Tom Cromer is a native of Miami and was the captain of the Miami Beach High basketball team. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His business career began in Miami at The Cromer Company, his family’s 100-year-old apparel manufacturing and international distribution business, where he was responsible for sales, marketing and management. After 20 years in the family business, Tom decided to branch out on his own and began a career as a self-motivated entrepreneur. He and his wife, Lynn, opened the first Assist 2 Sell real estate franchise in Miami, which they successfully operated for over a decade. Tom then owned and operated the Miami office of Interim Healthcare. He is presently the CEO and co-owner of Divorce Without War USA. His wife of 32 years, Lynn, passed away in 2014. He has two sons, a civil engineer in Miami and an entrepreneur in New York City. Tom is an active member of Temple Beth Am and enjoys snow skiing, fly fishing, gardening and riding his motorcycle.

Mr. England is a 30+ year resident of Palmetto Bay, and has been totally involved in the life of his community. Previously, he was elected to two terms on the St. Petersburg, FL City Council, including a term as Vice-Mayor.

He currently serves as Chairman of the Fundraising and Development Committee of the Deering Estate Foundation Board; and as Chairman of the Palmetto Bay Partnership, a Committee of the Palmetto Bay Council tasked with maximizing the economic potential of the Village. Peter is also a former National Board Member of Bread for the World, a Christian based grass roots advocacy organization which lobbies Congress on behalf of the poor and hungry, here and abroad. Mr. England is a member of the Palmetto Bay Business Association.

Mr. England has been the chief marketing officer with both Florida Federal Savings, and FPL. He concluded his professional career as Director of Government Relations with Camillus House. Retired, he is working for the community he loves. Peter believes in Economic Development for South Miami-Dade, and particularly in Palmetto Bay. He considers the Deering Estate his backyard on the Bay, and is committed to its future development for generations to come.

Mr. England and his wife, June, have three adult sons. They enjoy traveling, especially to visit their grandson in Atlanta. June is a member of the 100 Ladies of Deering.

Evelyn is a biologist and professor at Florida International University. She has been studying the Everglades for over 20 years and is now the Executive Director of FIU’s School of Environment, Arts and Society.  She received her B.S. from Kent State University, M.S. from Iowa State University and Ph.D. from University of Georgia. Her research on algae has helped scientists predict the fate of lakes and wetlands under pressure from climate and land use changes. She also works with policy-makers to ensure decisions that affect our natural resources are informed by science. Evelyn’s career has been shaped by experiences at biological stations, so she is excited to work with the Deering Estate Foundation to ensure that the Cultural and Ecological Field Station has an enduring impact on students, researchers and the public. Evelyn is a singer, musician and woodworker and enjoys helping others experience the natural world through the fine arts.

Born and raised in Miami Florida, Eric Haas received his BA in History, and Broadcast Communications. He was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Order, and served as the president, at Mercer University, Macon Georgia.

Working construction in a restaurant, over a summer break, he became interested in the restaurant business.

While based full time, in Miami, as a Flight Attendance for Eastern Airlines, Eric worked various second jobs in different restaurants. During this time he met his wife Lori, and together they opened the original Sports Frill on Sunset Dr. in 1987.

Sports Grill had become known locally, for their “famous, Special Grilled Wings”, and their family friendly atmosphere. There are now six locations in Miami-Dade County, and in 2014 they opened their first store in Broward County.

Sports Grill participated in the “Make-A-Wish” foundation for the first time in 2015, and were able to grant four “wishes”. Sports Grill has also catered and participated in many community events over the past 29 years!

Eric has been on the Diaconate at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church since 1992. He was elected to the board of directors of the Deering Estate Foundation in 1998, and serves as the president 2011-2013.

Eric and Lori have two daughters and reside in Miami, Florida.

President/CEO
Community Health of South Florida, Inc.

For more than 30 years, Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. has provided leadership toward the accomplishment of the mission of Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Under his direction, the non-profit health care company has grown from two health centers into now 11 state of the art community health centers and 34 school based programs providing integrated primary and behavioral health care services to the residents of South Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys, including the uninsured and underinsured. In addition, CHI was recently awarded the coveted Governor’s Sterling Award.

Hartley is a Founding member of Health Choice Network and previously served as Chairman of the Boards of Health Choice Network, Inc. (HCN), and Health Choice Network of Florida (HCNFL). HCN is a national model of successful collaboration among health center controlled networks, community health centers and other health partners.  Through its cutting-edge health information technology and business services, HCN participants increase efficiencies, decrease costs and provide better and more accessible patient care.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University (FAMU). He received a Masters of Hospital Administration degree from Baylor University in 1968 and was recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Florida A & M University in 2001.

He served 26 years in the Army Medical Services Corps, including assignment as Executive Officer, 93^rd Evacuation Hospital, Republic Vietnam; U. S.  Army Hospital, Camp Zama, Japan; U. S. Army Hospital, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; and Nuernberg Army Hospital, West Germany. Hartley retired from the Army on January 1, 1983 with the rank of Colonel.

He is a Rotarian, Chairman Emeritus, FAMU Foundation; President, President Emeritus Alpha Rho Boule Foundation; Deering Estate Foundation; Vice Chair; Trustee and Past Chair, Chamber South; Member, Palmetto Bay Business Association; and Member Christ Fellowship Church.

He has received numerous awards including FAMU Distinguished Alumni Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the “Hero in the Fight” award from the South Florida Mental Health Association, the Luis Garcia Migrant/Community Health Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers, and the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Dade County Medical Association.

In 2012, Mr. Hartley was widowed after 55 years of marriage to the former Jacquelyn Thomas of Madison, Florida. He has a son Brodes III; a daughter Jacquelyn Kha; six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Barry E. Johnson has been active in leadership in the south Florida community for over 30 years. In addition to the Deering Estate Foundation board, he is a member of the Orange Bowl Committee, chairing the Press Conference and Media Day events, a trustee of HistoryMiami, and a lifetime member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors.

Previous leadership roles include chairman of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade County and co-chairman with the Mayor of Miami-Dade County of the community’s original long-term economic development plan, One Community, One Goal.

He is the immediate past president and chief executive officer of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, South Florida’s first and the longest sustaining business organization and one of the largest chambers in the southeastern U.S.

Barry joined the chamber following 25 years in corporate communications leadership at AT&T.  As vice president-corporate affairs for AT&T’s Florida operations he established national benchmarks for local branding, public relations, media relations and community engagement initiatives. Today, Barry is principal of the consulting firm, Engage South Florida.

Among honors and recognition, Barry is the recipient of the Americanism Award of the Anti-Defamation League, Outstanding Alumni Award from Missouri State University, Royal Palm Award from the Miami Chapter of  the Public Relations Society of America and the Heart of Haiti Award from the Haitian Parliament.

Barry and his wife, Cathy, have two children and five grandchildren in Cutler Bay and Holly Springs, North Carolina.

Courtney Reeder was born, raised, and is currently a Palmetto Bay resident along with her husband and three children. She graduated from Florida International University in 2004 with a degree in Marketing & Hospitality.

She served as PBBA Chairwoman from 2015-2016.

Courtney is the Operations Director for Golden Rule Seafood, a family owned & operated seafood market, with a longstanding reputation for having the finest quality and greatest selection of seafood in South Florida. She has also been very instrumental in the creation of the newest family business, a family friendly, local seafood restaurant in Palmetto Bay

Having lived in South Florida for over 45 years, Christine is virtually a native. Her parents honeymooned in Miami Beach and decided then that they would eventually leave Philadelphia, Christine’s birthplace, and relocate here.

Since 1997, Christine has applied her communications and analytical skills in the worlds of finance and real estate, a synergistic combination that has enabled her to play an integral role in the sale of South Florida real estate, collectively valued at well over several hundred million dollars. A firm commitment to providing unparalleled service to her clients is Christine’s number one priority in every transaction, beginning with the initial consultation and continuing through and after the closing.

Christine is celebrating a career of over 2 years at the premier real estate brokerage firm. EWM Realty International, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, where she is routinely listed in the prestigious Diamond Level of the Chairman’s Club. Christine has earned the designation of Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) as well as Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). She is also a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Miami Association of Realtors, Luxury Home Council and the Worldwide Who’s Who.

Christine lives with her husband in Palmetto Bay and is active in the Palmetto Bay Business Association as well as The Deering Estate Foundation serving as a board member and a Member of the The 100 Ladies of Deering. She is extremely optimistic about the future of the South Florida real estate market and reflects a positive attitude that, no matter how complicated and daunting a real estate deal may seem, she has the ability and professional support to provide her clients with the best services a Realtor can offer.

JoAnn has been an outdoor lover her entire life. She was born and raised on a tobacco farm in Southeastern Kentucky. She loved playing in the creek bed and the woods surrounding her family home, and returns there as often as possible. After moving to Florida when she was 10, she discovered the open water and the beauty that it holds. JoAnn lives in Palmetto Bay, and her neighborhood almost touches the Deering Estate property lines. Her late husband, Donn Szaro was an active member and frequent visitor at the Deering Estate. The two of them held private events at the estate and shared their love for it with family and friends. JoAnn has worked in the accounting industry for most of her life and has participated on many non-profit boards in addition to the Deering Estate. She served on the Royal Harbor Home Owners Association, Pine Bay Estates Home Owners Association, Paradise Point Marina Association, South Florida Women’s Tennis, and the USTA. She enjoys tennis, boating, scuba diving, traveling, FSU Football and spending time with her children and grandchildren. JoAnn has served on the board since January 2014.

Howard J. Tendrich is a native Miamian and graduated from Miami Senior High in 1958 and the University of Miami in 1962 with BBA in Accounting. He has owned the clothing store Heritage House for over 49 years. He was on the Board of the Zoological Society of Florida, the Board of the Palmetto Business Association as well on the Village Council of Palmetto Bay. He and his wife Marilyn a daughter, a son and 3 grandchildren.

Jamie L. Thomas is Development Vice President Baptist Health Foundation, Assistant Vice President Baptist Health and administrator of the Founders Society; Baptist Health’s prestigious donor recognition program consisting of grateful patients and families who have given major philanthropic gifts to support the health and well-being of our community.  She is responsible for the Physician Philanthropic Advisory Council and system-wide Grateful Patient Program and ongoing development and oversight of all aspects of a comprehensive cultivation and stewardship program including major donor relations communications, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship events, recognition systems and awards for the seven hospital based programs. Under her leadership the Founders Society has grown to nearly 1200 families.

Ms. Thomas received a Master of Arts, Organizational Management and a Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration  and has extensive cultural, language and development experience gained while living and working in Central and South America including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, México, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Jaime resides in Palmetto Bay  and is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters Lauren and Jessica.  She has served on the Deering Estate Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2015 and is an active member of the 100 Ladies of Deering.

Margarita B. Tonkinson is the Executive Director of the Tonkinson Foundation and a Senior Financial Advisor at Tonkinson Financial. Margarita has been a member of the Rotary Club of Miami, served on the Rotary’s Board of Directors, and chaired several Rotary committees. She was a presidential appointment to the Fulbright Scholarship Program in Washington, DC, from 1992-1995. Margarita is currently a member of the Scholarship Committee of the Coral Gables Rotary Club and the University of Miami Richter Library Special Collections Advisory Board

Andrew is a practicing attorney in Florida since 1996 with offices in Coral Gables.  He is committed to a high quality and very personalized civil litigation and business oriented practice and devotes a significant part of his practice to general counsel responsibilities for regional businesses.  Andrew earned his B.S. in Management Information Systems (MIS) and worked as a computer programmer prior to obtaining his law degree.  He has served as a Deering Estate Foundation Director since 2014, is a member of the Foundation’s Governance Committee, and has been active in the South Florida community on various nonprofit boards and organizations over the years.  Most notably, Andrew is the Founder and Head Coach of the Miami-Dade High School Hockey Alliance, a high school Tier II ice hockey program, competing in the Florida Scholastic Hockey League.  A former New Englander, Andrew enjoys raising his two sons and leads an active life coaching and playing ice hockey, cooking, practicing martial arts, and being outdoors.