Parent Leadership Council

Rae Gina and Marc are parents to Matthew Began who began Florida Tech in 2018 and is currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Marc is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Axogen in Tampa Florida. The family has connections and has lived in New Jersey, Massachusetts and now Tampa, FL.

Daniela was an elite gymnast and was awarded a full-ride scholarship from LSU (Louisiana State Univeristy) and then ISU (Iowa State University). She lived and competed in the US for four years in the NCAA division I. Daniela received a MVA (most valuable athlete) award and was a school record holder on the uneven bars. 

She graduated from ISU with a BA in Economics and has a master in Finance from FGV, Brazil's top business school. Daniela lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

She has more than 20 years of experience working in the financial markets in Brazil where she was a senior sell-side analyst. Daniela has a strong track-record in working in IPO offers which includes some of Brazil’s largest and most popular brands and retail chains such as Arezzo, Magazine Luiza, Raia Drogasil, Natura, BRF Foods and Grupo Carrefour Brasil.

Her daughter Isabella is an animal lover. She was an equestrian rider and participated in many horse jumping shows in Brazil, Portugal, Belgium, the US and Israel where she was the youngest rider ever representing Brazil to compete at the World Maccabiah Games in 2017. Isabella began Florida Tech in 2022 and is majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Kay Lynn and Forrest Brumbaugh are the proud parents of Jackson Brumbaugh, a business major in the FIT Class of 2024 and a member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team. Kay Lynn is a native Texan with her undergraduate degree in Honors Business and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin. Forrest grew up in Southern Indiana and graduated from the University of Evansville with a degree in Political Science. Forrest and Kay Lynn met at the University of Virginia School of Law where they both obtained their law degrees. After over twenty-eight years in private law practice, Forrest recently retired from the partnership of the international law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright. Forrest has come out of retirement, however, to take a government service job. Forrest is a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Evansville. Kay Lynn in the Head of Litigation, Group Legal for the London Stock Exchange Group. Forrest and Kay Lynn also have an older son who is a business major at Austin College in Sherman, Texas. 

Corey and Jeri are parents to Kaylee Crispe who began Florida Tech in 2022 as an Aeronautical Science with Flight major. Corey is the Director of Account Management: Whatfix in Denver, CO. The family lives in Elizabeth, Colorado and also has property in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Robert Czincila, D.O. has been practicing Emergency Medicine for over 23 years. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Gannon University and attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) where he obtained his Doctorate. He went on to complete his residency, as the Chief Resident for the program, at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. Bob has more than 15 years of leadership experience holding positions including, Medical Director, Chair, and Chief of several emergency departments and has trained hundreds of residents from various medical specialties. He has been a board-certified emergency physician for over 19 years and volunteers his time as a board examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Bob is currently the VP and Senior Medical Director for Vybe Urgent Care.

Shannon Czincila has over 23 years experience in the Nuclear power industry and is currently the Director of Engineering for Constellation Nuclear at Limerick Generating Station. She received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering from Lehigh University. She has held various technical and leadership roles at Constellation and in the industry. Shannon has a wide variety of experience in the power industry including, engineering, probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), operations, licensing, security, training, environmental, emergency preparedness, organizational performance, and regulatory. In addition, she holds a Senior Reactor Operations ANSI BWR Certification. Shannon is also the President of the Auxiliary for Albert Einstein Healthcare Network.

Shannon and Bob have a son who began Florida Tech in 2022 and is studying Mechanical Engineering. They live outside of Philadelphia, PA with their other 2 children who are in high school, and have a vacation home on Hutchinson Island, FL. In their spare time, they love to travel with their family and volunteer in their community.

Joseph and Maurine are parents to Robbie Heine who graduated Florida Tech with his BS in May 2023. Robbie will continue his education here at Florida Tech as a graduate student. Joseph has had a successful career in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and food industry at Fortune Global 500 Companies. He has worked for Alcon Laboratories, Novartis, and Abbott and currently is Senior Manager, Microbiology at BD, one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. BD works on advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. 

Stuart and Dee are parents to Joshua and Nathan Davis who began Florida Tech in 2020 and 2023 respectively. Josh is majoring in Aerospace Engineering and will graduate with his BS in Summer ‘23 and will continue at Florida Tech to earn his Master’s degree. Nathan will be majoring in Aerospace Engineering, as well.  Stuart has degrees from US Military Academy, Old Dominion and Georgia Institute of Technology. He currently works as a Senior Engineer for Applied Research Associates. Dee has a degree from University of Aberdeen. The family lives in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Young Deepak thoroughly grounded into his vernacular roots as an Extempore Speaker, a remarkable Sports Man as University Blue of University Foot Ball Team Member, and a Science Genius took a plunge into his career flaunting his versatile personality and armed with distinguishing Mechanical Engineering Degree and his meritorious first position at a Science Competition held by KSCST @ Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore with his Engineering final year project “ The Computer Aided Design N Drafting of Hydraulic Cylinder” in the year 1991.

The MOOG Inc. USA taking note of his project that shined at Science Competition held by KSCST @ Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore recruited him in their MNC that pioneered the technology SERVOCONTROLS. He achieved Excellency in the technology and served in every of their facility spread across the Globe. 

He joined hands with his younger brother Mr. Dinesh Dhadoti and together they endeavored on their entrepreneurial journey from their home garage under the banner,  SERVOCONTROLS. Soon they achieved close contacts with all major business enterprises in the field of Aerospace, Steel, Plastics, Powergen, Mobile Hydraulics, Construction Equipments and etc. SERVOCONTROLS with two state of art facilities in home town Belagavi and a work force of 300+ as well attracted international clients of repute like IAI, RAFAEL, Collins Aerospace, HYDRAFORCE Inc and other giants like GE, Cummins, TATAs, HCL….. 

SERVOCONTROLS takes pride in being a designated Vendor of ISRO in all its world famous missions like MANGALYAAN, CHANDRAYAAN and now having received work orders for GAGANYAAN. 

SERVOCONTROLS also has come up with an innovative and advanced DESKTOP SATELLITE SIMULATION KIT. The kit is aimed at educating students at school and under-graduation levels in building, working and controlling satellites and also space grade satellites to be launched in LEO.

Jyoti his wife as a resourceful Sr. Admin Officer and all along continues to be a dependable colleague. Their elder son Ankur graduated from Florida Tech in 2022 with a degree in Software Engineering. Their younger son, Ankit started Florida Tech in 2021, majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Flight Technology.

Kathy is the parent to Maximo Diaz who began Florida Tech in 2022 and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Kathy is an alumni from Florida Tech and earned her degree in 1994 in Business Administration. The family lives in North Miami, FL.

Dr. Brian Boggs and Dr. Olga Emgushov are the proud parents of Indigo Boggs, an Astrobiology Major in the FIT Class of 2024 bound for Mars. Brian graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine after attaining a bachelor’s in mathematics from the University of Virginia. Olga received her medical doctorate and Master of Public Health from the University of Hawaii and her bachelor’s in biochemistry from Temple University.  Brian and Olga met in residency in New Orleans. Brian worked at the US Navy Hospital Guam emergency department and Olga worked at the Guam Department of Health.  As Brian had always wanted to go to Space Camp and Olga insisted on a home unburdened by snow in an area with surfable waves, they moved with their three children to the Space Coast and watched the last 22 shuttle launches. Brian started at Health First in the emergency department in 2005 and is now the Vice President for Medical Affairs for Health First Community Hospitals and the Vice President of Case Management Health First Hospital Division. Olga worked as the Brevard County Health Department Director of Epidemiology and Public Health Preparedness and had her own private medical practice in Cocoa Beach.  She now works at NASA as the Occupational Health Physician for the Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer.

Ralph and Linda are the parents of Austin Engeler who is a Civil Engineering major, Class of 2024. Austin is also a proud member of the Men’s Lacrosse team. They have two other college-age sons, Brey and Colton. Ralph is self-employed as a real estate investor and Realtor/GRI in the Fort Lauderdale/SFLA area. A veteran with 23 years of service in the US Army, Ralph’s alma mater is The Citadel, and he holds an International MBA from Florida International University. Linda is a retired Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, graduate of Florida State and holds a Masters of Nursing from Barry University. The family spends their time between Davie, Florida and Marco Island, Florida.

Rosie Wells-Fawkes is a real estate professional and has worked several years in the insurance and legal fields. She is an active member in her parish church, St. Christopher's Anglican Church and for many years has been a "School Mom" at Lyford Cay International School. Her hobbies include travelling, meeting interesting people, baking and cooking.

Laura and Matthew are parents to Luca Garratt who began at Florida Tech in 2021 and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Laura has held the position of Vice President of Product Marketing for Monat and is currently self-employed. Matthew is a Pharma Sales Specialist for Abbvie. The family currently lives in Weston, FL but is originally from Brooklyn, NY.

Marina and John are the proud parents of John Jr., a Computer Science Major whose aspiration are of becoming a Game Designer.

Marina and John are from New York City and both are graduates from Pace University. John in Management Information Systems and Marina in Business Administration.

In 1996 John accepted a position which moved him to Jacksonville, FL. He and Marina married shortly after and in 2001 relocated to Boca Raton, FL.

John spent his entire 40-year career as an Information Technology Executive with broad experience in Operations Support, Corporate Systems Management, Enterprise Portfolio Management and Global Technology Support in both the financial services and automotive industries.

John is retired now but hates to stay still. He is a musician and loves the outdoors which include hiking and backpacking with his family. Their favorite hiking has been in Yosemite and the High Sierras. John enjoys giving back and helping young boys and girls. He spent the last 12 years as a leader with the Boy Scouts where John Jr. received Eagle Scout in March of 2022.

Marina has also spent her career in Information Technology but from the Talent Acquisition side. She currently works for Fluence Energy, a global market leader in energy storage but her experience also spans the healthcare and financial services industries. She is holds certifications in Human Resources and Design for Six Sigma Greenbelt.

Marina was very involved at her son’s schools: room mom, robotics fundraising as well as assisting with Scouting.  She enjoys the Arts, cooking and volunteering.

Azza Ghandour and Dr. Ashraf Abu Affan are parents to Yousef Abu Affan who began Florida Tech in 2023. Yousef is majoring in Business Administration-Entrepreneurship and is also on the Men’s Varsity Rowing Team. Dr. Affan is the Founder and President of Angel Kids Foundation and Pediatrics.  Dr. Affan completed his residency at the Nassau University Medical Center in New York. Dr. Affan has been practicing medicine for over 27 years. After completing his medical degree, he worked as a consultant for the World Health Organization. Azza is the Billing manager for Angel Kids Pediatrics. The family lives in Jacksonville, FL.

Wendy and Jason Griffis are parents to Kyle Griffis who began Florida Tech in 2022. Kyle is majoring in Ocean Engineering. Jason works as a Solutions Development Analyst for Ascension Health Information Services. Wendy is a Licensed Realtor with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate/Lifestyles Realty. The family lives in Jacksonville Beach, FL.

Shelley and Larry are parents to Dylan Arken who began Florida Tech in 2022 and is currently majoring in Aeronautical Science with Flight. Shelley is the Commissioner of Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, NY. She is also an alumni of Florida Tech and earned her degree in Aviation Management/Flight Technology in 1991. Larry is a pilot for American Airlines. The family lives in Greenlawn, NY.

Lt Col Jak and Jennifer are parents to Hayden Linkel, who began Florida Tech in 2022 and is currently majoring in Ocean Engineering and is a member of the Men’s Rowing team. Jak serves in the Us Air Force Reserves and works for MTSI as a Senior Project Engineer. Jak is also an alumni of Florida Tech and completed his degree online in 2010 in Management and Acquisitions & Contracts. The family lives in Burke, VA.

Lisa and Mark are parents to Brett Lougheed, who began Florida Tech in 2022 and is currently majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Both Lisa and Mark are school teachers. Lisa teaches Elementary Education and Mark teaches Automotive in High School, in the same area that his previous career took him. The family lives in Canton, GA.

Sr. Vice President, Engineering & Technology

Ocean Engineering, B.S. '94
Alpha Phi Omega, College Players

Derek is responsible for the technology team, research and development efforts, advisory services, and global ship systems for the American Bureau of Shipping. ABS’s mission is to promote the security of life, property and the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities. It is the second largest class society with a classed fleet of nearly 12,000 commercial vessels and offshore facilities. ABS Rules form the basis for assessing the design and construction of new vessels and the integrity of existing vessels and marine structures.

Karoly and Rami Qader are parents to Layla Qader who began Florida Tech in 2023. Layla is majoring in Aeronautical Science with Flight. Rami is the President and owner of United Garage Doors. Karoly is a graduate of University of Central Florida (UCF) and currently works for the Department of Defense. The family lives in Orlando, FL.

Rick and Gina have lived in Rockledge, Florida since 1992 where they have raised three sons.

Gina moved to Florida in 1990 from Baltimore, Maryland to work at Kennedy Space Center.  She earned her BS in Environmental Management from Rollins College.  She is still working at Kennedy Space Center as an Environmental Manager and is on the Merritt Island Wildlife Association Board for the Refuge. 

Rick grew up in Merritt Island, Florida and has been working at Kennedy Space Center since 1988. He graduated with a BS in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.  He is a past board member of the Citizens Recreation Advisory Board for the city of Rockledge. 

Their youngest son Brett graduated from Florida Tech in 2022 and earned his BS in Ocean Engineering while playing baseball for Florida Tech. He is currently working on his graduate degree. He is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a small group leader in the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

Rick and Gina split their free time between watching their two younger sons play baseball and visiting with their grandchildren. 

Ariel and Milena are parents to Marcel Pedrosa who began Florida Tech in 2022 and is majoring in Genomics & Molecular Genetics. Ariel is the President and Owner of Advanced Multi Sign Corp. The family lives in North Miami, FL.

Bryan Pommer BS ’85 and Tatiana Pommer live in Miami, FL

Bryan earned his BS in Ocean Engineering from Florida Tech in 1985. After graduation Bryan served in the US Navy as a Nuclear Propulsion Submarine Officer, and then transitioned his career to financial services.  He is currently an executive at Bayview Asset Management.

Tatiana earned her BA in Interior Design from Kent State University. She has raised two current Panthers, and has her youngest graduating from high school this year.

Their son, Conor, and daughter, Isabella, started in 2019 in Computer Science and Accounting, respectively.

Paula and Robert are parents to Koen Schenck who began Florida Tech in 2022 and is currently majoring in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Paula and Robert own their own business; Animal Instincts, Aquariums and Pet Center, Inc. They have been in business for 33 years. The family lives in Fall River, MA.

Connie Jo and Matt Shanley are parents to Conor Shanley who began Florida Tech in 2023. Conor is majoring in Computer Science and is also on the Men’s Varsity Lacrosse Team. Matt is the Assistant General Counsel for Exxon Mobil Corporation. He is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, University of Maryland-College Park, and George Mason University Law School. Connie Jo is a graduate of Salem College and George Mason University Law School. The family lives in Bellaire, TX.

Dr. Martin and Karen Simpson are the proud parents of Emily Simpson, a Planetary Science major and the 2020 Farmer Scholarship recipient.

Karen and Martin have strong ties to another fine university in the state (the University of Florida), having received their degrees from UF and remained there as faculty.  Martin, originally from Illinois, retired last year from his position as English Professor and as the Director of UF’s Writing Studio. He now spends his time writing humorous political satire, managing their rental properties, and renovating old homes in Gainesville. Karen’s degrees are in health education, and she is the Director of a CDC-funded Tuberculosis Training Center in UF’s College of Medicine and Emerging Pathogens Institute. She’s also a master gardener volunteer for Alachua County and enjoys creating stained glass pieces for their old homes. They enjoy travel and look forward to visiting Emily while she’s studying abroad at Oxford during the summer of 2023.

Ron and Kathy are parents to Dean Simpson who began Florida Tech in 2020 and is currently majoring in  Aerospace Engineering. Ron is recently retired and Kathy is a Senior Vice President for Raymond James. The family lives in Safety Harbor, FL.

Tracy and Robert Strickland are the parents of Tyler Strickland, Nicole Strickland, Zachary Lavoie and grand parents to two year old Grayson and one year old Adeline.

Zachary is a freshman at the Florida Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science and is interested in Cyber Security.  When not completing school work, Zachary enjoys gaming online with friends and scuba diving.

Tracy is a graduate of The University of Windsor, Ontario with a Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology and Criminology. While in Canada Tracy worked at a Detention Center for Young Offenders and then as Child Protection Worker. When Tracy moved to the United States she obtained her Real Estate License and opened an Interior Design and Home Staging Company. Tracy also volunteers for the Brevard County Aging Matters in the Meals on Wheels program.

Robert is a graduate of Ashland University with a BSBA in Accounting and Finance and is a Certified Public Accountant. Robert is a serial entrepreneur with specialization in wealth management, asset protection and business development. Robert has owned multiple companies across the United States with a concentration in franchise development. On his down time he enjoys the adrenaline rush of racing Dodge Vipers.

Andy White is the Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board at Trilliant, a Network Communication Solutions Company.

He graduated from Bath University, UK in 1981, studying electrical and electronic engineering, specializing in power electronics. He joined GE’s Network Communications Division as an engineer for Europe, Africa, Middle East Operations based in London. He lived and worked in the UK, Congo, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia where he was responsible for major infrastructure and communications projects.

After moving to the United States in 1986, he worked for GE Power Systems & GE Energy. In 1992, he moved to Korea, Singapore and then in Hong Kong as the senior executive for GE Energy, Asia Pacific.

White returned to the U.S. in 1997 as senior executive for several of GE’s businesses. He was named a GE Corporate Officer, CEO at GE Nuclear Energy in 2002, subsequently CEO of GE Energy Ventures before joining Trilliant in 2009.

He has served on 10 boards, 3 active today, also on 2 college advisory committees.

Barbara White has a MBA from Babson College and a BS in Education from Framingham State College. Barbara taught school in Tokyo, Japan and Cambridge, MA before pursuing her MBA at Babson.  She spent most of her career working for Arthur D Little Consulting (ADL). Barbara was named Vice President in 1997. At ADL she held various positions including Regional Controller for North America and Regional Controller for the Asia Pacific Region. Barbara lived and worked in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. She also traveled extensively across Asia for work and pleasure. After leaving ADL due to a family relocation, Barbara worked for Ernst & Young in Atlanta as Financial Director of the consulting division’s Coca Cola account.

Barbara stopped working in 2003 to raise triplet boys. Barbara was very involved in the boy’s schools as “room mom” for many years.  She was also team mom and leader of the booster club (501c3) for the high school wrestling team where she organized fundraisers, coordinated parents, and managed finances.  Additionally, Barbara was the Treasurer for the Special Education PTA and leader of the PTA Transition group at the high school. Transition group works on post-12th grade continuum plans for students with special needs.

Barbara and her husband, Andy, spend most of their time in Lexington Massachusetts and Wrightsville Beach, NC. 

Their son Michaels studies Ocean Engineering at Florida Tech

Andy White is the Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board at Trilliant, a Network Communication Solutions Company.

He graduated from Bath University, UK in 1981, studying electrical and electronic engineering, specializing in power electronics. He joined GE’s Network Communications Division as an engineer for Europe, Africa, Middle East Operations based in London. He lived and worked in the UK, Congo, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia where he was responsible for major infrastructure and communications projects.

After moving to the United States in 1986, he worked for GE Power Systems & GE Energy. In 1992, he moved to Korea, Singapore and then in Hong Kong as the senior executive for GE Energy, Asia Pacific.

White returned to the U.S. in 1997 as senior executive for several of GE’s businesses. He was named a GE Corporate Officer, CEO at GE Nuclear Energy in 2002, subsequently CEO of GE Energy Ventures before joining Trilliant in 2009.

He has served on 10 boards, 3 active today, also on 2 college advisory committees.

Andy and Barbara are members of the Parent Leadership Counsel at Florida Tech, where their son Michaels studies Ocean Engineering.  

Kimberly and George Wood are parents to Elaina Wood who began Florida Tech in 2023. Elaina is majoring in Aviation Management with Flight. She is following in her mother’s footsteps as Kimberly is an alum of Florida Tech and currently serves as a Captain for JetBlue Airways. The family lives in Coral Springs, FL.