Van Ayres
The Hillsborough County School Board named Van Ayres as the new interim school superintendent, replacing Addison Davis. The county plans to prepare Ayres for his new position with a five-year strategic plan that will focus on a variety of factors including academic excellence, culture and operations.
As a GTB native, Ayres has 26 years of experience with Hillsborough County Schools, the last three spent alongside Davis. His experience spans back to his high school years at Jefferson High, where he would eventually become principal.
Ignacio Barrón Viela
In June, The Florida Orchestra welcomed Ignacio Barrón Viela as the new president and CEO. He brings more than a decade of orchestra performance experience, as a classically trained cellist, and also has experience in managing music projects worldwide.
Aside from experience, Viela also brings a Master of Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Zaragoza and an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business with an emphasis in arts leadership from the USC Thornton School of Music with him.
Lee Bercaw
The Tampa City Council unanimously voted Lee Bercaw as Tampa’s new police chief. Bercaw joined the department in 1997 and has worked in all three districts within the department.
He previously held the title of interim police chief but with 27 years of experience under his belt, Mayor Castor and members of the Tampa City Council decided that Bercaw was more than qualified to take over. Bercaw plans to continue efforts to reduce crime, expand community policing and increase accountability.
Jay Powers
The Tampa accelerator program, Tampa Bay Wave, recently added COO to their roster with Jay Powers serving in the inaugural role. His military background and leadership skills will help Tampa Bay Wave continue to support and develop the local startup community.
Powers earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his master’s degree in Strategic Studies from USAF Air War College. He served in the US Army for over 20 years before starting in entrepreneurship.
Diana Santangelo, Ph.D.
Diana Santangelo, Ph.D. was recently hired as the new director of Thrive by Five, an early education initiative by Community Foundation Tampa Bay. As director, Dr. Santangelo is able to advocate for and help all children learn, succeed and prosper.
Prior to becoming a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction, she earned her degree in English and English Education from Ohio State University. Dr. Santangelo also earned her Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Florida.
Ashley Morales
Ashley Morales is the new engagement director of the St. Petersburg Foundation where she is supporting people and organizations in developing the systems, strategies and tools that advance missions and increase effectiveness.
Morales earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, with emphases in Electronic Media and Public Relations. She has been passionate about making a difference in the lives of others since 2018.
