Volunteer Leadership

Bay Area Legal Services’ Volunteer Leadership include our Board of Directors and Development Council. The Board provides financial and program oversight while serving as our ambassadors in the community. The Council members are influential leaders with a demonstrated committed to the firm. The Council assists with fundraising efforts to secure the financial future of Bay Area Legal.

Board of Directors

Board members serve as ambassadors, educating the community and building relationships that support our mission. Fiduciary duties include financial and program oversight, and broad policy-making. The Board is composed of 21 members selected and appointed by a variety of organizations and agencies.

Federal regulations require that the Board consist of at least 60% attorneys, and 30% eligible client members. Additional regulations require that attorney appointments be made by bar associations representing a majority of the attorneys practicing in the communities where Bay Area Legal provides services.

Join our Board and guide Bay Area Legal in a fiduciary role while serving as our ambassador in the community. Board members include attorneys and representatives from client-based organizations.

2025 Officers

• Chairperson: Jeffrey E. Cox
• Chairperson-Elect: James D. Thaler, Jr.
• Treasurer: Craig E. Rothburd
• Secretary: Alex M. Sarsfield

Board Members

• Michael A. Bedke
• Rebecca C. Bell
• Caroleen B. Brej
• Cynthia Davis-Gryce
• Bruce H. Denson
• Christine L. Derr
• Vivian Cortes Hodz
• Valorie Hoppenworth
• Yolanda V. Lee
• Evan M. Malloy
• Paul Martinez
• Giesi Oller
• Andrew M. O'Malley, Chairman Emeritus
• Yohance A. Pettis
• Eladio Ramirez
• J. Coy Stull
• Barbara Williams

The organizations that appoint Board members are:

Attorneys

• Hillsborough County Bar Association
• Sarasota County Bar Association
• St. Petersburg Bar Association
• West Pasco County Bar Association
• Bay Area Legal Services Board of Directors

Clients

• Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA)
• Mentors for Hillsborough County Veterans
• Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter
• Senior Connections
• Sunrise of Pasco County
• The Spring of Tampa Bay
• Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind

Development Council

The Council’s mission is to assist in securing the financial future of Bay Area Legal with strategic fundraising efforts. The Council consists of members, including community leaders from diverse fields. Participation by these community leaders enhances the image and awareness of Bay Area Legal.

Become a member of our Council and you can join other community leaders who develop, promote, and support Bay Area Legal’s fundraising efforts.

• Karen E. Cole, Chairperson
• Sharon Conklin Perez
• Alexis M. Cotten
• R. Thomas Elligett, Jr.
• John F. Kynes
• Jordan D. Maglich
• Lisa Montero
• Kyle W. Robisch
• Craig E. Rothburd
• Jacqueline A. Simms-Petredis
• Edward M. Waller, Jr.

If you are interested in learning more about the Council, please contact the Development Team at Development@bals.org.

Community Engagement Partners

• Thomas F Icard, Jr.
• Charles F. Ketchey, Jr.
• Gwynne A. Young