ST. PETE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (SPYP)
The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce's St. Pete Young Professionals (SPYP) program helps present young professionals with unique opportunities to get involved in the community through areas of service, leadership, and advocacy, while striving to be a driving force for economic development in St. Petersburg.
Supported by the Bay Area Chamber Foundation, SPYP aspires to be recognized as Florida’s leading young professional organization offering exceptional networking, professional development, and community involvement services to our members.
Becoming an SPYP member provides you with access to exclusive events, networking, community service, and professional development opportunities.
Chamber Member Rate: $50
Non-Chamber member rate: $75
Annual Membership: January 1 – December 31.
Why join SPYP?
Are you a young professional interested in the future of St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area? Do you want to become active and engaged in your community and expand your network? We invite you to learn more about St. Pete Young Professionals.
There are a number of ways to get involved. Interested young professionals are welcome to plug in through various networking, committee, and service events.
You can help plan upcoming SPYP events, serve your community, and support your local business community. From networking happy hours and leadership development opportunities to advocacy education and community service, there’s a way for everyone to participate.
Our committees and events allow members (and soon to be members) to dive deeper into issues and take on leadership roles.
Quarterly Engagement Meetings
Attend our Quarterly Engagement Meetings to meet SPYP leadership and learn about upcoming SPYP events and opportunities available to you as a young professional. This meeting is open to SPYP members.
Committee Meetings
Each month, SPYP leadership hosts committee meetings to dive deeper into issues and provide ways to engage. Our current committees include:
- Advocacy
- Membership
- Events
- Community Service
- Marketing
- Diversity & Inclusion
Networking Events
On the third Thursday of the month, join young professionals for CONNECT: Happy Hour. Enjoy happy hour specials and appetizers while making new friends and professional connections! SPYP members are free, potential members are $10.
Professional Development Events
St. Pete Young Professional members have exclusive opportunities to meet with community leaders in St. Pete.
2025 Executive Board Members
Ryan Adelberg
Chair
City of St. Petersburg
Ryan Adelberg is the Chair of St Pete Young Professionals (SPYP) for 2025. Ryan has previously served as Vice Chair and Advocacy Chair. Ryan’s vision for 2025 is to further establish SPYP as a vital resource that helps members grow professionally while making meaningful contributions to the community.
Ryan is a Legislative Aide with the City of St. Petersburg and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The University of Tampa.
Steven Nicholas
Vice Chair
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP
Steven Nicholas was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida. After attending Boston College for undergrad, he moved back to the Sunshine State in 2018 to attend Stetson Law in Gulfport. He currently practices law as an Associate at Shumaker, Loop, & Kendrick LLP with a focus in business litigation.
Steven is a skilled pickleball and tennis player and an unskilled golfer. He enjoys reading fiction novels and searching for the best iced coffee in St. Pete. Steven is also the longtime co-host of the popular podcast “You Heard it Here Second.”
Steven is immensely excited about the growth and direction of St. Petersburg. Steven is excited to work hard to create positive change in a community he has grown to love so much.
Amanda Guasti-Nugent
Connect Co-Chair
CBIZ
Amanda is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Senior Consultant at CBIZ. In her professional role, she leverages her expertise to deliver comprehensive financial and advisory services to clients.
After earning her Master’s Degree at Northeastern University in Boston, Amanda relocated to Florida to pursue her career in a warmer climate.
Outside of work, Amanda is an avid reader, painter, and cook, always seeking new recipes and artistic inspiration. She also enjoys staying active through various sports, particularly running.
Amanda, who has been a member of SPYP for over a year, is now serving as the 2025 Connect Co-Chair and is committed to fostering community engagement and supporting local initiatives and events.
Elizabeth Moore
Connect Co-Chair
City of St. Petersburg
Elisabeth is thrilled to serve as the Connect Co – Chair in 2025! Professionally, Elisabeth is a Legislative Aide with the City of St. Petersburg. In addition, she works as the Social Media Manager for the Italian Language Foundation, a national organization dedicated to promoting Italian language education.
Originally from Philadelphia, Elisabeth moved to St. Pete to be close to her nephews after graduating from Yale University with a dual degree in Spanish and Political Science.
A big fan of the city’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle, Elisabeth can often be found working out with friends at CrossFit9, biking on the Pinellas Trail, running along Beach Drive, or relaxing in her hammock at Vinoy Park. She’s also a proud Eagles fan—Go Birds!
Elisabeth is overjoyed to call St. Pete home and looks forward to finding community with SPYP.
Kaleigh Hicks
Community Service Chair
Keybridge Wealth Management
Meet Kaleigh Hicks, a passionate financial advisor who made the sunny city of St. Petersburg her home in 2021, leaving behind her roots in Alabama. Kaleigh works at Keybridge Wealth Management, where she creates personalized financial plans for individuals, families, and business owners to help them achieve their financial goals. With a B.S. in finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation, Kaleigh brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal dedication to her field. As the 2025 Community Service Chair for the St. Pete Young Professionals, she’s not just about numbers—she’s about making a difference. Outside of her professional life, Kaleigh enjoys kayaking around Weedon Island, getting lost in a good book from Book + Bottle, attending stand-up comedy shows at Coastal Creative, and relaxing at her secret spot on St. Pete Beach. Inspired by the belief that "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others," Kaleigh is excited to immerse herself in the volunteer community and make 2025 a year of impactful service for the residents of St. Pete.
Tyler Marrin
Membership Chair
Smith & Associates
Tyler is a driven marketing leader with a background in marketing strategy, campaign execution, branding, lead generation, and web systems development. He currently serves as the marketing director for Smith & Associates Real Estate, where he leverages his expertise to drive growth opportunities for the agents and company.
With a degree in digital marketing and multiple certifications in UX, growth systems, market research, analytics, PPC advertising, email marketing, and SEO, Tyler keeps up to date with the tools required for effective campaigns.
He has been recognized for his thought leadership in the field and serves in a marketing capacity on multiple panels, including the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Marketing & Technology board, T360's T3 Marquee, Real Trend's Trendsetters, and St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce's St. Pete Young Professionals.
Cynthia Wyre
Marketing Chair
Rapid 7
Cynthia, a proud Florida native, calls St. Pete home having spent over a decade immersed in the vibrant community. A distinguished graduate of USFSP with a BS in Health Science, she navigated an unconventional path, transitioning from the world of health science to Cyber Security.
With a diverse background as a Project Manager and working five seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, Cynthia's journey proves that the path to success is never linear. She embraces challenges, reaching beyond her comfort zone with consistent efforts towards personal growth.
Currently thriving in the realm of Cyber Security, Cynthia balances her professional life with active community involvement. Her dedication extends beyond the workplace, as she joined SPYP to meet fellow young professionals and network during a job search period.
In her free time, Cynthia finds solace in St. Pete's treasures, from hammocking in scenic spots to enjoying the sun-kissed beaches. As an advocate for individuality and community, she pursues her interests with unwavering determination, exercising patience as a key virtue.
For Cynthia, life is about embracing the journey, and she continues to make waves in both her professional and personal pursuits.
We are excited to have Cynthia join us as this years Marketing Chair.
Mark Griffin
Sports & Social
City of Gulfport
Mark Griffin was born and raised in Pinellas County, fostering a lifelong connection to the community. He earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of South Florida and a Project Management certification from St. Petersburg College. Currently serving as a Planner II with the City of Gulfport, Mark specializes in floodplain management, economic development, and development—all while embracing Gulfport’s unique character. His passion for community engagement extends beyond his professional role, as he steps into the position of Sports and Social Chair, bringing people together through dynamic events and initiatives.
Chris Griffin
Advocacy Chair
City of St. Petersburg
Bio Coming Soon.
Mission
SPYP's mission is to attract and identify the next generation of community leaders. Connect young professionals with the surrounding community through unique opportunities in the areas of service, leadership and advocacy. Engage young professionals in local corporate, community, and cultural settings.
Vision
To be recognized as Florida’s leading young professional organization offering exceptional networking, professional development, and community involvement services to our members. SPYP also strives to become a driving force for economic development in St. Petersburg through recruitment and retention of young professionals.