Patrice Whitten is a purpose-driven non-profit executive with over thirty years of leadership experience in educational development, fundraising, and marketing. With a strong background in strategic management and community relations, she has consistently achieved fundraising goals, established strong donor and alumni relationships, and executed successful special events and projects. Whitten served as the Executive Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Assistant to the President at Pensacola State College from 2012 to 2020, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing the college's alumni engagement program and building corporate and business partnerships.

During her tenure, she successfully led the college's comprehensive capital campaign, surpassing the initial goal and raising significant funds to support institutional priorities. Whitten also served as the Executive Director of the Pensacola State College Foundation and Office of Development from 1994 to 2012, where she oversaw fundraising activities, established a planned giving program, and significantly increased annual giving and membership levels. Throughout her career, Whitten has been actively involved in professional organizations, community service, and board memberships, further demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in the non-profit sector. She has received numerous awards and honors for her exceptional contributions and has presented on various topics related to fundraising and strategic planning at national and local conferences.

Rick Dye, Chief Volunteer at FaithWorks InterFaith Network, Inc. in Pensacola, Florida, dedicates himself to serving the needs of the poor and homeless, guiding them from the streets to self-sufficiency. Through FaithWorks, Rick recruits, trains, and employs homeless and disabled individuals to craft products from recycled billboard materials. Previously, he worked at REAP/ReEntry Alliance Pensacola, providing vital information and referral services to former citizens re-entering the community after incarceration, aiming to reduce recidivism rates. With a background at Regions Bank spanning from January 1986 to February 2009, Rick recently retired to establish M4 Advisors Group, LLC., a consulting firm focusing on Marketing, Management, Money, and Ministry. Despite retirement, Rick remains driven by a desire to make a difference, embracing each day as an opportunity for meaningful action.

Gus Silivos is the Executive Chef and owner of Agapi Bistro + Garden, situated in the Scenic Heights neighborhood of Pensacola, Florida. Chef Silivos has been serving up great southern food with a Mediterranean flair for most of his life, beginning at a young age alongside his father at the family’s award-winning Skopelos restaurant, before himself later becoming owner and Executive Chef of Skopelos, Skopelos at New World, Nancy’s Catering and Events, Scenic 90 Cafe, and now also Agapi Bistro + Garden.A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Silivos’ work transcends the kitchen as he regularly gives back with volunteering and mentoring within the culinary community. With Agapi Bistro + Garden – Chef Silivos’ latest creation, named after the Greek word for ultimate love – you’ll find a culmination of Chef Silivos’ passions and successes as the restaurant unites a vision of togetherness for the local community and foodie world. Agapi has quickly become synonymous with being a warm and friendly place that provides inventive Mediterranean cuisine utilizing the Gulf Coast’s treasures of local seafood, meats, and produce, whenever possible.No matter where you find him, Chef Gus loves what he does, and you can taste that love in every bite.

Bishop William A. Wack, a Midwesterner from South Bend, Indiana, experienced a joy-filled childhood within a large Catholic family. His educational journey led him through Christ the King Grade School, LaSalle High School, and the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1989.Driven by a calling to service, Bishop Wack entered formation with the Congregation of Holy Cross at Notre Dame. After a transformative year at the Holy Cross Novitiate in Cascade, Colorado, he received his Master of Divinity degree in 1993. Ordained to the priesthood in 1994, he served as an associate pastor in Colorado Springs and later returned to Notre Dame in various roles, including Associate Director of Vocations.In 2002, Bishop Wack expanded his outreach by directing André House in Central Phoenix, dedicated to aiding the homeless. His impactful service continued until 2008 when he moved to Austin, TX, becoming the pastor of St. Ignatius Martyr Parish and later the Dean of the Austin Central Deanery. Recognizing his dedication, Pope Francis appointed him as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee in 2017, marking a new chapter in his life of service to the Catholic community.

Emily Echevarria is the Marketing Communications Director at Council on Aging of West Florida. Armed with dual bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and communication arts from the University of West Florida, Emily brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Previously, she spent six years at Envision Healthcare, where she excelled as a writer and editor of business development content. Prior to that, Emily served as an editor at Ballinger Publishing, showcasing her talents in writing, design, and photography for local publications. With a deep-rooted passion for Pensacola and its community, Emily is dedicated to serving the mission of Council on Aging of West Florida.

A retired U.S Navy Veteran, having served as an Interior Communication Electrician 1982 - 2006. Rob has served on various combat ships and shore facilities.

After leaving the Navy, Rob was employed as a Curriculum Designer for an online education company in Pensacola, Florida. He is currently the Director of Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) a Department of Education grant funded program designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. The primary goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs.

Rob is also the current Vice President and the Past-President of the National Association of Veterans Upward Bound (NAVUB), as well as the Co-Chair of the Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council (GCVAC) and Co-Chair of the Pensacola Veterans Service Organization Network (PVSON), and a Board member of the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation (VMPF), Longtime Paid Up for Life (PUFL) and 2 time Past-Commander, Hanniton Watts American Legion Post #193, Past-Chapter President Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) Pensacola State College and a member of the Workforce Development Committee of the West Florida Defense Alliance. Rob is also the recipient of the George Everette “Bud” Day Award for service to veterans in the Gulf Coast community.

Rob attended Excelsior College while in the Navy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with an emphasis on Education Psychology from Excelsior College. He has a Master in Higher Education with a specialization in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from Capella University as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Institutional Research from Florida State University.

A native of Darlington, South Carolina, Rob is the proud father of two adult daughters.

Mary McCaa has been a long-time resident of Pensacola, Florida. In fact, her family has been rooted in the Pensacola area since the early 1800s. She proudly serves the unhoused through her personal efforts in collaboration with local groups such a Food Not Bombs.

Mary first demonstrated a dedication to putting members of the community first when she began her career as a medical sales representative 16 years ago. Throughout her career she has volunteered with food pantries in Alabama and Florida. When the pandemic hit, Mary put boots on the ground and began cooking for and serving the growing community of individuals known as the “110 Bridge campers”. Through this service she began to develop a deeper understanding of the barriers that exist for the unhoused and those struggling to make ends meet.

Passionate about community welfare, Mary McCaa, firmly believes in the transformative power of affordable housing solutions, especially in addressing the critical needs of low-income individuals and families. With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, Mary is eager to contribute her expertise towards creating sustainable, inclusive housing opportunities. Drawing inspiration from her years of being a “Navy Brat”, Mary is committed to advocating for the diverse spectrum of individuals impacted by the housing crisis, including former military, single parent families, and the homeless.

In her spare time, Mary enjoys cooking, volunteering, and spending time with her husband, Duke and dogs, Bishop and Doc.

Betsy McDonald is a lifetime resident of Northwest Florida and currently serves as the Director of Programs at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. Betsy graduated from the University of West Florida in 2015 with her bachelor’s degree in international relations and then in 2016 with her master’s degree in political science. Betsy has worked for Habitat for Humanity at the affiliate level for 5 years. Betsy is interested in program design, social cohesion, and building social capital. Betsy is a HUD Certified Housing Counselor and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. While not at work, Betsy loves reading a good book, exercising, or playing sports. Betsy serves as a member of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee in Santa Rosa County, Valerie's House Community Engagement Council, Chair of the Escambia County Longterm Recovery Group, and is a member of Leadership Pensacola, class of 2024.

Melonie Miner, Coordinator, Human Resources, at Pensacola State College is a dedicated, experienced human resource professional. With a career spanning over a decade, Melonie brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to her role.

She has been a vital part of the Pensacola State College team since 2015, earning her associate degree in leadership studies and a bachelor’s degree in business from William Penn University in Iowa. She is pursuing her MS in Human Resources Management at the Florida International University, further enhancing her skills and understanding of the field.

With her passion for human resources, Melonie advocates for creating a positive and inclusive work environment and strives to provide exceptional support to all employees.

Melonie is passionate about the community and strives to give back in several ways. She has served as the Chair or co-Chair for the United Way of West Florida’s Workplace giving campaign for the past five years, participated in the United Way of West Florida’s ReadingPals program, and served as a Guardian ad Litem in Florida’s First District (Escambia County).

Patrick Rooney is the Director of Entrepreneurial Development at Co:Lab Pensacola, a program by Florida West EDA in partnership with Pensacola State College. Concurrently, he serves as the Lead Principal Consultant at Coastal CxO Services, Inc., leading a team that provides comprehensive business and technology consulting to founders, management, investors, and directors. With over 30 years of experience in senior financial and operations roles across diverse industries, Patrick has held positions from controller to CFO, CEO, and Chairman in notable companies. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, he earned his CPA designation in November 1980 and completed a year-long Multinational Management program at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Mark Holleran is an accomplished professional with years of extensive experience in the non-profit sector, specifically in the development and provision of affordable housing and homeless services.  He most recently was the CEO of an affordable housing developer and operator in Phoenix, Arizona and previously held a comparable position with the Arizona’s largest homeless shelter for single adults and families.  With a strong background in financial management and consulting, Holleran has successfully led service organizations, overseeing the development and operation of affordable housing projects and providing supportive services to individuals and families in need.  He is an active member of various professional organizations and has received recognition for his contributions in Maricopa County, Arizona.