CHAIR AND REGISTRAR - ERIN SAPIENZA

A natural teacher with impeccable organizational and customer service skills, Erin has seen success working alongside many local businesses. Erin is passionate about and excels at organizing, customer relationship management, and supporting small business & non-profit organizations administrative needs. Recently going out on her own, she serves as an independent contractor and consultant for businesses and non-profits who want to take their organization to the next-level through a holistic approach. In Erin's spare time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family (she is the mother of four bright, funny, and beautiful kids), painting, playing board games, and reading. 

VICE CHAIR - PATRICIA BULKO

Patricia “Trish” Bulko is a native to Alachua County. In her current role at OneBlood, she is responsible for the implementation and support of the development efforts of their expansion into the North Central Florida region. She enjoys working in the area and assists many companies by fostering partnerships within the community. In her free time, Patricia loves to spend time outdoors or traveling with her family. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management.

TREASURER - JENNIE WHITSON 

Jennie Whitson is an entrepreneur based out of Gainesville, Florida – Independent Consultant with Rodan + Fields Skincare Products, bookkeeping for several small business, and real estate property investor. After living in five cities across the US, Jennie moved to Gainesville to be near her sons, who state they will not live any place colder than Florida. her best times now are spent with her wonderful grandkids, Ethan (12) and Sarah (11) in Orlando, declaring "they keep me young", and the company of good friends here in Gainesville. "I am truly loving my life everyday." www.jmtw.myrandf.com

ADVISOR - KRISTY MOFFAT

Kristy served as GAWN's 2016-2017 Chair. She owns Brightway Insurance, The Moffat Agency, serving clients in the Gainesville area. She is a member and Past President of the North Central Florida Chapter of the CPCU Society, as well as a member of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Alachua County Emerging Leaders (ACEL), and Gainesville/Alachua County Associations of Realtors (GACAR). She earned her BS and MEd from the University of Florida and has worked in the insurance industry her entire career. www.brightwaymoffat.com

PROGRAM AND EVENTS COORDINATOR - JENNIFER WEBB

Jennifer is delighted to be part of the GAWN board. She is an internationally-recognized motivational speaker, author and corporate communications specialist, one of a prestigious group of women using magic as a metaphor for adjusting beliefs. She has authored three books on human potential, has a background and graduate degree in psychology, a master certification in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and began her company in Manhattan 23 years ago. Her programs inspire, motivate and educate, and she has had the good fortune to work with many organizations like NASA, Apple, Microsoft, the CIA, the Navy, the Air Force, Ernst & Young and leaders in numerous industries. She has been affiliated with American Management Association for more than 20 years and is a long-time member of the National Speakers Association. She is also very proud to be the founder of Shakespeare Animal Fund, a 501 (c) (3) that helps pay emergency veterinary bills for elderly, disabled and others who cant’ afford medical care for their suffering and dying pets.

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA ADMINISTRATOR - LESLIE MERRYMAN

Leslie is a website administrator at the University of Florida for several departments in the College of Medicine.  When she is not working on websites she is traveling.  In 2007 Leslie took her first trip to Europe and was hooked.  She enjoys traveling the world, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.  She has been to all 50 states, and 33 European Countries just to name a few.  Leslie enjoys researching travel and helping others plan trips both on land and sea.  Leslie works for Cruise Brothers, a full service travel company. They are one of the largest family owned cruise agencies in the country and have been in business since 1972 . They have expanded the business to include land based world-wide travel and work with some of the best tour groups in the industry to get you the best deal on your ideal vacation.  www.ldmerry.com

COMMUNITY OUTREACH - LAUREL BROWN

Laurel Brown is the Assistant Director for UF Continuing Education. She oversees the development and delivery of customized onsite, open enrollment and online training programs.  Laurel identifies faculty and potential programs that fit current trends and fulfill the professional development needs of business professionals. Laurel also collaborates with instructors and consultants on instructional design, for online and custom course development. She interacts regularly with potential clients to define training needs, and provide information on training solutions.  In addition, Laurel manages program and instructor logistics, and provides marketing and business development support as needed. Laurel enjoys spending her free-time with her family and engaging in outdoor activities. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management.

MEMBER SERVICES - CHRISTINE DAMM

Christine Damm is an Account Manager at GRUCom, providing internet, data transport, colocation leasing, tower leasing and backhaul networking solutions for businesses with locations in Alachua County.  She moved to the Gainesville area ten years ago, spent four years at UF in hospital administration, and has been at GRUCom ever since.  Prior to her time at UF, she worked as a fitness instructor teaching hi-low and step aerobics classes.  She ran her first marathon in 2003 and enjoys walking, running and working out.  She is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, with a B.S. from George Washington University and an M.B.A from Norwich University.

HISTORIAN  - CATHY MILLER-AULL

Cathy is from a small town in Kentucky called Campbellsville, but spent 8 years in the Nashville area.   There she meet Emily.  Together they have four children, 2 dogs and a cat.  They moved to Gainesville to be closer to the kids and for Cathy to start her own business.  A&M Errand Service LLC is a errand/courier service.  Having this business has allowed  Cathy to meet a lot of great people around Gainesville. 

Cathy spends her free time watching movies with the kids and hitting golf balls.

AT LARGE - RONNIE LOVLER

Ronnie Lovler is a writer, editor and Spanish-English translator and adjunct faculty member in the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. She is the author of the chapter “Journalist Don’t Shoot” published in Alone Together: Tales of Sisterhood and Solitude in Latin America. In Gainesville, she is on the boards of the Matheson History Museum and the Civic Media Center, as well as proudly serving for the second time as a member of the GAWN board.

AT LARGE - JAMIE SHRUM

Jamie joined Rodan + Fields in October 2009 with her husband and now business partner Bob. They had been retired from the corporate world for over 3 years and were enjoying “life on the farm”. She wasn't looking for the opportunity, especially not in network marketing. But she quickly realized that in order to grow their business they needed to grow their network!
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It was at a Chamber 101 meeting for new members that Jamie first heard about GAWN. Walking through those doors at Sweetwater was ONE of the BEST decisions she ever made. She was somewhat introverted when she joined GAWN and the thought of talking to strangers had her hyperventilating! Everyone at GAWN was so friendly and she quickly overcame her fears.  She met some amazing and talented women (and men). They encouraged her to step further outside her comfort zone and join the GAWN Board. Her first position was Secretary. She believed so much in GAWN that she was ready to step into the role of Vice Chair, Chair, Ambassador, then stayed an extra year in the Ambassador/Advisor role.  Now after a hiatus Jamie is back on the board once again stepping in where she is needed.  

VACANT POSITION(S) 

SECRETARY