Chris Cahill
Chris Cahill Christopher R. Cahill is a Marine with a mission and a pastor with a plan. As the co-founder of WarRoomOcala.com, he helps business owners build battle-tested strategies for starting, scaling, and selling strategically. His approach blends financial precision with personal purpose—because true success means stewarding both your money and your mission. A proud […]
TeSha Jackson
TeSha Jackson TeShaJ of Te’ShaJ Consulting is a Public Relation, Entertainment Consultant for profit and nonprofit businesses, and organizations within the state of Florida. She has earned the title as a community public relation guru on multiple social media marketing platforms she continues to be dedicated to providing communities, agencies, companies and organizations with excellent […]
Barbara Fitos
Barbara Fitos Former County Commissioner, retired banking executive in Human Resources, founding Executive Director/Community Foundation Marion County, Barbara Fitos is a 45+ year resident of Ocala Marion County and the Mother of one son, attorney Joseph Fitos, and Grandmother of four. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate/ Douglass College/Rutgers University – BA/American Studies with […]
Dr. Leslie Hammond
Dr. Leslie Hammond Leslie Hammond, Ph.D., possesses decades of experience as an Art Appraiser, Art Historian, Archaeologist, and Museum Professional. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Ohio State University, a Masters in Classical Archaeology from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in Art History and Archaeology, and a […]
R.J. Jenkins
R.J. Jenkins Born in Long Island; raised in Sarasota; moved to New York City for college; moved to England—then to Boston—for graduate school; moved back to New York City to begin my career; moved to Ocala in 2016 to build a life with my partner (hands down the best decision I’ve ever made). By day, […]
Beth Nelson
Beth Nelson Beth has recorded news events and people’s stories, worked in education, managed a town, and lived halfway across the world, but coming to United Way is one of the most meaningful roles she has had in her career. She believes there is no greater achievement than to see a life transformed. She is […]
Kiah Manning
Kiah Manning With a distinctive eye for storytelling through space, Kiah Manning has built a reputation as one of Ocala’s most imaginative interior designers. As a veteran furniture consultant and design specialist at Hudson’s Furniture, Kiah has spent nearly a decade helping clients turn houses into personal sanctuaries—balancing functionality with bold creative expression. Kiah’s […]
Jeremy Rhoden
Jeremy Rhoden Jeremy Rhoden is the Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, where he provides research-based education and outreach to homeowners, gardeners, and green industry professionals. His work focuses on sustainable landscape practices, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, vegetable gardening, integrated pest management, and pollinator sustainability. An Alachua County native, […]
John Sotomayor
John Sotomayor A punny wordsmith, when presented with a challenge under pressure, John always makes the headline. The former founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Embrace Magazine is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+, Latino, and recovery communities. An avid runner and traveler, John has adjusted his journalistic journey on his media path to include hospitality […]
Pedro Antonio Comas – alias “Tito”
Pedro Antonio Comas – alias “Tito” Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Graduated from The University Of Houston in 1975 with a Bachelor in Fine Arts, majored in advertising design/illustration and ceramics. After graduating I was hired by NASA and worked at The Johnson Space Center as a Technical Illustrator for the […]
Kendra Brazzel
Kendra Brazzel Kendra Brazzel has always found her deepest joy in the creative process, whether in the studio or the kitchen. She graduated from culinary school in 1993 and went on to work as a chef in Seattle, where she honed her skills and developed a passion for seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking. After leaving the professional […]