ABOUT OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Dr. Bonnie Peirano
Executive Director
Peirano Family Foundation Executive Director, Dr. Bonnie Peirano serves as a liaison to clients and the Tampa Bay port community for Palmetto Beach Line Handlers (PBLH). Dr. Peirano sits on the Propeller Club - Port of Tampa's Board of Directors. She holds masters and doctorate degrees in Public Health from the University of South Florida and has been in the Tampa area for nearly 30 years. Dr. Peirano has taught graduate and undergraduate classes in various health disciplines at the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and most recently at Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School. She served as the Health & Wellness Manager for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office where she oversaw the development and implementation of a comprehensive employee health and wellness program. She has over 30 years of community engagement and involvement, including positions on the Board of Directors for Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School and Terrace Community Middle School. In addition to her board work, she volunteers with Metropolitan Ministries, Tampa Port Ministries and HCSO Charities. Bonnie and her husband Jay enjoy working on their home, traveling and spending time with their five children.
Dr. Kristine Bennett
Foundation Secretary
Dr. Kris Bennett is passionate about empowering children and adult learners through education. She was raised in the Tampa Bay area and graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in English Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. She then earned her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. She has served as a teacher, coach, mentor, Assistant Principal, Building Administrator, and Principal as a long-time educator in the Tampa Bay area helping her schools achieve United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence designations. Her current role is Director of Early Childhood for Trinity School for Children. Dr. Bennett has been recognized as Teacher of the Year, Tampa Bay Business Journal Up and Comer finalist, Tampa Bay Woman of the Year runner-up, and a Patriotic Employer by the US Army Reserves. Dr. Bennett enjoys hiking with her husband and spending time with family and friends.
Ronda Clement
Foundation Treasurer
Ronda Clement is co-founder of Quant Fusion, a Tampa based cutting-edge SaaS company that leverages the power of Data Science. She is an accomplished business leader with over 25 years of experience in various industries including health care and financial services. She holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ronda is dedicated to giving back to communities and is actively involved in several non-profit organizations including the Tampa Bay Young Women's Leadership Symposium, Hillsborough County Guardian Ad Litem Program, Propeller Club Port Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries. In 2010, she was named Tampa Bay Woman of the Year. Ronda is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others and believes that non-profit organizations play a crucial role in building stronger, more vibrant communities. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her adult children (fraternal twins), her family and close friends. Her hobbies are hot yoga, exercising on Bayshore Boulevard, and following Tampa Bay Lightning and LSU sports.
Christine (Chrissie) Peirano
Member
Foundation Treasurer, Christine (Chrissie) Peirano is the Vice-President of Operations of Palmetto Beach Line Handlers (PBLH), a business that provides line handling personnel and equipment for ships and ocean-going barges in Port Tampa Bay. Prior to taking on the supervisory role with PBLH, Ms. Peirano was a Senior Supervisor for Claims in the Risk Management Bureau of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). Aside from her work in Port Tampa Bay, Ms. Peirano is a ready volunteer, giving her time to organizations like Metropolitan Ministries, the Propeller Club of Tampa, Tampa Port Ministries and HCSO Charities. When she's not working or volunteering, Chrissie enjoys spending time with friends, is an avid fisherman and loves traveling to visit family.
Karin Bearnarth
Member
Karin Bearnarth comes to us with over 22 years of event planning experience. She's produced a variety of events such as opening day festivities for the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, festivals such as the Breckenridge Celtic Festival with The Young Dubliners, The International Snow Sculpting Championships and a variety of film festivals. She is currently the Director of Sales and Events at Mision lago Estate on Lake Thonotosassa.
Robbi Perice
Member
Born and raised in Vero Beach, Robbi Peirce is a second generation Florida native. As a University of Florida graduate and Gator alum, Robbi has enjoyed working for the LA Dodgers and Harrison Conference Services for many years using her organizational skills as a conference planner and event manager. She also enjoyed a career as an office manager in a private dental practice and working with clients in the residential realestate market. Robbi currently serves as the Executive Director for the Hardee Family Foundation. Now retired, Robbi and her husband enjoy international travel with family and friends.
Jen Terry
Member
Jen Terry is passionate about working with others to create positive changes in her community. She grew up in the Temple Terrace area and after college, she returned to start her career and raise her family. Jen holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Florida and the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Her priorities include her faith, family, and friendships. Jen has been married to her best friend, Paul, for 25 years and they are looking forward to an empty nest when their youngest of 3 graduates and starts college this fall. In addition to enjoying the mom life, Jen has served in various leadership volunteer positions in the PTA, her community, and her church. She has also worked part time as a physical therapist for the past 25 years, helping people of all ages and abilities reach their goals. Jen and her husband own OPPT University, an outpatient clinic in the USF area. When not working, they enjoy working out, kayaking, and weekend travel.