LEAD Brevard

We are so excited to announce our 2027 Rodney S. Ketcham Leadership Icon award winner! Congratulations Todd!

LEAD Brevard has announced that Viera Co. President, Todd Pokrywa, is the recipient of the 2027 Rodney S. Ketcham Leadership Icon Award. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by The Viera Co.

More than 4,000 species call one of North America’s most biologically diverse estuaries home, and so do we.

Stretching 156 miles along Florida’s east coast, the Indian River Lagoon is a defining part of the Space Coast landscape. Its waters and surrounding habitats support thousands of species of plants and animals, from manatees and sea turtles to hundreds of species of fish and birds.

And despite its name, it isn’t actually a river. The Indian River Lagoon is a vast estuary system where fresh and salt water meet, creating an ecosystem unlike almost anywhere else in North America.

It’s another reminder that some of what makes the Space Coast extraordinary isn’t something we had to create. It was already here, and it’s part of the landscape, lifestyle and identity of the place we call home.

Built by innovation. Grounded in community. Florida’s Space Coast: Tomorrow Launches Here®

On Florida’s Space Coast, startups have a home.

Our innovation landscape connects expertise with opportunities to turn ideas into products.

Pitch the Future, the capstone competition of the Space Coast Initiative, is one example of that support in action. On November 13, early-stage technology companies will take the stage at Groundswell Startups in Melbourne, connecting founders with investors, mentors, strategic partners and other leaders across the innovation ecosystem.

With priority given to companies rooted on the Space Coast, the competition creates a pathway for emerging businesses in space, defense, advanced manufacturing, and emerging industries to move forward.

Applications for Pitch the Future are open through October 23.

Built by innovation. Grounded in community. Florida’s Space Coast: Tomorrow Launches Here®.

🌟 MEET THE LEADERSHIP BREVARD CLASS OF 2027! 🌟

Meet Shannon Sviben, Assistant Director at Royal Palm Charter School

💙 Join us in welcoming Shannon Sviben to the Class of 2027! Drop a 👋 in the comments and tell us what Leadership Brevard class year you’re part of!

Read more about them below...

About Shannon Sviben:

My expectations for the Leadership Brevard Class of 2026 experience are to deepen my understanding of the many organizations, industries, and leaders that shape our community. I am excited for the opportunity to learn alongside individuals who are passionate about making a difference in Brevard County. I hope to gain new perspectives on community challenges, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and discover ways to better connect education, youth development, and mental health advocacy with broader community initiatives. Most importantly, I look forward to building meaningful relationships with fellow classmates and community leaders while continuing to grow as a leader committed to serving and strengthening the Brevard community.

🌟 MEET THE LEADERSHIP BREVARD CLASS OF 2027! 🌟

Meet Kevin Godek, Financial Supervisor at Project Response

💙 Join us in welcoming Kevin Godek to the Class of 2027! Drop a 👋 in the comments and tell us what Leadership Brevard class year you’re part of!
Read more about them below...

About Kevin Godek:

I am the current financial supervisor at Project Response. As we grow into an FQHC Look-alike I need the leadership skills to successfully fulfill my role as the CFO of our new designation. My team that I am supervising is growing from a couple of employees to a whole team that I must lead and train in order to bring our organization into a new future that will better serve our clients and our community.

🌟 MEET THE LEADERSHIP BREVARD CLASS OF 2027! 🌟

Meet Lindsey Head, Operations Manager at Brevard Health Alliance

💙 Join us in welcoming Lindsey Head to the Class of 2027! Drop a 👋 in the comments and tell us what Leadership Brevard class year you’re part of!
Read more about them below...

About Lindsey Head:

I’m passionate about helping people and making a positive impact in my community, which is what has guided my career in healthcare. I have been with Brevard Health Alliance for the past eight years and currently serve as the Operations Manager. I graduated from the University of Central Florida and have been driven to challenge myself and achieve my goals for as long as I can remember. I graduated high school with my Associate of Arts degree and have always embraced opportunities for growth and learning. Outside of work, I’m extremely competitive and enjoy setting ambitious goals for myself. I’m also passionate about animals, love to travel, and enjoy hiking and anything involving the water. I’m always looking for my next adventure, whether it’s zip lining, exploring a new destination, or trying something outside of my comfort zone. I’m excited to connect with others who share a commitment to serving and strengthening our community.

🌟 MEET THE LEADERSHIP BREVARD
CLASS OF 2027! 🌟

Meet Jessie Roush; Director Clinical Risk Management at HealthFirst

💙 Join us in welcoming Jessie Roush to the Class of
2027! Drop a 👋 in the comments and tell us what
Leadership Brevard class year you’re part of!

Read more about them below...

About Jessie Roush:

I am a registered nurse with more than 11 years of healthcare experience and 7 years in leadership roles, currently serving in Clinical Risk Management. I also hold an MBA, which has helped me bridge clinical operations, patient safety, and organizational strategy. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about improving systems of care, reducing patient harm, and supporting teams through collaborative problem-solving and continuous learning.Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family exploring Florida's beautiful beaches and waterways. I believe strong communities are built through meaningful relationships, service, and a willingness to learn from one another. I am excited to participate in Leadership Brevard to broaden my perspective, connect with community leaders, and contribute to the future of Brevard County.

🌟 MEET THE LEADERSHIP BREVARD
CLASS OF 2027! 🌟

Meet Omar Capellan; 2027 President Space Coast
Assn of Realtors, Broker Owner at Semper Realty

💙 Join us in welcoming Omar Capellan to the Class of
2027! Drop a 👋 in the comments and tell us what
Leadership Brevard class year you’re part of!

Read more about them below...

About Omar Capellan:

I am a Brevard County business owner, real estate
broker, investor, instructor, and community leader who
enjoys bringing people, ideas, and opportunities
together. My professional life has allowed me to serve
in REALTOR® association leadership at the local,
state, and national levels while helping clients,
investors, and fellow professionals grow through real
estate and education.Outside of business, aviation and
endurance sports are major parts of my life. I am a pilot
and Civil Air Patrol volunteer leader, and completing
an Ironman remains one of my proudest personal
accomplishments. I believe strongly in continuous
learning, service, preparation, and leaving
organizations and communities better than I found
them. Joining LEAD Brevard to better understand the
people, industries, challenges, and opportunities
shaping the community I call home.

Our 2027 Leadership Brevard class is the !

🌟 MEET THE LEADERSHIP BREVARD CLASS OF 2027! 🌟

Meet Dennis Bunt, Code Compliance/Special Projects Manager at City of Palm Bay

💙 Join us in welcoming Dennis Bunt to the Class of 2027! Drop a 👋 in the comments and tell us what Leadership Brevard class year you’re part of!

Read more about them below...

About Dennis Bunt:

I have dedicated 32 years to public service, including 29 years in Code Compliance, serving five different local government jurisdictions. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong commitment to community service, problem-solving, and working collaboratively with residents, businesses, and fellow professionals to strengthen the communities we serve.My perspective has also been shaped by a unique and diverse background. Growing up, I lived in six different states and attended 13 schools, experiences that taught me adaptability, resilience, and how to connect with people from many different backgrounds. Perhaps the most unexpected part of my story is that I was also a professional wrestler—an experience that taught me discipline, confidence, perseverance, and the importance of engaging an audience.I look forward to bringing these experiences to Leadership Brevard while continuing to learn from others and grow as a community leader.