The Cultural Council Board is made up of a diverse group of community leaders who understand and champion the value and importance of MORE ART and MORE CULTURE throughout our Greater Jacksonville area.
Ari Jolly, Chair Assistant General Counsel for GuideWell Mutual Holding Corp.
Ari Jolly is a Senior Assistant General Counsel at Florida Blue and provides corporate development as well as board governance support related to the various Florida Blue subsidiary and joint venture companies. Prior to joining Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida in 1993, Jolly was an officer in the United States Navy from 1983 - 1990 and the recipient of a Navy Achievement Medal (1987). Jolly is a member of the Florida Bar and the Jacksonville Bar Association, served as the Chairman of the Board of the Greater Jacksonville Area USO, serves on the Fleet Landing Board and previously served as the Chairman of the Veterans Network at Florida Blue, where she spoke on the topics of women veterans and the multicultural US Armed Forces. In addition, Jolly is the corporate secretary to the Boards of Florida Health Care Plan, Inc., Navigy Holdings, Inc., GuideWell-Sanitas, LLC, Florida Blue Medicine, Inc., GuideWell Core Solutions, Inc., and GuideWell, Inc. and has supported several Florida Blue conferences on the topic of board governance best practices. Jolly graduated from Jacksonville University and the Florida State University College of Law. She is also an honors graduate from the Naval Legal Justice School, Newport, Rhode Island. In addition to serving on the board of the Cultural Council, Ari was also appointed by the governor to serve as the Chair of the Board at JTA.
Lisa V. Johnson, Vice Chair Chief Technology Officer with IBM
A seasoned global sales executive with 30 years of subject matter expertise and significant board expertise, Lisa is someone who strives to excel at executing multi-year large-scale transformation efforts across diverse industries and markets. A strategic visionary at heart, her focus is on simplicity, standardization, and automation, while driving out meritocracy and bureaucracy. Lisa is currently Chief Technology Officer for IBM’s Financial Services market and has responsibility for driving the organization’s IT strategy and building a high-performing team to ensure increased efficiency and operational success across the global market through industry solutions and digital transformation. A trusted advisor to IBM’s C-Suite clients for over three decades, she’s seen as an innovator, a considered consultant, and laser-focused on business results. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion and strives to support other women executives in technology, mentoring young professionals and guiding colleagues at various points in their career journeys. She is a graduate of the Northeast Florida Leadership Program, Leadership Jacksonville, and served on the Mayor’s Advisory Board, the Board of Trustee for the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Junior Achievement Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors for Jacksonville Community Council Inc., and was honored as a Women of Influence by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Currently, she is also the Vice-Chair of The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and previously the Treasurer. She is the Board Chair of the Nonprofit Center of NE Florida. She has a B.S. from Grambling State University in Computer Information Systems and mathematics, with a minor in accounting. And, she has a Master in International Business from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
David Faliszek, Secretary Senior vice president/national contracts and lender strategy counsel for Fidelity National Financial
David Faliszek is in his third year on the CSGP Committee and also serves as a Board member for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. He oversees National Contracts and Lender Strategy Counsel at Fidelity National Financial. David enjoys visiting arts organizations throughout Jacksonville and seeing the new and exciting things that artists are doing. He even took a beginner’s glassblowing class at Jacksonville University in the spring of 2020. David attended the University of Notre Dame for his undergraduate degree and the University of Southern California for his Doctor of Law.
Karen Feagins VP, Client & Community Relations Director PNC Bank
Karen Feagins is Vice President, Client and Community Relations Director for PNC Bank’s North Florida market. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing PNC’s strategic brand alignment and philanthropic initiatives. Before joining PNC in March of 2018, Karen served as the chief operating officer of WJCT Public Media. She began her career a a television news reporter and joined WJCT in 2005 as the host of 89.9 FM’s Morning Edition. Over 13 years with the company, she served in a variety of roles in radio, television, and executive management. Karen is active in the community, serving as a board member for the Early Learning Coalition of Duval, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, and WJCT Public Media. She is a 2016 alumna of Leadership Jacksonville and was named one of the 2019 “Women of Influence” by the Jacksonville Business Journal. She holds a degree in broadcast journalism from The University of Missouri and has two daughters.
Chris Lazzara Founder of MountainStar Capital
Christopher M. Lazzara is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of MountainStar Capital, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Mr. Lazzara is skilled in finance, operations, and management. He leads the firm’s investment committee, directs investment strategy, and oversees all major initiatives for MountainStar Capital and its affiliated companies. Although its holdings include diversified positions in financial markets, the firm’s focus is in active and passive direct investment, real estate, health and joint venture opportunities. The firm’s flexible decision making process, team culture and due diligence processes are the central components of its success. Mr. Lazzara is also the Co-founder of the Georgia School of Orthodontics, the nation’s largest Orthodontic Residency Program. The Program has gained national acclaim for its advanced facilities, quality care and service to both the military and underserved communities. He serves as the Chair of Finance on the Executive Committee of GSO’s Board of Trustees and leverages MountainStar’s Health Division to oversee administration of the Program. Prior to founding MountainStar Capital in 2013, Mr. Lazzara served as Senior Managing Partner of Ponte Vedra Management Group (PVMG), an asset management group with diverse real estate, securities, and corporate holdings. Mr. Lazzara is an active member of the community serving on the executive committees of several boards. He is on the Board of Trustee’s Executive Committee for the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation as well as the University of North Florida’s Student Affairs Community Council. Mr. Lazzara also directs all operations of the Lazzara Family Foundation, which has provided grants to worthy organizations since 1997. Mr. Lazzara co-chaired the 2016 Cowford Ball benefitting the American Cancer Society, which raised more $650,000 for the fight against cancer. In 2017, Mr. Lazzara was honored with the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville Robert Arleigh White Award for Art Advocacy. He currently serves as board member for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. He was recognized as one of the six individuals who demonstrated the highest dedication to arts and culture in the Jacksonville community. Mr. Lazzara is also a member of YPO Jacksonville, the premiere leadership organization of chief executives around the world. Additionally, Mr. Lazzara was named as a “40 Under 40” honoree by the Jacksonville Business Journal. The Jacksonville Business Journal ranks top young professionals in North Florida annually. Mr. Lazzara is a graduate of the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University where he received the Presidential Award for Service. He has numerous certificates from the Wharton’s School’s Center for Executive Education and is a graduate of the Political Leadership Institute of Jacksonville.
Katherine Hardwick Vice President of Marketing and Research, Downtown Vision
Katherine Hardwick is the vice president of marketing and research for Downtown Vision (DVI), Downtown Jacksonville's Business Improvement District. With 17 years of experience, she oversees marketing and research efforts to promote Downtown as Jacksonville’s unique and authentic epicenter for business, history, culture, education and entertainment. Prior to joining Downtown Vision, she worked for Burdette Ketchum advertising agency managing accounts in real estate, healthcare, legal, education and nonprofit. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of North Florida and graduated with top honors. In addition to serving on the board of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, she serves on committees for JASMYN, Leadership Jacksonville and ULI North Florida. She is a member of the International Downtown Association and TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Bowl’d Ladies. Katherine was named a Jacksonville Business Journal’s Woman of Influence in 2022. She enjoys traveling, visiting our National Parks and is near her goal of joining the 50 States Club. Leadership:
Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2020
ULI North Florida Center for Leadership, Class of 2019
International Downtown Association Emerging Leaders Fellowship, Class of 2018
, Dr. Jennifer Brown Executive Director/CEO, KIPP Jacksonville Schools
Jennifer D. Brown, Ed.D., received her Doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University, and was awarded her B.A. and Masters in English by Winthrop University. She is currently Executive Director/CEO for KIPP Jacksonville Schools. Brown relocated to Jacksonville in 2015. She serves on the District Board of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and as Board Member and Secretary for the Northeast Florida Women Veterans Association. For the prior six years, she led innovative education programs with school systems in Charlotte and New York City. Brown is an Army veteran who served as a Public Affairs Broadcast Non-Commissioned Officer for eight years. As Section Leader overseeing a bureau of four, she was part of the team that established an Armed Forces Network radio station in Baghdad, Iraq, 2003-2004.
Ashley Folladori Vice President of Public Affairs, JAX Chamber
Ashley Folladori is the Vice President of Public Affairs at JAX Chamber. She has a history of working in the civic & social organization industry and holds a B.S. focused in International Affairs from Florida State University.
Laura Schepis Chief External Affairs Officer, JEA
Laura Marshall Schepis is JEA’s Chief External Affairs Officer. She leads teams responsible for government relations, media relations, communications and environmental services. For over two decades, Ms. Schepis has focused on improving outcomes for energy utilities and the customers and communities they serve. In leadership positions at the American Public Power Association, the Edison Electric Institute, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, she directed advocacy, political, and communications campaigns on issues including energy efficiency, renewable resources, national security, telecommunications and climate change. Ms. Schepis received her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Georgia and practiced civil and criminal law in Georgia before beginning her government relations career in 2000. She is a long-time board member and general counsel for the National Energy Resources Organization and a participant in Leadership Jacksonville’s Class of 2023. Ms. Schepis and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida.
Michael Freed Attorney- Shareholder, Gunster
Mike is a trial lawyer with a wealth of experience in the courtroom and arbitrations, administrative proceedings and other forms of dispute resolution. As an attorney, board certified in business litigation, his practice spans a wide range of substantive legal disciplines and specialized industries including corporate governance, education, health care, hospitality, labor and employment, construction, logistics, transportation and receiverships. Mike serves as counsel for a variety of companies, with regular involvement in personnel matters, labor relations, contract negotiations, insurance, risk analysis and strategic planning. He has appeared on national and local television and radio programs including The Today Show, 20/20, Good Morning America and National Public Radio. Mike is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education presentations on various substantive legal topics and professional ethics. He also has been published, both inside and outside of the legal community, regarding a variety of subjects. Mike actively engages at the local, state and national levels with significant causes and organizations. Among other causes, he is active in speaking out in support of legal aid for the indigent, and collaboration within the non-profit community. He is the founder of FreedToRun, a marathon series that raises money to endow a program that provides legal services to indigent pediatric patients, and otherwise raises money for legal aid.
Timothy Snyder Dean, Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Jacksonville University
Timothy Snyder is Dean of the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities at Jacksonville University. Prior to coming to Jacksonville in 2010, Dr. Snyder held teaching and conducting positions at Connecticut College, Metropolitan State College of Denver, University of Colorado and Yale University. He formerly served as Director of Choral Activities and Chair of the Division of Music at JU, and was twice honored with the Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching. Choruses under his direction have toured throughout the United States, to the People's Republic of China and on eight European concert tours. A passionate advocate for arts education and believer in the power of the arts to transform communities for the better, he serves on the Boards of Directors of Jacksonville’s Cathedral Arts Project and the Jacksonville Symphony. Under his leadership as Artistic Director of the Boulder Chorale in Colorado from 2001-2010, the organization grew from a single community chorus to become one of the leading choral arts umbrella non-profits in the region, serving over 200 singers in multiple graded ensembles for children and adults. He established the Yale/New Haven High Schools Choral Festival in 2003, was instrumental in the founding of the Boulder Children’s Chorale in 2009 and was honored with the Boulder County Pacesetter Award in recognition of significant contributions to the arts in the community. Dr. Snyder’s research on choral literature and performance practice has been presented to national and regional gatherings of the American Choral Directors Association, Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, Boulder Bach Festival, College Music Society and published in the Choral Journal. Active as a guest conductor, clinician and composer of choral music, his works are published by Hinshaw Music, Shawnee Press, Lawson-Gould and Santa Barbara Music. He holds degrees from Colorado State University (B.Mus.Ed.), Yale University (M.M.) and the University of Colorado (D.M.A.).
Jimmy Peluso Jacksonville Councilman for District 7, City Council Liaison to the Cultural Council
Peluso graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and History. Upon completing two sea tours, he was selected to teach Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) students at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). While teaching, he graduated with a Master’s degree in Public Administration from UPenn. After resigning from active service, Peluso moved back to Jacksonville, FL and began working in governmental affairs with the St. Johns River Water Management District. In 2020, he was placed on active duty service and deployed to the United Arab Emirates to work as a Liaison Officer for Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). Peluso now works at VyStar Credit Union as the Government Affairs Manager, and currently serves in the US Navy Reserves, holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Peluso has served on the Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida’s Board of Directors, the Changing Homelessness Continuum of Care, and on the Memorial Park Association Board of Directors. He has also been a member of the Veterans Council of Duval County. He has received three Navy Achievement Medals and two Navy Commendation Medals, in addition to a Meritorious Service Medal for work at the State of Florida Emergency Operations Center during Hurricane Matthew. Through his Council assignments, Peluso also serves as Chair on the Jacksonville Waterways Commission and as a member on Downtown Investment Authority and James Weldon Johnson Park.