McKinney named executive assistant to chief executive officer of Lead for America
McKinney joins executive team at nonprofit Lead for America
Jennifer McKinney recently assumed the role of executive assistant to the chief executive officer of Lead for America.
Lead for America is a civic leadership organization dedicated to developing a powerful force of morally driven and locally committed leaders.
Moving forward, Lead for America envisions two flagship programs: a continued national service corps, the American Connection Corps, that specifically supports young leaders returning to rural communities and emerging cities and towns; and a flagship program, the National Fellowship, that recruits exceptional military veterans and enlists them to return to their hometowns and home states on a path to positions of executive civic leadership.
It was founded in 2019. and is led by Chief Executive Officer Joe Nail.
Prior to joining the Lead for America team, McKinney held positions ― including business operations manager and executive assistant to the CEO ― at Apis Cor, a Brevard County-based construction company.
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Throughout her career, McKinney has worked for a range of companies, developing a wealth of knowledge and expertise in administrative support, project management and anticipating the needs of executives.
With more than 20 years of experience providing support and a track record of success, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive operational efficiency, improve workflow processes and enhance overall organizational performance.
As an advocate for personal and professional development, mentorship and empowering others, McKinney said she is dedicated to ensuring the success of the executives she supports, and making a positive impact in the world.
McKinney began her career working with several startup companies. Later, she started her own business, supplying emergency and preparedness supplies and customized field trauma bags to corporations, government entities and military branches, while also raising a family of four.
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She specializes in building affluent client relationships, executive advisement, forming strategic partnerships and identifying new opportunities. She is a communicator who excels at building relationships and collaborating with others, and is committed to creating a positive and productive work environment for everyone she works with.McKinney was born and raised in Melbourne.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, photography and exploring the outdoors.
To get involved or support Lead for America, go to LeadForAmerica.org.
Rockledge City Manager Fettrow receives Home Rule Hero Award
The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Rockledge City Manager Brenda Fettrow with a 2023 Home Rule Hero Award for “her hard work and advocacy efforts” during the 2023 Florida Legislature session.
The Florida League of Cities said Fettrow worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the home-rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the league’s legislative agenda.
“The league and its legislative team appreciate the individual advocacy efforts undertaken by municipal officials throughout the state,” Florida League of Cities Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook said. “Home Rule Heroes are some of our biggest advocates for protecting local decision-making. They are league members who stand out for their high level of participation, knowledge and effectiveness. This year’s Home Rule Heroes continuously advocated for their communities throughout the 2023 legislative session.”
Home rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the league’s request to reach out to members of the Florida Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.
Fettrow has served Rockledge city manager since December 2016, and has received the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award for five years in a row.
She said was humbled by this recognition, and looks forward to continuing to serve the residents of Rockledge, while ensuring that local voices are heard and decision-making powers remain in the hands of local government.
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities, which are formed and governed by their citizens.
The league believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities.
For more information, go to flcities.com.
Viera Co. President Pokrywa noted for fundraising efforts
Todd Pokrywa, president of The Viera Co., once again took part in the Hockey Helps the Homeless Bay Street Tournament at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto.
It was the second year Pokrywa, a native of Toronto, participated in the Hockey Helps the Homeless Bay Street fundraiser.
Pokrywa was the highest fundraiser for the second straight year, and successfully raised more than $10,000 for the cause.
“I am very proud to have been able to participate in this great event to help others,” Pokrywa said.
Reuniting with some of his hockey teammates, Pokrywa and his team as a whole raised more than $20,000 as the third-best fundraising team, while the tournament raised a total of $300,000 for homeless support services.
His team members included National Hockey League alumni Georges Laraque, Christian Hanson and Lou Franceschetti, as well as many music industry professionals, including captain and goaltender Steve Jones, Andy Curran and Jim Cuddy, among others.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: McKinney named executive assistant to CEO of Lead for America
