From left to right: Elizabeth O. Shorr, Gina Rall, CPA; Scott Sorensen, Jamara Wilson Harvin
Respected community leaders, fundholders, and experts in their professional fields make up the Foundation board. This will be the board chair’s ninth year on the board and fifth year as an officer.
The Community Foundation for Brevard announces a new board chair, Elizabeth O. Shorr, and three board members, Gina Rall, Scott Sorensen, and Jamara Wilson Harvin. An independent 501(c)(3) entity, the Foundation provides the expertise, networks, and information that empowers philanthropists to maximize their impact in Brevard and beyond.
In 2023, thanks to its donors and their commitment to building a better world, the Foundation granted $2.9 million and fostered strategic and collaborative partnerships to address local challenges and help build a thriving community.
Leading the board of directors forward, Shorr is an accomplished businesswoman with a professional background in advancement and philanthropy. Prior to her retirement, she was the founding president and CEO of The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges, developing sustainable philanthropy for the Maine Community College system. Previously, she held senior executive positions with education and health organizations. Shorr joined the Community Foundation board in January 2016; since then, she has chaired multiple committees, served as an officer since 2019, and established the Shorr Family Fund in 2021. Shorr has served on boards for many nonprofit organizations.
“Throughout my career and in my nine-year journey with the Community Foundation, I have witnessed firsthand the integral power of philanthropy,” said Shorr. “That’s why, as I take on this role, I’m particularly excited to welcome these individuals to our leadership group. Their unique perspectives, experience, and deep commitment to community will weave together and help produce transformative results for this beloved place we call home.”
Rall, CPA, senior trust officer and vice president with Cypress Bank & Trust, returns to the board after serving from 2000 to 2014 and leading as chair from 2012 to 2014. She brings specialized expertise in individual estate and trust taxation, fiduciary accounting and administration for trusts and estates and a particular interest in eldercare and people with special needs. Additionally, Rall is an active member of various professional associations and serves on the boards of The Arc of Space Coast and CATCH (Space Coast Early Steps).
Sorensen is an accomplished businessman and recognized leader. Since 1977, as the president and owner of Sorensen Moving & Storage and Sorensen Logistics, Sorensen focused on quality, leadership, and customer service to drive exponential growth. Retained as a consultant by the companies’ new owners, Sorensen continues other business endeavors and serves on the Brevard Zoo board and Aquarium campaign cabinet. Sorensen has been inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and honored as Florida Space Coast Entrepreneur of the Year and Florida’s Small Business of the Year.
Wilson Harvin, owner of Progressive Cleaning and Tuxedo Impressions LLC, leverages her business acumen and leadership skills across sectors to increase efficiencies and drive positive change. A sought-after consultant and public speaker, Wilson Harvin has been highly recognized, including as a 2019 Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 honoree. She currently serves as a board member of nonprofit 8 Cents in a Jar and the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Civilian Military Community Relations Council.
“Our directors are the embodiment of true philanthropy. It’s through their vision and collective efforts that we are able to advance our mission, deepen our impact, and drive results for our community,” said Theresa Grimison, president and CEO of the Community Foundation.
The 2024 Community Foundation for Brevard Board of Directors:
Officers:
Jennifer Griffin, CPA, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Treasurer
Theresa Grimison, President and CEO
Anne McPhee, J.D., LL.M., Studenberg Law
Elizabeth O. Shorr, Shorr Family Fund, Chair
Amanda G. Smith, Esq. WhiteBird PLLC, Past Chair
Myles H. Wilkinson, Wilkinson Family Fund, Vice Chair
Directors:
Laura Chiesman, Savant Wealth Management
Keri K. Donald, Steadytown
Kit Fisher, Insurance Office of America
Robin L. Fisher, Robin L. Fisher Insurance Agency
Shirley Friedland, Paul & Shirley Friedland Fund
Douglas G. Holton, Holton Family Fund
Robert J. Naberhaus III, Esq., Dean Mead
Kelli Peck, CPA, RSM US LLP
Gina Rall, CPA, Cypress Bank & Trust
Scot Sorensen, Community Volunteer
James Suplee, Artist
Jamara Wilson Harvin, Progressive Cleaning
Directors Emeritus:
Ronald E. Bray, CPA
Michael S. Cerow, CPA
Dale Dettmer, Esq.
Brian Fisher, CPA
William Harris, CFP
Darcia Jones Francey
Linda J. May
Don Molitor
Kurt D. Panouses, Esq.
