SECRETARY - CHRISTINE DAMM

Christine Damm is currently an Account Manager at GRUCom, providing internet, data transport, colocation leasing, tower leasing and backhaul networking solutions for businesses within locations in Alachua County.  She moved to the Gainesville area in 2007, worked a few years at UF in hospital administration, then accepted a position with GRUCom in 2011.  Prior to her time at UF, she worked many jobs including as a fitness instructor teaching hi-low and step aerobics classes.  She ran her first marathon in 2003 and enjoys walking, running and working out.  She is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, with a BS from George Washington University and a MBA from Norwich University.

MEMBER SERVICES - RYNNI HENDERSON & APRIL GREEN

Rynni has almost 30 years in print and digital media publishing and advertising. Owner/Publisher of the Gainesville City Lifestyle Magazine and former regional Publisher for the Gainesville, Ocala, and Leesburg newspapers. Have held similar positions in New Mexico, Oregon, Louisiana and Florida. Native New Orleanian and husband is 5th generation Floridian. We share our home with dogs, a cat, and chickens.  Daughter and two granddaughters live in Winter Garden. Left Florida in 1999 from Key West - and moved back in 2019. 

April is a seasoned banking professional with two decades of experience in retail and small business lending. Known for her exceptional financial acumen, client-centric approach, and dedication to helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. April's broad industry knowledge and guidance have made her a trusted partner in navigating the intricacies of banking and lending. She continues to drive financial growth for clients while fostering lasting relationships within the industry. She is a passionate community advocate and leader with a heart for giving back. With active roles in volunteering initiatives, she has made a significant impact in Gainesville and beyond. As a graduate of Leadership Gainesville and the Dale Carnegie programs, April’s skills in communication, team building, and personal development have propelled her to take on leadership roles within the community. She is a proud double Gator that leverages her experiences to inspire and mentor others while fostering connections that drive positive change.

REGISTRAR - SARAH CHREST

Sarah is Operations Director for Fundamental Therapy Solutions. Additionally, she coaches competitive gymnastics at Sun Country in Gainesville. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree full time in Organizational Management and plans on going on to pursue her Master's Degree in Business Management. Sarah is also a mommy to 1 sweet little girl who is her world. When she is not working or doing school work, you can find her spending time with her family, on the water in her kayak, or with her nose in a book.

ADVISOR - JANE HARRIS

Jane has 17 years of experience in the banking and financial services industries, serving in a host of roles in both commercial and retail lending. She specializes in commercial loans and banking solutions, including commercial real estate, investment real estate, construction, SBA financing, C & I, lines of credit, and equipment financing. 

Jane is active in the Gainesville community, serving as an Ambassador for the Builders Association of North Central Florida, Advisory Board Member for the F.W. Buchholz Academies of Finance and Entrepreneurship, and an Auxiliary Board Member for Children’s Home Society. She is also a graduate of Leadership Gainesville Class 39 and has served on many other non-profit boards and committees in roles such as Chairperson, Co-Chair, and Treasurer. She has three children - two daughters, who attend school at FSU and Rasmussen Nursing School, and a son, who is establishing himself in the music industry. https://flcu.org

 

PROGRAMS - SAMANTHA REHTORIK

Sam is a Double Gator with a Bachelor’s in Political Science (’10) and a Juris Doctor (’17) from the University of Florida. She has over 16 years of experience spanning from government relations and policy work to executive level corporate management with a specialty in operational growth. Sam has always had a touch of healthcare and mental healthcare throughout her career but has officially been full-time in the behavioral healthcare industry for almost 4 years. By joining Meridian Behavioral Healthcare in March of 2023 as their Director of Partnerships & Engagement, it combines her love for non-profits and mental health advocacy. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Gainesville Area Women’s Network. Sam continues to establish and build strong relationships with an international reach.

SOCIAL MEDIA ADMINISTRATOR - MICHELLE DORMINEY

Michelle is a hairstylist for a living and an artist as a hobby. She mostly make needle felted replicas of pet dogs as a side job. She loves growing (and trading cuttings of) plants and flowers, and she will always have as many pets as she can keep. 

She also has work experience in management and training and is always open for chances to learn and grow. She is looking forward to new opportunities in the future with GAWN.

WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR - ELIZABETH MATTKE

After many years in procurement, Elizabeth is currently taking a gap year to explore new opportunities and complete personal goals. She is a Certified Public Procurement Officer who moved to Gainesville in 2014 while working for GRU, where she participated in the City's Emerging Leaders program and earned an MBA from the University of Liverpool. She loves travel (60+ countries to date) and pursuing a variety of artistic expressions. Always inspired by conversation at GAWN events, she is honored to serve on its Board. 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH - MICHELLE "SHELLEY" VICKERS

Shelley Vickers has over 20 years in the construction industry. She is enthusiastic and has a great deal of knowledge dealing with subcontractors, workflow, safety coordination and customer satisfaction. She serves as the Marketing Director and Executive Administrator at Scherer Construction. 

Shelley was born and raised in Alachua County and is extremely active in the Gainesville and Alachua communities.  She serves on the board of directors for the Builders Association (BANCF), Chair of the BANCF Ambassador Committee, Chair of the BANCF Horseshoe Tournament, serves on the Alachua Chamber Board, heads Alachua Chamber Membership committee, serves on the Junior Achievement Board of Directors, coordinates events for Rebuilding Together, is a volunteer volleyball coach at the Alachua Rec, is a member of the Gainesville Chamber, the Gator Quarterback Club, part of Leadership Gainesville Class of 49, and is part of the University of Florida and City of Gainesville Mentor Protégé Programs.  She has one daughter who plays volleyball and is interested in being a large animal veterinarian. When not working or volunteering her time, she enjoys time with her family, being on the water or watching the Florida Gators.

HISTORIAN - BONNIE LOSAK

Bonnie Losak is a lawyer and a writer. She earned her J.D. at UF and her master’s in fine arts in creative writing at F.I.U. Bonnie practiced law in Miami for over thirty years. Her writing has won awards and has been published in various literary journals as well as in the book, Flash! Writing the Very Short Story by John Dufresne. Bonnie moved to Gainesville from Miami Beach in 2021. She is available for consulting services, tutoring, and writing/editing projects.

AT LARGE DIRECTORS

ROBYN BREWINGTON

Robyn Brewington was born and raised in Alachua County and currently resides in nearby High Springs.  She works as a Client Relationship Specialist for James Moore.  She attended the University of Florida (Go Gators) and later went back to school and received a Master’s Degree from Webster University. She is newer to her current position as Client Relationship Specialist and is enjoying learning a lot about the tax and accounting world and getting to know her clients.  Before this position she spent over 16 years in the insurance industry.

She enjoys being part of GAWN because she loves being inspired by the many success stories she sees among the women who attend. During her career she has had opportunities to be part of leadership groups and earned a Master’s in Leadership and Management, but she says she always has more to learn from other successful women and that is why she loves GAWN.