The Health First Foundation Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining and enhancing the role of Health First as a not-for-profit healthcare system providing the highest quality care medical services to families and individuals across Brevard County. We are honored by these individuals and their advocacy for Health First.
Chairperson - Kaye Cantrell
Kaye Cantrell earned a degree in Business Administration from Murray State University and completed post-undergraduate work in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She taught fifth and sixth grades in the St. Charles School District in Missouri for seven years before moving to Melbourne in 1975. She was employed by Harris Corporation GCSD, (now L3Harris Technologies), for nineteen years as a financial analyst with increasing levels of challenges and responsibilities.
She is a charter member of the Guild of The Haven for Children, Inc. After leaving Harris she became more active and served two terms as President of the Haven Guild. She served on the Board of Directors of The Haven for ten years including terms as Vice President and Treasurer. During this time The Haven added a third house. She served on or lead committees for the annual Heavenly Affair fundraiser, the Downtown Melbourne 5k which benefited The Haven, and the annual Haven Challenge Golf Tournament.
Vice Chair - Kirk Kessel
Kirk Kessel is a Florida native and has been in the real estate business for over 43 years. Kirk is a member of the Space Coast Association of Realtors and holds three real estate designations; (CCIM) Certified Commercial Investment Manager, (GRI) Graduate of the Real Estate Institute, and (CRS) Certified Residential Specialist. Kirk is committed to giving back to our local communities.
Over the past 36 years, he and his team have participated on several boards and foundations to include, The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, Melbourne Area Association of Realtors Grievance Committee, Ad Astra Florida Tech, and the Board for the Maxx W. Kessel Foundation.
President - Michael Seeley
Michael Seeley joined the Health First Foundation as President in October 2016. He has more than 25 years of experience in building and strengthening comprehensive fund development strategies for both health systems and not-for-profit organizations. As Health First Foundation President, Michael serves as the Chief Development Officer of the Health First system and is responsible for the planning, implementation and coordination of all fundraising activities. His team is also responsible for Community Benefit programs and community partnerships working to support needs identified in the Community Health Needs Assessment. Additionally, he is the Designated Institutional Official for Graduate Medical Education Programs.
Michael previously served as the Vice President of Development for Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). While in this role, he was responsible for identifying and cultivating sources of philanthropic, investment and contract revenue. Michael also played a key role in developing and executing a $100 million university-wide capital campaign at FIT. In his former leadership roles at two large health systems, he worked closely with community physicians and a variety of health professionals. Michael led a team of fundraisers developing portfolios of individual, corporate and foundation prospects, cultivating major, planned and annual gifts. He serves on the boards of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Brevard Homeless Coalition and the Carol L. Sirot Foundation.
Secretary - Elaina Friesel Garvin
Elaina Friesel Garvin grew up in Brevard County and attended Brevard County public schools, then went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. Elaina is currently a Senior Vice President/Investments with Stifel. During her career, Elaina has also held roles at Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. and A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. She holds the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66, as well as life, health, and variable (including annuities) insurance licenses. She serves investors in Florida and 20 additional States.
Elaina is passionate about supporting the Compassionate Care Fund that helps eligible patients bridge the financial gap that can be a barrier to wellness and health. Elaina has served on the boards of Brevard Zoo and has been involved with other organizations, such as South Brevard Women’s Center and Junior Achievement of the Space Coast.
Treasurer - Barry Forbes
Barry Forbes is a banker with over 35 years of experience in commercial banking in Brevard County. Barry is with United Community Bank working to assist businesses and individuals throughout Brevard County. Barry's strengths include his ability to establish relationships with business owners built on trust and his delivery of expertise in the area of financial services. Barry also often serves as a connecting point between different clients to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise between different business owners.
Barry was born in Brevard County and is highly involved in the community. Barry served as Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees in 2024. He serves on several other community boards assisting with housing, education, and support of at-risk youth. He enjoys fishing, spending time with his family, and being a fan of UCF sports and a supporter of the university.
Assistant Secretary - Nicholas Romanello, Esq.
Nicholas Romanello is responsible for handling and coordinating all legal matters for Health First, including all litigation, transactions, contracting, corporate, and regulatory matters, as well as risk management.
Prior to joining Health First in 2016, Nicholas served as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel for the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. He has experience with a wide range of legal and operational issues concerning hospitals and healthcare systems.
Nicholas earned a Bachelor’s from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. Romanello also serves on the Florida Board of Medicine.
Rebecca Burgman
Rebecca Burgman most recently served as the senior manager of public relations and communications at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In this role she was responsible for managing and executing all communications strategies. She is a Space Coast “native,” born and raised in Titusville, FL and a graduate of Titusville High School. She earned a Bachelor's in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors of weVENTURE, and volunteers with various organizations throughout the community. She is the recipient of Lead Brevard's 4 Under 40 award, the Junior League's Spirit of the League award, the ABWA' s Making a Difference award and the Kolcum Communications Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee.
Rochelle Cooper
Rochelle (“Shelly”) L. Cooper is Corporate Director and Division Counsel at Northrop Grumman. Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, Shelly was Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at IAP Worldwide Services, Inc., and previously she served as Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at United Space Alliance where she worked on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. Prior to USA, she worked at United Technologies Corporation. Shelly is a graduate of Emory University School of Law and received a Bachelor’s with Distinction in Rhetoric and Communications Studies from the University of Virginia.
Shelly is a long-time resident of Brevard County and is actively involved in the community. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Brevard Zoo; Florida Space Research Institute; Brevard Community College Foundation, (now Eastern Florida State College), and Association of Corporate Counsel’s (“ACC”) Central Florida Chapter.
In her free time, Shelly enjoys spending time with family and friends, kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife/nature photography (above and underwater!).
Terry Forde - President & CEO
Terry Forde joined Health First as President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2024 after serving in the same capacity at Adventist Health Care in Maryland for a decade. His career is marked by an empathetic leadership style and a steadfast dedication to patient-centered, high-quality healthcare.
Terry has served in a range of leadership roles for nearly 25 years with healthcare organizations in Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado. From 2007 to 2011, he was the CEO for Parker Adventist Hospital in Parker, Colo., and from 2003 to 2007, he was Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver. He became President and CEO at Adventist Health Care in Maryland in 2014 after serving as its COO since 2011.
Throughout his career, Terry has served on numerous boards in economic development and education, in addition to other non-profits.
Among his accolades, Terry earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for leadership after spearheading a hospital relocation, achieving major operational improvements, and creating a clinically integrated network to better provide population health services while with Adventist in Maryland.
He earned his Bachelor’s in business administration from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and a Master’s in business administration from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas.
Jane Carey Gleason
Jane (“Carey”) Gleason is a fifth-generation native of Brevard. She received her Bachelor’s from Duke University and MBA from Florida Tech. During her successful professional career, she has held senior positions in political campaigns, real estate development and various non-profit organizations. Selected highlights of her leadership roles on boards and committees include Florida Tech Board of Trustees, Leadership Florida, Eau Gallie Yacht Club Board of Governors, Junior Achievement of East Central Florida, Scott Center for Autism Advisory Board, Florida Tech Women’s Business Center/WeVenture, LEAD Brevard, Economic Development of Florida’s Space Coast, Suntree Country Club and Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Carey has been a long-time member of Health First Foundation’s Good Samaritan Society, Chairman of 1992 Holmes Regional/Health First Foundation Annual Benefit Ball, served on subsequent underwriting and ball event committees, Grape Escape founder and committee member.
Christina Goins
Christina (“Tina”) Goins was born in Munich, Germany and moved to Brevard County in 1989 after earning her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland. She is active in the community, she also enjoys kayaking, reading, and fostering animals.
Tina served as Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees in 2023.
Robyn Hattaway
Robyn Hattaway is an attorney with Lacey Rezanka, Rockledge, where she focuses on Business and Transactional Law. Ms. Hattaway is a former Commissioner at the Canaveral Port Authority, elected in November 2018. During her tenure, Ms. Hattaway founded a Junior Port Ambassador Program to provide area youth with job opportunity education and workforce development. Ms. Hattaway also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for LEAD Brevard and Family Promise of Brevard.
Ms. Hattaway received her Bachelor's in Government and Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and her Juris Doctorate from Emory University School of Law.
Ioanna Hawkins
Ioanna Hawkins has been a proud resident of Brevard County since 1998 and is deeply committed to serving her community. As a veteran Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty, she brings over 25 years of experience in real estate, helping families find their perfect homes while also dedicating her time to numerous local organizations. Ioanna serves on the Development Board of Family Promise of Brevard and has volunteered on the leadership council of the local Devereux chapter, which serves children and adults living with physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Ioanna was also a past co-chair of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce Women of Excellence Committee (WE) and co-president of Women’s Center of Brevard South Guild. Ioanna was a member of weVENTURE at its initial conception. Ioanna was the secretary and development director for the GAAB ( Greek American Association of Brevard) and alongside her husband, Mike, she is actively involved in Saint Katherines Greek Orthodox Church where she served as a cultural director for over a decade.
With a special interest in pediatric care, Ioanna and her husband Mike are passionate about supporting initiatives that benefit children and families. She is inspired by her daughter, who is an OB/GYN in Jacksonville.
Sandra Henry
Sandra Henry has been a resident of Brevard County since 1960. Her first volunteer position was with Holmes Regional Hospital as a candy striper while attending Eau Gallie High School. After 32 years, she retired from Harris Corporation, (now L3Harris Technologies) as a Contracts Manager for Government Programs.
Currently she is an individual contributor for Family Promise of Brevard and is Vice President/Secretary for the Henry Family Foundation. She previously served on the Board of Directors for The Women's Center, The Women's Center Guild, and South Brevard Sharing Center.
Stephen Lacey
Stephen Lacey is a managing member at Lacey Rezanka, Attorneys at Law, with a focus on the areas of Wealth Preservation, Tax and Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, and Elder Law. Actively involved in his community, Stephen has been a member of the Health First Foundation Annual Benefit Ball Underwriting Committee since 2012, serving as Chairman in 2013. Stephen served as Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees from 2020 through 2022. He has served as a Board Member of the Children's Hunger Project, the Brevard Zoo, the Trinity Towers Foundation, and the 18th Circuit Grievance Committee of the Florida Bar. He is a member of several professional associations including the Indian River County and Brevard County Bar Associations, the Florida Bar, the American Bar Association, and Lawyers with Purpose.
Stephen earned his Bachelor’s from the University of Virginia, his Juris Doctor from Mercer University, and his Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida.
Polly Molnar
Polly Molnar is a former marketing and development director of the Brevard Arts Council, (now the Brevard Cultural Alliance) and is a past board member of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, the Brevard Art Museum, and the King Center for the Performing Arts. Polly is a longtime member of the United Way Tocqueville Society. She has served on the Health First Annual Hospital Ball committee for several years and was a committee member and supporter of the Health First Grape Escape. She and her husband, Tom, live in Cocoa Beach.
Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno has served as an active volunteer in the community since moving to the area in 1988. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of the Space Coast and has been involved with several organizations and boards throughout the years. Friends of Sally’s House, (Circles of Care) Council of 100, the Foosaner Art Museum’s fundraising arm, FIT Evening of Elegance to support Autism awareness, The Brevard Symphony Orchestra, and The Women’s Center. Rita’s board involvement includes The King Center for the Arts, and Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, Rita has donated time to chair the Health First Foundation Ball and the Grape Escape to benefit Health First Heart & Vascular Services. Her efforts also helped to develop The Health First Center for Family Caregivers (formerly Leeza’s Place).
Rita can also be found acting, performing, and supporting the arts at Brevard County Community Theatre’s. She has been involved with The Cocoa Village Playhouse since 1998, and assisted with raising funds for their Capital Campaign, Melbourne Civic Theatre, & The Henegar Center for the Arts.
Angela Neal
Angela Neal leverages her experience in successfully developing programs across the U.S. and overseas by connecting the community, understanding the unique needs of constituents, and leveraging marketing and technology with her work at Combined Arms, a SaaS company that connects the military community to vetted nonprofit resources through technology and as a project management consultant via Project Solvers. She served as the project manager for the first of its kind unified brand for Brevard County, Florida’s Space Coast: Tomorrow Launches Here.
Angela, her husband, and children happily welcomed the Space Coast as their home for a second time following military orders in Okinawa, Japan.
John Cole Oliver
John (“Cole”) Oliver is an attorney at Rossway Swan Tierney Barry & Oliver, bringing legal expertise and community leadership to Brevard County. Passionate about public service, Cole has served as a director on numerous boards, including the Brevard Zoo, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, and Cypress Bank & Trust. He has been twice appointed as a Governing Board Member of the St. Johns River Water Management District and has also played a key role through his service on the Brevard County Charter Review Commission, and as Chairman of the Port Canaveral Charter Review Commission.
Cole earned his Bachelor's degree from Washington & Lee University and a Master’s from Louisiana State University before obtaining his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Florida Law Review. Beginning his career as a judicial law clerk, Cole has remained an active member of The Florida Bar since 2007, using his legal expertise to serve both his clients and the broader community.
David Pelzman
David Pelzman is a long-term resident of Brevard County. He moved here with his family in 1978 after completing a culinary apprenticeship in Baden-Baden West Germany. He was recruited into Hospitality Management by Marriott Corporation, traveling and opening many resort properties in the US and abroad.
David made a seamless transition into Country Club Management and served as COO and General Manager of several nationally well-known and high-profile country clubs both with the TPC Network of the PGA Tour and privately held member owned clubs, overseeing and managing several celebrity tournaments.
He was the longest serving President of Temple Beth Sholom, Brevard County's largest Conservative Synagogue. He has been honored to also serve as the Florida Regional President of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs where he was awarded the Keeper of the Flame award as Man of the Year. David has also been President of his community's HOA board and been involved as a member on several other boards.
He has a passion for Health First as a result of having received a lifesaving diagnosis from a Cardiac MRI, which was made possible by donations to the Health First Foundation.
Robert Perers
Robert (“Rob”) Perers is the President of Operations at American Business Interiors, where he brings a wealth of experience and dedication to both his professional and personal commitments. A proud Indialantic resident, Rob has demonstrated a strong commitment to his community through leadership roles in numerous organizations. He has served on boards for United Way, Brevard Cultural Alliance, the Boys and Girls Club, and Hospice of Health First, and has chaired the underwriting committee for the Health First Foundation Ball. Additionally, Rob is actively involved in CEO Nexus and the ABC Association of Builders and Contractors.
Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Rob is deeply committed to his family and faith. He and his amazing wife, Bridget, have had the privilege of raising five incredible children together. Rob is also dedicated to St. Sebastian’s Episcopal Church in Melbourne Beach, where he has served as Senior Warden for 4 years and Treasurer for 2 years. A graduate of Flagler College, Rob enjoys an active lifestyle that includes surfing, golfing, and exercising.
Dr. Brendan Prendergast
Dr. Brendan Prendergast is a Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist and serves as the Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Health First Cancer Institute. With a deep commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Prendergast brings expertise and compassion to the fight against cancer. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Medicine, Dr. Prendergast also holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Notre Dame.
His dedication to advancing oncology care extends beyond clinical practice, having served on the board of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO). Dr. Prendergast has served in medical staff leadership positions at Viera Hospital since 2018 as a member of the Medical Executive Committee (MEC) and served as Medical Staff President from 2022-2023.
Through leadership, research, and advocacy, Dr. Prendergast is committed to enhancing radiation oncology treatments and improving patient outcomes.
Barry Richardson
Barry Richardson is a Brevard County native and is the founder of River Tree Builders. His business has been twice named the Home Builders & Contractors Association of Brevard’s Remodeler of the Year. Barry has served as past president of Suntree Country Club. He earned his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Rollins College.
Monica Shah
Monica Shah is Vice President and Treasurer of Southeast Petro Distributors, Inc. A seasoned philanthropist with an international foundation, and strong local foothold, the Brevard County native, nurtured her passion for volunteerism as a teenager doing work with disabled children.
Fast forward to present day, the doting mother remains dedicated to appropriating invaluable time to children-centric Boards in and around the community. Presently, Monica sits on the Junior Achievement Board and is active in Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy fundraising events, with past posts held at Bridges, Crosswinds and Children’s Home Society.
A 2003 alumna of Georgia Institute of Technology, Monica secured her Business Management degree with a concentration on pre-law and persists in developing opportunities to lend her exceptional care for civic growth and provide guidance and outreach with likeminded charitable groups.
A 2017 graduate of Leadership Brevard, education stays close to her heart. Thus, Ms. Shah also serves with organizations attentive to fostering essential skills in young professionals, namely Junior Achievement and CareerSource Brevard.
Monica enjoys cheering on the Yellow Jackets and Atlanta Falcons, spending time with her daughter and traveling.
Autumn Shrum
Autumn Shrum was born and raised in Satellite Beach, FL. She currently serves as Communications and Engagement Manager for Leidos, where she oversees all internal and external communications for Military and Family Life Counseling, a Department of Defense program that provides counseling services to military service members and their families across the globe. Prior to joining Leidos, she served as Executive and Internal Communications Lead at L3Harris Technologies, and previously as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts.
Autumn is a member of the Space Coast Florida Public Relations Association and served as chapter president in 2020-2021. She holds a Bachelor's in Advertising and Public Relations and a Master's in English from the University of Central Florida. She is also accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America.
Nancy Taylor
Nancy Taylor has been instrumental in the charitable efforts for Health First since recovering in the care of Health First doctors and nurses from an auto accident where she was hit by a drunk driver in 1995. A dedicated volunteer and donor, Nancy helped to raise funds to bring a trauma center and the First Flight air ambulance to Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center.
Nancy has served as past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Health First Foundation. Active in Brevard County real estate sales for over 40 years, Nancy lives in the Lake Washington neighborhood of Melbourne.
William Troner
William (“Bill”) A. Troner is a patent licensing attorney at Andre-Troner LC. He received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with High Honors in 1980 and Juris Doctor (JD) with Honors in 1984, both from the University of Florida.
Along with his wife, Lisa, he is a member of the Health First Foundation’s Good Samaritan Society and supports a wide range of Brevard County organizations. Bill served as Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees in 2016. The Troners have one son and live in Indialantic.
Kim Vice
Kim Vice and her family have called Brevard County home for 16 years, during which she has been an active and dedicated community leader. With a deep passion for giving back, Kim has served on numerous boards, including Habitat for Humanity, The Brevard Zoo, The King Center for the Performing Arts, the Women’s Center, and Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. She believes in the power of community support and is committed to helping others through her volunteerism and leadership.
With an extensive background in development, fundraising, and community involvement, Kim has played a vital role in developing local organizations.
Barbara Wall-Scanlon
Barbara is a Miami native, moving to the Brevard County coast more than 30 years ago. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University and Rollins College, she co-owned Prudential Sterling Properties for 34 years. She also worked as a real estate appraiser and a teacher for 10 years. Barbara is currently a Broker Associate at Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty. She has served on Florida Association of Realtors Board, Space Coast Association of Realtors Board, Wachovia Bank Board, Junior League of the Space Coast and others.
Barbara is active and involved with many community organizations and currently serves on the Brevard Zoo Board. Barbara's late husband, Major General Charles "Chuck" Scanlon, also served on the Foundation Board. Barbara enjoys family, her dogs and traveling.