CONTRIBUTORS

Philip Glassman, CCIM Publisher

Philip has been at the helm of OM for nearly 5 years with 15 FMA awards. He is also an astute businessman, working primarily in the commercial real estate arena and joint venturing in business start-ups. Philip is a former actor, a creative thinker and father to two beautiful children.

Mark Anderson

Penny Miller VP/Corporate Development

Penny is with OM over 20 years and owner of an insurance company over 30. She has authored 5 books, owns a media company, founded/directed the Marion County Homeless Coalition, and an appointed Senate-confirmed Commissioner by 4 Governors. Penny served on the Advisory Board of the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation and President of College Park Kiwanis Club. Her best blessings are her 4 children and 5 grandchildren.

State of the County Columnist

Mark Anderson is a Public Relations Specialist for Marion County, where he specializes in photography, writing and anything else that comes his way.

Equine Editor

Louisa is the Equine Initiative Director at the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, Showcase Properties of Central Florida Farm Realtor and host of the Horse Talk Show on the Sky 97.3, Audacy.com and Equus Television.

Ralph Demilio

Chief Photographer

Ralph is an award-winning photographer that handles OM's every need. From shooting the great people of Ocala, to food and horses, Ralph has an amazing understanding of art and lighting that brings everyone and everything into beautiful focus.

Jessi Miller Creative Director

Jessi's career is as old as Photoshop but she doesn't limit her art to the computer. Fine artist and awardwinning creative director, she is saving the world, one graphic design at a time at Little Black Mask Media. She is passionate about storytelling, community involvement, peacebuilding, family, and the arts.

Jackie Prince

Creative Assistant

Jackie is the creative assistant at Little Black Mask Media. An indespensible team member who is usually hidden behind the scenes, she tolerates people with a smile — and prefers the company of her two great danes.

Sharon

Raye Copy Editor | Distribution

Sharon is a native South Floridian who has called Ocala home for 10 years. She studied at The Acting School of South Florida conservatory. She was an active actress and model in FL, NY and abroad for 20 years. Her love for the arts dates back to childhood especially in writing and attention to detail. She is curious by nature, loves traveling, good food, learning about cultures and is an advocate for natural health. Sharon has a daughter who is her greatest joy and primary focus.

Carlton Reese

Contributing Editor

A freelance writer and editor, Carlton is a fourthgeneration Ocalan who has written for newspapers and magazines since he was a college freshman in 1985. A father of four daughters, Carlton used to play lots of golf, but is busy enjoying time with his family instead.

Ashley

Dobbs State of the City Columnist

Ashley Dobbs is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the City of Ocala. She is responsible for internal and external communications, managing social media, brand standards, and working with collaborators providing outreach to citizens. The City's goal is to put citizens first and make Ocala a great place to live, play, and prosper.

Kent Guinn

Mayor's Column

Kent's family came here in 1850, he is a fifth-generation Ocalan. After 12 years on the Ocala city council, he has served the last 11 as mayor and overseen unprecedented growth of the area during his tenure. Married for 43 years with two sons and a new granddaughter, Guinn loves to play the game of golf when he can.

Todd Carstenn | Writer

Todd was an English teacher at Lake Weir and Vanguard High Schools for 37 years. He has written numerous articles over those years about teaching and education for various publications. Though he retired in 2020, he still cares deeply about the state of education in Florida. Todd plays a lot of golf, a little pickle ball, and also teaches tennis. He and his wife Mary have four kids and four grand children.

Brad Rogers

Contributing Editor

For more than a generation Brad has written about the people, places and issues that shape Ocala, first as a newspaper columnist and editor and now as a freelance writer. He is married and the father of two grown children and grandfather of one. In this month’s issue, he interviews Dr. Jim Henningsen, OM’s Person of the Year.

Brandi Wright Social Photographer

When Brandi isn't on the scene, capturing social events for OM's Society section, she might be baking for her Double Baked Bakery business or shooting for her BW Photography business. Make sure to smile for the camera if you see her while out and about.

Liv Vitale Graphic Designer

Liv is a free-lance graphic designer with a flair for fashion. She is currently the Creative Director at Strike Magazine Gainesville and works remotely for OM. She is passionate about all forms of design and is looking forward to a career in the arts.