Board of Directors
Adele Higgins. After attending Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey and the Parsons School of Design, New York City, discovered that her passion was real estate sales and marketing. After founding and then selling her real estate company in Freehold, New Jersey, she was hired by Metedeconk National Golf Club, Jackson, New Jersey, as Marketing and Public Relations Manager, a position she held for over 9 years. Adele joined Ibis Golf & Country Club, a Kitson & Partners community, in 1997 as Director of Marketing, and was responsible for all advertising including TV, print, billboards, product brochures, and was editor of Ibis’ signature magazine – Moments. In 2000, the Sales and Marketing Council of the Gold Coast Builders Association named her Marketing Director of the Year and Ibis as Community of the Year.
Alan Wertepny, P.E.,Past President & Chairman. Mr. Wertepny has been with Mock Roos Engineers since 1981. Mr. Wertepny, now Vice President, has worked on numerous water resource engineering projects in Palm Beach County managing quality control for engineering services associated with water resources. Since 1991, he has been coordinating the municipal stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System for 40 governmental entities in Palm Beach County. Mr. Wertepny earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master's in Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois.
Dr. Nick Aumen, Vice President, Environmental Affairs. Dr. Aumen is an aquatic ecologist for the National Park Service and examines potential restoration impacts in the Everglades ecosystem.
Sharon Merchant, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ms. Merchant is a fifth generation Floridian, born in West Palm Beach. Educated in Florida, Ms. Merchant holds a BS in International Affairs from Florida State University. A retired member of the Florida House of Representatives, Ms. Merchant remains active politically and civically. In addition to the GWP Board of Directors, Ms. Merchant serves on the boards of both Pine Jog and the Association for Retarded Citizens and is a member of the Women's Chamber of Commerce.
Mimi Stein, Treasurer. Ms. Stein is the owner and president of Mimi Stein, P.A. Ms. Stein has provided accounting services to businesses and organizations in Palm Beach County for the last 20 years. Ms. Stein is a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Beta Gamma Sigma and is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University.
John Belden, Secretary. Mr. Belden descends from a family-owned business that dates back to 1904, one of the five oldest businesses in Palm Beach. Mr. Belden is chairman of the Operations Committee of SunFest and will be directing the Marathon of the Palm Beaches in December. Mr. Belden is a graduate of the University of Florida, Palm Beach High School, and a West Palm Beach native.
Bob Nichols, Executive Director. Bob Nichols is a 33-year veteran broadcaster, auctioneer, commercial talent, nationally-known motivational speaker and successful fundraiser. During Bob's three decades in broadcasting, he's been an investigative reporter, law enforcement reporter, political reporter and editor, business reporter, a weatherman, news anchor, news director, assignment editor, and an award-winning host and producer of children's programs. Bob serves on the board of directors for 15 local, state and national charities, including the American Heart Association, the South Florida Fair, and the PBC Film and Television Commission. Bob's many awards include three-time winner of the Anchorman of the year from the American Women in Radio and Television, the Unsung Hero Award 2000 from the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and the "Stroke Survivor of the Year" from the American Heart Association. Bob and his wife Annette and son "little Bobby" live in Palm Beach Gardens. For more information on Bob Nichols, please visit his website at www.bobnicholsmm.com.
George Elmore. Mr. Elmore is Founder and Chairman of Hardrives, Inc. Mr. Elmore is also a director of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Morikami Museum, The Center for Information and Crisis Services, Palm Beach Community College Foundation, the United Way, and the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Elmore is a member of the American Road Builders Association and past president of the Florida East Coast Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America.
Sydney W. Kitson. Mr. Kitson is the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner of Kitson & Partners, LLC, a real estate company specializing in the management and development of master-planned communities, golf courses, commercial, resort properties and entertainment facilities. Mr. Kitson is a graduate of Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Mr. Kitson had a notable career in the National Football League playing offensive guard for both the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. Mr. Kitson is a member of the NFL Alumni Association and the National Football League Players Association.
Al Malefatto, Esq. Mr. Malefatto is an environmental and land use attorney with Greenberg Traurig in West Palm Beach. Mr. Malefatto's areas of expertise are environmental law, land use and zoning law and administrative and governmental law. Mr. Malefatto has served as a member of the Executive Council, Environmental and Land Use Law Section of the Florida Bar and as Section Chair. Mr. Malefatto was a gubernatorial appointee to the Board of Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and is currently on the Steering Committee for the Academy of Environmental Science and Technology at Forest Hill Hill School.
Dean Morehouse. Mr. Morehouse is the owner and CEO of MTM Builder/Developer, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Morehouse has been active in the building and development of business for over 25 years. Mr. Morehouse is a member of the Board of Directors of the Inova Hospital Foundation, past president of the Center for Family Services, past president of the Alexandria Chapter of the American Heart Association and also served as Mayor of Washington, Virginia.
Richard Reikenis. (photo and bio coming soon)
Ji-Ang Song. Mr. Song has 25 years experience in hydrology, hydraulics and water resources engineering and is currently with CDM. Mr. Song's expertise lies in the stormwater management system planning, design and permitting. Mr. Song has a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Water Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin.
Enrique A. Tomeu. Mr. Tomeu is currently president of Palm Beach Aggregates, Inc. Mr. Tomeu is a graduate of Cardinal Newman High School and the University of Florida. His experience includes CEO and owner of Siboney Contracting Co., CEO and owner of American Remedial Technologies, Inc., CEO and owner of American Asphalt, Inc.
Allen Trefry. Allen recently retired as the Environmental Director of the Resources Protection Division of the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management.
Special Directors:
Mayor Lois J. Frankel, City of West Palm Beach
Honorary Board Members:
- Dennis Grady
- Larry Landry
- Honorable Lesly Smith
- Charles C. Walsey
- Meg Gale
- Charles J. Muoio