Meet our 2019
Brooke Chamberlain
Saddle Creek Logistic Services
Brooke Chamberlain is the Project Manager for Transportation and Corporate Systems for Saddle Creek Logistics Services. She joined Saddle Creek in 2014 and has been a part of numerous roles in the Information Systems Department.
She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of South Florida and has a finance and procurement background. She completed the Lakeland Economic Development Council Summer Leadership program in 2015.
Brooke was born and raised in Lakeland where she currently resides with her husband (Brett), 10-month-old son (Harrison), and yellow Labrador (Oliver). She has a zest for life, loves her community and enjoys any opportunity to give back!
Justin Haney
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Justin Haney is a Customer Service Team Leader at Publix store #1103 in Auburndale, Florida. He has been at store #1103 since September of 2018 and has been with Publix for 3 years. Justin plans to build a career as a Publix associate.
In 2018 he was the United Way coordinator of the year after a successful store-level campaign.
Justin is dedicated to being a responsible citizen in his community, is extremely passionate about the well-being of others and wants to make a lasting impact in the lives around him.
Makenna Hansel
Sponsored by Watson Clinic, LLP
Makenna Hansel recently graduated from Polk State Collegiate High School, where she served her community as the Volunteerism Officer in the Student United Way Club.
Makenna had the privilege of volunteering for United Way partners like VISTE, Talbot House Mnistries and others throughout Polk County.
Growing up, Makenna realized her passion for service and is excited about serving her community through her work at United Way of Central Florida. She plans on completing her associate degree before transferring to the University of Central Florida to continue her education.
Andy Oguntola
Polk State College
Andy Oguntola, Director of the Polk State College JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales, moved to Lake Wales nearly 20 years ago when he enrolled at Webber University.
The Kissimmee native earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration at Webber and holds a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University. He joined Polk State College in 2016 after serving as Director of Admissions and Registration at Valencia College.
With the Polk State College JD Alexander Center’s location in the heart of downtown Lake Wales, Oguntola said he is driven to maintain the “right pulse” at the campus, fostering strong community ties that are beneficial to both students and residents.
Tirani Rye
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Tirani Rye is a Customer Service Team Leader at Grove Park Publix in Lakeland, Florida. She is responsible for providing premier customer service but also assumes administrative roles that includes processing payroll, record keeping, new associate processing and she also mentors associates to aid with their success in their role within the Customer Service Department.
Tirani found her passion in helping others and continues to live her dream as she campaigns for United Way of Central Florida in all avenues of Publix Super Markets.
She is dedicated to empowering her audience with the information of how United Way of Central Florida truly works to improve lives and strengthen the community from within.
Gabe Smoak
Sponsored by United Way of Central Florida, Highlands County Division
Gabe Smoak is a hard-working college student with a passion for Highlands County. Currently enrolled in South Florida State College, he has plans to finish his associate’s degree and then transfer to the University of Florida to study Food and Resource Economics.
He is a leader in his community, having completed the Youth Leadership Highlands Program and has served as a member of the Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers group. Gabe enjoys working for his family’s business, Smoak Groves, and is excited to return to Highlands County after college as an active member of the community.
His experience in the non-profit sector is heavily influenced by his involvement in the Mason G. Smoak Foundation, an organization which honors his father.
