Kurt Allen serves as Chief Executive Officer of Cox Science Center and Aquarium, where he leads the organization’s landmark expansion and transformation into one of the nation’s premier science and aquarium destinations.

Allen brings more than 35 years of leadership experience in hospitality, tourism and world-class aquarium operations. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Mississippi Aquarium, where he directed the $103 million development, construction and successful opening of the state's first aquarium during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His distinguished career spans executive roles at renowned properties including Pebble Beach Resorts, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows in Hawaii, and Dolphin Quest Hawaii. He later led Marineland Dolphin Adventure in Florida following its acquisition by Georgia Aquarium, repositioning the historic attraction while serving on numerous tourism and community boards throughout the state.

Throughout his career, Allen has combined operational leadership with a passion for conservation, education and community engagement. At the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, he is dedicated to the organization's purpose to open every mind to science, expanding access to hands-on STEM learning and creating immersive experiences that inspire curiosity in the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.

A graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management, Allen and his wife, Sam Sun Allen, are relocating to South Florida. They have two children: Hunter, a student at Louisiana State University, and Sydney, who will attend LSU in the fall.

Sam Allsopp is a Palm Beach County native and founder of Neal Roofing And Waterproofing, one of South Florida's premier residential and commercial roofing companies. Born and raised in the community he now serves, Sam built the business from the ground up alongside a longtime family friend.

What started as a local roofing company has become a regional force, with operations spanning from Miami Dade up to Indian River County and an active expansion into Tampa. Neal Roofing is known for its premium craftsmanship, transparent customer experience, 5 star reviews, and deep roots in the communities it serves.

By 30 years old, Sam had assembled a quality executive team, established a scalable operational infrastructure, and positioned the company as one of the most respected names in Florida residential and commercial roofing. His approach to business is straightforward: build something real, get your hands dirty, go above and beyond, take care of your people, and earn trust one roof at a time.

Beyond the business, Sam is committed to South Florida — the place that shaped him and the market that gave him his start. He believes strongly in the Chamber's mission to strengthen local commerce and create opportunity for the next generation of Palm Beach entrepreneurs.

Sam is proud to call Palm Beach County home, both personally and professionally.

Stephen V. Avallone, MD, FACP, PE, is Regional Medical Director of Concierge Medicine for Cleveland Clinic Florida. He received a medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2000 and completed his internal medicine residency training at the Cleveland Clinic Florida in 2003. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Avallone then began his practice in Executive Health, becoming medical director of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Huizenga Executive Health Department in 2010. He also served as co-director of outpatient internal medicine and core faculty for the internal medicine residency program.

Dr. Avallone was awarded the Jose Muniz, M.D. Best Teacher Award in 2008 and the John and Margaret Krupa Distinguished Chair in Preventative Medicine in 2014. He also served as an international medical consultant for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. 

Kyle Belsky works in Client Development in Glenmede’s West Palm Beach office, where he focuses on helping clients and their families connect with strategies that support their long term financial goals. With a relationship first approach, Mr. Belsky takes time to understand each client's priorities, building trust, and working closely with his team to deliver tailored solutions to fit their unique needs. 
Known for being approachable and dependable, Mr. Belsky is passionate about developing conversations into lasting partnerships. Using a thoughtful approach, he helps clients feel confident and supported throughout their financial journey.
Mr. Belsky received his BA in political science from FAU.

Joshua P. Bratter, Esq is the founder of BRATTER PA, a full-service international Immigration Law Firm assisting clients from around the world in their corporate and individual immigration matters. Specializing for over 20 years in exclusive immigration representation for Athletes, Entrepreneurs, Entertainers, Artists and IT Professionals, Attorney Bratter earned his B.A. at Hamilton College and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. He currently serves as the official Immigration Counsel to many companies and organizations and has worked at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs in Washington DC and for the Organization of American States. Attorney Bratter currently serves as a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

Bridging the diversified fields of Management, Negotiation, Fashion, Branding, Philanthropy and Film, Ms. Bratter has defined her career with individualized tactical approaches.  Specializing in Strategic Business Management, Ms. Bratter has served in leadership roles with Chanel, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Celine and Emilio Pucci in addition to leading the Executive Production team for the award-winning films: Better Mus Come and The Black Line. Formerly the Vice President of Development for The Miami Foundation, Ms. Bratter is the Chief Operating Officer for BRATTER PA, a leading International Immigration Law Firm based in Miami Beach and West Palm Beach specializing in exclusive Immigration Representation and Extraordinary Ability Immigration Services for Entrepreneurs, Investors, Athletes, Entertainers, Business/Hospitality Executives, and Family Offices.

Joe Chase is a shareholder and business and corporate attorney with the Gunster law firm. In addition to assisting clients with their day-to-day business law needs, Joe has handled numerous complex business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. He is the chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. He also serves on the board of governors of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the board of directors of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. Joe was previously with Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago, Illinois and is a graduate of Harvard University and Vanderbilt University Law School. At Vanderbilt, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Vanderbilt Law Review. Joe lives in a historic home in West Palm Beach's El Cid neighborhood with his wife, Alex, and their son, Joe, Jr.

Brittany Drenth is the General Manager of The Belgrove Resort & Spa West Palm Beach, an Autograph Collection by Marriott property and the only resort destination in West Palm Beach. In her role, Drenth oversees all aspects of resort operations, guiding the property’s strategic vision while ensuring the delivery of exceptional guest experiences and world-class service. A Florida native with more than a decade of hospitality experience, Drenth brings a dynamic and well-rounded leadership style shaped by her work across Hilton, Marriott, and independent hotel brands. Since joining The Belgrove in 2024, she has played a pivotal role in several milestone initiatives, including the resort’s grand opening and the launch of The Villas at The Belgrove. Drenth is a graduate of FSU.

As Acting Chief Operating Officer of Replay Club, Alex Ende brings an entrepreneurial mindset and hands-on leadership style to the organization. A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in business, he has built his career around owning and operating multiple successful ventures across a range of industries.

C. Robin Galanti is the Director of Business Development for Moss & Associates. Ms. Galanti earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Upon graduation, she worked for FPL in West Palm Beach as well as Edwards & Zuck, PC and McGraw-Hill Construction in New York City. After returning to West Palm Beach, she worked for The Morganti Group before joining Moss in 2017. She is active in organizations including the Business Development Board, Quantum House, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Grow for Good, Save the Chimps, and the Leadership program of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. 

Rolando Garcia is a visionary entrepreneur whose journey reflects bold risk-taking, disciplined execution, and long-term strategic growth. After immigrating to the United States in 1995, Rolando began building his future from the ground up. In 1997, with a $10,000 loan from his aunt, he purchased his first truck—paying it off within six months and laying the foundation for what would become a multi-state transportation enterprise.

He went on to scale Roly’s Trucking Inc. into a $25+ million operation with approximately 100 trucks, 400 trailers, and nearly 400,000 square feet of warehouse space across California and Texas. That began as a single-truck operation evolved into a vertically integrated logistics platform serving major national brands.

But transportation was only the beginning.

With a sharp eye for asset value and long-term wealth creation, Rolando strategically expanded into commercial real estate—transforming operational success into a diversified investment platform. Today, he owns a growing portfolio of commercial and industrial properties across the United States, along with select residential holdings. His focus is on acquiring high-performing assets, increasing value through strategic management, and reinvesting into larger-scale opportunities.

What began as securing facilities for his own companies has evolved into a deliberate and rapidly expanding real estate empire. In addition to logistics and finance ventures, His vision centers on asset control, vertical integration, and sustainable expansion—building not just companies, but legacy infrastructure.

Now based in South Florida, Rolando continues to expand his national commercial footprint while pursuing significant development opportunities, driven by a clear mission to prove that with grit, discipline, and vision, it's possible to build generational wealth from the ground up.

Vanessa Garcia is a Florida-licensed real estate broker and entrepreneur specializing in commercial investment properties, luxury homes, and strategic off-market opportunities throughout South Florida. In just four years, she has closed over $20 million in transactions.

Vanessa built her brokerage, Vantage Real Estate Collective, with one clear vision: empower serious, self-driven agents and deliver transparent, high-level representation to clients who expect more. From structuring complex investment deals to identifying overlooked value in a property, she approaches each opportunity with both discipline and imagination.

A graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science, Vanessa originally planned to attend law school. Instead, she chose the entrepreneurial path, drawn to the independence, flexibility, and growth potential that real estate offers.

Deeply rooted in South Florida, Vanessa is passionate about helping investors, families, and business owners build long-term wealth while contributing to the region’s continued growth. She values transparency, integrity, and strong relationships — and she doesn’t shy away from honest conversations when they’re needed.

Outside of real estate, you’ll find her traveling, trying new restaurants, gardening, enjoying beach days, or practicing hot yoga. She’s also a proud dog mom to her 5-pound Shih Tzu, Lovely.

Vanessa believes success comes from staying curious, thinking creatively, and consistently showing up with integrity.

Dana Collier Herst, Esq., a West Palm Beach native, practiced law in Palm Beach County for 22 years, serving as a Prosecutor in the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office and as an Assistant City Attorney for West Palm Beach. A passionate community activist, she transitioned from law to nonprofit work, while staying active with the Florida and Palm Beach County Bar Associations.

Dana has been deeply involved in civic and professional organizations, serving on the Palm Beach School District’s School Advisory Council for nine years and as President of the Dreher Park Neighborhood Association since 2016. She also participated in Leadership West Palm Beach (2017), Leadership Palm Beach County Focus (2023), and Engage (2024).

Dana resides in the Dreher Park neighborhood with her husband, David, their two sons, Joshua and Caden, and their two cherished Doxie rescues.

Muge Kızıl İlaldi is an international business consultant specializing in global trade, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities in the U.S. market. With over 20 years of experience spanning international logistics, business development, and real estate advisory, she supports companies, entrepreneurs, and investors in expanding into new markets, building strategic alliances, and generating sustainable growth.

Her work focuses on developing tailored business strategies aligned with client objectives, from market entry and partnership development to investment positioning and long-term commercial expansion. Known for combining strategic vision with practical execution, she brings a global perspective to identifying opportunities and navigating complex international markets.

Fluent in English, French, and Turkish, Muge offers strong cross-cultural insight and relationship-driven leadership, with expertise in international trade, B2B development, negotiation, contract management, and client advisory.

She is particularly drawn to projects involving innovation, digital growth, and business models that anticipate market shifts while creating measurable long-term value.

Her interests also extend to wellness-oriented sectors and international collaborations where business growth intersects with well-being, sustainability, and innovative lifestyle concepts, reflecting a broader perspective on how commerce and conscious living can align.

Recognized for her global network, refined approach, and results-oriented mindset, Muge brings a distinctive blend of international strategy, partnership development, and entrepreneurial insight to every engagement.

Jimmy Johnson is Shareholder and Director of Investment Operations at Blue Ocean Capital, where he leads investment operations with a client-first approach. With 20+ years of experience in wealth management and public accounting, he serves high-net-worth individuals and families through portfolio management, family office services, and financial planning.
A CPA, CFP®, and CFS®, Jimmy combines technical expertise with relational trust to help clients feel empowered and valued. Before joining Blue Ocean Capital, he worked at Nowlen, Holt & Miner, P.A., and earned his B.S. in Accounting and Applied Finance from PBA University.
Jimmy is Chairman and Trustee of The Chamber, a member of the Rotary Club of West Palm Beach, and a supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He lives in Royal Palm Beach with his wife, Robin, and their two children.

 Rex Kirby is President of Verdex Construction, a company recognized by the South Florida Business Journal as Start Up Business of the Year in 2017. Prior to starting Verdex, he was President of Suffolk Construction in South Florida. He is a past Chairman of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. Rex graduated with a B.S. in engineering from the University of Florida. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Associated General Contractors.

In 1989, Mr. Kirschner launched Passport Publications & Media Corporation (PP&M) as a high-end custom publishing and media firm specializing in enhancing the brands and identities of business organizations, institutions, destinations, sporting events and government entities, while a student at the University of Miami. Since then, PP&M has produced more than 600 publications and media-related collateral pieces for an A-list roster of clients, with opportunities to share in the advertising and sponsorship revenue. An award-winning publisher, a successful entrepreneur and a dedicated husband and father of four, Mr. Kirschner attributes PP&M’s success to the core team of talent who continue to find creative and effective solutions to clients’ marketing, media and communication challenges.

Kali LaDuke is a driven, confi dent professional serving as the VP of sales at Trans Coastal Construction, where she works closely alongside her husband as his right hand. With a deep understanding of the dedication and discipline required to build and sustain a successful business, she plays an integral role in daily operations and long-term growth.

Shaped by her upbringing around Habitat for Humanity, Kali developed a strong work ethic and a foundation of service that continues to infl uence her professional approach today. She is a dedicated advocate for local economic growth, committed to supporting the strength and sustainability of her community.

Ambitious and highly organized, she specializes in driving business development, streamlining processes, and improving operational efficiency. Kali serves as a key operational leader within the organization, helping to ensure productivity and continued success.

Scott Lewis, has managed Scott Lewis Gardening & Trimming (“SLGT”) for 50 years.  He attended The Hotchkiss School, graduated from Duke University, and attained an M. Ed. from FAU.   Scott built his business from the ground up, starting out as a tree climber while he was still teaching at The Palm Beach Day School. He now employs 40 full time professionals and his company has been awarded two statewide awards for “Best of State” in landscape maintenance. 

Julia Murphy is the Chief Development Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County with over 15 years' experience in nonprofit management, community organizing, advocacy, program development, and fundraising in public health & education related to social justice.  She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida Atlantic University and a master's in social work from Barry University. As a senior member of the executive team at Habitat, Julia shapes agency strategy that includes programs such as fundraising and cultivation events, annual appeals, corporate and foundation giving, major gifts, prospect research, and donor stewardship.

Kayla Norris serves as Vice President of Asset Management & Operations at VRIR Partners LLC, a real estate investment firm focused primarily on commercial assets with a residential presence as well. In her role, she leads portfolio performance, operational strategy, and financial oversight across income-producing properties, focusing on strengthening asset performance and aligning execution with long-term ownership objectives.

Kayla began her journey in a small town in North Carolina, where she developed a strong work ethic and determination early in life. Motivated by opportunity, she relocated to South Florida and steadily advanced through accounting and financial operations into executive leadership. Her expertise includes budgeting, capital planning, financial reporting, and operational systems, allowing her to bridge financial strategy with practical execution across complex real estate assets.

In addition to her leadership role at VRIR Partners, Kayla is Co-Founder of Norris Developments LLC alongside her husband, David Norris. The South Florida-based real estate development firm specializes in luxury residential construction. Kayla leads budgeting, financial forecasting, capital planning, and overall financial strategy, establishing a strong foundation for disciplined growth and thoughtful development within the community.

Kayla believes strong communities are built through integrity, collaboration, and long-term vision. As a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce, she looks forward to supporting local business leaders, fostering strategic partnerships, and contributing to the continued economic strength of South Florida.

Golden Keys Construction Group (GKCG) is a licensed full-service General Contracting and Roofing company dedicated to delivering high-quality construction solutions with integrity, precision, and efficiency. Headquartered in Palm Beach County, GKSC brings over a decade of trusted expertise across Residential, Commercial, and Industrial projects, providing clients with reliable execution, quality craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of the unique building and roofing challenges in our region.

At the heart of Golden Keys Construction Group is their unwavering commitment to the principle that consistency plus hard work equals success. This simple yet powerful philosophy has guided every project they have undertaken and continues to drive their daily operations. They believe that true excellence is achieved through reliable execution, attention to detail, and a relentless dedication to doing things the right way — every single time.

At Golden Keys Construction Group, they are infusing the company with innovative ideas while honoring the strong traditions that built our foundation. They are embracing a bold future that blends time-tested craftsmanship with modern techniques and cutting-edge solutions. Above all, they remain deeply committed to each client, setting new standards in customer satisfaction through clear communication, transparency, and delivering results that exceed expectations.

Sean Quinn, founder of Wafer World Inc., has been proudly based in West Palm Beach, Florida since 1997. Wafer World Inc. stands as the leading manufacturer and sole worldwide provider of silicon semiconductor wafers. Their wafers fuel innovation across cutting-edge industries, including aerospace, military, medical, automotive, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. Their commitment to technological advancement and rigorous quality control ensures delivery of products that meet the highest standards. They are also honored to be the worldwide sole source reclaim wafer polisher for SiC, GaN, GaAs, InP, and Sapphire.

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, an accomplished higher education academic leader, innovator, scientist and physician, was named president-elect of Palm Beach Atlantic University on January 16, 2020. Dr. Schwinn previously served as associate vice president for medical affairs, dean of the Carver College of Medicine, and professor of anesthesiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry at the University of Iowa. She will assume the office of president on May 4, 2020, following the retirement of President William M. B. Fleming Jr. after a highly successful eight-year tenure. Prior to her positions at the University of Iowa, Dr. Schwinn served in senior leadership roles at the University of Washington and Duke University, where she was director of cardiovascular genomics in the Center for Genomic Medicine. Dr. Schwinn holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster and earned her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine.

Grasford Smith, a Board of Governors member for both the Florida Bar and National Bar Association and past President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, specializes in complex commercial litigation. Certified as a Circuit Civil Mediator by the Supreme Court of Florida, he is consistently recognized by Best Lawyers and Lawdragon as one of America’s top attorneys.

At Akerman, Grasford serves on the firm’s Board of Directors, providing leadership on management and initiatives. Grasford gained experience at top international law firms in New York and Washington, D.C., handling matters in corporate governance, trade secrets, non-compete agreements, real estate, construction defects, franchises, intellectual property, eminent domain, and Florida Bar disciplinary cases.

Jeff Sophir owns a family of companies that specialize in exterior landscaping, interior plantscaping, arborcare and pest management. High end residential estate homes and 5 star commercial properties is their sweet spot all over South Florida stretching from Jupiter to Miami. With 220 employees, a mountain of equipment and always limitless design direction they just keep expanding and growing. The landscape in South Florida is endless for high end clients that demand this level of care and skill that their 'Natures Experts' family of companies provides.

Brad Swanson is a government affairs and public policy executive supporting AT&T’s External Affairs engagement across Palm Beach County and Southwest Florida, including Hendry, Lee, and Collier Counties. He works closely with county leadership, municipal officials, public safety agencies, and community stakeholders to support communications infrastructure deployment, permitting coordination, emergency preparedness, and resilient connectivity before, during, and after major storm events.

Brad previously served as President and CEO of Florida Internet & Television (FIT), where he led state and local advocacy efforts on behalf of the telecommunications industry. In that role, he worked directly with county administrators, municipal leaders, planning staff, and elected officials on issues including right-of-way access, permitting processes, infrastructure resilience, and broadband expansion. His work emphasized practical coordination between local governments and communications providers to support growth, connectivity, and community needs.

Brad’s background also includes senior statewide infrastructure leadership, having served as Executive Director of the Florida Transportation Commission. There, he supported oversight of the Florida Department of Transportation’s multibillion-dollar infrastructure program and worked with local governments on transportation planning, logistics corridors, ports, aviation, and emerging technologies—experience that continues to inform his approach to infrastructure coordination at the local level.

In addition, Brad supported local government public safety initiatives through his work with American Traffic Solutions, partnering with municipal and county law enforcement agencies to improve roadway safety and reduce intersection accidents. Through this work, he developed strong relationships with law enforcement leaders, emergency managers, and first responders across Florida. That experience has remained directly relevant to his telecommunications work, particularly in supporting emergency communications, hurricane response, and coordination with county Emergency Operations Centers.

Brad is also the founder of Quantum State Strategies, where he previously advised organizations on government affairs and stakeholder engagement, and now serves as a board member, providing strategic oversight informed by decades of experience working with Florida’s state and local governments.

Thomas A. Tedford III brings 30+ years of leadership to the towing, recovery, and specialized transportation industry. As CEO of Guardian Fleet Services—parent company of Kauff’s of Palm Beach and the nation’s largest towing, recovery, and specialized transportation provider—he plays a key role in supporting Kauff's operational excellence and customer-driven reputation. Mr. Tedford has held major leadership roles within TRPC, TRAA, and CNTA. He is an eight-term Board Member and Treasurer of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, where he also chairs the finance committees for the Wall of the Fallen and Survivor Fund. 

As a Private Bank Branch Manager and Vice President at Citizens
Private Bank, Augie Vulaj leads a team of bankers dedicated to delivering a white-glove banking experience for high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses. He focuses on building deep, trust-based relationships and orchestrating seamless financial solutions through coordinated internal expertise and a vetted network of tax and legal partners.
With more than a decade in private banking, Augie has driven consistent growth in deposits and assets under management by prioritizing clarity, responsiveness, and long-term value. He’s equally committed to strengthening the community through Citizens’ outreach and volunteer initiatives. Augie is Series 6 and 63 licensed; fluent in English and Albanian.

Jene P. Williams-Rhoads is the Managing Partner of Rhoads Law Group, P.A. (RLGPA). The law firm has over 50 years of combined legal experience with active cases in multiple counties. RLGPA are experts in personal injury law, slip/fall, auto, bus, truck, and ride share accident cases as well as complex business contract litigation and insurance policy disputes. Firm Partner, J. Freddy Rhoads is certified by the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Mrs. Rhoads has litigated in state, federal, appellate, and multi-district courts. Having come from larger law firms, both partners are devoted to the firm’s mission to deliver expert legal skills with a high level of customer service that is often not found in larger law firms; the majority of the firm’s business is referred by other lawyers and clients, which speaks volumes about their results and direct hands-on involvement with clients. Mr. Rhoads is the former President of the PBC Justice Association and currently serves on the PBC Bar Association’s Judicial Relations Committee.  Both attorneys believe that success without service is meaningless, and thus, the firm supports local non-profits and fundraises and lobbies for arts education. Mrs. Rhoads currently serves as Board President of Young Singers of the Palm Beaches (Kravis Center).  

William S. Williams, is a partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. He limits his legal practice to personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout the State of Florida. He is a Board Certified civil trial lawyer and is listed in Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff personal injury and product liability litigation. Williams has had numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements throughout the State of Florida. In addition to his legal practice, he is the author of the book, 'Terror Before Dawn: A Child At War'. He has also served on charitable and business boards. His great grandfather, Henry J. Sterling, was one of the founders of Delray Beach, Florida.