With a global network of more than 386,000 alumni, the 鶹Ƶ's professional impact spans continents and industries. Each year the prestigious USF Fast 56 Awards shines a spotlight on the fastest growing businesses led or owned by alumni.
The awards celebrate Bulls’ entrepreneurial success and create a platform to share insights with the next generation of leaders. This year, 23 of the 75 Bull leaders were College of Arts and Sciences alumni. From chemistry to communication, alumni from a wide range of disciplines were represented at this year’s ceremony.
The 2024 CAS alumni recipients are:
Amanda Koenn, AKA Integrated Marketing
Mass Communications, ’08
Amanda Koenn is the proud founder of , a full-service advertising agency offering cost-effective, high-quality creative and marketing strategies by taking a fresh approach to the traditional advertising agency model. AKA Integrated Marketing is based in Tampa.
Ali Carr, ATX Promos
Communication, ’07
Ali Carr is the CEO and founder of , a promotional product studio based out of Austin, Texas. ATX Promos boasts enhancing brand visibility with “innovative, on-trend promotional products and exceptional service.”
Kimberly Engler, ComplianceQuest
Professional Technical Writing, ’98
Kimberly Engler is the VP of Quality Assurance and Knowledge Management at , which helps businesses become fully connected with a next-generation AI-powered product life cycle, quality and safety management platform built on Salesforce. Its connected suite of solutions helps businesses of all sizes increase product, quality and safety.
Heather Bryant, DCE Live, Inc.
Communication, ’07
Heather Bryant is the sales director of , a “technologically advanced production powerhouse” offering AV solutions, event
experience design, video production and event management services. The company’s specialty
is crafting immersive experiences for in-person and virtual events. DCE Live is based
in Tampa.
Helena “Bee” Everett, Everett Financial Group, LLC
Mass Communications, ’80
Helena Everett is the president of Everett Financial Group, a family-owned GreatFlorida
insurance agency founded in 2014 and located in Madeira Beach. It provides insurance
solutions to local businesses and families throughout Florida.
William S. Foley, PA, and Alexandra Graham
Foley Family Law
Communication ’02
William S. Foley is the founder and president of , a law firm focusing solely on divorce, paternity, and custody litigation in the Tampa Bay Area. Alexandra Graham is the director of client services.
Foley Family Law is dedicated to guiding individuals through the complexities of divorce
“with competence and compassion.” Founded in 2009, the firm focuses solely on divorce,
paternity and custody litigation and serves clients in Hillsborough, Pinellas and
Pasco counties.
Richard “Rich” Castellano, MD, ImageLift
Biology, ’94
Richard Castellano is the founder and CEO of ImageLift, the largest local anesthesia
facelift practice in the Southeast U.S., delivering advanced surgical and non-surgical
facial rejuvenation. Dr. Castellano founded ImageLift in 2012 and is considered one
of the top experts in his field.
Shantell McLean, Intex Builders, LLC
Mass Communications, ’03
Shantell McLean is a managing member of Intex Builders, a contracting and roofing
firm specializing in multi-family construction. Founded in 2009, the company is based
in Land O’Lakes, Florida.
Ferdian Jap, Majestic Restaurant Group
Biomedical Sciences, ’06
Ferdian Jap is the managing partner at Majestic, the company behind popular local
restaurants such as Zukku Sushi, Astro Craft Ice Cream, Ling’s Dumplings and more.
They pride themselves on “developing a collection of diverse dining concepts, offering
a wide range of culinary experiences.”
Bob McKay, McKay Advertising + Activation
Business and Professional Communication, ’87
Bob McKay is the CEO of , an advertising agency acclaimed for “growing national franchises and multi-location
brands” and Tampa Bay’s first digital media agency. With the reputation as “franchise
whisperers,” they elevate revenue with “meticulously trackable results.” McKay Advertising
+ Activation was founded in 2005 and is based in Tampa.
Dr. Edward Leonard, Matrix Hormones & Traumatic Brain Diagnostics
Biology, ’02
Dr. Edward Leonard is the CEO of Traumatic Brain Diagnostics, a treatment center offering
neurological diagnostics and treatment for concussions and other brain injuries. The
center focuses on underdiagnosed headaches and dizziness, especially for car accident
victims. Traumatic Brain Diagnostics has four brain labs in the Tampa Bay area.
He’s also the CEO of Matrix Hormones, which offers personalized, affordable wellness
telemedicine solutions, including injectable weight loss, peptides and natural hormones.
Its VIP service ensures exceptional care based on patients’ lab results.
Eric McCarthy, My Organic Turf
Psychology, ‘13
Eric McCarthy is the co-owner of , a company renowned for its sustainable practices that promise “a better looking
lawn that’s safer for your family, pets and the planet.” Founded in 2013 and based
in Tampa, My Organic Turf has become an industry leader in sustainable lawn care services.
David C. Delancy, One Day Came Inc.
Sociology, ’98
David C. Delancy is the owner and CEO of , a commercial general contractor and construction manager specializing in new building
construction and renovations using CMAR (construction manager at risk) and design-bid-build
methods. Founded in 2004 and based in Tampa, One Day Came’s mission is to forge valuable
partnerships and provide leadership that fosters successful business ventures, thriving
residential communities, prosperous commercial properties and enriching work environments.
Shari Clemente, Pioneer Innovation
Biochemistry, ’11
Shari Clemente is the founder and CEO of , a premier cosmetic formulation lab and manufacturing company based in Tampa. Considered
a leader in the industry, Pioneer Innovation specializes in fractional product development,
formulation services, creative services in photography and stop motion, and comprehensive
manufacturing services.
Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, Priority Marketing
Mass Communications, ’93
Holly Boldrin is the senior director of public relations at Priority Marketing, one of Florida's largest full-service agencies. Renowned for its award-winning marketing, public relations, advertising and digital services, the agency helps businesses achieve their goals while contributing to the region’s economic growth. Having worked with thousands of brands, Priority Marketing takes pride in playing a key role in the ongoing transformation of their community. Founded in 1993, the agency is based in Fort Myers.
Cynthia W. Grizzle, Pritchett Steinbeck Group Inc.
Environmental Science and Policy, ’04
Cynthia W. Grizzle is president of the environmental consulting firm . The company is composed of a multi-disciplinary team whose mission is to foster
innovative ideas while building trust with their clients.
Alexia Morrison, Reach St. Pete
Environmental Science and Policy, ’04
Alexia Morrison is the founder and executive director of , a nonprofit dedicated to providing essential resources to those experiencing financial
hardships, inequities, homelessness, and other at-risk situations to give those individuals
a better life. They’ve established a pop-up food pantry, grocery delivery services,
a literacy program for at-risk youths, and more for their local community.
Ron Pierce, RSA Consulting LLC
Master of Public Administration (MPA), ‘10
Ron Pierce is the president and CEO of the , a full-service consulting firm specializing in all areas of government and legislative
affairs, community affairs, strategic planning, and media and public relations in
Florida. Based in Tampa, with an additional office in Tallahassee, they represent
a diverse set of businesses, organizations, associations, and nonprofits across Florida.
Samual Barrington and Kedine Johns, Sky Limit Crane & Rigging
Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, ’12
Psychology, ’05
Samual Barrington is the president of , a family-owned mobile crane rental service for construction companies. Based in Orlando, it was founded in West Africa. With more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, they have provided crane rentals to contractors worldwide.
Kedine Johns is the company’s controller.
Nicole Stokes-Zolkos, Stokes Financial Group-Northwestern Mutual
Psychology, ‘03
Nicole Stokes-Zolkos is the owner, managing director, and wealth management advisor
of . Their renowned dedication to helping clients “live their best lives” with personal
financing plans helps people achieve financial flexibility. Stokes-Zolkos has been
with Northwestern Mutual since 2011.
Michael Swor, MD, Swor Women’s Care
Chemistry, ’78
Dr. Michael Swor is the founder and managing partner of , an award-winning obstetrics and gynecological medical practice based in Sarasota and founded in 1998. Dr. Swor oversees three other physicians, five other practitioners, and 20 administrative and clinical staff. Swor Women’s Care offers the latest treatments, and the team focuses on a holistic, total wellness approach, emphasizing the importance of good nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.
Learn more about the and upcoming events, and see photos from this year’s .