Can you share a bit about your background and the work you were doing before becoming President of the Liaisons?
I am a retired United States Air Force veteran and former executive manager of customer care for a major pharmacy benefits management and retail pharmacy company. In 2018, I founded RaceWithoutIsm, Inc., a nonprofit focused on generating dialogue about race and racial hierarchy in America. In 2022, I became President of Pinellas Remembers, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring victims of racial terror lynching. I also manage the website, social media, and communications for the Greater Pinellas Point Civic Association.
What experiences or moments most influenced your decision to step into this leadership role?
Leadership has been a consistent part of my life and career. After retiring from corporate America in 2010, I wanted to channel my military and professional experiences into work that improves the human condition—whether through education, healthcare, or civic engagement. Serving as Chair of the Liaison group was a natural fit and an easy decision.
How has your previous work prepared you for serving as President of the Liaisons?
Throughout my career, I have led teams of varying sizes, including more than 120 customer care professionals. Working with diverse groups of people and helping them achieve common goals has always come naturally to me. I have never shied away from opportunities to lead, especially when the work serves a greater purpose.
What does being President of the Liaisons mean to you personally?
Serving as Chair of the Liaisons is an honor. For me, it is less about the title and more about the opportunity to directly support the important community health and wellness work being done through the St. Pete Hub.
What are some key goals or priorities you’re focused on in this role right now?
Our immediate priority is continuing to strengthen the Liaison group as a cohesive and effective team. We are a diverse group of passionate individuals, and we are also focused on recruiting additional Liaisons who share our commitment to serving the community.
How do you hope the work of the Liaisons impacts the broader community?
The Liaisons are the boots on the ground within the St. Pete Hub ecosystem. Many people are still unaware of the professional human services available through The Hub. Liaisons help bridge that gap by sharing resources in neighborhoods, faith communities, and other public spaces. Equally important, they bring community feedback back to leadership, helping ensure programs evolve to meet real community needs.
Mental health is still often viewed as a stigma in many communities. From your perspective, why do you think that stigma continues to exist?
Mental health means different things to different people. As mental health and wellness become as normalized as visiting a primary care physician, and as people better understand that mental health challenges do not automatically mean mental illness or disability, I believe much of the stigma will gradually fade.
How has your work helped challenge or change conversations around mental health?
I often ask people a simple question: “Are you okay?” Then I follow up by asking what they think I mean by that question. I do this particularly with Black men because I have found that conversations about mental health often carry cultural stigma. I prefer to frame the work of The Hub as an opportunity to explore whole-person wellness and self-care.
What role do community leaders and organizations play in normalizing conversations about mental health?
Community leaders and organizations have a responsibility to connect mental health and physical health in meaningful ways. We cannot separate the health of the mind from the health of the body. Both are essential to overall well-being.
Recently, you were honored with the Key to the City. What did that recognition mean to you, both personally and professionally?
I have received numerous awards and recognitions throughout my military, corporate, and nonprofit careers. However, being inducted into the 2026 Senior Hall of Fame and receiving a Key to the City from Mayor Welch were among the most meaningful honors of my life. Those recognitions affirmed that the volunteer work I do in the community is valued, appreciated, and making a difference.
How does receiving the Key to the City motivate or influence the work you continue to do in the community?
To me, the Key symbolizes trust, respect, and gratitude from the community. Its message is simple: keep going. I fully intend to do just that.
What advice would you give to others who are interested in leadership or advocacy work similar to yours?
Before pursuing a leadership position or advocacy role, make sure the work aligns with your genuine passion and values. If it does not, the work can become routine and transactional. When it aligns with your purpose, it becomes deeply meaningful and fulfilling.