• Rod Love
    Rod Love
    Florida Economic Consortium, Inc.
  • Dr.Randy Nelson
    Dr.Randy Nelson
    21st Century Research & Evaluations, Inc.
  • Bishop & Senior Pastor – Derrick L. Mcrae
    Bishop & Senior Pastor – Derrick L. Mcrae
    The Experience Christian Center
  • Kenneth and Grace Smith
    Kenneth and Grace Smith
    Grace Mar Services Inc,
  • Ms. Chiquita Wynn
    Ms. Chiquita Wynn
    Florida Economic Consortium Operations Manager
  • Dr. Vincent “Terre” Polite
    Dr. Vincent “Terre” Polite
    ATLV SOLUTIONS MARKETING & MEDIA RELATIONS
Rod Love
Florida Economic Consortium, Inc.
Rod Love

 

Rod Love, born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and grew up in Miami, is an esteemed public servant and entrepreneur. After earning his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and minor in business Management from Youngstown State University, Rod moved to Orlando to build his career in criminal justice, progressing from a probation officer to 2nd in command at the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League in the early 90’s. Rod’s notable contributions include serving as the Assistant Secretary and later the Deputy Secretary of the State Department of Juvenile Justice, managing a budget of $740 million and a team of over 5,000 personnel. He’s also known for founding a home healthcare agency and subsequently the non-profit Florida Economic Consortium and developing innovative community-based services accountability software. In 2018, Rod served as an Orange County Commissioner appointed by then Governor Rick Scott. He also hosts a weekly podcast talk show, called “Let’s Talk Nation,” Rod lives by his core value, “Familia First.”

Dr.Randy Nelson
21st Century Research & Evaluations, Inc.

Dr. Randy B. Nelson is an internationally recognized researcher and expert in community engagement and is President of 21st Century Research & Evaluations, Inc. He has a distinguished career in criminal justice education and public service, including his former role as Director of the Center for Law and Social Criminal Justice Administration Graduate Program at Bethune-Cookman University. Dr. Nelson’s academic journey is anchored by a B.A. in Sociology from Eckerd College, an M.A. in Criminology from the University of South Florida, and a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University.

Throughout his career, Dr. Nelson has been dedicated to developing and evaluating delinquency prevention methodologies that address the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. His work is especially renowned for its focus on reducing the disproportionate representation of minority youth in the juvenile justice system. He has a long history of collaboration with non-profit, faith-based, and community-based organizations, guiding them to achieve their programmatic and outcome goals through strategic planning and evaluation.

As an accomplished author and presenter, Dr. Nelson has made significant contributions to the field through numerous reports and publications. His expertise is recognized nationwide, particularly in community policing and engagement strategies, where he has trained law enforcement professionals across the country.

In addition to his research and community work, Dr. Nelson has served as an adjunct faculty member at Florida A&M University and Florida State University, where he was responsible for the instruction and evaluation of both undergraduate and graduate students in criminal justice. His professional experience also includes key roles within the Florida Departments of Corrections and Juvenile Justice, further establishing his reputation as a leader in the field.

Bishop & Senior Pastor – Derrick L. Mcrae
The Experience Christian Center

 

Bishop Derrick L. McRae, Senior Pastor of The Experience Christian Center in Orlando, Florida, first answered the call to ministry in 1997 and became licensed under the Church of God in Christ in 1998. He served as a youth pastor for two prominent ministries in Central Florida which afforded him the opportunity to serve, learn, lead, and grow ministry. This role served as a launchpad for not only his ministry, but his business and entrepreneurial endeavors. At the age of 35, Bishop McRae established and began his pastorate of The Experience Christian Center “where souls are saved, lives are changed, and God is given all the praise”. In 2009, he held his first service on Watch Night with more than 700 in attendance. The first official Sunday service featured only 22 members. Presently, The Experience Christian Center is the church home to over 1,600 members and continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. The Experience Christian Center is a key community-based organization (CBO) and a collaborative partner in the Florida Economic Consortium’s Fatherhood Initiative. Through this partnership, the Experience Christian Center plays a vital role in supporting and empowering fathers, working alongside the Consortium to provide case management support aimed at strengthening families and promoting positive fatherhood within the community.

Kenneth and Grace Smith
Grace Mar Services Inc,

Grace Mar Services Inc, started out as a nonprofit housing counseling organization, was founded by Kenneth and Grace Smith in 2009. Kenneth named the organization after his wife Grace and his mother Margaret. The agency received its first charitable donation from Regions Bank for $150 in 2010. Ten years later the agency received a $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Labor. Today Grace Mar is a combination of several companies including: a software company, a leadership and training division and a consulting firm. These companies continue to serve individuals, families, and communities in the areas of workforce development and economic growth and mobility. Our goal is to use the expertise that we have developed over the past years to build “Stronger, More Resilient Communities of Color”

Ms. Chiquita Wynn
Florida Economic Consortium Operations Manager

 

 

Chiquita Wynn graduated from Jamesville High School in Syracuse, New York, in 1985 and
went on to study Business Administration at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.
She began her career in management, supervising call center teams and focusing on quality
assurance, training, and performance improvement. Chiquita has extensive experience in
coaching employees, conducting training sessions, and leading new initiatives, such as starting
a Business Banking unit in Miami. She has also been responsible for updating training manuals,
managing escalated calls, and collaborating with other centers to enhance service quality.
With her strong background in leadership and customer service, Chiquita continues to her
highest potential in Management.

Dr. Vincent “Terre” Polite
ATLV SOLUTIONS MARKETING & MEDIA RELATIONS

 

 

 

 

Dr. Terre Polite, with a background in psychology and counseling, has built a career that seamlessly integrates an understanding of human behavior with strategic communication. Holding a B.A. in Psychology, an M.S. in Counseling Studies, and a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling, he has transitioned his expertise into the marketing and media relations field. Dr. Polite helps companies connect with their audiences on a deeper level by applying his insights into human motivation to craft compelling narratives, manage public perception, and enhance brand visibility.

Throughout his career, Dr. Polite has successfully worked with clients ranging from small businesses to large corporations, driving media campaigns and fostering positive relationships with the press. His approach is rooted in the belief that genuine connections between a company and its audience are key to success. By leveraging his unique blend of psychological expertise and communication skills, Dr. Polite empowers companies to build trust, resonate emotionally with their target markets, and ultimately, achieve sustained growth.