Executive Team

Warren Grymes Chief Executive Officer

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.

Steve Gilbert Chief Operating Officer

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.

Sara Huke Alford is the Vice President of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, joining the organization in September of 2007. During her time with the agency, Sara has been instrumental in creating and implementing quality measures and standards across multiple agency departments which have resulted in increased performance in measured metrics, including match support, longevity, and quality.

Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, Sara was an Art Therapy/Child Life Intern at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City, while she worked to earn her Masters Degree in Art Therapy from New York University. Sara is an alumnus of Jacksonville University and remains connected with the University as a member of the Friends of the Jacksonville University Library, an organization which seeks to enhance the Library while perpetuating a love for reading.

Sara currently lives in Atlantic Beach with her husband and daughter.

Julie Solomon VP of Finance

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.

Nicola Barnack Manager of Special Events

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 holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications 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 son Hayden.