With a global network of more than 386,000 alumni, the 国产短视频's professional impact spans continents and industries. Each year the prestigious USF Fast 56 Awards shines a spotlight on the fastest growing businesses led or owned by alumni.
The awards celebrate Bulls鈥 entrepreneurial success and create a platform to share insights with the next generation of leaders. This year, 23 of the 75 Bull leaders were College of Arts and Sciences alumni. From chemistry to communication, alumni from a wide range of disciplines were represented at this year鈥檚 ceremony.
The 2024 CAS alumni recipients are:
Amanda Koenn, AKA Integrated Marketing
Mass Communications, 鈥08
Amanda Koenn is the proud founder of , a full-service advertising agency offering cost-effective, high-quality creative and marketing strategies by taking a fresh approach to the traditional advertising agency model. AKA Integrated Marketing is based in Tampa.
Ali Carr, ATX Promos
Communication, 鈥07
Ali Carr is the CEO and founder of , a promotional product studio based out of Austin, Texas. ATX Promos boasts enhancing brand visibility with 鈥渋nnovative, on-trend promotional products and exceptional service.鈥
Kimberly Engler, ComplianceQuest
Professional Technical Writing, 鈥98
Kimberly Engler is the VP of Quality Assurance and Knowledge Management at , which helps businesses become fully connected with a next-generation AI-powered product life cycle, quality and safety management platform built on Salesforce. Its connected suite of solutions helps businesses of all sizes increase product, quality and safety.
Heather Bryant, DCE Live, Inc.
Communication, 鈥07
Heather Bryant is the sales director of , a 鈥渢echnologically advanced production powerhouse鈥 offering AV solutions, event
experience design, video production and event management services. The company鈥檚 specialty
is crafting immersive experiences for in-person and virtual events. DCE Live is based
in Tampa.
Helena 鈥淏ee鈥 Everett, Everett Financial Group, LLC
Mass Communications, 鈥80
Helena Everett is the president of Everett Financial Group, a family-owned GreatFlorida
insurance agency founded in 2014 and located in Madeira Beach. It provides insurance
solutions to local businesses and families throughout Florida.
William S. Foley, PA, and Alexandra Graham
Foley Family Law
Communication 鈥02
William S. Foley is the founder and president of , a law firm focusing solely on divorce, paternity, and custody litigation in the Tampa Bay Area. Alexandra Graham is the director of client services.
Foley Family Law is dedicated to guiding individuals through the complexities of divorce
鈥渨ith competence and compassion.鈥 Founded in 2009, the firm focuses solely on divorce,
paternity and custody litigation and serves clients in Hillsborough, Pinellas and
Pasco counties.
Richard 鈥淩ich鈥 Castellano, MD, ImageLift
Biology, 鈥94
Richard Castellano is the founder and CEO of ImageLift, the largest local anesthesia
facelift practice in the Southeast U.S., delivering advanced surgical and non-surgical
facial rejuvenation. Dr. Castellano founded ImageLift in 2012 and is considered one
of the top experts in his field.
Shantell McLean, Intex Builders, LLC
Mass Communications, 鈥03
Shantell McLean is a managing member of Intex Builders, a contracting and roofing
firm specializing in multi-family construction. Founded in 2009, the company is based
in Land O鈥橪akes, Florida.
Ferdian Jap, Majestic Restaurant Group
Biomedical Sciences, 鈥06
Ferdian Jap is the managing partner at Majestic, the company behind popular local
restaurants such as Zukku Sushi, Astro Craft Ice Cream, Ling鈥檚 Dumplings and more.
They pride themselves on 鈥渄eveloping a collection of diverse dining concepts, offering
a wide range of culinary experiences.鈥
Bob McKay, McKay Advertising + Activation
Business and Professional Communication, 鈥87
Bob McKay is the CEO of , an advertising agency acclaimed for 鈥済rowing national franchises and multi-location
brands鈥 and Tampa Bay鈥檚 first digital media agency. With the reputation as 鈥渇ranchise
whisperers,鈥 they elevate revenue with 鈥渕eticulously trackable results.鈥 McKay Advertising
+ Activation was founded in 2005 and is based in Tampa.
Dr. Edward Leonard, Matrix Hormones & Traumatic Brain Diagnostics
Biology, 鈥02
Dr. Edward Leonard is the CEO of Traumatic Brain Diagnostics, a treatment center offering
neurological diagnostics and treatment for concussions and other brain injuries. The
center focuses on underdiagnosed headaches and dizziness, especially for car accident
victims. Traumatic Brain Diagnostics has four brain labs in the Tampa Bay area.
He鈥檚 also the CEO of Matrix Hormones, which offers personalized, affordable wellness
telemedicine solutions, including injectable weight loss, peptides and natural hormones.
Its VIP service ensures exceptional care based on patients鈥 lab results.
Eric McCarthy, My Organic Turf
Psychology, 鈥13
Eric McCarthy is the co-owner of , a company renowned for its sustainable practices that promise 鈥渁 better looking
lawn that鈥檚 safer for your family, pets and the planet.鈥 Founded in 2013 and based
in Tampa, My Organic Turf has become an industry leader in sustainable lawn care services.
David C. Delancy, One Day Came Inc.
Sociology, 鈥98
David C. Delancy is the owner and CEO of , a commercial general contractor and construction manager specializing in new building
construction and renovations using CMAR (construction manager at risk) and design-bid-build
methods. Founded in 2004 and based in Tampa, One Day Came鈥檚 mission is to forge valuable
partnerships and provide leadership that fosters successful business ventures, thriving
residential communities, prosperous commercial properties and enriching work environments.鈥
Shari Clemente, Pioneer Innovation
Biochemistry, 鈥11
Shari Clemente is the founder and CEO of , a premier cosmetic formulation lab and manufacturing company based in Tampa. Considered
a leader in the industry, Pioneer Innovation specializes in fractional product development,
formulation services, creative services in photography and stop motion, and comprehensive
manufacturing services.
Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, Priority Marketing
Mass Communications, 鈥93
Holly Boldrin is the senior director of public relations at Priority Marketing, one of Florida's largest full-service agencies. Renowned for its award-winning marketing, public relations, advertising and digital services, the agency helps businesses achieve their goals while contributing to the region鈥檚 economic growth. Having worked with thousands of brands, Priority Marketing takes pride in playing a key role in the ongoing transformation of their community. Founded in 1993, the agency is based in Fort Myers.
Cynthia W. Grizzle, Pritchett Steinbeck Group Inc.
Environmental Science and Policy, 鈥04
Cynthia W. Grizzle is president of the environmental consulting firm . The company is composed of a multi-disciplinary team whose mission is to foster
innovative ideas while building trust with their clients.
Alexia Morrison, Reach St. Pete
Environmental Science and Policy, 鈥04
Alexia Morrison is the founder and executive director of , a nonprofit dedicated to providing essential resources to those experiencing financial
hardships, inequities, homelessness, and other at-risk situations to give those individuals
a better life. They鈥檝e established a pop-up food pantry, grocery delivery services,
a literacy program for at-risk youths, and more for their local community.
Ron Pierce, RSA Consulting LLC
Master of Public Administration (MPA), 鈥10
Ron Pierce is the president and CEO of the , a full-service consulting firm specializing in all areas of government and legislative
affairs, community affairs, strategic planning, and media and public relations in
Florida. Based in Tampa, with an additional office in Tallahassee, they represent
a diverse set of businesses, organizations, associations, and nonprofits across Florida.
Samual Barrington and Kedine Johns, Sky Limit Crane & Rigging
Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 鈥12
Psychology, 鈥05
Samual Barrington is the president of , a family-owned mobile crane rental service for construction companies. Based in Orlando, it was founded in West Africa. With more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, they have provided crane rentals to contractors worldwide.
Kedine Johns is the company鈥檚 controller.
Nicole Stokes-Zolkos, Stokes Financial Group-Northwestern Mutual
Psychology, 鈥03
Nicole Stokes-Zolkos is the owner, managing director, and wealth management advisor
of . Their renowned dedication to helping clients 鈥渓ive their best lives鈥 with personal
financing plans helps people achieve financial flexibility. Stokes-Zolkos has been
with Northwestern Mutual since 2011.
Michael Swor, MD, Swor Women鈥檚 Care
Chemistry, 鈥78
Dr. Michael Swor is the founder and managing partner of , an award-winning obstetrics and gynecological medical practice based in Sarasota and founded in 1998. Dr. Swor oversees three other physicians, five other practitioners, and 20 administrative and clinical staff. Swor Women鈥檚 Care offers the latest treatments, and the team focuses on a holistic, total wellness approach, emphasizing the importance of good nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.
Learn more about the and upcoming events, and see photos from this year鈥檚 .