Meet Our Board
Peter J. Berry
Chair
Born and raised in Connecticut, Peter spent most of his life in Connecticut before moving to Naples, FL in 2012 with his wife Suzanne. In 1983, he co-founded Association Resources (AR) with Suzanne. AR, an association management firm, was the headquarters for 20 international, national, and state organizations with offices in Hartford, CT and Washington, DC. AR was sold in 2007 to a private equity group. After leaving AR, Peter worked in the meetings industry for Maritz Global Events based in St. Louis, MO. He identified potential conference sites for clients and once a location was identified, he negotiated the hotel contract for the meeting. Peter is currently a consultant for HillStaffer, a Washington based advocacy and government relations firm. In addition to Peter’s involvement in UWCK, he serves on the boards of Greater Naples Leadership (GNL), Collier County Public Transit Advisory Board, and Audubon Country Club. Peter is a graduate of GNL Masters Class XXIV. Peter and Suzanne have two children, Meghan and Brennan Berry, who are principals at Energy Related Properties based in Texas.
Brandi Horton
Vice Chair
Brandi moved to Islamorada in 1978 and has spent over 30 years helping people find their place in the beautiful Florida Keys. As a dedicated residential Realtor and vacation rental specialist, she has built a reputation for her expertise in luxury waterfront properties, investment homes, and property management. Brandi takes pride in providing personalized, results-driven solutions for buyers, sellers, and investors. Beyond her professional work, Brandi is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has been her home for decades. Since 2019, she has served on the United Way of Collier and the Keys Local Advisory Board (LAB), currently holding the position of LAB Chair. She is also a graduate of Class X Leadership Monroe County, a former President of BPW, an Ambassador for both the Islamorada and Key Largo Chambers of Commerce, and a mentor with Take Stock in Children. Through her dedication to service and leadership, Brandi continues to make a lasting impact on both the real estate industry and the local community.
Kathy Connelly
Past Chair
Kathy is a dedicated Human Resources professional who believes that people are the heart of every organization. With a career rooted in the banking industry, she has spent years helping others grow - guiding leaders, supporting teams, and fostering workplaces built on trust, respect, and collaboration. As an Executive Coach, Kathy finds purpose in helping individuals discover their strengths and lead with authenticity. Her approach centers on listening deeply, encouraging growth, and creating space for others to succeed. Beyond her professional work, Kathy is committed to serving her community. She has been honored to hold leadership roles with several charitable and professional organizations, where she contributes her experience to help advance meaningful missions and strengthen the lives of others. Her areas of focus include: ● Supporting the growth and development of individuals and teams ● Fostering inclusive, collaborative work environments ● Guiding leadership and organizational effectiveness with empathy ● Ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance in all HR practices ● Helping organizations align their people practices with their purpose
Nancy Limb
Treasurer
Nancy Limb is a Business Banking, Senior Relationship Manager for Southwest Florida covering Collier and Lee Counties. Nancy has been with Bank of America for 47-years and her experience positions her as an expert in understanding and serving the business community. Nancy's ultimate mission is to create a more sustainable future for both her clients and the communities they serve. She has taken pride in helping small to mid-sized businesses expand and achieve their business and personal goals. Many clients consider Nancy family with relationships spanning longer than 25-years. Nancy is committed to serving the community, volunteering with food pantries and various organizations. She also teaches Business Financial Literacy.
Darren Burkett
Collier County Public Schools
Darren Burkett is the Deputy Superintendent for Collier County Public Schools, overseeing key areas including Teaching and Learning, District Operations, Safety, Student Relations, and Career and Technical Education. Beyond those roles he serves as a member of Senior Leadership to provide insight and guidance on a variety of District initiatives which impact its 50,000 students. He has served Collier County for 15 years as a school and district administrator, previously leading Naples High and East Naples Middle School. Prior to his arrival in Collier County, Mr. Burkett was a high school English teacher and school administrator in Massachusetts. Darren holds a bachelor's degree from Assumption University and a master's in Educational Leadership from Fitchburg State University. He has completed doctoral coursework at Northeastern University and is certified by the National Institute for School Leadership. He serves on the boards of the United Way of Collier and the Keys and the Florida Association of School Administrators.
Melissa Casto
Lutgert Estate Management
Melissa is the President of Lutgert Estate Management, a provider of luxury home care, trusted vendor management and personalized concierge services throughout Southwest Florida. Prior to joining Lutgert Estate Management in early 2025, Melissa was a Senior Vice President with US Bank and PNC responsible for commercial real estate lending to institutional real estate developers and investors based in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Before becoming a commercial real estate lender, she was the Director of Corporex Capital, the financing and fund management subsidiary of a national privately held investment and development firm, and the Director of Mergers & Acquisitions for Pomeroy IT Solutions, a publicly traded technology company. Melissa is on the board of CleanCut, a Cincinnati based privately held company that develops innovative accessibility products targeted to aging in place. She is a graduate of Leadership Cincinnati and has also served on the boards of the Cincinnati Opera, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, the St. Ursula Villa School, Xavier University Williams College of Business Executive Advisors and JDRF Southwest Ohio. Melissa received her BA in Economics from Centre College and her MBA from Xavier University.
Erica Fish
Barron Collier Companies
Erica Fish is a marketing communications professional with a strong background in journalism, public relations, and community engagement. A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in journalism and minors in history and creative writing, she began her career as a feature and government reporter before coordinating legislative initiatives with the Greater Naples Chamber. Since 2022, Erica has served as Marketing Communications Specialist for Barron Collier Companies, where she manages content creation, social media, public relations, and event planning, with a focus on the master-planned community of Ave Maria. She also chairs employee committees that enhance workplace culture and organize charitable initiatives. Erica remains deeply involved in the community, serving as an editorial advisor for Florida Weekly, a mentor for nonprofits, and a member of PRSA, the Press Club of Southwest Florida, and the Society of Professional Journalists. She is also a graduate of Associate Leadership Collier and serves on the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation’s Adaptive Fashion Committee.
Kitty Keane
Community Volunteer
Kitty (Katherine) Keane is an attorney with over 40 years of professional and business experience in the areas of healthcare, employee benefits and corporate law. Most recently she was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of an employee benefits start-up company in Connecticut. She moved to southwest Florida fourteen years ago, and has since been involved in a number of local nonprofits. She was most recently President of Greater Naples Leadership, an organization that trains volunteers and facilitates charitable volunteering in Collier County.
Todd Lyon
NCH Healthcare System
Todd Lyon is the Vice President of Human Resources at NCH, overseeing all HR functions, the NCH Employee Medical Center, and Wellness. Originally from Essex, Vermont, he holds an M.S. in Management from New England College, a B.F.A. in Music Theatre Performance from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, and a Professional Certificate in Arts Administration from NYU. Before transitioning to healthcare, Todd performed professionally and later held leadership roles at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital. He joined NCH in 2014, moving into HR in 2018. A Leadership Collier graduate (Class of 2020), Todd serves on multiple boards, including UWCK (Chair, Governance Committee), Baby Basics of Collier County, and advisory boards at Lorenzo Walker Technical College. He is also a member of the Collier County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). Todd lives in North Naples with his 11-year-old daughter, Allie.
Joe Paul
Publix Super Markets
Joe Paul began his Publix career in 2000 at 14 years old, starting as a bagger and working his way up to Store Manager. With experience in stores from North Fort Myers to South Naples, he has also served as Customer Service Manager and Grocery Manager. For nearly 20 years, Joe has been deeply involved with United Way, now serving as Chair of the Philanthropy Committee while coordinating Publix’s community service events and annual associate donation campaign in Collier County. He has also led large-scale volunteer efforts for organizations like March of Dimes, Walk for Wishes, Boys & Girls Club, and Habitat for Humanity. A North Fort Myers native, proud Florida Gators fan, and father of three, Joe is passionate about giving back, believing that small acts of kindness can help people get the break they deserve.
Janet Pogar
Florida Blue
Janet Pogar is Florida Blue’s Market Leader for Southwest Florida, overseeing operations across multiple counties. She leads local strategy, coordinating sales, analytics, provider networks, care management, and community relations for the state’s largest insurer. Previously, she served as Regional Vice President for Carelon Behavioral Health and Anthem, managing behavioral health integration and overseeing $4 billion in healthcare services. With extensive experience in network contracting, value-based care, and team leadership, she is dedicated to improving healthcare access. Pogar is actively involved in the community, serving on the Naples Chamber board and supporting several organizations. She also serves as Chair of Women United.
Alex Siedow
Merrill Lynch
Alex’s career in the financial industry began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after graduating from the University of Minnesota. As a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Alex is dedicated to his clients, providing them with personalized and comprehensive financial guidance. He now resides in Naples, Florida, with his wife Kaylie and their two daughters, Addison and Josie. Outside of work, Alex enjoys cooking, fishing, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. Committed to the Merrill tradition of community involvement, Alex actively volunteers with local organizations, including UWCK as well as Harry Chapin Food Bank. His passion for service aligns with his dedication to enhancing the communities he serves.
John Slavik
Fifth Third Bank
With over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, John Slavik has built a distinguished career marked by strategic leadership and a commitment to excellence. As the driving force behind the Southeast expansion growth for Fifth Third, John oversees more than 350 locations across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. John's leadership has been instrumental in driving P&L and revenue growth, enhancing employee and customer engagement, and recruiting top talent. Beyond his professional achievements, John is a proud father, husband, and an active member of his community. He is deeply invested in initiatives that support community development and engagement. John’s leadership is characterized by a strategic vision, a passion for developing talent, and a relentless drive for success. His contributions continue to shape the future of financial services in the Southeast region.
Sam Steele
Monroe County Tax Collector
Sam Steele became the youngest Tax Collector ever elected in Monroe County in 2020 and remains the youngest serving Tax Collector in Florida. Reelected unopposed, he began his second term in January 2025. A Miami native and Florida State University graduate, Steele previously worked as a commercial real estate appraiser for Cushman & Wakefield. He is an active member of the Florida Tax Collectors Association (FTCA) and serves on the Board of Directors for District 10, representing several counties, including Monroe. Sam and his wife, Lauren, a sixth-generation Key West native, live in Key West with their three children. He is a dedicated community leader, serving on the Board of United Way of Collier and the Keys and as President and Founder of Florida Keys Bull Sharks, Inc. Steele is also actively involved in mentoring local students through Take Stock in Children and contributing to various local nonprofit initiatives.
Richard Tamborrino
Community Volunteer
Richard Tamborrino is the former Publisher and Editor of The Key West Citizen, Free Press and keysnews.com. He was also the publisher of the Keynoter and Reporter before Hurricane Irma severely impacted the Keys in 2017. He has a bachelor’s degree in English and has spent almost 40 years working in the newspaper and media industries . Richard has supported United Way for 30 years and been a member of the United Way board in Monroe County for 11 years. Richard has lived in the Keys for 12 years and currently resides in Marathon with his wife, Candy. They have three adult children together and four grandchildren.
Karen L. Woodbridge
Community Volunteer
