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Warren Grymes
Chief Executive Officer
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Warren Grymes joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida (BBBSNEFL) in January 2004 as Chief Executive Officer. During his time with the organization, the agency has expanded into Baker, Clay, Flagler, Nassau and Putnam counties and growth in matches and revenues has doubled in the last 2 years. In 2007, BBBSNEFL was recognized as one of the top 30 performing agencies of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which has over 450 affiliate members.
Warren first began a 30 year career in the travel industry beginning with 13 years with Delta airlines, where he was in Reservations Management and Marketing and Sales. Warren then joined Avondale Travel Bureau as Executive Vice President. During his time with Avondale Travel, the company grew from 13 million to 48 million dollars in sales. He then became a partner in Akra Travel, as well as the Chef’s Market gourmet grocery store. He sold both businesses in 1998, however stayed on as Regional President with the new ownership of the travel agency, Navigant International.
Warren has served on over 20 non-profit boards in Jacksonville, including President of the JU University Council, UNF Osprey Board, Tree Hill, Arlington Little League and Arlington YMCA. He currently is on the board of directors for the Kinolta Gator Bowl and on the Marketing Committee for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is also an FCCJ adjunct professor.
Warren is a graduate of Bishop Kenny High School, where he lettered in football and soccer. He is also a graduate of Jacksonville University, where he received his BA in history. After earning his degree, he joined the United States Navy Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1977. He also holds a certificate in non profit management from Georgetown University. Warren has 2 sons, 4 stepdaughters and a grandson. He resides in Jacksonville with his wife Cheryl.
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Steve Gilbert
Chief Operating Officer
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Steve Gilbert is Chief Operating Officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, joining the organization in January of 2007. In the time Steve has been with Big Brothers Big Sisters, he has helped the program department open 1,354 new matches. In performance with new matches, Steve seeks to improve communication, employee training, recognize challenges and increase growth into outside counties.
Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, Steve was a college football coach for 27 years, 19 of which he was a head football coach. Steve most recently was head football coach for Jacksonville University for a period of 10 years. Steve is involved with the Jacksonville Quarterback club and also holds the position of Vice President of the Bishop Kenny Booster Club.
Steve was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and holds a B.S. Degree from West Chester University and an M.S. Degree from Indiana University. Steve lives in Jacksonville with his wife and two children.
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Randy Hopf
VP of Fund Development
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Randy Hopf is the Vice President of Fund Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, joining the organization in April, 2008.
Prior to his current position, Randy had a successful career in the financial services industry for 29 years. Randy moved to Jacksonville from Houston, Texas in 1980 as a result of a promotion to Division Manager for Frost-Arnett Company. At that time, he was the youngest person to hold that position with the company, which had been in business for 90 years. Randy opened Texag, Inc. in 1985. He owned and operated Texag, Inc. until 1999 at which time he began working in the mortgage industry until joining Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Randy graduated from Texas A & M in 1978 with a degree in Finance. He also lettered in football and baseball in high school. Randy has been married to his wife, Rica, for 31 years and they have 2 children that both graduated from the University of Florida.
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Joe Chimelewski
VP Volunteer Partnerships
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Joe Chimelewski joined Big Brothers Big Sisters as Vice President – Volunteer Partnerships in September 2007. Prior to joining the organization, he served as Director of Community Relations for Lutheran Services of Northeast Florida / Second Harvest Food Bank.
Chimelewski spent 25 years with BellSouth and AT&T as a Director of Sales in North Florida. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Council of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Life:ACTII United Way and Nova Southeastern University NE Florida & SE Georgia Alumni Association.
Chimelewski holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics / Business Administration from Saint Francis College, Loretto, Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Julie Solomon
Accounting Manager
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Julie Solomon is the Accounting Manager, a position she assumed in February of 2004. When Julie first began her career with Big Brothers Big Sisters, she managed a budget of $700,000 and now manages a budget of $1.5 million. Prior to joining the organization, Julie was employed by Akra Travel/Navigant International for 10 years.
Julie has been actively involved coaching youth cheerleading through Greater Jacksonville Pop Warner Football Conference for 7 years. She helped bring her daughter’s squad to nationals in fall of 2007, where they placed 3rd in the nation. Julie has also served as a committee member for the King Fish Tournament.
Julie is a native of Jacksonville and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and attended FCCJ. Julie resides in Jacksonville with her husband and two children.
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Nicola Barnack
Manager of Marketing and Special Events
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Nicola Barnack joined Big Brothers Big Sisters as Manager of Marketing and Special Events in September 2006. She has been instrumental in planning events that have brought in over $200,000 a year for the agency. Prior to joining the organization, she served as the Marketing and Membership Coordinator for The River Club of Jacksonville, owned by Gate Petroleum.
Nicola currently serves as the Community Service Chair for the Rotaract Club of Jacksonville and is an active member of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network.
Nicola holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Advertising from the University of North Florida. Nicola grew up in Wyandotte, Michigan where she spent over 8 years competing and coaching rowing for the Wyandotte Boat Club. She is happy to call Northeast Florida her home with her husband Josh and their dog Roxy.
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