Michael T. “Mike” Stephenson, currently Provost and Senior Vice President at Sam Houston State University (TX), has been named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Tampa. In this role, Stephenson will serve as UTampa’s Chief Academic Officer and as primary steward and champion of the University's academic mission. He will begin his position at UTampa on June 1.

Goodwill Manasota has recently hired experienced marketing and merchandising professional Katie Van Gompel as its Vice President of Marketing. In this role, she will serve as a strategic leader responsible for driving Goodwill’s marketing, branding, and communications strategies to assist the nonprofit organization in achieving its mission of changing lives through the power of work.

Gulf Coast International Properties® welcomes Michelle Messina, REALTOR®, to the firm. With 29 years of experience in entrepreneurship, investment, remodeling, and custom design, Michelle has offered full-service support to her clients since earning her real estate license in 2017, specializing in property relocation, management, remodeling, and design.

Studio+ has named Rachel Hunter, AIA, NCARB, principal of its Tampa office. With nearly 12 years at Studio+, Hunter has led projects worth over $400 million, from hospital renovations to corporate headquarters. A University of Miami alum, she’s a leader in LEAN design and healthcare innovation. Previously, she served as a resident architect for the VA, managing major rehabilitation projects.

GreenPointe Holdings announces Steve Griggs as Development Manager of the Caribbean Division. Griggs oversees the new division’s daily operations and GreenPointe’s strategic growth and expansion throughout the Caribbean. Griggs brings more than 20 years of experience in acquisitions, entitlements, community design, land development and construction to GreenPointe.

Forza Wealth Management, a fee-only, SEC Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) based in Sarasota, Fla., was recognized by InvestmentNews as one of the Fastest-Growing Fee-Only RIAs in the United States in 2024. Forza was ranked 15th of 24 firms in the “Under $500 Million” category and one of only three Florida firms of the 74 total firms recognized. Visit forzawealth.com.

ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares, announces Hannah Simerly as Loan Officer at ServisFirst Bank Fort Walton Beach. Simerly joins the Bank with a strong background in mortgage lending and a passion for helping families achieve homeownership. With experience in condo financing, VA loans, and portfolio lending, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.

ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares, announces Kara Helfrich as Loan Officer at ServisFirst Bank Fort Walton Beach. Helfrich joins the Bank with nearly two decades of banking and lending experience. Her vast financial industry roles and experience with VA lending, and conventional and condo financing, give her a well-rounded perspective on mortgage lending and client service.

Codina Partners is proud to announce that Eric Blanco has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Accounting. Blanco previously served as Vice President of Accounting. In his new role, Blanco will oversee all accounting operations for Codina Partners, utilizing his extensive accounting experience to help the firm navigate complex real estate transactions.

Codina Partners has hired Suzette Fandino as Senior Vice President of Finance. Fandino will manage Codina Partners’ banking relationships and lead financial underwriting, property valuation, and market analysis for acquisitions and development opportunities. She brings over 30 years of experience and was previously Asset Manager, Director at Fanza Corporation.

GBI Biomanufacturing, a world-class, leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) based in Florida, is pleased to announce Sven Lee to its board of directors. Sven brings to GBI decades of global experience in the biologics CDMO space, including multiple modalities and medical devices, having held C-suite and board positions at Abzena, Catalent, Biocina, among others.

Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm, announces Ashley Crotwell, CFP® has joined Mesirow as Vice President, Wealth Advisor. Leveraging more than 25 years of experience, Ashley will serve wealth clients by providing customized, comprehensive wealth plans and expert investment selection.

JWB CEO Beth Houghton joined the Tampa Bay Thrives Board. TBT envisions an emotionally healthy community and brings together community leaders to devise strategic solutions centered on behavioral health navigation, access to care, and stigma reduction. JWB’s Children’s Mental Health Initiative has screened 17,000 children for early detection and intervention.

GrayRobinson welcomes John Adams as managing shareholder of its Pensacola office. Florida Bar board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Business Litigation, he represents clients in Florida and Alabama in real estate, trusts and estates, creditor’s rights, bankruptcy, noncompete agreements, tax, and contract litigation, and advises on real estate and business transactions

GrayRobinson welcomes Robert Jones as shareholder in its Pensacola office. Florida Bar board-certified in Tax Law, he represents corporate entities, nonprofits, and charities on business law matters, including tax, mergers and acquisitions, and business planning. He also provides probate, wills, trusts, and estate planning services for high-net-worth individuals.

GrayRobinson welcomes Joseph Passeretti as shareholder in its Pensacola office. Florida Bar board-certified in Construction Law, he focuses on commercial and construction-related litigation, including employment matters, complex civil lawsuits, and multi-party litigation at the state, federal, and appellate levels, and in the alternative dispute resolution forum.

The shareholders of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. have unanimously elected Tara Duhy as the firm’s next president. Duhy joined LLW 20 years ago and is honored to lead and uphold the firm’s culture of providing top-tier legal services and the best working environment for employees. Duhy also chairs the firm’s land use and development practice groups. Learn more: LLW-Law.com

Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. recently elected Shareholder Kathryn Rossmell to its Executive Committee and as Shareholder in Charge of the West Palm Beach office. Rossmell’s practice focuses on land use, environmental, local government and natural resources law. She is a Florida Bar board-certified attorney in City, County, and Local Government Law. Learn more: LLW-Law.com