Meet the 2025 Leadership St. Pete Planning Committee
Leadership St. Pete (LSP) is a volunteer-run program under the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. It thrives under the guidance of its Executive Committee (EC) and a dynamic, diverse Planning Committee (PC). Together, they embody the vibrant spirit of St. Pete, reflecting the city's rich and cultural tapestry and boundless energy.
The Planning Committee brings together remarkable individuals with unique life stories and perspectives. From lifelong St. Pete residents to international transplants, their backgrounds are as varied as their careers—from small business owners to executives at major corporations. They represent a diverse group of leaders across a broad spectrum of ages, industries, races, genders, sexual orientations, life experiences, and companies.
What unites them is a shared passion for St. Petersburg—its people, energy, and one-of-a-kind character. Ask them to describe themselves, and you’ll hear words like “loyal,” “dedicated,” “energetic,” “funny,” and “passionate.” And yes, someone did throw in “mindful, demure, and cutesy” (though the “funny” voters might have the final word on that one).*
Get to know the 2025 Leadership St. Pete Planning Committee:
Executive Committee (EC)
Jenna Stock Wunsch - Chair, LSP Class of 2001
Organization: Raymond James
What I do: I oversee the firm’s PCG internal communications team who manages the strategy, planning and execution of communications to approximately 8,800 financial advisors and their teams.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The sunny St. Pete charm + inclusive community, small biz-oriented city, vibrant arts + culture scene, and bustling downtown with so many things to do.
Debbie Viveiros - Chair Elect, LSP Class of 2020
Organization: The Bank of Tampa
What I do: I partner with local businesses to understand their financial needs and provide the financial services they need to achieve their long-term business goals.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The beaches.
Leslie Hafer - Past Chair, LSP Class of 2020
Organization: St. Petersburg College
What I do: I am the Chief Campus Officer for the St. Pete/Gibbs Campus, Allstate Center, Bay Pines STEM Center, and the Fire Training Center with St. Petersburg College. My primary area of responsibility is Student Affairs, but I coordinate campus operations with many different divisions of the College.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The vibe. St. Pete feels very comfortable and welcoming.
Planning Committee (PC)
Stacy Alexander, LSP Class of 2020
Organization: Shorecrest Preparatory School
What I do: As Head Dean of the Upper School I lead initiatives to create a supportive and engaging Upper School environment that fosters student growth, well-being, and student leadership. I work every day to strengthen our school culture, guide behavior, and enhance student experiences.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: Our city has an inclusive spirit. I love all of the community activities, its natural beauty, and its commitment to sustainability.
Bari Becker, LSP Class of 2022
Organization: Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital
What I do: I help Orlando Health provide resources like funding, training, volunteers, and leadership to the communities we serve in the West Region of Florida so local nonprofits and other organizations can fulfill their missions to make the place we call home healthier and happier.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The vibes! It's such a beautiful mix of locals and tourists who are happy to be in the paradise city we get to live in.
Kristen Brauer, LSP Class of 2023
Organization: Healing Hands for Pets
What I do: I provide specialized medical, surgical and integrative care to feathered and furred family members.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: What I love about St. Pete is how it fosters the growth of small businesses, enhancing our community's unique character. The independent shops and restaurants create a unique charm to downtown that distinguishes it from other cities.
Lauren Colson, LSP Class of 2024
Organization: Colson Strategies
What I do: We provide bookkeeping, controller, and CFO services to small and medium sized growing businesses. We are an outsourced accounting firm.
Leadership inspiration: “You have been assigned this mountain so that you can show others it can be moved.” ––Mel Robbins
Anne Core, LSP Class of 2023
Organization: St. Pete Economic Development Corp.
What I do: I help out-of-market companies discover, explore, and choose St. Pete for business relocation or expansion.
Leadership inspiration: “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. “––Max DePree
Chevonne Cottle-King, LSP Class of 2024
Organization: St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
What I do: I provide administrative support for the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue’s Chief and leadership team, facilitating effective command and operations of the department.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The vibrant culture of St. Pete is diverse and there is so much to offer. From casual eateries to sophisticated fine dining; from stunning beaches to serene parks; from art galleries to museums; from sports venues to sports bars, there is something for everyone. And, as you explore downtown, the beautiful murals on the walls create a bright, cheerful ambiance for all to enjoy.
Matt Dieter, LSP Class of 2013
Organization: Simple AI
What I do: Help businesses and organizations unlock their full potential through advanced AI implementation strategies, with an emphasis on the human side of AI.
Leadership inspiration: “No matter how good you are you can always be better.”
Samantha Fernandez, LSP Class of 2024
Organization: Frey Masterson Investment Advisors
What I do: I'm a financial advisor helping individuals and small businesses plan for future financial goals. I guide clients through the many aspects of financial planning and help them construct a portfolio to manage risk and meet those goals.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The focus on keeping local businesses at the forefront. The arts, food, entertainment, etc. wouldn't be what it is without such a thoughtful focus on maintaining our strong local business presence.
Tina Fischer, LSP Class of 2004
Organization: Collaborative Labs at St. Petersburg College
What I do: As Director of Collaborative Labs, I facilitate strategic visioning and planning meetings, community workshops, and focus groups.
Leadership inspiration: “You don't need a title to be a leader.“ –Mark Sanborn
Dani Guarino, LSP Class of 2022
Organization: Hundle
What I do: I help spicy content creators make more money online.
Leadership inspiration: "Do what you feel in your heart to be right—for you’ll be criticized anyway." ––Eleanor Roosevelt
Sarah Heibein, LSP Class of 2024
Organization: Shorecrest Preparatory School
What I do: My role at Shorecrest involves community and corporate fundraising - I believe in the power of education for all, and the impact giving can have on it.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: How many people and organizations are working independently and together to make it a place for everyone to not only survive, but thrive. And of course, the sunshine!
Amelia James, LSP Class of 2024
Organization: Sabal Trust Company
What I do: I work in wealth management and oversee one of the retail teams in Sabal's St. Petersburg office. When not wading through the legalese of clients' estate plans (which I love!), I can be found face-to-face with clients taking care of their trust administration and financial planning needs.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The people, hands down. The sense of community in St. Pete is unmatched thanks to the incredible value its residents have to offer.
Mustafa Lakadawala, LSP Class of 2024
Organization: Clarke Realty
What I do: I help people find a place to call home.
Leadership inspiration: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but how to behave in the presence of it."
Cody Lance, LSP Class of 2022
Organization: St. Petersburg Police Department
What I do: I supervise a team of detectives that investigates all instances of domestic violence, sexual crimes, and just about any other situation involving a vulnerable adult.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: I love how vibrant and beautiful our city is and that the water is accessible to everyone and not crowded with private property.
Jeni LaPaglia, LSP Class of 2024
Organization: The Bank of Tampa
What I do: I am a Private Relationship Manager for The Bank of Tampa, focusing on helping clients achieve their personal financial goals through lending, deposit and investment solutions.
Leadership inspiration: “If you don't like something, change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.”
Steve Marciano, LSP Class of 2023
Organization: BayCare's St. Anthony's Hospital
What I do: Healthcare Operations Manager for the BayCare Health System, Academic Adjunct Instructor for Health Sciences, volunteer improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Leadership inspiration: “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” ––John F. Kennedy
Allison Nall, LSP Class of 2022
Organization: Eckerd College
What I do: I am a fundraiser for a private liberal arts college. I travel to visit our alumni and parents to raise funds for our scholarships and programs.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The food scene-––I love all of the new restaurants that now call St. Pete home. I'm also a big fan of all the historic homes.
Morgan Puttick, LSP Class of 2023
Organization: Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
What I do: I work with grateful families within Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital's Maternal Fetal Neonatal Institute, Department of Medicine, and Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Center.
Leadership inspiration: “What you do has far greater impact than what you say.”
Roger Ross, LSP Class of 2021
Organization: Morean Arts Center
What I do: Chief Financial Officer for the Morean Arts Center
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The vibe and the people.
Nic Saner, LSP Class of 2024
Organization: Raymond James
What I do: I recruit financial advisors across the Midwest for Raymond James.
Leadership inspiration: “Good leaders inspire people to have confidence in their leader. Great leaders inspire people to have confidence in themselves.” ––Eleanor Roosevelt
Frank Sepcic, LSP Class of 2020
Organization: Harvard Jolly | PBK
What I do: I am a Principal and Educational Practice Leader specializing in K-12 and Higher-Ed architecture.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: The diversity of the people, visitors, and food.
Lynne Stamey, LSP Class of 2019
Organization: Registered Dietitian - Retired
What I do: I volunteer with nonprofits, travel, and golf.
Leadership inspiration: “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” ––John Maxwell
Lokesh Vale, LSP Class of 2024
Organization: Twisted Indian
What I do: I do what is needed to keep the restaurant going.
Leadership inspiration: “Lead from the front.”
Eric Vaughan, LSP Class of 2022
Organization: City of St. Petersburg
What I do: Help the community connect their needs to the Mayor and other city staff.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: Creating new bonds and networks.
*Eric Vaughan responded that he would describe himself in three words as “mindful, demure, and cutesy.” He’s cutesy for sure!
Megan Watson Kramer, LSP Class of 2002
Organization: Eckerd College Leadership Development Institute
What I do: I manage and deliver leadership development programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of leaders at all levels and to help individuals, teams and organizations achieve their full potential.
Leadership inspiration: “Those who can’t laugh at themselves leave the job to others.”
Carson Williams, LSP Class of 2021
Organization: City of St. Petersburg
What I do: As Senior Social Media Strategist I oversee the social media presence for the City of St. Petersburg, collaborating closely with our marketing team to effectively communicate updates and initiatives from various city departments. My role involves crafting and sharing engaging content that highlights the vibrant stories and unique pride of St. Petersburg.
Favorite thing about St. Pete: As a fifth-generation native of St. Pete, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the city’s growth and transformation through family stories and personal experiences. I’m passionate about St. Pete’s commitment to embracing diversity, supporting small businesses, and fostering a high quality of life for its residents.
The Planning Committee is in the process of selecting the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2025–stay tuned for “Meet the Class!”
Leadership St. Pete is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Patron Sponsors:
