Advocates & Advisers

CALVIN PHILLIPS

Vice President of Housing Services The Lord’s Place, Inc.

Phillips provides administrative and strategic leadership to the agency’s housing programs. He has more than 25 years of experience serving low-income families and individuals in Palm Beach County. He is an expert in leading high-performing supportive housing programs. Phillips is particularly knowledgeable about how to conduct housing operations in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations—including the Fair Housing Act. In his personal life, Phillips is involved with Connect to Greatness, a mentoring initiative for African American boys ages 10 to 13. He has a bachelor’s degree in social work.

HOMETOWN: Richmond, Virginia WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Morris Chestnut FIRST JOB: Dishwasher at a restaurant STARTS HIS DAY: Prayer and a good 3-mile walk HOBBIES: Reading and walking on the beach COLLECTS: Watches FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Vic & Angelo’s WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Stay true to yourself no matter what others think or feel about your choices in life. GUILTY PLEASURE: Chocolate cake ADMIRES MOST: My mother, because she is strong, knowledgeable, a role model, and compassionate. WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: Seeing others meet their goals or succeed where most people feel they will fail.

FABIOLA BRUMLEY

President, Palm Beach County Bank of America

Brumley is the president of Bank of America Palm Beach County. In this role, she is responsible for connecting clients, teammates, and communities to the full power of the franchise, driving integration across Bank of America’s eight lines of business. She also leads the effort to deploy Bank of America’s resources to help advance economic mobility and build strong communities. Based in Boca Raton, Brumley is senior public policy lead for the Southeast at Bank of America, covering Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.

HOMETOWN: Beirut, Lebanon FAVORITE QUOTE: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Meryl Streep FIRST JOB: At the age of 13, I worked for my father as a data entry clerk. He was a CPA/CFO. SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HER: English is my third language. WHAT MAKES HER SMILE: Watching my children and grandchildren learn something new.

CASSIUS JOHNSON

Founder, President Cassius Johnson Social Impact Solutions

As a consultant, Johnson specializes in developing strategies, designing and implementing solutions, and advancing policies that improve the life outcomes of low-income and vulnerable populations and advance economic growth. His career has centered on social impact, working at the Texas House of Representatives, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Jobs for the Future, Year Up Inc., Education Strategy Group, and as a member of the Massachusetts State Workforce Board. Johnson attended the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs in Austin, Texas, where he was a Barbara Jordan Scholar.

PERSONAL MOTTO: Siempre adelante—Always forward! WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Denzel Washington. He portrays characters with the level of intensity required to match the seriousness with which I take matters of social justice and the public good. WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: There is nothing wrong with you. Your passions, drive, and uniqueness are the fuel you will use to realize your destiny and meaning on Earth.

BARBARA MINELLI JAMES

Vice President Baptist Health Foundation

Since joining Baptist Health in November 2017, James has raised an impressive $50 million through annual giving, private donors, fundraising campaigns, events, and corporate sponsorships. This money has been used to bring preeminent health care to South Florida through updated technologies and the expansion of world-class medical offerings, including the nationally recognized orthopedic total joint–replacement program; cardiovascular care; cancer care; vascular, endovascular, and robotic surgery; general surgery; and emergency medicine. The current Emergency Services Capital Campaign to modernize the Bethesda Hospital East Emergency Department with private rooms, smart technology, and optimized patient care is nearing completion.

BEST ADVICE SHE’S RECEIVED: Work is one of our greatest privileges. Use it wisely. HIDDEN TALENT: My linguini al fruitti di mare WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN A BIOPIC: Jennifer Garner STARTS HER DAY: Gratitude, lemon water, and then co ee!

JEREMY WAYNE JOHNSON

President, CEO Historical Society of Palm Beach County

Johnson is the president and CEO of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County (HSPBC). He earned a bachelor’s of science in political and public affairs communication from Florida State University and became a certifi ed association executive (CAE) through the American Society of Association Executives. Prior to joining HSPBC, Johnson was president of JRJ Partners, an independent consulting practice providing strategic planning and development support for South Florida businesses and nonprofi ts. He also served as the president and the emergency and disaster preparedness coordinator for South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association.

WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: Will Ferrell STARTS HIS DAY: With ca eine TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATIONS: Greece, Spain, and Portugal GIVES BACK: I give my time, talents, and treasure to a variety of organizations in Palm Beach County. I love the Cox Science Center and am active in my West Palm Beach Rotary Club. PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES: Seeing the Historical Society win a Muse Award and having the organization be named Cultural Nonprofi t of the Year under my leadership.

ERIC M. KELLY

President Quantum Foundation

Kelly has a bachelor’s of science in communications from Florida State University and a master of business management degree from Florida Atlantic University. He is president of Quantum Foundation, a West Palm Beach–based health corporation that manages a $170 million investment portfolio. As president, Kelly works with the board of directors in formulating a strategy to deploy $7.5 million annually to qualifi ed organizations in Palm Beach County to improve community and health outcomes. He is a corporate offi cer of the foundation and manages the governing affairs of the corporation with the board of directors. Kelly oversees all administrative duties.

PERSONAL MOTTO: Seize the opportunity of a lifetime within the lifetime of the opportunity. TOP TRAVEL PICK: Blue Ridge Mountains GUILTY PLEASURES: Doughnuts and cereal PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES: Sun Sentinel Excalibur Award for Business Leadership, Florida Trend‘s Florida 500, Education Foundation of PBC Outstanding Community Leadership Award, Florida Atlantic University President’s Talon Award, Legacy Magazine’s South Florida’s Most Infl uential Business Leaders

GARY LESSER

Managing Partner Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC

Lesser is president of The Florida Bar and managing partner of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, a third-generation law fi rm with 95 years of helping injured clients and their families and working hard for the best possible outcome on their cases. A native of West Palm Beach, Lesser is one of Florida’s foremost personal injury attorneys, leading a team of skilled trial lawyers who practice law with professionalism, integrity, ethics, and a commitment to personal client service. He is a dedicated community servant, having held leadership positions in numerous legal, nonprofi t, and civic-oriented organizations.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “It’s amazing what you can get done when you don’t care who gets credit for it.” —Harry S. Truman STARTS HIS DAY: Recently, I started doing a little stretching fi rst thing every morning. It’s been a game changer. PERSONAL MOTTO: Every grey cloud has a silver lining. TOP BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION: Machu Picchu FIRST JOBS: I taught tennis as a teenager, and I really enjoyed working at Publix.

NICHOLAS “NICK” KORNILOFF

Executive Vice President, Director Art Miami Show Group, Informa Markets Art

Korniloff oversees the management and creative direction for Art Miami, CONTEXT, Aqua Art Miami, Art Wynwood, and Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary fairs. Korniloff has more than two decades of experience in media, art fair management, and live event production industries. His commitment to creating new opportunities for the international art community through the development of art fairs and collaborative partnerships has attracted some of the most prestigious galleries in the contemporary and modern markets to participate in the fairs he manages.

HOMETOWN: Roslyn, New York ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Return every phone call. Be a better listener than talker. Don’t think you’re the smartest person in the room. Find the balance between patience and persistence. WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A BIOPIC: George Clooney SECRETS TO HIS SUCCESS: Making myself available to others and their creative thoughts. Connecting good and like-minded people. My discipline, work ethic, and ability to walk my talk through teamwork.

PATTY MCDONALD

President, CEO Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation

With more than 37 years as a nonprofi t leader in Palm Beach County, McDonald joined Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2005 as founding president. She is responsible for raising funds to advance and enhance pediatric health care and has proven herself to be a champion for the foundation and the children it serves. Under McDonald’s leadership, the foundation has grown from a small charity with a local focus to one that has impacted the lives of children across the nation and the globe. The organization has raised nearly $170 million and given more than $100 million in grants.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “The legacy you leave on Earth is measured by the hearts you touch.” —Barbara Nicklaus WHAT SHE WOULD TELL HER YOUNGER SELF: Take risks! They are often the best decision you will ever make. PERSONAL MOTTO: Don’t confuse activity with accomplishment. FIRST JOB: I was a cashier at Publix in Palm Beach Gardens. GUILTY PLEASURE: The perfect handbag

PATRICK MCNAMARA

President, CEO Palm Health Foundation

McNamara joined Palm Health Foundation as president and CEO in March 2017. He has spent the past 30 years in the nonprofi t health and human services sector, including 18 years with Community Partners of South Florida, where he also served as president and CEO. Having spent most of his professional career in cross-sector work to improve communities, McNamara has designed and implemented initiatives in behavioral health, housing, family services, health, and nonprofi t leadership. A native of New Orleans, he and his wife, Ana, are the proud parents of three children.

STARTS HIS DAY: I have three di erent sources of morning refl ections that I receive daily by email. I read these three meditations before my fi rst cup of co ee. AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Alaskan cruise WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Fear less and love more. FIRST JOB: Mowing lawns with my brother BEST ADVICE HE’S RECEIVED: Always keep your sense of humor, especially about yourself. FAVORITE QUOTE: “To strive, to seek, to fi nd, and not to yield.” —Alfred Lord Tennyson

ARTHUR MENOR

Office Managing Partner Shutts & Bowen LLP

As the managing partner of Shutts & Bowen’s West Palm Beach offi ce, Menor is a member of the fi rm’s executive committee and chairman of the Real Estate Leasing Practice Group. A nationally recognized real estate lawyer, he has more than 40 years of experience in all facets of commercial real estate, focusing on commercial leasing and the acquisition and disposition of commercial real estate.

EDUCATION: University of Florida AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Run the Tokyo Marathon FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Cut 432 in Delray Beach FAVORITE BOOK: Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert K. Massie WHAT MAKES HIM SMILE: My baby granddaughter FIRST JOB: Working for my family’s business (Lake Worth Monument Company which is one of the oldest continually operating businesses in South Florida) at 11 years old. PERSONAL MOTTO: Everyone makes mistakes. The di erence between winners and losers is that winners learn from their mistakes and losers repeat them.

GINA MELBY

CEO HCA Florida JFK Hospital

Melby is in her eighteenth year at HCA Florida JFK Hospital, part of HCA East Florida Division. She began her career in health care as a licensed physical therapist, later joining HCA Healthcare as the director of rehabilitation services at University Hospital and Medical Center. Melby was promoted to chief operating offi cer at Northwest Medical Center and served in this role for two years before becoming CEO, then left to become the CEO at JFK Hospital. She is the executive secretary on the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County committee, where she also served as chair from 2016-2018. She is a member of the EMS Advisory Board, as appointed by the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners. In addition, she was named chair of the American Heart Association’s 2022 Palm Beach County Heart Walk.

ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Develop relationships and focus on learning during your fi rst 120 days before you make any changes. STARTS HER DAY: Head to the co ee machine and turn on the TV to see the latest news. TOP TRAVEL PICK: Italy

DONTÉ MICKENS

Board Chair Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches

Mickens is a fi nancial consultant for NCCI in Boca Raton. He is the board chair for Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches and a member of the Palm Tran Service Board. He is also a two-time Paralympian and medalist in the sport of goalball. As a person who is legally blind, Mickens has dedicated his life to volunteering and advocating for persons who are visually impaired or have other disabilities. He has received appointments from Florida Governors Crist, Scott, and DeSantis to serve on state councils charged with overseeing services for those with disabilities. Mickens is a Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter and a graduate of Florida State University, where he received his master’s in risk management/insurance. He was born and raised in West Palm Beach and currently resides with his wife and daughter in Delray Beach.

ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT (OR STARTING OVER): Set smaller goals that will guide you toward your bigger ones. HIDDEN TALENT: Poetry FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK: Deck 84 in Delray Beach

BILL PERRY

Managing Shareholder, CEO Gunster, Florida’s Law Firm for Business

Perry is CEO and managing shareholder of Gunster. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the fi rm, he practices real estate and business law, specializing in complex commercial and fi nancial transactions. Perry is an engaged leader in several statewide and local organizations that are focused on making Florida the best it can be.

HIDDEN TALENT: I play the piano. AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: A running adventure in Patagonia WHAT HE WOULD TELL HIS YOUNGER SELF: Lead a full life. Pursue your passion. Work with great people. FAVORITE QUOTE: “Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” —The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway STARTS HIS DAY: A cup of co ee followed by a run or a swim HOBBIES: Boating and fi shing, reading the classics and history TOP TRAVEL PICKS: The Bahamas and London FIND HIM ON WEEKENDS: On the golf course or on the water

RYAN SCHACK

Senior Vice President/Investments Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.

Schack joined Stifel in Palm Beach Gardens in 2019 as senior vice president/ investments. After beginning his career at Mellon Bank, he became resident director and fi nancial advisor at Merrill Lynch (later acquired by Bank of America). During his 16 years there, he held several management positions in various locations including Los Angeles and Columbus, Ohio. He was promoted to Palm Beach County, where he spent nine years managing the Jupiter offi ce location before moving to Stifel.

HOMETOWN: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania EDUCATION: University of Pittsburgh TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FACED: First big job transfer to Los Angeles TOP TRAVEL PICK: Longboat Key, a hidden gem in Florida FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: Romeo and Juliette’s in Tequesta AT THE TOP OF HIS BUCKET LIST: Attend a Super Bowl Game with the Pittsburgh Steelers playing. CAUSES HE SUPPORTS: Place of Hope, Little Smiles

KEVIN ROSS

President Lynn University

Ross became the fi fth president of Lynn University in 2006. During his tenure, the university implemented a redesigned core curriculum and was ranked one of the top schools in the country for highest percentage of international students by U.S. News & World Report. The university was also selected as the host site for the third and fi nal 2012 presidential debate. It has also been recognized three times as an Apple Distinguished School for its iPad initiative.

HOMETOWN: Boca Raton, Florida EDUCATION: Colgate University (B), St. John’s College (M), Vanderbilt University (D) FIRST JOB: Busboy HOBBIES: Playing guitar with his band, Wolfhawk; creative directing the restoration of old vehicles; traveling; and tinkering with technology. TOP TRAVEL PICK: The Adirondacks CAUSES HE SUPPORTS: Charity Water, Education Rocks

ETHAN SHAPIRO

Head of School Saint Andrew’s School

Born and raised in the Boston area, Shapiro is in his fortieth year as an educator. He began his career at the Fay School in Southboro, Massachusetts, then worked for 29 years at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. He is in his sixth year as head of School at Saint Andrew’s. Shapiro is married to Gwyn Coogan and together they have eight children.

EDUCATION: Colby College (BA); Middlebury College (MA) PERSONAL MOTTO: No whining. HOBBIES: Hiking, traveling, reading, cooking FAVORITE BOOK: Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman GUILTY PLEASURE: Peanut M&M’s STARTS HIS DAY: With co ee FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT TO EAT: The Grove in Delray Beach FIRST JOB: In the dishroom at Legal Seafood TOP TRAVEL PICK: The White Mountains of New Hampshire