Our mission is to advance common business interests, economic growth, and equality in the workplace and society for its LGBT and allied businesses, corporations and professional members by providing educational, networking, and community engagement.
Executive Committee
Chair
Chris Rollins
Chair Elect & Secretary
Don Kiceina, Jr., DKJr Consulting
Treasurer
Ramzi Lakkis, The Mosaic Company
President & CEO
Directors
CT Harris, Allegany Franciscan Ministries
Matt Klaus, TomCo Solutions
Matthew Calabresky, United Way Suncoast
Maureen Cacioppo, Florida Pure Sea Salt
Nicole Waters, Fetch Data and 525 Coaching
Chris Rollins helps leaders and teams create transformation through moments that they make matter. His Ripple Effect Leadership™ framework is informed by 15 years of working with big corporates and leading change as a top organizational development exec. As a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, he shows organizations that success doesn’t come from strategy and structure alone — it’s built in the accumulation of small, everyday moments that leaders make matter. Whether it’s strengthening trust, boosting sales, or creating a culture of belonging, Chris helps audiences see how the moments they create today ripple far beyond what they’ll ever know.
Chris has partnered with organizations across industries — from Fortune 50 companies to family-run businesses — to help leaders scale trust, fuel transformation, and drive growth. His keynotes consistently earn 99% ratings because they don’t just move people in the moment — they change how people lead, sell, and serve long after he has left the room.
Chris played Division I Golf in college and would love to spend some time with you out on the golf course! He moved to Tampa from New York City in 2021 with his husband and rescue pup.
Maureen Cacioppo is the founder and owner of Florida Pure Sea Salt, a St. Petersburg based gourmet food company she launched nearly ten years ago. What began as a personal passion for food, sustainability, and coastal stewardship has grown into a nationally distributed brand carried by retailers, chefs, hotels, and grocery stores across the country. Under her leadership, Florida Pure Sea Salt has remained focused on quality, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful growth while navigating the complexities of manufacturing, wholesale, e-commerce, and foodservice distribution.
Maureen brings a hands on, solutions driven approach shaped by a decade of entrepreneurship and small business leadership. Her background includes nonprofit outdoor education, supplier diversity initiatives, and participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, where she further refined her strategic and financial leadership skills. She is deeply committed to supporting local economies, mentoring fellow entrepreneurs, and strengthening the communities in which she operates.
As a board member, Maureen offers practical business insight, collaborative leadership, and a strong belief in mission driven organizations. She is passionate about helping organizations grow sustainably while remaining rooted in their core values. Maureen also serves on the board of the Gulfport Yacht Club.
Matthew Calabresky is a nonprofit and community leader with a background in financial security empowerment, economic mobility, and capacity-building initiatives. Originally from rural Northeast Ohio, he graduated from Kent State University with a BA in Political Science before moving to Tampa in 2017 to complete his Master of Public Administration at the University of South Florida.
He currently serves as Senior Manager of Financial Security at United Way Suncoast, where he leads regional programs focused on financial coaching, employer-based financial wellness, and nonprofit training and program-building. His work centers on building scalable systems that expand access to financial security resources and strengthen organizations serving diverse communities across United Way Suncoast's five-county footprint.
In his spare time, Matthew is also the co-founder and CEO of nenos, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tech startup focused on ethical technology and community-centered online spaces. Through this work, he is passionate about helping individuals and businesses navigate the digital world safely, effectively, and equitably through non-exploitative and innovative technologies. Matthew lives near Tampa with his husband, their dog, and two cats.
CT Harris is a dynamic and results-oriented leader celebrated for her ability to unite people and ignite transformative conversations around critical issues. A steadfast advocate for vulnerable communities and small businesses, CT has cultivated a career defined by impactful leadership and inspired action.
In her current role as Director of Communication, Connections, and Outreach at Allegany Franciscan Ministries, CT leverages her passion for storytelling, equity and community engagement to foster strategic partnerships and amplify the voices of the organization and those they serve who are often overlooked. Her visionary approach has been pivotal in driving brand innovation, collaboration, and meaningful social change.
As a former Legislative Aide for Tampa City Council, District 5, CT showcased her ability to turn vision into action, resulting in significant community enhancements. This role laid the foundation for her groundbreaking appointment as Tampa’s Inaugural Small Business Navigator, where she became a trusted advocate and resource for entrepreneurs, championing their empowerment in overcoming challenges to thrive.
A serial entrepreneur, podcast host, and motivational speaker, CT is recognized as a trailblazer across industries. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by sharp business acumen, bold innovation, and an unwavering commitment to fostering resilience and inclusive growth. Over the past two decades, she has remained a trusted ally for entrepreneurs, guiding them through the complexities of business ownership while driving economic empowerment.
CT’s achievements are underpinned by her academic foundation; she holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice, which complements her multidisciplinary approach to leadership, community, and problem-solving. An inspiring figure and visionary, CT Harris continues to set the gold standard for dedication, innovation, and impact, leaving an indelible mark on the communities she serves.
Don Kiceina, Jr. is the CEO of DKJr. Consulting, providing strategic consulting and coaching for executives, leadership teams, and organizations focused on sustainable growth and measurable outcomes.
He is deeply passionate about helping individuals become the best versions of themselves while enabling businesses to thrive through clarity, strategy, and effective leadership.
With more than 30 years of experience in leadership, sales, media, and marketing in the Tampa Bay region, Don has held senior roles with the Tampa Bay Times, 93.3 WFLZ Radio, and OUTFRONT Media.
Don is a proud member of Leadership Tampa Class of 2025 and the Leadership Tampa Alumni Association. He also serves on the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Policy Council, the Chamber’s Tampa Bay Accelerator Program Leadership Council, and as a Lead Coach for the Accelerator Program.
Additionally, Don is the Chair-Elect of the Tampa LGBT Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and spoiling his dog, Hunter.
Matt Klaus is Head of Construction at TomCo Solutions and a Florida-licensed Certified Building Contractor (CBC1264541) with 15+ years of experience leading residential and commercial projects from concept through closeout. He oversees the construction organization end-to-end—project delivery, field operations, subcontractor performance, scheduling, budgeting, quality control, safety, and compliance—across a portfolio ranging from custom single-family homes to multi-structure complexes and high-value remodels.
A U.S. Navy veteran and former Petty Officer, Matt led construction crews while coordinating training and logistics in high-accountability environments. He brings that operational discipline to every project, building consistent processes, strengthening accountability, and improving resource utilization to reduce overhead while protecting craftsmanship and client satisfaction.
Matt holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of South Florida and is known for calm, decisive leadership, strong cross-functional coordination, and the ability to translate business goals into reliable field execution.
Ramzi Lakkis started his financial career in Kansas City in publicly and privately traded companies, and moved to Florida in 2015. He has held various progressive finance roles at Mosaic, including time in Treasury and overseeing some of Mosaic's international investments. Ramzi has a civil engineering diploma, a master of business administration, and became a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in 2013. He enjoys raising two wonderful kids and outdoor activities when time permits.
Nicole Waters is a dedicated community leader with a passion for fostering growth, inclusivity, and impact. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Nicole moved to South Florida in the mid-90s and now calls St. Petersburg home. Alongside their wife, Megan, they enjoy a vibrant life with their Boxer, Goose, and cat, Big Tuna. An avid runner, Nicole thrives on personal challenges and embraces opportunities for connection and community.
Professionally, Nicole serves as Chief Operations Officer of Fetch Data, where they lead operational strategies that drive efficiency and innovation. As the Owner and Lead Coach of 525 Coaching, a boutique coaching firm, Nicole empowers executive leaders to refine their vision, enhance leadership skills, and achieve measurable success in business and personal growth.
Previously, Nicole served as Director of Service Center Operations at Suncoast Credit Union, managing multi-county teams, streamlining operations, and fostering member satisfaction. Earlier career roles at Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, Power Financial Credit Union, and MBNA America Bank honed their expertise in marketing, operations, and customer service excellence.
Committed to community impact, Nicole has served on several boards, including as President of the Aqua Foundation for Women and currently the EDGE District Board. They hold a bachelor’s in business administration and marketing from Kennedy-Western along with certifications in coaching, management, and financial counseling.
Past Board Chairs
Chris Rollins 2024-Present
Trace Kingham 2023-2024
Chad Daugherty 2022-2024
Christie Hatterlsey 2020-2021
Justice Gennari 2018-2019
Eric Mathis 2017-2018
Ashley Brundage 2014-2017
Christopher Rudisill 2013-2014
Mariruth Kennedy 2012-2013
William Jeffries 2010-2011
Karen Resse 2009-2010
Brian Fiest 2007-2008
Michael Brill 2002-2006
Scott Barry 2001-2002
Bud Gunter 1998-2001
George Defore 1995-1997
Find Out More!
Interested in serving on a Committee or Board Member? Email us with your questions or to learn more on how to become involved!