Meet the Board of Directors
| Mertice W. Kelly Founder of Circle of Friends Ministry Mertice's work has been recognized with the 1999 JC Penney Golden Rule Award and the 2000 Eckerd 100 Salute to Women Award 2005 Nominee for Rosalyn Carter Caregivers Award |
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| Joe Hart was born in McKeesport, Pa April 22, 1939. He graduated High School in Jennings, Florida then attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he obtained a commission in the United States Marine Corps. After his service to the Armed Forces he began a career with the Florida Citrus Industry where he held many titles as he climbed the ladder of success. Joe ended his working career with ownership in his own company, Juice Source LLP. Joe has served his church for the past 45 years. He has also served the following schools and organizations: PTO Eustis Elementary, PTA president of Dale Fair Elementary, Lake Wales High School Band Association Director of the Graduation Celebrations for 3 daughters, Chairman of the board, and Community Lay Director for Heart of Florida walk to Emmaus. He still serves as Consultant for Juice Source on an as needed basis. |
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| Gayleene Gilbreath was born in Bartow, Florida in 1949 and graduated in 1967 from Auburndale High School. She began her first job at State Farm Insurance in Winter Haven where she remained until she married. For eight years, Gayleene was a stay at home mom serving as volunteer, scout leader and various other tasks in her community in Lake City, Florida. In 1999 she began working at Lake Wales Care Center, where her job allows her to meet and work in different areas. She especially enjoys helping to place folks who are interested in serving as volunteers in the organization. As a board member and volunteer with Circle of Friends Ministry she looks forward to seeing special children continue to grow. Gayleene is excited about Lake Wales providing a place for the special needs students to develop into responsible adults. |
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| Greg Rodden has served with the Circle of Friends Board for 6 years. He is in his 24th year of employment with Warner Southern University, serving first as the schools controller and for the last 12 years, as the VP for Finance and Business. He served as a staff accountant with an accounting firm prior to his current employment. He currently serves on the board of another non-profit ministry involved in spiritual dance and worship for children and adults alike. Greg has earned an undergraduate degree in organizational management and a master’s degree in business administration. |
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| Amber Daniels Adams was born in Port St. Joe, Florida. She is a graduate of Port St. Joe High School and attended Gulf Coast Community College pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Amber moved to Polk County in 2008 where she began working with RiverSide Bank. She presently serves as Branch Manager for TD Bank (same bank, name change.) She has been in banking for 9 years and with TD Bank for 3 years. She lives in Winter Haven with her husband Robert, who is stationed in Polk County as a Florida Fish and Wildlife Office Amber and Robert have 2 daughters Madison Michelle, and McKenzie Grace. |
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| Jerry Brown holds a bachelor's degree in fire and safety engineering from the University of Cincinnati and has been a public servant for thirty years. He is presently the Fire Chief of the City of Lake Wales, a small community of approximately 13,000 in Central Florida. As Fire Chief, Jerry is responsible for preparation and stewardship of a 2.2 million dollar operating budget, planning and implantation of a five year capital and improvement plan, development of a five year business plan, and motivating 26 employees to provide the deserved and expected service for the community. |
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| Suzanne Crews- RN & special mom. Suzanne is an RN Specialist Trainer in Prevention Education through Parish Nurse Coordinator for Florida Hospital Heartland Division. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Since 1984 she has been homemaker, mom and caregiver to premature children with multiple health problems. Suzanne and husband adopted children (3) that had multiple health problems related to premature birth. Medical care was varied and intense. One was a SIDS baby with clubfoot and asthma, two, Jeffrey and Lisa, had developmental delays that required intense medical and physical therapy. |
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| Rev. Eugene Fultz, ESE School Teacher Graduated Metropolitan High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1968. He joined the US Navy and attended the Navy Submarine School in Groton Connecticut. While serving his country, Eugene met and married Jannell Laster. After an Honorable discharge, he then joined the US Army National Guard, subsequently working as a Meat Packer, Retail Clerk, and a Stationary Engineer in the private sector. Eugene enrolled at Arkansas Baptist College in 1975. In 1982 he began working for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Utilities Systems Engineer, while pursuing a double major of BA in Social Sciences and a BS in Elementary Education. In 1990 Eugene was called to active duty with his National Guard unit serving in Desert Storm / Persian Gulf War. In 2000, Eugene was called by a local pastor, in Lake Wales, Florida. Shortly thereafter, he began teaching at Roosevelt Academy and was named Teacher Of the Year 2008. Current affiliations: Board member of Circle of Friends, member of Unity in Community, board member of Polk Education Association, member of Lake Wales Ministerial Association, co-founder and CEO of Greater Grace Outreach Ministries of Florida,Inc. |
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Samuel E. Kipe III graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1972. He is presently employed as manager of Chemical Containers, Inc.in Lake Wales. Sam serves as Safety Coordinator and Human Resource Officer for 85 employees. Prior to working at Chemical Containers, Inc. Sam was employed at Xerxes Corporation in Lakeland for 27 years. During that time Sam started as a labor janitor and worked his way through the rank to Executive Plant Manager. Sam serves on the Board of Directors at his home church where he and his family have attended for 16 years. He served on the Lake Wales Little League Executive Board as a Safety Coordinator in 2008-2009. Sam is presently serving on the Circle of Friends' Board of Directors for his 6th year. In 2003 Sam and son, Troy, began the annual Circle of Friends’ “Owen Hawkes Memorial Bike-A-Thon fund raiser. |
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| Lotta Kay Struthers is co-owner of Struthers Honey Inc., founded in 1935. Lotta Kay is marketing director of the home owned business. She donates time to local schools teaching with live observation hives about Honey Bee reproduction. She also does Honey Bee presentations at civic clubs and organizations. With her business skills she became a Mary Kay Consultant and soon to be Director of Mary Kay Cosmetics. She is active in her local church and a Board member and volunteer of Circle of Friends Ministry. Lotta Kay has four children and 12 grandchildren. |
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