Team
Bryan Aman
Chief Financial Officer
352.629.8051 x104
Bryan@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Attend meetings, prepare financial statements, and taxes.
Official Bio:
Bryan serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP). He graduated from St. Thomas University with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting Specialization. He has experience in taxes, accounting, insurance premium auditing, process improvement, and staff development, among other areas. Bryan is an active Enrolled Agent (EA), the highest credential awarded by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Before joining the Ocala Metro CEP, Bryan held a Tax position at a local Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Firm. Prior to that, he served as a Financial Controller at a private organization with 5 entities. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Andrea Bailey
Director of Business Services
352.629.8051 x114
Andrea@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Whatever it is, my friends know that I am probably laughing and trying to help someone, which is close enough.
Official Bio:
Andrea grew up in the Midwest but has lived in nine states. She is married to Jeff and they have two wonderful daughters together named Hannah and Emery. They have lived in Ocala since 2010 and love it! Andrea has had what seems to be a very diverse career, including being a server, nanny, hotel concierge, hotel catering manager, meetings director, account manager, office assistant, and award-winning business owner. While they all were in different industries, all revolved around helping people. She is hoping to bring that same service-minded mentality to her new position at the CEP.
Louisa Barton
Director of Equine Engagement
352.629.8051 x107
Louisa@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Talk about horses for a living in a British accent and go to all the big horse races and events!
Official Bio:
Louisa was born in England and lived in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the home of the great Bard, William Shakespeare. She was on a horse before she could walk, competed in England locally in the hunter/jumper horse shows and dabbled in some eventing. She moved to America and rode in a Western saddle for the first time on a Tennessee Walker, and she has been hooked ever since. She now enjoys relaxing trail rides on the beautiful Florida Greenway Trails. She has been in sales, marketing and communication-related positions most of her life. While recording some radio commercials at a local sports radio station three years ago, she was offered an opportunity to host her own horse radio show right here in ‘the Horse Capital’ and has talked about horses on the radio dial and on the Internet worldwide for a living ever since. Her friends were correct on their thoughts about her!! She loves Marion County and the community we have here and all that we have to offer, so she was delighted to accept the position here at the Chamber and Economic Partnership to help to grow Marion County even more. She takes the most joy out of her children, her horses and helping new businesses to connect with others in this area and her favourite part is meeting new people. Every one of them has a fascinating story. Her specialty is connecting all the people from a great variety of equine disciplines with one another, while also making sure equestrians and non-equestrians connect and begin to understand and appreciate one another. She is thrilled to be a part of this team!
Chris Blankenship
Partner Relations Associate
352.629.8051 x120
Chris@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
That I work in sales, and that I get paid on the spot after each sale!
Official Bio:
Chris joined the CEP in December 2022 as Partner Relations Associate, driving new partnerships for the CEP.
Chris was born and raised in Savannah, GA and just recently moved to Ocala in June 2022. He graduated from Armstrong State University in 1999 with a BS in Mathematics and Master of Education from Troy University in 2005. From 1999-2008 Chris was a high school Math teacher, Defensive Coordinator for the football team and head Baseball coach. After leaving teaching he got into the health sales industry, pharmaceuticals for 6 years and home health sales for 8 years. In his free time Chris enjoys going to the gym and is a huge sports fan. When not watching sports on TV he travels to Aiken, SC to watch his 2 sons play college baseball. Chris has been married for 4 years to his wife Jamie and they have a blended family of 6.
Dean Blinkhorn
Chief Operating Officer
352.629.8051 x116
Dean@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Write fancy articles and go to lots of meetings. And they’re right!
Official Bio:
Dean Blinkhorn has more than 20 years in the local magazine industry as an editor, writer, and co-publisher. A local product of our education system, he graduated from Lake Weir High, the College of Central Florida, and the University of Florida with a B.A. in English and a minor in Education, he was also editor of the school newspaper and later a high school English teacher. Among his numerous awards and accolades, being named “Editor of the Year” by the Florida Magazine Association and “Alumni of the Year” by CF were the two that made his mom cry.
In 2020, he was named a cohort to ACCE Talent Development Fellowship and in 2021 was named a recipient of the Walter Clausen Award from the Florida Association of Career and Technical Education.
Dean has one daughter who also goes to UF. What little free time he has is spent with family and friends, cycling the area trails and roadways, or adding new titles to his borderline-obsessive music collection
Dawn Bowman
Director of Downtown Market
352.629.8051 x128
Dawn@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Do Facebook live videos and shop.
Official Bio:
Raised as an Air Force brat, I was not from anywhere. Nov. 2006 in the early hours of dawn, the morning dew was thick, the temperature was cool, horses were galloping in the pastures, the morning was perfect. We were driving on US 301 where horse farms and Oak Trees lined the road, somewhere between Citra and Anthony. My first visit to Ocala and that was it, I had found my home. Now I can finally say.. “I’m from Ocala”
Married to my perfect for me person Matt Cornelison since 1991, we have three wonderful sons, that brought us three amazing daughters-in-law’s that have given us 6 ‘n counting grandchildren.
We also have a small petting farm “Finally Home Farm” that we have many rescued fur/feather babies… dogs, cat, chickens, goats, and horses.
I am proud to say I have been a part of the CEP since 2012. I started as partner, became an Ambassador, Ambassador Co-chair, Director of Partner Relations, graduate of LOM class XXVIII, LOM Regent and now Director of Ocala Downtown Market.
Prior to the CEP my background includes being a Territory Manager for Nabisco, Owner of B.E.S.Trucking and a Licensed Insurance Agent.
Kaylin Cornelison
ODM Assistant
352.629.8051 x130
Kaylin@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Work in public relations and shop at the market every Saturday.
Official Bio:
Born and raised here in Ocala Kaylin has always felt like this was where she was meant to live. She has always loved being here and never dreamed of leaving her little abode. Most of her family lives in or near here and family is one of the most important parts of her life.
After graduating from Forest High School, shoutout to the class of 2011, she went down to Indian River State College for two years to play volleyball at the junior college level. After returning home to Ocala at the end of 2012, she started working at her first job at Publix in Belleview. During that summer of 2013 she started talking to her now husband, Eric. They dated, got engaged, and married all within two years of being together.
After getting married in August of 2015, Kaylin moved to Pooler, Georgia since Eric was an active Army soldier stationed there. she was thankfully able to transfer to a Publix store up there and continue to work. Family is very important to them, so living roughly four hours from home was nice as they were able to visit often. In October of 2017, Eric’s new orders took them to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Being over 1,500 miles from home was an adjustment and being there was extremely lonely at times.
Now fast forward to now, they are living back home in Ocala with two beautiful little girls that are able to grow up with such a large family that loves them both. Eric is a diesel mechanic at Gary Yeomans Ford in Ocala and until recently Kaylin was in school to become a Medical Coder and Biller. She feels very fortunate for the opportunity to work at the Ocala Downtown Market as an Administrative Coordinator working with two amazing women.
Tamara Fleischhaker, CCE, IOM
Chief eXperience Officer
352.629.8051 x102
Tamara@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Most of them think I work for the government. Always fun to explain how we advocate for business to government.
Official Bio:
Tamara joined the CEP in April of 2006 with a background in marketing, events, and public policy.
Tamara is a Florida Certified Chamber Professional (FCCP) and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Institute for Organization Management (IOM) program graduate. She was the 2016 Professional of the Year for Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP). She currently serves as Chair of the FACP Board of Directors.
Tamara’s professional experience includes communications & marketing, brand development, contract management, as well as account management and event production. She also has over 30 years of festival and event management experience with various international festivals and events. She grew up working in her dad's screen printing company, so she is glad to be supporting small business, which is dear to her heart.
Jessica Gilbert
Vice President, Foundation
352.629.8051 x113
Foundation@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Coming soon!
Official Bio:
Coming soon!
Ron Hipner
Partner Relations Associate
352.629.8051 x119
Ron@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Network 24/7
Official Bio:
Ron was born in 1965 in Garden City Michigan, Military family. He was stationed in San Diego 1970. He briefly attended Southwestern College 1984-85. Ron became a State Contractor in 1990, recognized as an Industry Leader Specializing in Floor and Wall Installations for Clean Rooms, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Manufacturing Facilities.
Ron gifted the business to his office staff in 2004 when he moved to Florida. He then became a Real Estate investor 1997 – current. He is Master Captain Certified and the CEO of West Florida Sportfishing 2004-2012. Ron is the owner and operator of a small IT services company from 2008-2010. He was a Direct Sales Professional and Global Trainer for Enagic USA 2011 to present. Ron is a two time graduate of Rapport Mastery training under Joe Pici of Pici & Pici. 2016,2017.
Rons hobbies include and avid fisherman, outdoors enthusiast, playing guitar and enjoys snowboarding. Currently, he is learning Aquaponics and improving his skills at growing food. He also has some Electronics Circuitry Design and Computer Skills both inspired by wanting to know how things work.
Sullivan Hogan
Director of Video Communications
352.629.8051 x110
Sullivan@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Shoot random videos Florida themed videos and post them online.
Official Bio:
Originally from St. Louis, Sullivan Hogan has just recently joined the CEP after graduating from Union University with degrees in Digital Media Communications and Theatre. Sullivan has a experience in film work both behind the camera and in front of it and has a passion for storytelling in all of its forms. Outside of work, she enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons, working on her own personal films, watching movies, and reading lots and lots of books.
Kelli Holt
Director of Business Advocacy
352.629.8051 x115
Kelli@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Socialize, Travel, Shmooze, Connect, Repeat
Official Bio:
Kelli is the Director of Business Advocacy for the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP).
She is a born and raised Floridian who Studied Mass Communications with a focus in Public Relations and a minor in Political Science at the University of South Florida in Tampa (her hometown).
With over two decades of sales and hospitality experience under her belt, Kelli Holt has built a solid foundation of trust and experience with diverse clients and organizations. She started out working in the yacht and cruise industries, as Event Manager for Norwegian Cruise Line and Marketing Manager for a technology company that provided services for private mega yacht owners in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale (The Yachting Capital of the World).
While working in the yachting industry, her desire to give back to the community led to her becoming one of the founding members of the Marine Industry Cares Foundation. What started as a small event, called Spin-A-Thon, grew into a non-profit benefiting many causes including helping abused and neglected children with donations raised for Kids In Distress and Children’s Place at Home Safe, as well as the American Cancer Society.
Her journey led her even further south to Islamorada (The Sport Fishing Capital of the World) in the Florida Keys where she branched into and established a solid career in the hotel industry in sales and catering. While living in the Florida Keys, she organized weddings and events for luxury clientele including the MARS Candy Family, Jon Landau, producer of the Titanic and Avatar movies, and Little Bear Photography, best known for the infamous Calvin Klein, Mark Wahlberg Ads.
“The Keys were so beautiful from the purple sunsets to the crystal blue waters; it was a dream location to live…for a few years. I loved the work and the Keys, but planning events and weddings kept me too busy to enjoy the area as much as I would have liked to.”
Wanting to make a conscious change, her husband Chris and she decided to relocate to Ocala (The Horse Capital of the World) five years ago. They were attracted by the relaxed, pastoral lifestyle with community investment and a less metropolitan pace of Ocala. She worked with Pax Hotel Group and Equus Inn starting in sales, and was later promoted to Regional Director of Sales, overseeing multiple properties. This gave her the opportunity to grow her contacts and develop her relationships with local businesses, groups, and organizations in Central Florida.
“I have always had a passion for history, civics and politics! With my experience in public relations and political science, becoming Director of Business Advocacy for the CEP is the ultimate opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to benefit our amazing community. I look forward to advocating for businesses and making connections and improvements, which will assist with our communities growth and prosperity.”
An involved member of the Ocala community, Kelli has served on the board of the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and is an active participant with several other organizations in the region including the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Marion County Builder’s Association (MCBIA).
When Kelli isn’t advocating for businesses and connecting with local, state and federal legislatures, she enjoys spending her time practicing yoga, cuddling her Chihuahua’s, horseback riding and being the Chef de’ Cuisine of her home.
Tom James
Director of Executive Engagement
352.629.8051 x117
Tom@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Smile & shake hands. Schmooze, just like your dad! Sell memberships.
Official Bio:
Tom James is a born & bred multi-generation Ocala, Florida, Kingdom of the Sun kid, who earned a Bachelors in Communications from UCF. As Director of Executive Engagement, Tom oversees Sponsorship procurement, as well as managing relationships with CEP's Executive Tier partners. Locally, Tom is a long time Elk, a United Way volunteer, and a regular emcee for various community events.
Before returning to his hometown in 2012 with his wife Heather, Tom worked as an Account Executive at Sun Broadcasting in Fort Myers/Naples. He spent seven (7) years helping Fox News Radio become the #1 billing station in the Southwest Florida market.
Additionally, Tom is a freelance Sportscaster with over 2 decades in the business. A 2-Time Edward R. Murrow Award Winner & former 2-time NBC-TV affiliate Sports Director/Main Anchor, Tom currently does Play-by-Play & Studio Hosting for the ESPN Family of Networks, CBS Sports Network, Lacrosse Sports Network, the Pro Watercross circuit & Florida Gulf Coast University basketball. Locally, he does radio play-by-play for high school football and College of Central Florida basketball and is a regular contributor to the weekly regional Southern Pigskin Tonight college football show.
Erin A. Jones
Director of Healthcare Development
352.629.8051 x111
Erin@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Go to lunches and posting said lunches on social media and attend events… they aren’t wrong!
Official Bio:
Erin is the Director of Healthcare Development, a newly developed position for the CEP.
Erin started her healthcare journey with CVS Pharmacy as a Cpht and Pharmacy Recruiter/Intern Program Manager. As she transitioned into PR, Erin taught Intro to Pharmacy at Rasmussen College for a short time. She is very excited to bring her mix of public relations, networking and passion for healthcare to the CEP and help grow and align the healthcare through the Sphere initiative, in the Ocala Metro.
Born in Hollywood, FL, and relocating to Ocala when she was wee lass. She is no stranger to the growth and economic vitality of the Ocala Metro. The daughter of a developer, she has seen first hand the growth in our area and is so proud to call this her home.
In her spare time, she likes to travel, cook, and spend time with her Bassett Hound, Bella.
Lynn Kallay-Brown
ODM Event Coordinator
352.629.8051 x126
Lynn@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
My friends think as an Event Coordinator, all I do is give parties, have fun, and make people happy. They are absolutely right! I love my position at the CEP.
Official Bio:
I grew up in DuPage County, twenty miles west of Chicago and moved to Key Largo six weeks after vacationing there. I lived in paradise for nine years before moving to Marion County with my husband and four children. It has been home ever since.
I entered the workforce at age 14, selling souvenirs at Brookfield Zoo. I worked at the zoo during the summers throughout High School. I became a Zoo Keeper in the Children’s Zoo at age 18, where I appeared on Romper Room with baby animals. This was the beginning of many interesting jobs in Education and Hospitality.
While living in the Keys, and raising four children, I held a variety of jobs. I worked in hospitality and was employed by Pennekamp State Park as a Hostess on the Glass Bottom Boat tours to Molasses Reef. While at the reef, I gave a narration of the fish & coral. Later, I was a Montessori Teacher’s Aide and worked as a Summer Day Camp Counselor for Monroe County, where I taught swimming lessons and cheerleading at the beach.
We moved to Marion County in 1984. I was awarded a scholarship by MACUS (Marion Association for Children Under Six) in 1985 which opened the door for me in the Educational field. I taught preschool in Ocala and earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. I left teaching for seven years, where I worked at a Country Club as the Food & Beverage Supervisor. I planned weddings, parties and golf tournaments, as well as managed the day to day food & beverage operation. It was wonderful helping make Brides dreams come true but my favorite function was hosting 50th wedding anniversaries…there were so many years of love shared.
I returned to the Childcare Center where I was previously employed, as the Director. I held that position for ten years. I made a career change in 2005. I began working as an Activity Director with senior citizens. I have worked in an Adult Day Care Center, Assisted & Independent Communities and with seniors with Dementia in Memory Care. I actually worked with grandparents of former students and truly did work the full circle of life. Knowing that I made a difference in a child’s or senior’s life is something I’m very proud of. I am still called Ms. Lynn today by former students. The life lessons I learned from the “Greatest Generation” have molded me into the person I am now.
I retired in January 2021 but not for long. 2021 has been amazing! Not only did I retire and start a new job, I married the most wonderful man, Jeff Brown, who is a local musician, in March. My journey with the CEP as the Special Event Coordinator at Ocala Downtown Market began in April. I assist with the Saturday Market and host Special Events. It is my dream job! I am in the right place at the right time in my life. I love being known as Ocala’s Party Girl.
I have watched Ocala and Marion County change and grow in a wonderful direction in the 37 years I have lived here. My children and grandson grew up here. They graduated High School as well as College here and now work here. Ocala is our home. I am very proud to be part of the exceptional team that has made the Ocala Metro the number 1 Chamber of Commerce in the United States.
Kimberly Langley
Executive Assistant
What my friends think I do:
My friends think I answer phones, make appointments, and get to have a lot of fun helping our partners connect and grow. I DO!!!
Official Bio:
I grew up in a very small town in North Carolina before moving to Florida in August of 2015. Ocala quickly became my family’s forever home. I am married to my best friend Christopher and we have 4 children (Joshua, Austin, Christopher, and Isabella). Two of our children have graduated college and the other two are still very young. I grew up on a Paso Fino horse farm, where I learned to love the outdoors and animals. I enjoy lifting weights, volleyball, and being a mother. We attend Church of Hope, were I work in the nursery with the little ones.
I have owned my own business (The Fitness Warehouse – Gym) and have worked the in fitness industry and served as an executive assistant at 3 other companies before moving to Ocala. I love being part of the CEP Team as we help businesses in our community grow and prosper.
Tyler LeCompte
Director of Entrepreneurship Services
352.629.8051 x122
Tyler@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Sit around all day thinking of exceptional new business ideas that I will share for free, along with the stacks of money hiding under my desk…
Official Bio:
Tyler LeCompte is the Director of Entrepreneurship Services for the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership. In this role, he serves as a catalyst for the creation, attraction, and growth of startup companies in the Ocala Power Plant incubator and throughout the Ocala Metro area. In addition, Tyler works to connect the Ocala Metro startup scene to the larger Florida ecosystem, by engaging with economic development professionals and entrepreneurial ecosystem builders, working to connect the people & places of entrepreneurial Florida.
Prior to joining the CEP, Tyler worked as a Business Development, Sale & Marketing executive for both leading national brands, as well as family-owned businesses throughout Florida & the Southeast U.S. A “recovering” entrepreneur himself, Tyler has previously founded several business ventures in hospitality/foodservice, staffing & employment, financial services & lending as well as several others in the Daytona Beach FL area. Tyler served actively with several Volusia County area chambers, graduated from Leadership Daytona, as well as founded the Elevate Daytona Beach community-speaking event, currently in its 6th year. Besides his professional work, Tyler’s passion for entrepreneurship led him to lead several programs including 1 Million Cups, FastTrac, Startup Grind Ormond Beach, Volusia’s Best – a business growth program in association with Daytona State College, and more. An graduate of the University of Florida, Tyler continues to engage and support the Gator Nation, the University & specifically the College of Journalism & Communications in Gainesville, FL actively.
Donna Marseco
Director of First Impressions
352.629.8051 x100
Donna@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Answer phones and emails.
Official Bio:
Donna was born and raised in Florida. Originally from West Palm Beach but moved to Ocala in 2002. She holds an associate degree in Business Management with focus on Entrepreneurship, as well as a certificate in Wedding and Event Planning. Has worked retail and customer service for the last 13 years, her first and only job but is now looking forward to her time with the CEP. When not working she enjoys reading and genealogy.
Amie Marsh
Director of Finance & Operations
352.629.8051 x131
Amie@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Answer the phone, talk to people and go to events. My friends think I just have fun all day!
Official Bio:
Amie was born and raised in a very small town in Lafayette, TN. She married her husband Jason in 2000 and they have 3 great kids (one of which is her dog Jax whom she considers her child). She is Mimi to the most precious grandbaby ever!
Amie has spent most of her career in the logistics and supply side of the industry while working for Nestle Waters North America for over 14 years. Her family moved to Ocala in May 2020 due to her husband’s job and they absolutely fell in love with the area.
She has been a stay at home mom for the past several years but finds herself more of a busy body and decided to get back to work. Amie did not want to go back into the industry so she was looking for a job where she could socialize and learn more about the area, so this was the perfect fit at the Ocala CEP. Her southern accent is always a great conversation starter as she is asked at least once daily “where I am from” and apparently everyone just loves to hear her talk, except her husband.
Kelly McAtee
Director of Social Media & Marketing
352.629.8051 x118
Kelly@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
My friends think that I actually know about every local event going on this weekend!
Official Bio:
A central Florida native, Kelly loves to be the straw stirring the drink. An expert in social media, serving as the communications specialist allows her to use her skills to enhance the understanding of what our community has to offer.
Kelly is also the owner of Things To Do Ocala. A natural born connector, she enjoys opportunities to advocate for Ocala/Marion County and our local businesses.
In her free time you can find her enjoying live entertainment in downtown Ocala. She has two young boys and thinks Marion County is the perfect place to raise them.
Jessica Michel
Director of Business Creation
What my friends think I do:
Ecosystem builder for entrepreneurs.
Official Bio:
Jessica is a native Ocalan. She graduated from the College of Central Florida in Fall 2014 with a Bachelor's of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Management. She has grown within the organization starting as an intern for Business Services to her now current position as Director of Business Creation.Jessica is a lead organizer for a community lead event each week for entrepreneurs called 1 Million Cups Ocala and enjoys creating an ecosystems to help entrepreneurs thrive in the Ocala Community. She is also a member of League Ocala since 2020 and is in the process of becoming Incubator Management Certified. In her off time you can find her scoping out the coolest places in in Florida with her camera by her side, capturing moments.
Bryce Morrison
Director of Business Development
352.629.8051 x106
Bryce@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Fly drones all day.
Official Bio:
Bryce leads the CEP's Talent Attraction efforts, Live Life Here. He works to both directly recruit talented individuals to call the Ocala Metro home and assists local companies with their recruitment efforts. Bryce is also the CEP's resident drone pilot having earned his FFA license.
Jim Pazda
Director of Partner Services
352.629.8051 x125
Jim@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
“… He works for the City of Ocala, I think..." (Freely distributes maps of Ocala and re-directs phone calls to staff. One ringy-dingy, two ringy-dingy)
Official Bio:
Jim is originally from Rochester, NY. He endured harsh winters in upstate NY, particularly where he attended college at the State University of NY @Oswego. “They literally erected rope guides / fences in winter on campus as the winds off Lake Ontario were known to lift lighter weight students off the icy grounds and make projectiles out of them“. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Jim worked briefly as a teacher after college and has also work extensively in banking customer service, research and fulfillment and loan servicing. He moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1998, where he resided for 20 years in close proximity to the Gulf coast enjoying the beaches.
Jim now enjoys living in Dunnellon, FL, with his partner, Baxter, and their persistent cat, GiGi. He enjoys gardening, bicycling, photography, and exploring Florida’s numerous freshwater springs, particularly Rainbow River.
Cherrietta Prince
Director of IMPACT Initiative
352.629.8051 x123
Cherrietta@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
“Entrepreneur Extraordinaire!” She can think of a million questions to help develop your business.
Official Bio:
Cherrietta has been a business owner for more than 20 years. During half of that, she was college professor, and assisted a number of entrepreneurs to establish solid ventures. This native Floridian is a University of Florida Gator, and holds a master’s degree in business from Southern New Hampshire University. Growing up in a family of businessmen and women, she learned how to survive in the marketplace.
A proud Marine, Cherrietta supports numerous veterans’ organizations and initiatives. She is Events/Marketing Coordinator of Ocala VetNet (supporting veteran businesses), active in VFW, American Legion, and teaches Yoga with Connected Warriors at veterans’ facilities. She is passionate to help reduce the number of homeless veterans. In 2021, she was named a cohort to ACCE's Inclusive Economic Growth Fellowship.
Cherrietta has been a CEP Ambassador for more than seven years. In her spare time, she enjoys a day at the beach, reading and spending time with family. Working with the #1 Chamber and CEP team is her greatest adventure to help boost the economy and support small businesses.
Joe Reichel
Director of Belleview CEP
352.462.1251
Joe@BelleviewCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Coming soon!
Official Bio:
Joe Reichel began his career in general construction in the Pittsburgh, PA metro. After relocating to the Ocala Metro, he transitioned into the restoration construction industry. When he took over the marketing and business development side of the business, he found that his true talent was creating connections for himself and others for the betterment of the community. He began working in Partner Relations at the Ocala CEP in 2015, and has since committed his efforts to building relationships within the business and greater local community, now for Belleview with the Belleview CEP.
Evelyn Reyes
VP, Business Creation
352.629.8051 x108
Evelyn@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Attend events and meet important people.
Official Bio:
Evelyn is a senior-level business executive with over two decades of experience and proven leadership. She is a subject matter expert in economic development, procurement, supplier diversity, advertising, marketing, and communications. Armed with a Business Administration degree from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Evelyn is a determined bilingual leader known for establishing enduring relationships and delivering impactful results within the business community.
Evelyn has held key roles, including Program Manager at The Florida Department of Commerce, Manager for Enterprise Florida's Small & Minority Capital Program, and was a Senior Business Consultant for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Recognized for her the impact of her outstanding work, she received the US Department of Commerce’s MBDA Senior Business Consultant of the Year Award in 2017 and 2018, alongside other accolades such as the "Coqui De Oro" in communications from "La Casa de Puerto Rico" in 2012. Evelyn is celebrated for her exceptional career in sales and community involvement, receiving the "Homenaje a Ti Mujer" Award from "Tu Revista Mujer" in 2011.
Bart Rowland, MEDP
VP, Job Creation
352.629.8051 x101
Bart@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Eat catered lunches, wear suits, kiss babies, and shake hands.
Official Bio:
Bart was born and raised in Henderson, KY. He grew up on a family farm but has little to no farming skills. He attended Henderson Community College and the University of Kentucky majoring in Business Administration. Before moving to Ocala in 2014, he lived in KY for 36 years and worked in manufacturing and healthcare. In 2023, Bart earned a Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) designation from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program
He has been married to Kristy since 2000 and is the father to Anna Clay, Sally, and Yorkie Poo, Henry.
Jess Schultz
VP, Partner Engagement
352.629.8051 x127
Jess@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Make best friends with every single person in Ocala!
Official Bio:
As Senior Director of Partner Engagement, Jess oversees partnership development, the CEP Ambassador program, as well as all CEP networking events including: Net>Works groups & Leadership Council, Networking University, CEO Network Receptions, NetPerking, Business After Hours, CEP 101: Partner Orientation, & Marion Business Advantage
Jess is from Huntsville, Alabama, and is a high school/ middle school English teacher turned yoga and fitness trainer/ instructor, and holds multiple wellness certifications.
Jess is a networking machine, helping businesses grow through CEP partnerships and making connections.
She has been married since 2006 and has four kids and two grands.
Kevin T. Sheilley, CCE
President & CEO
352.629.8051 x109
Kevin@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
My mom tells people, "I really don't understand what he does, but I know it is very important!"
Official Bio:
Kevin T. Sheilley, CCE, became the President & CEO of Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) in December of 2012 following the merger of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation. The CEP represents the fourth start-up Chamber/ED organization Sheilley has lead.
Sheilley’s strategy of aggressive and coordinated efforts in business attraction (new business), business retention (existing business), and business creation (entrepreneurship) coupled with a focus on education and workforce development have made him a respected leader in innovative regional development.
He has worked in Chamber/ED organizations in Kentucky and Tennessee. He is a recipient of the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Executive of the Year award (2021) and was named Person of the Year by Ocala Magazine (21). He earned his Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) in 2023.
Sheilley is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and a graduate of Union University.
Heather Shubirg, MEDP
Chief Growth Officer
352.629.8051 x103
Heather@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Bring businesses to town.
Official Bio:
Heather Shubirg serves as the Chief Growth Officer for the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership.
Prior to joining the Ocala Metro CEP, Heather served as the Executive Vice President of Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation. She served as the Senior Director of Business Development in the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology sectors at the Orlando Economic Partnership. Heather started in economic development with of Enterprise Florida - the public private partnership responsible for leading Florida’s statewide economic development efforts, and served as Vice President of Business Development. Heather worked on new-to-market projects including many Amazon.com fulfillment centers across the State of Florida, Blue Origin with 330 new jobs and a $200 million capital investment and Northrop Grumman’s expansion of 1,800 jobs and a $500 million investment.
Prior to joining Enterprise Florida, Heather worked for Volusia County Government as an Environmental Specialist under the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Petroleum Cleanup Program, and later as the Sustainability Associate under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.
Heather received her Bachelor of Science in Economics and Master of Science in Economics from the University of Central Florida. In addition, Heather earned a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Management from Anaheim University. Heather published her master’s thesis in the Journal of Environment Economics and is certified in Basic Economic Development as well as Business Recruitment and Retention by the International Economic Development Council. In 2021, Heather received a Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) Certification through the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program in partnership with the University of New Mexico, The University of Southern Mississippi, Clemson University & Texas Christian University. Locally, Heather serves on the Board for the SMA Healthcare Foundation.
In 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Heather Shubirg to the Board of the Florida Development Finance Corporation for a one-year appointment.
Heather hails originally from Attica, New York and currently lives in Ocala, Florida with her husband, two daughters and three dogs!
Matt Wilkerson
Director of Partner Success
352.629.8051 x112
Matt@OcalaCEP.com
What my friends think I do:
Having lunch with folks everyday and take selfies with them.
Official Bio:
Matt was born in Tampa, Florida. He has lived up and down the east coast and settled in Ocala in 1985. Matt comes from a retail background directly correlating to the power of networking. Networking built his business and created long lasting relationships. Matt has a Bachelors degree in Finance/Accounting and understands the importance of building business relationships.