LeaderSpeak

The LeaderSpeak Series is designed to introduce students to the variety and complexity of leadership needs in today’s society. Presenters from a wide variety of expertise and experience will be invited to articulate a critical need in a particular area and providing reflections on the role of leadership in meeting that need.

2012-2013 LeaderSpeak Series Speakers:

TBA
TBA

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Previous LeaderSpeak Series Speakers:

April 26, 2012 - St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce President Chris Steinocher (at 6:00 pm in DAV 130)
Christopher Steinocher is President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. He joined the Chamber in February of 2011 and is responsible for the vision, strategic direction and overall operations of the Chamber.
Prior to the Chamber, Mr. Steinocher was with the Tampa Bay Partnership as COO and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development – a job he held for 17 years – helping start the regional economic development group.

February 23, 2012 - Former Tampa Mayor and author Pam Iorio (at 6:00 pm in DAV 130)
A special Lead Week 2012 speaker, Pam Iorio (former Mayor of Tampa), will discuss her new book, Straightforward. Iorio is the second woman to hold the office of Mayor in Tampa. Her first term dealt largely with re-energizing the downtown area, as well as the economic revitalization of Tampa’s most neglected neighborhoods. Iorio was also a big supporter of the arts, working to make Tampa a major arts center in the South. Iorio has also been credited with a sharp drop in drug trafficking in the city limits and a significant drop in major crimes. In her second term, Iorio advocated for improved mass transit, favoring a multi-modal plan which included a light rail system.

February 2, 2012 - St. Petersburg City Council Member Charlie Gerdes (at 6:00 pm in DAV 130)
Charlie Gerdes has lived and worked in St. Petersburg for most of hislife. After attending St. Petersburg Catholic High School and then graduating from Florida State University, he returned home to live in Holiday Park and raise a family with his wife, Louanne. Mr. Gerdes is honored to serve as your St. Petersburg City Councilman, District 1.

December 1, 2011 - Pinellas Commissioner Ken Welch (at 6:00 pm in DAV 130)
Commissioner Welch was born in St. Petersburg and attended local schools, graduating from Lakewood Senior High School. He holds a B.A. degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University. Commissioner Welch’s professional work experience includes 14 years in Accounting, Information Technology, and Financial Systems Administration with Florida Power Corporation (now Progress Energy). In November 2000, he was elected to the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners, representing District 7.

October 27, 2011 - St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster (at 6:00 pm in DAV 130)
Elected in 2009 to lead Florida's 4th largest city. Term expires January 2, 2014.

September 29, 2011 - St. Pete Times Columnist Robert Trigaux (at 6:00 pm in DAV 130)
Robert Trigaux joined the Times as a business writer in 1991. In 2000, he began writing a business column three times a week. He served as Business Editor from 2005 to 2008, when he resumed his role as business columnist. While at the Times, he has covered a range of beats including banking and finance, technology, telecommunications, energy and economic development. He has received various awards for business writing, including two Green Eyeshades from the Society of Professional Journalists, a commendation for column writing from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and a first place in business columns from the National Association of Newspaper Columnists.

August 25, 2011 - Representative Kathy Castor (at 6:00 pm in DAV 130)
Kathy Castor is the Tampa Bay area’s voice in the U.S. Congress. She is serving her third term representing Florida’s 11th Congressional district, which includes Tampa, St. Petersburg and parts of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties. She was originally elected in 2006 and re-elected by voters in 2008 and 2010. Castor is the first woman to represent Hillsborough and Pinellas counties in the U.S. Congress.

Lieutenant Colonel Barkalow published a book, In the Men's House, detailing her four years as a member of the first class of women to graduate from West Point Military Academy. The book also highlights her first eight years of active duty service. She has appeared on numerous TV and radio programs. Lieutenant Colonel Barkalow's awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the NATO Medal and the Parachutists Badge.

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For more information on the Leadership Development & Programming office please contact:

Charlie Justice, Assistant Director of Leadership | justicec@usfsp.edu | (727) 873-4118