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This project began in
February, 2007: Kathy Weed and Wendy Philcox were riding
together to a birthday party in Jacksonville and wondering
why they had to travel so far out of town to a kid-friendly
destination. Both had recently visited the Children’s
Museum of the Lowcountry in Charleston, S.C., and remarked
on how much their kids loved it and what a great thing it
would be to have a similar institution in St. Johns County.
Hence, CMSJ was born!
By April, three more
committed professionals had joined Wendy and Kathy to form
the founding committee—Susan
Connor, a professional fundraiser on hiatus from her career
in university fundraising to raise her two small children;
Jenni Jackson, a preschool teacher working towards her masters
degree in early childhood development; and Kathy Marquis,
a retired teacher with more than 30 years of teaching experience
in every grade level and a masters degree in early childhood
development. Collectively, the group has a tremendous amount
of professional expertise to draw upon: in education, marketing,
public relations, publishing, fundraising, and business management,
and got the project off to a solid start.
In September of 2007, CMSJ held its first Board of Directors
meeting and continues to develop its board, a talented and
dedicated group of community leaders, who will help guide
the museum through its start-up phase and lay the foundations
for its future. The Board of Directors includes:
Susan Connor, President
Susan has 13 years of experience as a fundraiser for universities
across the country, including the University of Southern
California in Los Angeles, CA, the University of Richmond
in Richmond, VA, and Stetson University in DeLand, FL.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the
College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA and a master’s
degree of public administration from the University of
Southern California. Since moving to St. Augustine in December
2005, she has enjoyed being a full-time mom to her two
young children, Griffin and Bridget.
Ben Platt, CPA, Vice President
Ben graduated from Flagler College and joined Kenneth Kresge’s accounting practice in 1995. He was awarded an MBA by the University of Florida, was certified as a CPA, and became a partner of the firm, helping to make Kresge, Platt & Abare a leading accounting practice in St. Augustine. Ben continues to pursue new areas of education, believing that increasing his professional knowledge and insight allow him to continue to offer first-rate service to the firm’s customers. He uses his extensive background in finance and banking in conjunction with his continual education process to provide valued consultation to customers. He serves on numerous boards and is married to wife, Cleta. They have a son, Nick, and daughter, Mackenzie.
Sue Lucas, Treasurer
Sue Lucas has 25 years of experience in not-for-profit financial
management. She worked as finance director for the Cultural
Council of Jacksonville, Jacksonville's official Local
Arts Agency, for 14 years. In addition to serving as the
organization's chief financial manager, she was in charge
of administering the City of Jacksonville's program to
re-grant more than $3 million annually to eligible arts
organizations in the First Coast area and consulted with
applicant arts organizations. She recently worked as comptroller
for the Hammock Dunes Country Club and Marsh Creek Country
Club and currently is employed as finance manager for the
Women's Center of Jacksonville. A native Floridian and
longtime First Coast resident, she is married and lives
in St. Augustine.
Renee Sickels, Secretary
Renee is the branch manager for the Bank
of St. Augustine. Renee and her family moved to St. Augustine
from Colorado where she had been active with the Southern
Colorado Women’s Chamber and CASA. Renee is originally
from New Jersey where she attended Campbell University.
She likes reading, outdoor activities and spending time
with her husband and two daughters.
Jennifer Koppman, Immediate Past President
Jennifer is an attorney that moved to St. Augustine from
Baltimore in August 2007 with her husband, John, and their
two children, Ben and Charlie. She is a graduate of the
University of Arkansas and from Southern Methodist University
School of Law. Jennifer practiced law in New York for six
years before taking time off to stay home with her children.
•••••
Jennifer Jackson, Chair, Education Committee
ennifer has a bachelor’s of science degree in
nutrition with a minor in chemistry. She currently completed
a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. She is a
teacher at Presbyterian Day School and is certified to teach
preschool and elementary age children in the state of Florida.
She previously taught at the Bolles School. Jennifer has
two boys: Joshua, who is 7, and Luke, who is 22 months old.
Elena Laguardia, Liaison, Presidential Advisory
Council
Elena moved to St. Augustine in 2006 with her husband, Dan
Gassert, and their two young children. Prior to becoming
a Mom, she worked in marketing for a variety of organizations
including Frito Lay, American Express, and the Museum of
Modern Art (MoMA). Elena earned her undergraduate degree
from Duke University and her MBA from New York University's
School of Business. She is a member of the Junior Service
League, and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Heather Marks, Chair, Exhibits Committee; Co-Chair Education Committee
Heather graduated in 1992 with an Elementary Education degree from Troy State University in Troy, AL. Since then, she has been working in the field of education and administration for early childhood and elementary students. Heather has lived in St. Augustine since 2001 and is married to David and has a daughter, Kaylee in Pre-K. Heather has her own business called Second Home Services of St. Augustine, Inc., which provides full services to owners of vacation and second homes throughout the First Coast area.
Kathy Marquis
Kathy has more than 30 years experience in education including
teaching classes in preschool, elementary, middle,
and high school levels as well as special education. Her
most recent teaching experience was at the Florida School
for the Deaf and Blind where she taught a 5th grade blind
class. She has a bachelor’s degree from Florida
State University and a master’s degree in early childhood
education from the University of North Florida. Kathy has
one son who is now attending college and working in Colorado
Springs, CO.
Wendy White Philcox, Chair, Marketing Committee
Wendy is the owner of Publishing Partners, Inc., publisher
of The Restaurant Times and Galleria—local guides
to restaurants and galleries. Her background includes serving
as editor of a national monthly magazine for professional
chefs. In her roles working for the American Culinary Federation
and Jacksonville’s Cultural Council, her background
includes expertise in public relations, marketing, event
planning, publication development, and fundraising. She
is a Jacksonville native, a University of North Florida
graduate, and proud mother of a young son, Andrew.
Stephanie Vidan Styles
Stephanie has 15 years of experience as a marketing and public relations professional for both corporate and agency groups. In 2008, Stephanie and her husband David moved to St. Augustine with their two daughters Molly and Maggie to start their own business, High Tide Exterior Cleaning Solutions, Inc. She has expertise in developing and implementing marketing strategies, including print and electronic collateral, advertising, websites, public relations and promotional merchandise. In addition to leading the marketing efforts for High Tide, Stephanie volunteers at R.B. Hunt Elementary and is involved with St. Augustine Little League. She earned her undergraduate degree in communications from the University of Alabama.
Nancy Thompson, Chair, Fundraising Committee
Nancy was formerly the Director of Alumni & College Relations
at Flagler College, where she worked for 7 years beginning
in 1998. She graduated with degrees in Communication and
in English from Flagler, and has lived in St. Augustine since
1991. Nancy has been happily married to Brian for more than
10 years, and their daughter, Amelie, was born in December
2005. They reside in Lincolnville.
Cindy Wilson
Cindy is the owner of Cindy Wilson Design, an internationally
recognized graphic design studio located in St. Augustine.
She has been a graphic designer for over 30 years and has
lived in St. Augustine for 18 years. Cindy is a member
of the St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary Club. She enjoys sailing,
gardening, and spending time with her 5-year-old granddaughter.
Cindy and her husband have two grown children.
Kathy Carson Weed, Volunteer Coordinator
Kathy has more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing.
She was a major account executive in Miami, Fl for IKON Office
Solutions for 8 years. Prior to this, she worked at the Charleston
Post and Courier as an advertising account executive. She
is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University with a
bachelor’s degree in journalism. She is the children’s
committee chair for her neighborhood, a Sunday school teacher
at Memorial Presbyterian Church, and the mother of three
beautiful children: Jason, Grace, and Carson.
The Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) is comprised of
individuals with the knowledge, influence, and personal commitment
to help us make the Museum into a reality for both our community’s
residents and visitors. These community leaders have agreed
to play an integral role in helping the Museum to achieve
its over-arching goal: to become a bricks-and-mortar institution
in the next 3-5 years.
S. Katherine Batenhorst is
a speech-language pathologist who works at Brooks Rehabilitation
Center and with the St. Johns County School System. She started
her career at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind where
she spent 10 years. A native of St. Augustine, she devotes
her time to a wide range of community causes, including the
Rotary Club of St. Augustine, the Junior Service League (past
president), the St. Augustine Area Tri Delta Alumnae chapter
(president), and the Class of 2007 Leadership of St. Johns
(member). Additionally she has served as volunteer and advisory
board member to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, as
board member to the St. Augustine High/Ketterlinus High Alumni
Association, as board member to Kids Bridge, as member of
the Dianthus Garden Club, and fundraising/event planning
volunteer for both the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting Party
and The Arc of the St. Johns/Therapeutic Learning Center.
Judy Burnett, retired professor
from Florida Community College in Jacksonville, draws from
her 30-plus years of business and education teaching experience
in her support of the Children’s Museum. She
earned master’s degrees in business and education from
University of Southern Mississippi and the University of
North Florida. She has enjoyed working with the Florida
National Guard, both with the programs supporting families
as well as alongside her husband of 40 years, Doug Burnett,
the Adjutant General of Florida. Her interests include reading,
boating, walking the family dog, and, above all, being with
her family and grandchildren.
Christine M. Chapman, philanthropist
and student, has devoted herself to many organizations in
support of St. Augustine. She earned both her master’s
degree in educational leadership and bachelor’s degree
in special education K-12 from University of North Florida.
A longtime resident of St. Johns County, she worked for 20
years at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in both
the classroom and administration. Her community experience
includes work with the Junior Service League of St. Augustine
(past president), Kids Bridge (past president), the Kids
Bridge Board (current member), Community Hospice of Northeast
Florida (current advisory board member), and St. Augustine
Truck Safety Coalition (member). Her interests include fundraising
and law, as well as reading, decorating, re-design, renovation,
and snow skiing.
Betty B. Frederick currently
serves as the manager of the new Bookmobile-Extension Services
Department with the St. Johns County Public Library System.
Before joining the St. Johns County Public Library System,
she was a library consultant for the Florida Department of
State, State Library of Florida, for 21 years. Frederick
earned her master’s degree in library science and public
management certification from Florida State University and
bachelor’s degree in library science and English from
Florida A&M University, Tallahassee. She has served on
numerous service boards, including the American, Florida,
and Southeastern Library Associations; Florida Literacy Coalition;
Florida Department of Education Policy Academy Team; Florida
Adult and Community Education Literacy Advisory Board; and
the Florida Endowment for the Humanities Advisory Board.
Her husband, Art Frederick, serves as deputy director of
the Southeast U.S. National Park Service.
Donna Kelley currently works
as sales manager for Coastal Realty. She brings her 30 plus
years of experience in retail and marketing to the Board,
having owned a chain of retail stores for over 30 years and
served on the Disney Wedding Board for five years as she
helped launch their Destination Weddings wedding chapel.
She has been a resident of St. Johns County for ten years,
working in this area as a realtor. She is interested in concentrating
her expertise for the Children’s Museum in the areas
of marketing and fundraising.
Skeeter Key is the Director of Academic Advising and Retention at Flagler College. A resident of St. Johns County for nearly 40 years, he earned bachelor’s degrees in social science and education from Flagler, and his master’s degree in education administration from University of North Florida. Key’s extensive experience in education includes working as a principal at both the elementary and middle school levels in the local school district 1983-2006. He was a dean of the St. Johns County School District 1974-1981, and has been an adjunct instructor at Flagler College since 1984. He serves as a board member for various local organizations including the EPIC Advisory Board, Kiwanis Club of Historic St. Augustine, and the St. Johns First Tee.
John Reardon is an insurance agent with The Bailey Group. A resident
of St. Johns County for 20 years, he is a former city commissioner
for the City of St. Augustine and a former county commissioner
for St. Johns County. In addition to serving as PTO Treasurer
for Murray Middle School, he has helped spearhead projects
such as SWING Park in downtown St. Augustine, the Skate Park
at Treaty Park, the St. Johns County Amphitheatre, and Splash
Park in St. Augustine Beach. John studied business and psychology
at Middlesex Community College (Edison, NJ) and St. Johns
River Community College here in St. Augustine. He is a state-licensed
insurance agent in life, health, and variable annuities.
Howard C. Serkin is a principal
with Business Valuation, Inc. and Heritage Capital Group,
Inc., located in Jacksonville. In addition to his teaching
and lecturing experiences as the executive-in-residence and
a visiting professor at the University of North Florida’s
College of Business Administration, he lectures extensively
on a number of financial topics including corporate turnarounds,
mergers and acquisitions, business valuations, financial
restructurings, and bankruptcy. His board service is extensive;
highlights include the Board of Directors of the Museum of
Science and History (vice president), the Cultural Council
of Greater Jacksonville (president), University of North
Florida Foundation Board of Trustees (president), and, currently,
the Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art Board of Trustees.
He is a Florida native and resides in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Paul K. Williamsonis the
public affairs director for the City of St. Augustine. A
resident of St. Johns County for 35 years, he first came
to St. Augustine as a student attending Flagler College.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English, studied
creative writing at Florida State University, and returned
to Flagler College as a visiting instructor of English. For
more than 12 years, he served as director of event management
for the American Culinary Federation, and served two years
as director of tourism for the St. Johns County Chamber of
Commerce before joining the City of St. Augustine in 2000.
His interest in the continuing cultural development of the
St. Augustine community led him to become involved with the
Children’s Museum of St. Johns.
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