About
Trustees
William Weatherford, Chair
Michael E. Griffin, Vice Chair
Sandra Callahan
Michael Carrere
N. Rogan Donelly
Suryakanth Gottipati
Oscar Horton
Lauran Monbarren
Shilen Patel
Fredrick Piccolo
Melissa Seixas
David Simmons
WILLIAM "WILL" WEATHERFORD, CHAIR
Will Weatherford is the Managing Partner of Weatherford Capital. As Managing Partner, Will focuses his efforts on providing leadership to the company and building a strong culture. Will enjoys working with his partners and the Weatherford Capital team to build an investment management firm that focuses on winning the right way. Will enjoys partnering with incredible leaders who are building businesses that are solving real problems in the world with purpose and innovation.
Prior to Weatherford Capital, Will made history when he was sworn in as the 84th Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, becoming the youngest presiding officer of any state legislative chamber in the United States at the time. Weatherford served in the Florida Legislature from 2006 – 2014 and used his position as Speaker to advocate for social mobility through free enterprise and education reform. Will made tackling generational poverty a focus of his tenure.
Following his time in office, Will founded Weatherford Capital with his brothers Drew and Sam to build and invest in world-class businesses that positively impact the world. Beyond Weatherford Capital, Will has continued to serve his community by working to improve Florida’s business and educational climate. Will currently serve as Chairman of the Â鶹ĘÓƵ’s Board of Trustees.
Will also recently served as Co-Chairman of Super Bowl LV Host Committee in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers made history being the first team to win the Super Bowl in their home stadium.
In addition to chairing the board at the Â鶹ĘÓƵ, Will serves on several additional boards, including Dream Finders Homes (NYSE:DFH), GuideWell, PayIt, Utility, Inc., The Florida Council of 100, and The American Enterprise Institute, among others.
Will earned his B.S. degree in International Business from the Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University, where he was recruited to play football. Will is married to Courtney Weatherford, and they have four children.
Term Expires: 2026
MICHAEL E. GRIFFIN, Vice Chair
Michael ("Mike") E. Griffin is Vice Chairman and Co-Head of Florida Region for Savills, a worldwide company known for its consistent delivery of a full range of integrated real estate services across the globe. Through his consultative, client-centric approach to occupier representation, particularly for multi-market accounts, Mike has completed commercial real estate transactions totaling more than 13.7 million square feet across the globe in more than 18 states and 15 countries for a diverse occupier clientele ranging from Fortune 500 companies to all levels of government. Mike joined Savills in 2015 upon its acquisition of Vertical Integration, the startup Florida-based real estate solutions firm that Mike joined upon his graduation with a Business Administration, B.S. degree from the Â鶹ĘÓƵ in 2003.
Complementing his professional experience, Mike is well-known for his civic endeavors. In 2017, Mike served as Chairman of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as it’s youngest Chairman in the more than 135-year history of the organization. Mike serves on the Junior Achievement Florida Foundation Board of Directors and is a graduate of Leadership Florida (Cornerstone XXVI). He is also a member of the Lions World Vision Board of Directors, the largest combined eye bank, tissue recovery and ocular research center in the world. Mike and his wife Melanie served as the co-chairs of the 2022 American Heart Association’s Heart Ball, which has raised more than $11 million in the last 6 years for heart health research and education. Mike has served in several leadership roles in the Tampa Bay community including his gubernatorial appointment to the Tampa Port Authority/Port Tampa Bay Governing Board. Mike is also an Eagle Scout.
Beyond his Chamber and civic service, Mike has made his mark at his alma mater, initially serving two terms as Student Body President and as the charter student member of USF’s Board of Trustees. As an alumnus, Mike has served as the founding Chairman of USF’s Financing Corporation that developed several bond financing projects for USF. Thereafter, Mike chaired the USF Alumni Association Board of Directors and served on the USF Foundation Board of Directors. In 2018, Mike was appointed to serve on the USF Consolidation Task Force – where he served as its Chairman – which focused on providing implementation recommendations to consolidate USF’s three campuses. His Board of Trustees assignments are chair of the Finance Committee and member of the Governance Committee.
Term Expires: 2025
SANDRA CALLAHAN
Sandra (“Sandy”) Callahan served as chief financial officer (CFO) of TECO Energy Inc. until her retirement in Sept. 2016 following the acquisition of the company by Emera, Inc., an energy company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As CFO and senior vice president of finance and accounting at TECO, a public company with electric and gas utility operations in Florida and New Mexico, Callahan was responsible for corporate and operational accounting, treasury, SEC reporting, investor relations, risk management, divestitures and acquisitions, capital raising, corporate taxes, audit services and benefit plan investments, and managed a team of 100 professionals. She was a member of the senior officer team that reviewed strategic alternatives and developed growth plans based on industry trends. Callahan currently serves on the boards of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and the Tampa Club. She has served on the board of the USF Financing Corporation (chair) and USF Property Corporation, and has sat on the Executive Advisory Council for the USF Muma College of Business. She also previously served on the boards of Florida Self-Insured Guaranty Association (treasurer), Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Centre for Women (president) and Alpha House of Tampa (treasurer). In these roles, she has chaired three finance committees and two audit committees, participated in the recruitment of two CEOs, and contributed to building board governance and committee structures. Callahan holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Baltimore. She is a licensed CPA and recipient of the FICPA Award for Highest Grade in Florida and AICPA Elijah Watt Sells Award for Performance with High Distinction on the CPA examination. Her Board of Trustees assignments include chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee, member of the Governance and Collective Bargaining Committees.
Term Expires: 2025
Mike Carrere
Mike is the former chief executive officer of Lykes Brothers Inc. Mike started working at Lykes Bros. Inc. in 1973. He spent 21 years working at the Lykes Meat Group, ultimately managing the $400 million division of Lykes Bros. Inc. In 1994, Mike was transferred to the Lykes Corporate office where he headed the new Organization Development and Compliance Department that offered services to all business units under the Lykes umbrella. He also served as Vice President of Business Development and executive vice president of Lykes Bros. Inc. Mike serves on the Board of Directors of Lykes Bros. Inc. and previously served as a director of Northeast Bank of Clearwater, First Florida Banks, and Barnett Bank of Tampa, Krewe of Gasparilla, The American Meat Institute, Lykes-Pasco, Inc., Florida Chamber of Commerce, The University Club, Florida’s Natural Growers and two terms as Commissioner of the Florida Citrus Commission. Mike received his bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and his advanced management degree from Duke University. His Board of Trustees assignments include the Finance Committee, the Collective Bargaining Team and the chair of the Strategic Initiatives Committee.
Term Expires: 2026
N. Rogan Donelly
N. Rogan Donelly is the President & CEO of family owned Tervis, the drinkware company that first introduced America to its classic insulated tumblers in 1946. As the third-generation leader of an innovative, Florida-based business – following in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps – Rogan literally grew up with the brand. From his middle school days of bringing Tervis tumblers to show-and-tell, to his summer work in the warehouse, he gained a unique and comprehensive perspective of the business. By the time he was appointed company president in 2016 (after a stint working for Bank of America’s Global and Wealth Investment Management division), Rogan had worked in every department at Tervis, including production, operations, sales, and marketing. Four very busy years later, he assumed the role of President & CEO, the culmination of his lifelong immersion in the business.
Under Rogan’s leadership, Tervis has grown into a multi-material producer of high-performance, premium drinkware, renowned for thousands of unique designs, scores of official collegiate, pro sports, and film & TV licenses, and a commitment to responsibility and sustainability. An avid diver, Rogan is passionate about helping reduce waste in our oceans and restoring the world’s coral reefs. He is a trustee of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, a member of Leadership Florida Cornerstone XXXVII, and a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America mentor.
Rogan holds a BA degree from Bowdoin College and an MBA from the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business. He is the recipient of a USF Outstanding Alumni Award and a Tampa Bay Business Journal (TBBJ) Influencers Rising Stars award. A member of the TBBJ Class of 2019 40 under 40, he has been invited to the White House to represent manufacturers of American-made products and has served on the Governor’s Industry Working Group Task Force in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Floridian since the age of two, Rogan enjoys the Sunshine State’s world-class outdoor activities on the water, under the water, and on dry land. He also loves spending time with his German Shepherd, Fritz, the unofficial company mascot who is often seen at Tervis HQ in North Venice.
Term Expires: 2026
Suryakanth Gottipati
Suryakanth (Surya) Prasad Gottipati is the current Student Body President at the University Â鶹ĘÓƵ, representing a diverse student population of more than 40,000 students across three campuses. He is responsible for overlooking a $28 million budget and executive cabinet that supports student government operations and initiatives. His journey in student government began in his freshman year as a senator, where his dedication led him to take on multiple committee roles. By his sophomore year, he was appointed as the Director of University Affairs, gaining extensive experience in university governance, and after hearing a great support from the student body, his passion for serving lead him to run for the student body president.
A passionate advocate for student engagement, Surya’s leadership is driven by his VOICE initiative—Vision, One USF, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Empowerment—which aims to create a unified campus culture that empowers students to thrive.
An international student hailing from Vijayawada, India, over 10,000 miles away, Surya is a Computer Science major with a keen interest in Generative AI. His passion for leadership is deeply rooted in his upbringing, largely inspired by his father, Ramakrishna, who has spent over three and a half decades in various leadership roles, shaping the lives of countless individuals. Observing his father’s dedication to service and leadership, Surya developed a desire to make a difference, learning the importance of resilience, empathy, and responsibility. His mother, Padma, also played a crucial role in nurturing his aspirations, constantly motivating him to pursue excellence in both academics and leadership.
In his term as Student Body President, Surya is committed to integrating his technical expertise in computer science into student governance, with the goal of enhancing the overall campus experience. He envisions leveraging Generative AI and other emerging technologies to streamline processes, improve student services, and foster innovation across campus. His dream extends beyond his current role—Surya aspires to continue using technology and governance to drive positive change, not only in academic settings but also on a global scale, where he hopes to contribute to advancements that benefit society at large.
Term Expires: 2025
Oscar Horton
Oscar J. Horton has a proven record of managing organizational change and improving business efficiencies, currently serving as president and CEO of Sun State International, a position he has held since January 2000. Sun State International is a full service commercial transportation organization with five locations in West Central Florida which offers commercial truck sales, an aftermarket facility providing the installation of truck bodies and all body related equipment, lift gates and trailer parts, and service. The company’s annual gross revenues exceed $150 million and since Mr. Horton’s presidency the company has increased its revenue over 467%, making it one of the larger minority-owned businesses in Tampa Bay. Mr. Horton graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1974 and began his career as a sales representative for International Truck & Engine’s Financial Corporation, rising through various positions throughout the organization. In his final role, Oscar served as vice president and general manager of International’s foundry business. After a 25 year career with International, Mr. Horton left for his current position with Sun State International. Mr. Horton serves on the board of directors for The Bank of Tampa and is Chairman of the Board for Academy Prep Center of Tampa, and has previously been on the board of the USF Foundation. Mr. Horton’s Board of Trustees assignments include the Academics and Campus Environment Committee, Collective Bargaining Team and the Audit & Compliance Committee.
Term Expires: 2028
Lauran Monbarren
Monbarren, of San Antonio, is Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Simpson Environmental Services and Simpson Farms. Previously, she was an administrator at Pasco-Hernando State College and a teacher with Pasco County Schools. Monbarren is a graduate of Leadership Pasco and a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Lacoochee. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in education leadership from Saint Leo University.
Term Expires: 2025
Shilen Patel
Shilen Patel is the chief executive officer and founder of HealthAxis, as well as a serial entrepreneur and investor who has spent his entire career leading companies in the Healthcare IT space. Prior to founding HealthAxis, Mr. Patel was a top executive and part owner of Visionary Healthware. Under his leadership, Visionary Healthware achieved 30x growth and received recognition as one of America’s 100 largest healthcare IT companies before being acquired by an international public company.
In 2017, Mr. Patel became a co-founder and Chairman of the TiE Tampa Bay Angel Fund, a $3 million fund established to financially support Florida startups, improve understanding and awareness of angel investing among Tampa Bay investors, and help startups fulfill their potential as value drivers and community assets. He chairs the Creative Entrepreneurship Lab, a non-profit initiative related to the Tampa Innovation Alliance which supports entrepreneurial activity in the USF area and at the uptown site. Additionally, He is a founding Director of Central Bank, a community bank which services Tampa, St Augustine, and Winter Park.
In 2013, Mr. Patel graduated from the EMBA-Global programme at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business and the London Business School with an MBA from both institutions. He received his undergraduate degree in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship at Babson College in 2002. Mr. Patel’s Board of Trustee assignments include member of the Audit and Compliance and Strategic Initiatives Committees. He lives in Tampa.
Term Expires: 2026
Fredrick Piccolo
Fredrick Piccolo has over forty-nine years’ experience in the aviation industry and has been President, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport since 1995. He began his career as a janitor at the Buffalo International Airport, and after earning a BS degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo, held several airport positions that include Building Superintendent, Property Manager, Assistant to Airport Manager, and Assistant Director of Operations. Locally, he worked in the Operations Department at Tampa International Airport and prior to his position at SRQ, he was the Assistant Airport Director at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.
Mr. Piccolo has served as President of the Florida Airports Council. He has achieved executive accreditation to the American Association of Airport Executives, the largest professional airport managers association in the world. Mr. Piccolo served as the 2007 Chairman of the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), an aviation organization that represents local, regional, state, and national governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States, Canada, and the Virgin Islands. From 2013 through 2015, he also served as Chairman on the Board of Directors of Airports Council International - World, which unites all the airports in the world into a single organization. With the departure of the ACI-World Past Chairman in January 2018, he has accepted that position at the request of the ACI World Board through 2021.
Mr. Piccolo is past Chair of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a past recipient of the Premier Volunteer Award, an honor given for his significant leadership commitment to the Chamber and community. In November 2018, he was honored with the Rick Fawley Economic Development Award of Distinction presented by the Bradenton EDC. He currently serves on the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Bradenton Economic Development Council Board of Directors. He was recently served as Chair of the United Way Suncoast Campaign ending in the spring of 2020.
Term Expires: 2026Melissa Seixas
Melissa Seixas was named state president Duke Energy Florida, serving approximately 1.8 million electric retail customers in central Florida on February 4, 2021. She is responsible for the financial performance of Duke Energy’s regulated utility in Florida and for managing state and local regulatory and government relations and community affairs as well as for advancing the company’s rate and regulatory initiatives. Previously she served as vice president of government and community relations for Duke Energy Florida where she directed the company’s efforts to strengthen relationships with municipal, community and civic organizations, as well as with business leaders throughout the company’s 35 county service area.
Ms. Seixas is a veteran of customer service and operations at Duke Energy. She joined Florida Power in 1986, starting in distribution engineering where she learned the operational side of the electric industry. This experience has served as a foundation for her 33-year career as she moved into roles with increasing responsibilities.
Ms. Seixas has a strong tradition of supporting her community. She has served as a board member for many non-profit and business organizations including Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Pinellas County Urban League. She is currently the Chairwoman of the Board for the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership. She recently served as an appointee to the Â鶹ĘÓƵ Consolidation Taskforce and served as co-chair for the USF St. Petersburg campus 50th anniversary in 2015-2016.
She also holds a bachelor’s degree in American history from Eckerd College and a master’s degree in American history from the Â鶹ĘÓƵ. Her executive training includes a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) certification from Johns Hopkins University, and programs with the Edison Electric Institute and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Ms. Seixas’ Board of Trustee assignments include member of the Academic and Campus Environment and Strategic Initiatives Committees. She also serves as the chair of the St. Petersburg campus advisory board. She lives in Seminole.
Term Expires: 2026
DAVID SIMMONS
Dr. David S. Simmons is a Professor of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering at the Â鶹ĘÓƵ. With 25 years of research experience, Dr. Simmons is a recognized leader in the field of polymers and advanced materials. His research group advances materials with high societal impact, including nanostructured materials for applications ranging from energy storage to chemical separations, composites for applications ranging from lightweight structural materials to tires, and biologically-inspired artificial materials with the potential to exceed the performance properties realized by nature itself. With funding from government, private industry, and private foundation sources, the Simmons research group combines computer simulations, artificial intelligence, and laboratory experiments to understand and design materials from the atom up. His team integrates workforce development with research, engaging students ranging from high school to post-graduate levels in advancing scientific understanding and technological innovation. Dr. Simmons’ work has been published in journal including Nature, Nature Physics, and The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and has been recognized by awards including the NSF CAREER Award, American Chemical Society Rubber Division Sparks-Thomas Award, Â鶹ĘÓƵ Outstanding Achievement Award, and by funding by the Keck Foundation.
Dr. Simmons received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, before spending several years as a National Research Council Postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. He joined USF in 2018 after spending 6 years as a professor in the College of Polymer Engineering at the University of Akron. Earlier in his career, Dr. Simmons spent time at several biomedical industry startups, including in biomedical materials and device design. Dr. Simmons is President of the USF Faculty Senate, and he has previously served as vice-chair of the USF Research Council and as a member of the USF Academic Planning and Budget Council and Library Council.
Term Expires: 2026
