Board of Directors

The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation has operated with a volunteer Board of Directors since 2004. The Foundation has a professional services contract for administrative support and uses the services of independent contractors when needed. The Foundation has hundreds of members and many active volunteers who share their time and talent in helping promote Foundation activities.

Foundation Mission Statement

“Raise and distribute funds that support and enhance the recreational, educational, social and health related programs and services of The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center.”

President
Larry Kennedy

Larry moved to Gulfport five years ago from Redington Shores. He recently retired from a 40-year career as a healthcare executive with hospital and consulting experience, specializing in advanced supply chain innovations. He has worked with hospitals and healthcare organizations to decrease operating expenses, increase operating efficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Specific areas of expertise include:
• Strategic Planning
• Supply Chain
• Expense Reduction
• ERP Selection, Implementation and Optimization
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Accounts Payable

Larry received his M.S. in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He believes support for our senior residents is extremely important in keeping them physically and mentally healthy, and in maintaining a good quality of life. That the Senior Center provides very valuable activities and support systems. He is looking forward to being a part of continuing these important services to our seniors.

Vice President
Jennifer Terrana
Jennifer Terrana grew up in St. Petersburg, attending Pinellas County schools and graduating from the University of South Florida and Stetson University College of Law.  As an Elder Law Attorney, Jennifer has dedicated her practice to providing clients with legal advice and services in the areas of Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Probate, Asset Protection Planning and Guardianships.  Attorney Terrana is currently serving as the President of the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation and is a member of the Florida Bar Association, St. Petersburg Bar Association and the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Jennifer enjoys volunteering with the Community Law Program in their monthly Probate Clinic as well as serving on the Silver Santas Committee with Better Living for Seniors in Pinellas County.  Jennifer has been married to her husband, Don, for 27 years. Their son Jerry is 21 and like Mom and Dad, a graduate of University of South Florida. (Go Bulls!) When time permits, she and her husband enjoy traveling and spending time with their large extended family.

Secretary
Gail Gravell
Gail was born in Canada and moved to the US in 1968. She joined the US Army in 1969 and served 24 years in logistics. Upon retiring, Gail worked for Saddlebrook Resort for 16 years in shipping and receiving. After that she spent four years at Home Depot before retiring. Gail has lived in Gulfport for 6 years and loves the small-town feel.

Treasurer
Joanne Banno

Joanne was born in New York and in 1974 moved to Arizona where she raised her three children. She worked for the Arizona State Foundation as an Executive Assistant to the Director of Human Resources as well as the Vice President of the Foundation and moved on 5 years later to work as an Associate Assistant to a Professor of Embedded Systems, working with Budgets and Grants. In 2011 she went to work for Banner Health Systems as a Financial Councilor. She moved to Gulfport in 2019 to be near her daughters and grandchildren. She has always loved Gulfport and the feeling of warmth and love from the community.

“I am looking forward to supporting our Senior Center Foundation as a member of the Board and working towards our mission to support the many programs which attract and supply services to the senior community of Gulfport.”

Directors

Aimée Kosta

After visiting Gulfport on vacation from the suburbs of Philadelphia in October of 2020, Aimée knew that Gulfport was a very special place. She loved the small town feel and the overwhelming sense of community she felt, even as a newcomer. She bought a house in January of 2021 making Gulfport her forever home. Once she was a Gulfportian, it didn’t take long before she immersed herself in the community both socially and professionally as a small business owner of a shop on Gulfport Blvd and as the Event Coordinator for the Gulfport Merchants Chamber. Aimée brings with her an extensive background in the hospitality industry, event planning, small business ownership and retail experience, as well as a Masters degree in Counseling. Aside from her passion for working with people, Aimée also strives to protect the environment through upcycling and repurposing, thrifting and rescuing vintage from ending up in landfills.

Beverly Newcomb

Beverly was born and lived in Massachusetts before moving to Gulfport in 2006.  A graduate of Vermont College, Beverly was married and raised four children.  She worked as a medical secretary and served as a Deaconess in her church. Active in her community, Beverly was Area Chairman for Camp Fire Girls, and was elected to two terms on the Auburn School Committee.

On moving to Gulfport in 2006, she joined the Boca Ciega Yacht Club and served as co-treasurer. She was among the founders of Gulfport Neighbors and is currently a Director of the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation.

Norma Nixon

Norma is delighted to call Gulfport home.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii and wandering the world as an Army brat followed by 25 years as an Army officer, Norma has lived longer in Gulfport than any other location

Norma graduated from Emporia State University in Emporia, KS with a BS in Physical Education and emphasis in Coaching. Later, while teaching college ROTC, she completed her MS in Physical Education and Sports Management from Western Illinois University. She also completed a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the US Army War College, Carlisle, PA.

After retiring from the Army and serving as a defense contractor for Northup Grumman in St. Louis and Eagle Systems and Services in Fort McCoy, WI, Norma served for seven years as the Chief Operating Officer for InformedDNA, the nation’s leading applied genomics company, based in St. Petersburg.

Norma is extremely proud of her daughter, Serenity, who attends Emory & Henry College and shines as a caring and productive citizen of the world.

Jacob Torres

Jacob Torres was born in Mexico City and moved to the States with his mother, Elia, when he was eight years old. He is married to Lesly, his high school sweetheart, and has two beautiful daughters, Natalie and Haley. Jacob is the business owner of Best Advice Medicaid Planning and specializes in nursing home Medicaid for long-term care. His goal for 2024 is to help 100 clients qualify for nursing home Medicaid for long-term care and protect their financial legacy from the Medicaid spenddown. When the nursing home bills are not very nice, call Jacob Torres for the best advice. Another major goal for 2024 is to give back to his community, which has given him so much. As a business owner for over a decade, he had to develop his communication, focus, teamwork, and time management skills to solve significant client issues successfully.

Cindy Zontek

A resident of Gulfport since 2015, Cindy has a degree in Theological Studies from Seton Hill University.

A successful business professional throughout her career, she has led teams in buying and management. In retirement, she cofounded Unity of Gulfport, the group -The Collective of Miraculous Beings, and is developing the Awakening Institute, a school for spiritual living and consciousness.

As a board member, she is developing the Performing Arts Series at the Catherine Hickman Theater, dedicated to bringing a variety of Art and Entertainment to the Gulfport community.

Office Manager – Amy Oatley