Chairman
Executive Director, Central Florida Regional Planning Council
Unprecedented levels of civic volunteerism have been reached on the journey of Polk Vision that began
in 2004 as we listened to the concerns and challenges of the citizens of Polk County. That continuing
journey and its spirit of leadership and service, provided the basis for Polk Vision to enter a new
alignment process bringing strategic planning into our volunteer efforts. This has resulted in doubling
the interest groups working throughout the county in the last two years. It has brought together
hundreds of additional volunteers, most meeting on a monthly basis to seek concrete ways we can
improve education, economic development, quality of life, government, infrastructure and leadership.
This commitment to ever expanding the access to the power of the citizen volunteer is what makes Polk
Vision unique and valuable, and why I am honored to be part of its leadership.
2015-16 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PAT STEED
GREG LITTLETON
Chairman Elect
CEO & President, Citizens Bank & Trust
One of the things I most appreciate about Polk Vision, and why I believe it is such a vital and important
organization, is the fact that it is truly countywide and is equipped to handle any issue that might
concern the citizens of Polk County. I think of Polk Vision as the funnel into which issues are poured
into and solutions are sought and found. I also love the fact that Polk Vision is grass roots. The issues
being addressed are those that were identified by a wide, cross section of the citizens of our county and
not by a small group. Finally, you have to appreciate an organization whose sole purpose is to improve
the lives of all of us who are lucky enough to call Polk County home.
KIM LONG
Immediate Past
Chairman
Community Volunteer
ALEX NIKDEL
Treasurer
President, Clark/Nikdel/
Powell
SARA ROBERTS
Executive Director,
Secretary 2012-2016
Polk Vision, Inc.
DOUG LOCKWOOD
Operating Board
Chairman
Attorney, Straughn &
Turner, P.A.
MELONY BELL
Director
Commissioner,
Polk County BoCC
HUNT BERRYMAN
Director
School Board Member,
Polk County School
Board
JACKIE BYRD
Director
Superintendent, Polk
County Public Schools
TONY DELGADO
Director
City Manager, City of
Lakeland
MARSHA FAUX
Director
Property Appraiser,
Polk County
JIM FREEMAN
Director
County Manager, Polk
County BoCC
EILEEN HOLDEN, Ph.D.
Director
President,
Polk State College
JOE LACASCIA
Director
Mayor, City of
Polk City
DAVID PETR
Director
President & CEO,
Central Florida
Development Council
ELAINE THOMPSON, Ph.D.
Director
President & CEO,
Lakeland Regional Health
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