in addition to state law employment tort claims.
Deborah’s legal journey includes over six years as an assistant attorney general, where she diligently represented state agencies in civil rights and employment discrimination litigation matters. Upon joining Ausley & McMullen in 1991, she expanded her practice to include serving as legal counsel for both the Leon County and Gadsden County School Boards. In this capacity, she addressed a diverse array of issues, ranging from employment matters to civil rights concerns.
Beyond her role as an attorney, Deborah brings a wealth of experience as a management consultant and litigator in various forums, including judicial, administrative, and appellate settings. Her multifaceted background enriches her ability to provide strategic and effective legal solutions.
William Smith, Capital City Bank
North Florida Regional Market Executive William Smith, a fourth generation Tallahasseean, began his banking career in 2007 after earning his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business & Economics from Auburn University. In 2012, he graduated from the Florida Bankers Association Florida School of Banking and currently devotes his expertise to providing strategic direction and oversight for all Capital City communities in the Big Bend area. William is passionate about his community and takes an active role in its development through his professional associations and volunteer commitments. A past chair of Access Tallahassee and a former member of the TMH Foundation board of directors, William currently serves on the boards of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and Big Bend Hospice. Additionally, he is a member of the Florida Bankers Association and Tallahassee Young Entrepreneurs Organization, and an active supporter of the United Way of the Big Bend. In his spare time, William enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Mat Tharpe, Tharpe Construction & Remodeling, LLC
Mat Tharpe, a fourth-generation Tallahassee Native and the founder of Tharpe Construction, embodies a legacy of excellence and commitment in the Big Bend area. With a deep-rooted connection to his hometown, Mat brings an unparalleled level of expertise and professionalism to every project he undertakes.
In his role as founder, Mat is dedicated to ensuring that each construction project in the Big Bend area receives personalized attention to detail. From conceptualization to execution, he navigates the entire construction process with precision, aiming for efficiency and a pleasant experience for all stakeholders involved.
Boasting over two decades of experience, including over 10 years at the helm of Tharpe Construction, Mat has honed his leadership skills and built a reputation for delivering exceptional results. His approach involves leveraging a trusted network of subcontractors, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards of quality.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mat is a devoted member of the community, actively involved in local non-profit foundations that contribute to the well-being of Tallahassee and its residents. This commitment reflects his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the construction realm.
Mat resides in Tallahassee with his wife, Jess, and their two children, embodying the values of family and community. As a licensed general contractor in his home state of Florida, Mat Tharpe continues to shape the landscape of Tallahassee through his unwavering commitment to excellence in construction and service.
Cari Thro, Tallahassee Democrat/Tallahassee Media Group
Cari Thro is a seasoned Advertising Director with a proven track record in the dynamic realm of the advertising industry. Her professional journey reflects a wealth of experience and expertise in key areas such as Digital Strategy, Advertising Sales, Sales, and Media Relations.
Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree focused on Fashion Merchandising/Marketing from Bowling Green State University, Cari brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to her role. Her academic foundation, coupled with hands-on experience, positions her as a strong marketing professional who understands the intricacies of the ever-evolving advertising landscape.
Throughout her career, Cari has demonstrated proficiency in navigating digital strategies, driving advertising sales, and fostering effective media relations. Her skill set underscores her ability to not only understand market dynamics but also to capitalize on emerging trends and technologies in the advertising domain.
As an Advertising Director, Cari Thro continues to make significant contributions to the industry, utilizing her skills to craft compelling campaigns and drive results. Her dedication to excellence and continuous adaptation to industry changes mark her as a standout professional in the competitive world of advertising.
Becky Tolnay is a professional facilitator and the Chair of Vistage in Tallahassee. With 30 years of experience in Performance Improvement at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, she has gained valuable insights into the culture, processes, and strategies necessary for individuals and teams to achieve exceptional results and drive continuous improvement.
During her tenure at The Ritz-Carlton, Becky discovered that delivering superior customer service requires more than just ticking off items on a checklist. To engage customers and employees, it is crucial to have a deeper understanding of what is happening. The obstacles to excellence are not always apparent. She learned that asking questions, gathering diverse viewpoints, and digging deeper to comprehend what’s truly happening are all essential to continuous improvement.
When Becky was introduced to a Vistage peer advisory group, where CEOs from different, non-competing businesses come together one day per month to work on their businesses, she recognized an opportunity to utilize her expertise to support business leaders in the Tallahassee region.
As the facilitator of the Vistage peer advisory group, Becky’s focus is to help the group’s members support each other in becoming better leaders, making better decisions, and achieving better results. She brings all her experience to aid them in working together and enhancing their business performance and personal lives through collaboration, peer learning, and continuous improvement.
David Weiss is a shareholder at the Ausley McMullen law firm. David focuses his practice in the areas of land use, real estate, government, and related commercial litigation.
David regularly advises clients in a wide variety of business and financial matters. He represents lending institutions and other commercial and governmental clients in matters related to contracts, loan transactions, real estate, planning, zoning and land use law.
David’s representation of clients includes appearances before and representation of agencies and local government boards and commissions, as well as civil litigation and administrative proceedings.
David is a lifelong Florida resident who graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Finance, and from the Florida State University College of Law with a J.D. and Certificate in Environmental and Land Use Law.
With the exception of four years spent in Gainesville earning his affliction for Gator sports, David has lived in Tallahassee his entire life, currently residing there with his wife Caroline and three boys (twin fourteen year olds and an eleven year old).
As his second job, David coaches two of his boys’ competitive soccer teams. Whenever possible, David enjoys golf, swimming, running, hiking, and all sports and outdoor activities.