James Elford grew up in Byron, Michigan. Growing up, he was an avid participant in many sports and LOVED math and science. Following high school, he served in the Marine Corps from 1988-1994, with the 1st Surveillance Reconnaissance and Intelligence Group at Camp Pendleton, California and in various theaters of conflict around the world.
Following his military service, he studied Electrical Engineering at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan while he and his wife raised their two children. His family moved to Sebastian, Florida in 2012. His daughter will soon graduate from Florida State University, while his son begins his college career at the University of Florida’s College of Engineering (a truly proud and happy “house divided”). His hobbies include running Marathons, Triathlons, photography, and designing more efficient alternative energies.
James is now a Senior Staff Engineer for Caterpillar Switchgear. His main roll is “start-up” and commissioning of power generation plants in the US and around the world. Throughout his 14 years with Caterpillar, he has developed and managed the Advanced Electrical Systems Department, along with being a trainer for various technology systems. Some of his latest projects have been the Votgle Nuclear Power Plant in Augusta, Georgia and the new US Embassy in London, UK.
He has spent many years as an advocate for both the Indian River Regional Science & Engineering Fair and the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair, working with children in the community to help them expand their technical knowledge in various scientific and engineering fields.
James has been an EFIRC board member since early 2019. He believes that problems were created to be solved, that children all have an inherent desire to learn, and that the Education Foundation exists to support and empower every child in Indian River County to reach their fullest potential.
Kenny Holmes is a Gifford/Vero Beach, Florida native, born October 24th, 1973. He graduated from Vero Beach High School (VBHS), where he lettered in basketball, football and track. To honor his accomplishments and contributions to the athletic program, VBHS retired his football jersey.
Continuing his education, Kenny chose the University of Miami, where he was team captain and became a two-time All Big East selection. Kenny was also named to the 1997 All American Team. After several seasons with winning records, Kenny was drafted by the Tennessee Titans (formerly Oilers) in the 1st Round (1997) as a defensive end. He was chosen by his NFL peers to receive the Ed Block Courage Award honoring those players who exemplify sportsmanship and professionalism while serving as an Ambassador of Courage for victims of abuse, violence and neglect.
In 2001, he transferred to the New York Giants before later retiring to focus on coaching for various football programs including Vero Beach High School, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Military Institute, University of San Diego, University of Idaho, and Florida International University.
Kenny holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a minor in minor in sociology from the University of Miami, a Master of Science (MS) in Special Education from New Mexico State University, and a Harvard Business School Business Certification.
Kenny is actively involved in his community, helping to mold young men and women to reach their potential. He currently works with local youth football, basketball and baseball programs. Kenny has served on several boards and advisory boards, including Gifford Youth Activity Center, Indian River Charter High School, 3 Keys Foundation, Victory Kids, D-Five Alive, Gifford Historical Museum & Cultural Center, Canes 4 Life, and Highwaymen Museum.
Lee has been a resident of Vero Beach since 1986, when she started her career as a Realtor with Norris & Company/Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. She is now a referral agent with Watermark Realty Referral, Inc. Lee is also the Owner/Designer of Faith & Family Jewelry, Inc., which produces faith-based jewelry across a spectrum of markets nationally.
Lee has been an active community servant in Indian River County. She is/has been in leadership roles with the United Way of Indian River County (including co-chairing the 2001 Annual Campaign), United Way Foundation, Indian River Land Trust, Indian River Impact 100, President of VBHS Football Boosters, Vero Beach Museum of Art, and a previous full Board term with the Education Foundation of Indian River County. Lee is also a co-founder of the Sneaker Exchange. Lee enjoys Pickleball, Walking, Art, Golf, Travel and Boating, and is a previous Florida state tennis champion.
Lee was born and raised in Michigan. She then earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Development at the University of New Hampshire. Lee is married to John E. Moore, III, since 2001. The Moores are passionate about education, having educated their three children in Indian River County from Pre-K through High School, including Osceola Magnet School, Gifford Middle School and the AP+ Program at Vero Beach High School.
Helen Millman is a local children’s book author who is highly motivated in creating the space for children to discover their authentic place. Self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment are the foundations from which her creative themes arise.
She realized at an incredibly young age that a creative channel would become the driving force in her life after her father’s sudden death. Millman’s sensitive and touching talent continues to grow as she delves deeper to share with others both common and unique experiences influenced by her journey, ethnicity & diversity.
Helen Millman has three boys ages five, ten and twelve. She and her husband own and manage their restaurant Wood N Spoon and Millman is Executive Producer of the Asbury Shorts USA in Vero Beach.
Cindy Emerson is a captivating storyteller. Her passion and tenacity compel those in her presence to strive for the culture and climate that she is so successful in creating in her own school setting.
Cindy Emerson is the former Principal and Lead Learner of a School of Innovation in Vero Beach, Florida. In January of 2016, she was tasked with taking over a failing school mid-year, with less than a week to prepare. Using PBL, PBIS, and technology, with an intense focus on top-notch pedagogical practices, Cindy has led her school to overcoming barriers like poverty and a significantly transient student population, helping her become Principal of the Year for Indian River County, and a top 5 finalist for the state of Florida.
Her new role is the Director of Instructional Innovation. This work in year one involved creating new systems that align evaluation models with the district strategic plan, grant writing, designing enrichment and remediation programs to improve extended learning opportunities, and rebranding schools to create a vital choice program initiative.
During year two the focus has been on a 7 million dollar capital project and fundraiser, marketing and improving school choice, organizing and implementing the first SDIRC choice and community extravaganza, grant writing, and working with the Career and Technical program specialist for the comprehensive local needs assessment and development of the new drone aerospace and entrepreneurial boot camp summer programs.
Khahilia Shaw is an attorney who specializes in non-profit public interest work and human rights and humanitarian law. She has worked as a pro bono and volunteer attorney on behalf of asylum-seeking clients and detainees in immigration centers. The daughter of two professors, she is a passionate advocate of education equity.
A Maryland native raised in South Florida, she holds a B.A. in Political Science and English from Wellesley College, where she was an Academic Achievement Scholar and served as president of the Wellesley ONE Campaign to End Global Poverty, as well as a member of the National Political Science Honor Society Pi Sigma Alpha and the Political Science Majors’ Council.
She holds a J.D. from Duke University School of Law, where, as part of the university’s International Human Rights Clinic, she conducted research on the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2013 and the Humanitarian Assistance Facilitation Act of 2013, which later contributed to a public report provided to United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking Maria Grazia Giammarinaro’s in her assessment of American anti-trafficking efforts.
She hopes to use her experience to advocate for education outreach and equity in her community.
Chris has been in the banking and financial services business in Vero for over 20 years, employed with SouthState Bank for 13 years, he is now the Regional President overseeing the commercial, consumer, wealth, and residential teams.
Chris has been active in the non- profit space in the county over the last 20 years. His roles have included the Board of the United Way (co- chairing the 2008 campaign), The Hundred Club, VBHS Girls Golf Boosters, previous Education Foundation, and the 19th Circuit Bar Grievance Committee.
Chris was born in New York and relocated to Vero Beach High School in his senior year. He graduated from NovaSoutheastern University and holds a Wharton Leadership Certification from the University of Pennsylvania. Chris married his wife, Amber, in 2006 and lives in Vero with their two daughters who are in the Indian River public school system. Chris enjoys golf and chauffeuring his daughters across the state for golf and volleyball.
A native of Vero Beach, Logan Geeslin is serving on the Board of the Education Foundation to help the schools of Indian River County rise to the top of school rankings in Florida. Logan is committed to providing a learning environment to all students encouraging them to achieve their best.
Logan’s experience working with children is 15 years of volunteering as a docent for second and third graders at the Dallas Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Logan also spent three years volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children in the Foster Care System (CASA) in Dallas, Texas. Other past volunteer jobs include a public access television station (Summit, NJ), The Reeves Reed Arboretum, board Member (Summit, NJ), membership in the Junior League of Summit (active), Dallas and briefly Vero Beach (sustainer). Logan is currently on the board of McKee Botanical Gardens. Her business career involved marketing and sales for two magazines. She is a graduate of Vero Beach High School (1964) The College of William and Mary (1968) with a BA in History.
Heidi Leone is a non-profit leader with extensive experience in fundraising and relationship cultivation with donors, companies, and foundations. She has dedicated her career to working with nonprofits throughout the country across education, international philanthropy, and healthcare organizations.
Heidi is passionate about maintaining organizational missions as a top priority while achieving her goals. Her degree in education and experience in the classroom combined with her nonprofit experience, not to mention growing up in Vero Beach, makes her perfectly suited for the Education Foundation of Indian River County.
While not working, Heidi enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, entertaining, and visiting Cape Cod.
Mr. Eric Seymour returned to the School District of Indian River County after his 20th year of service in Education. He started his administrative career as Assistant Principal at Vero Beach High School, his Alma Mater, and the Adult Education Counselor. He then became an Assistant Principal at Lincoln Park Academy and then Principal of Northport Middle School where he converted it to a K-8 School. Afterwards, he was hired as Principal of Vero Beach High School. Later, he became Principal of Oslo Middle School and then chose to transfer to Student Services as an Attendance Specialist.
After improving student attendance by sharing data and establishing other interventions, Eric was appointed as the Director of Advocacy, Athletics, and Student Activities. He was a longtime member of the National Association of Secondary School Administrators where he was known for his keen sense of problem solving. Moreover, he was recognized as the 2003 Assistant Principal of the Year for the State of Florida. He has been featured in several national articles on Education.
Currently, he is the Assistant Superintendent of Student Affairs, Advocacy, and Access. He continues to build relationships with families, community, and businesses in Indian River County.
On a broader level, Mr. Seymour is a former Executive Board Member of the Saint Lucie County United Way and the SLC Chamber of Commerce. He was eventually selected to be a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, “Class Twenty.” In addition, he is the Founder and Director of Hear My Story, a motivational program which centers around speakers who share true life stories to convey value, inspire, and transmit wisdom to help struggling students grow and learn.
Kathleen is currently a realtor associate with Compass Realty in Vero Beach. She relocated to Vero Beach from Cleveland, Ohio, where she enjoyed a teaching career of 24 years. Kathleen taught third grade for two years in California and then returned to her family in Ohio, where she taught kindergarten through fifth grade in Bay Village, Ohio for an additional 22 years. She enjoyed specializing in science and mathematics and earned a master’s degree in mathematics.
After her son Tyler graduated from college and left to pursue a film career in California, Kathleen decided it was time to make the full time move and leave her career in education. She joined her parents and siblings in Vero Beach and enjoys working with adults now as a full time Realtor along with her husband and family.
She has a passion for education and has a desire to still contribute to the educational system she had belonged to for most of her life.
Laica Gerwien-Moreta is a dynamic contracting professional who has previously held leadership roles within various defense contractors supporting domestic and international operations as well as medical management solutions and humanitarian programs. Laica is a seasoned compliance professional who works with senior functional leaders to ensure business-critical trade compliance infrastructure and resources are prioritized as part of the broader program requirements. Laica has served as an Empowered Official overseeing International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) exports as well as the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) related activities and has been responsible for the strategic alignment of contractor resources and staffing in support of global supply chain. Laica holds a bachelor’s degree in technical management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and professional certification in government contracting from The George Washington University, School of Business.
She is a member of the board of the Gifford Youth Orchestra, a member of the National Contract Management Association Space Coast Chapter, and regularly participates in professional development training. Laica and her husband are passionate about helping disadvantaged youth in our community and promoting the health, welfare, and education of children through their philanthropy.
Laica Gerwien-Moreta is a dynamic contracting professional who has previously held leadership roles within various defense contractors supporting domestic and international operations as well as medical management solutions and humanitarian programs. Laica is a seasoned compliance professional who works with senior functional leaders to ensure business-critical trade compliance infrastructure and resources are prioritized as part of the broader program requirements. Laica has served as an Empowered Official overseeing International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) exports as well as the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) related activities and has been responsible for the strategic alignment of contractor resources and staffing in support of global supply chain. Laica holds a bachelor’s degree in technical management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and professional certification in government contracting from The George Washington University, School of Business.
She is a member of the board of the Gifford Youth Orchestra, a member of the National Contract Management Association Space Coast Chapter, and regularly participates in professional development training. Laica and her husband are passionate about helping disadvantaged youth in our community and promoting the health, welfare, and education of children through their philanthropy.
A native of Vero Beach, Logan Geeslin is serving on the Board of the Education Foundation to help the schools of Indian River County rise to the top of school rankings in Florida. Logan is committed to providing a learning environment to all students encouraging them to achieve their best.
Logan’s experience working with children is 15 years of volunteering as a docent for second and third graders at the Dallas Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Logan also spent three years volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children in the Foster Care System (CASA) in Dallas, Texas. Other past volunteer jobs include a public access television station (Summit, NJ), The Reeves Reed Arboretum, board Member (Summit, NJ), membership in the Junior League of Summit (active), Dallas and briefly Vero Beach (sustainer). Logan is currently on the board of McKee Botanical Gardens. Her business career involved marketing and sales for two magazines. She is a graduate of Vero Beach High School (1964) The College of William and Mary (1968) with a BA in History.
James Elford grew up in Byron, Michigan. Growing up, he was an avid participant in many sports and LOVED math and science. Following high school, he served in the Marine Corps from 1988-1994, with the 1st Surveillance Reconnaissance and Intelligence Group at Camp Pendleton, California and in various theaters of conflict around the world.
Following his military service, he studied Electrical Engineering at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan while he and his wife raised their two children. His family moved to Sebastian, Florida in 2012. His daughter will soon graduate from Florida State University, while his son begins his college career at the University of Florida’s College of Engineering (a truly proud and happy “house divided”). His hobbies include running Marathons, Triathlons, photography, and designing more efficient alternative energies.
James is now a Senior Staff Engineer for Caterpillar Switchgear. His main roll is “start-up” and commissioning of power generation plants in the US and around the world. Throughout his 14 years with Caterpillar, he has developed and managed the Advanced Electrical Systems Department, along with being a trainer for various technology systems. Some of his latest projects have been the Votgle Nuclear Power Plant in Augusta, Georgia and the new US Embassy in London, UK.
He has spent many years as an advocate for both the Indian River Regional Science & Engineering Fair and the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair, working with children in the community to help them expand their technical knowledge in various scientific and engineering fields.
James has been an EFIRC board member since early 2019. He believes that problems were created to be solved, that children all have an inherent desire to learn, and that the Education Foundation exists to support and empower every child in Indian River County to reach their fullest potential.
Helen Millman is a local children’s book author who is highly motivated in creating the space for children to discover their authentic place. Self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment are the foundations from which her creative themes arise.
She realized at an incredibly young age that a creative channel would become the driving force in her life after her father’s sudden death. Millman’s sensitive and touching talent continues to grow as she delves deeper to share with others both common and unique experiences influenced by her journey, ethnicity & diversity.
Helen Millman has three boys ages five, ten and twelve. She and her husband own and manage their restaurant Wood N Spoon and Millman is Executive Producer of the Asbury Shorts USA in Vero Beach.
Kenny Holmes is a Gifford/Vero Beach, Florida native, born October 24th, 1973. He graduated from Vero Beach High School (VBHS), where he lettered in basketball, football and track. To honor his accomplishments and contributions to the athletic program, VBHS retired his football jersey.
Continuing his education, Kenny chose the University of Miami, where he was team captain and became a two-time All Big East selection. Kenny was also named to the 1997 All American Team. After several seasons with winning records, Kenny was drafted by the Tennessee Titans (formerly Oilers) in the 1st Round (1997) as a defensive end. He was chosen by his NFL peers to receive the Ed Block Courage Award honoring those players who exemplify sportsmanship and professionalism while serving as an Ambassador of Courage for victims of abuse, violence and neglect.
In 2001, he transferred to the New York Giants before later retiring to focus on coaching for various football programs including Vero Beach High School, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Military Institute, University of San Diego, University of Idaho, and Florida International University.
Kenny holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a minor in minor in sociology from the University of Miami, a Master of Science (MS) in Special Education from New Mexico State University, and a Harvard Business School Business Certification.
Kenny is actively involved in his community, helping to mold young men and women to reach their potential. He currently works with local youth football, basketball and baseball programs. Kenny has served on several boards and advisory boards, including Gifford Youth Activity Center, Indian River Charter High School, 3 Keys Foundation, Victory Kids, D-Five Alive, Gifford Historical Museum & Cultural Center, Canes 4 Life, and Highwaymen Museum.