Tampa Bay Business Journal – Editor

Alexis Muellner  (“Milner”) started early in media. As a seven-year-old, he was taking photographs and making mock radio shows on a battery-powered cassette recorder. He’s now in his 27th year with American City Business Journals; and in his 21st year as Tampa Bay Business Journal editor-in-chief, the longest-tenured newsroom leader in the newspaper’s history.

Mr. Muellner was named to the post in 2004 after working in Miami for 14 years. He earned a master’s degree in print journalism from the University of Miami and a B.A. in photography and communications from Hampshire College in Western Massachusetts. His roots are in public radio, where credits include National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” “Weekend Edition,” “Crossroads” and “Living on Earth.” He was an adjunct professor at Florida International University in Miami, where he taught the business and ethics of journalism and broadcast writing and reporting. He won the prestigious Livingston Award for Young Journalists for his public radio series on the role of radio in Vietnam during the war.

Mr. Muellner’s print journalism credits include the Miami Herald, Florida Trend, the New York Times, the Miami Daily Business Review, Quill and the Sports Business Journal. He has twice received the national ACBJ Eagle Award, his company’s highest honor, for excellence in news. For TV, Mr. Muellner is a commentator for Bay News 9. In addition to serving as Chairman of the Board of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (see his photographic portfolio on Instagram @alexismuellner), he also serves on the board at the Tampa Bay Community Network. This Tampa nonprofit provides video production services, training, and production crews for individuals and non-profits.

Amalie Motor Oil – Community Relations Director
Smith & Associates – Broker Associate

Gregory Morgan currently serves as Director of Community Relations at Amalie Oil Company, where he cultivates key partnerships with nonprofit organizations, spreading joy and fostering positive societal impact.

With over four decades of experience in Tampa Bay’s real estate market, Mr. Morgan’s expertise encompasses both commercial and residential properties. As a broker/associate with Smith & Associates, he is dedicated to creating spaces people love, guided by his principle: “Love Where You Live.”

Mr. Morgan is also deeply involved in his community. In addition to serving as Vice Chair of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA), he also serves on the board of Career Rebound. His leadership extends to organizations such as the American Red Cross, REIC, NAIOP, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School, where he has made significant contributions in various roles

Freelance CFO

Katherine Alano with over 25 years of experience in financial management across private, government, and non-profit sectors, has held executive roles in prestigious organizations such as the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Straz Center (the Southeast’s largest performing arts center), Veredus (now Hays) Corporation, and luxury designer brand Bugatchi Uomo.

She is renowned for her financial proficiency, delivering substantial cost-saving results, and developing strategic business analytics for small to medium-sized businesses. Katherine’s track record reflects superior business acumen, financial development skills, and a deep commitment to organizational growth. Her success in managing financial growth strategies for top organizations has established her as an expert and entrepreneur, with an exclusive client base.

Katherine holds a Certificate in Project Management from the University of South Florida (USF), enhancing her financial expertise with valuable skills in project planning, execution, and management. Additionally, she is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), showcasing her dedication to staying abreast of industry trends and best practices in human resource management.

Originally from San Diego, California, Katherine relocated to Florida after graduating from San Diego State University and has called Florida home for over 25 years.

Charles J. Levin is dedicated to the ethical practice of law and to the commercial real estate industries that support his practice of landlord representation. He concentrates his practice in the preparation, negotiation and interpretation of commercial leases.  Clients include many major property owners as well as management and leasing firms having a presence in the United States and other countries.

Mr. Levin holds an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale Hubbell Law Directory, which is the highest level attainable by an attorney. He is currently listed in U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers in America publications under Best Lawyers in America and is regionally ranked “Metropolitan Tier 1” in Real Estate Law.  Mr. Levin is a past President of the Building Owners and Manager’s Association of Greater Tampa Bay, a 225 member chapter of BOMA International.

He is the co-founder of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (“FMOPA”) located in Tampa, Florida, where he continues to serve on its Board of Directors.  FMOPA carries forward Mr. Levin’s interest in art, photography and in the Tampa Bay community.  He is also a board member of the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement (“MAACM”) located in St. Petersburg, Florida.  

Mr. Levin, a native of Chevy Chase, Maryland, graduated from Florida State University College of Law in 1972 and established his office in the Tampa Bay area where he continues to serve his clients.

Andre Luecht is the global strategy lead for Transport, Logistics and Warehouse at Zebra Technologies. He spent the last 25+ years in the supply chain, transport, and logistics field, both as a provider of technologies and services and as a customer. 

His international career includes multiple senior leadership roles such as Global Vice President and General Manager which had him posted in India, Belgium, Germany, and Singapore. Most recently, he ran North American operations for one of the largest food packaging distributors. Before joining Zebra in 2019, Mr. Luecht consulted for several Private Equity funds, acquiring transport, warehouse, and distribution assets in the US. 

A Fulbright scholar, Mr. Luecht holds a business degree in financial controlling from the Technical University in Giessen, Germany, an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Syracuse University in NY as well as CPIM and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt designations.

Artist, Marketing Associate – International Arts and Artists

Isabelle Baldwin is an artist based in Tucson, Arizona. She brings a rich background in the arts to her role as a board member at FMOPA. Passionate about using art as a tool for connection and activism, Ms. Baldwin actively engages with both her local community, where she co-leads a monthly photography group, and her online network, sharing resources with other artists and connecting with creatives across the country.

As a Marketing Associate for International Arts and Artists, Ms. Baldwin drives marketing and outreach efforts for a broad range of traveling exhibitions, focusing on both existing and prospective international partners. Before joining IA&A, she managed Decode Gallery, a contemporary photo gallery in Tucson’s historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood, where she was responsible for installing exhibitions, hosting events and managing a fine print archive.

Ms. Baldwin graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Photography and a minor in Sustainability. Her creative practice is shaped by the people and places she has called home, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Sonoran Desert. Her work draws inspiration from the organic materials and shapes of the American South and Southwest and is driven by her passions for environmentalism and storytelling.

Her varied experience includes marketing consultancy—collaborating with brands such as Kodak Professional, Lomography, and Hasselblad—and photojournalism, contributing to publications like The New York Times and Alexandria Living Magazine. Her work has been featured at prestigious festivals, including the Every Woman Biennial, the world’s largest female and non-binary art festival. She spends her free time in the desert, in the darkroom or at the local movie theater.

Bennett Beiver’s journey to Florida in the fall of 2020 marked a new chapter after spending over 25 years in New Orleans, Louisiana. A cum laude graduate of Tulane Law School, Mr. Biever practiced law for over a decade before transitioning into the finance industry as a licensed stockbroker.

His career trajectory also included a unique role on the staff of the New Orleans Saints NFL team, where he experienced the pinnacle of professional sports, being on the sidelines during their Super Bowl victory. As a former two-sport NCAA athlete, Mr. Biever’s time with the NFL further shaped his dedication to excellence and teamwork.  Parallel to his professional accomplishments, he has nurtured a lifelong passion for photography. His free time in Louisiana was often spent capturing the natural beauty of the back bayous, along with photographing sports and music events, architecture and landscapes. Whether working with film or digital formats, his love for photography is conspicuous.

As a member of the Board at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA), Mr. Beiver brings his diverse experiences and deep enthusiasm for photography to the museum. He looks forward to contributing to FMoPA’s mission and helping to expand its influence within Tampa, across Florida, and beyond.

Jesi Cason is an award-winning commercial photographer based in Tampa, known for creating bold, authentic images for personal brands, businesses, and mission-driven organizations. Her work focuses on capturing the personality and purpose behind brands, empowering entrepreneurs and organizations to connect with their audiences through striking visual storytelling.  Her clients include Grammy award winning artists, Olympic athletes, The Florida Aquarium, and industry shakers at all levels.

In 2025, Jesi was named the St. Petersburg Photo Laureate, a recognition that highlights her dedication to using photography as both an artistic practice and a tool for community engagement. Her portfolio shows her infatuation with color, the full spectrum of human emotion, and the diversity in her community.  She also teaches digital photography classes at the FMoPa, with the goal of spreading her passion for the art form to every student.

Originally from Texas, Jesi has called Florida home since 2011 and has built a reputation for blending creative vision with practical strategy. She is passionate about supporting the region’s artistic community and bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective to photographic arts through both her client work and her role at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.

Bryce Ebel  With dreams as vast as the cityscape, Bryce Ebel made his way to New York City, where he built a career at the intersection of creativity and commerce. Immersed in the world of commercial photography, he honed his craft while working alongside industry luminaries such as Bryan Adams and Mark Mann.

Since 2011, Bryce has served as Studio Director at Bathhouse Studios in Manhattan, overseeing business development, client relations, and studio operations. Under his leadership, the studio underwent a successful rebranding that strengthened its identity and deepened client engagement.

For over 20 years, Bryce has led some of the most prestigious photography studios and event spaces, producing work for renowned clients including Nike, Apple, Gucci, Balenciaga, and Lamborghini. In addition to his professional career, he has volunteered with the Eddie Adams Workshop, where he assists students on their assignments by teaching and supporting them with Profoto USA lighting.

Now living in Tampa, Bryce and his wife are raising their two children while staying active in the creative community. He is passionate about sharing the art of photography and finds balance through family travel and golf. As a member of FMoPA’s Board, Bryce looks forward to contributing his experience and industry connections to expand the museum’s reach and inspire the next generation of photographers.

JOSE GOMEZ  is CEO of the Nonprofit Marketing Center, a founding board member of the Tampa Bay Society of Photographic Artists (TBSoPA), and a photographic artist. With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of art, technology, and nonprofit leadership, Jose is dedicated to elevating photography as both an art form and a tool for community impact.

As proprietor of House of Shadows Gallery, Jose has curated and directed over 100 art exhibitions across the Tampa Bay area. His work has provided a platform for both emerging and established photographers, fostering dialogue, visibility, and appreciation for the medium.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Jose leads the Nonprofit Marketing Center, where he equips nonprofits with strategies and digital infrastructure to grow their reach and sustainability. His expertise spans digital marketing, donor engagement, and marketing automation, helping mission-driven organizations thrive in the digital age.

Through his combined work in the arts and nonprofit sectors, Jose continues to champion creativity, innovation, and service – bringing a unique perspective and vision to FMoPA’s mission and the wider cultural community.

Patrick Harrison is Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Tampa Bay. After joining the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) in 2015 as Vice President of Marketing and Communications he quickly set about improving the agency’s reach and effectiveness both domestically and internationally.  Through an innovative and aggressive approach he has spearheaded the DMOs marketing transformation and launched major innovative and successful campaigns in domestic and international markets. 

His campaigns have been honored with over 30 US and International marketing and PR awards, including multiple Adrian Awards and he was named a Top 25 Extraordinary Mind by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) in 2019. A thought-leader, Patrick has been key to the transition of Visit Tampa Bay into a leadership organization that has expanded its reach into economic development, developed Florida’s only Tourism Marketing District and produced anti-human trafficking campaigns among others.

Before coming to Visit Tampa Bay, he served as Vice President and Director of Public Relations at Paradise Advertising and Marketing, developing award-winning campaigns for a range of clients that included multiple tourism and hospitality clients. In total he has over 30 years of experience at agencies in the U.S. and U.K. 

Patrick holds a Master’s Degree in Communications, with an emphasis in Propaganda, from the University of Leeds in his native England as well as a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida. He currently serves on several boards and committees including Destination International’s Marketing and Marketing Disruption Committees, as well as US Travel’s Marketing committee among others. He is former Co-Chair of the Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society, past president Tampa Bay chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and past president of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. He also acts as spokesperson for Visit Tampa Bay and is a regularly speaker at major conferences, universities and other groups.

Video and Performance Artist

Kalup Linzy was born in Clermont, Florida and raised in Stuckey, Florida, a rural, close-knit community.  He received his MFA from the University of South Florida. He also attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. 

Mr. Linzy has been the recipient of numerous awards including the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation fellowship, Creative Capital Foundation grant and a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Film and Video.  

Mr. Linzy’s best-known work is a series of politically charged videos that satirize the conventions of the television soap opera.  His work is in the public collections at The Studio Museum in Harlem, Whitney Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  

Mr. Linzy has worked and collaborated with many well known artists, celebrities and fashion designers. Among them are James Franco, Chloe Sevigny, Natasha Lyonne, Liya Kebede, Proenza Schouler and DVF.  He is represented by David Castillo Gallery in Miami, Florida, The Breeder Gallery in Athens, Greece and is the founder and director of Queen Rose Art House in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He is a Tulsa Art Fellowship Alumni in Residence.

Philip Ringler  is an artist and educator whose 30+ year career spans fine art, photojournalism, commercial photography, and curatorial practice. He holds an MFA in Photography from John F. Kennedy University and a BFA from California State University, East Bay. His current fine art photography explores simulation, artifice, and the philosophy of reality, drawing on studies in philosophy and international experiences. His photographs have been exhibited in galleries and museums internationally, and his recent book, This Exhibit is Closed., has reached global audiences.

Teaching has been central to Ringler’s career, with university-level courses covering studio lighting, darkroom techniques, digital photography, and portfolio development. He has also led youth programs and mentors emerging artists. For over a decade, he worked as a commercial photographer specializing in artwork documentation for museums and artists including Stephen De Staebler and William T. Wiley. He was principal photographer for the 2012 de Young Museum monograph, Matter and Spirit: Stephen De Staebler.

As Curator and Director of the University Art Gallery at CSU East Bay for 13 years, he produced 4-6 exhibitions annually, including Conceptual Photography Exchange Exhibition: China and USA.

Currently serving on the Board of Directors at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Ringler contributes his perspective as both artist and educator to support the museum’s cultural mission.

Chris has been self-employed his entire adult life, pursuing opportunities to have FUN while he works. He was just 20 years old when he formed his first corporation with his brother to rent Jet Skis in New Jersey, then moving south to Florida. Within a year, the brothers created the first Jet Ski race staged anywhere outside California with just nine local racers.

Over the next two decades and more than 120 races, Chris grew participation to 275 racers, secured national sponsors, and awarded over $1,000,000 in prize money. Five of his championship races were shown on ESPN. Both brothers were inducted into the sport’s International Hall of Fame in 2011.

In 2000, Chris applied his event management skills to running and created the first-ever 26.2-mile marathon in Pinellas County. He and his wife, Rya, created several other annual road races, later selling them in 2022 as they semi-retired from race management.

They maintained ownership of just one road race, the St. Petersburg Distance Classic. It included just the second 26.2-mile marathon ever created in Pinellas County – the Laubers created both. The most recent edition attracted over 3,000 participants.

Chris is a lifelong photographer. Being self-employed allowed him to also work as a professional freelancer for more than two decades. He focused on sports and special events, completing assignments for Boston College, the Boston Celtics, Kawasaki, and others. He was the official photographer for MTV’s Spring Break festivities at Daytona Beach for four years.

Chris’ photos were published in Sports Illustrated, Inside Sports, and Sport Magazine. They also graced the covers of 65 books and magazines. His photos were recently selected for permanent installation at the Larry Bird Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Chris is currently working on his photo-heavy memoir, “Thank You Jimmy Buffett – My True Adventures as a Superfan – Photographer Since 1976!”

Chris is the proud father of two adult daughters, Leah and Nicole. He also enjoys cycling, traveling with his wife, Rya, and watching his beloved Boston Celtics on television.

Derrick Buckner is a Florida native who works as a Senior Business Analyst and Project Manager with the City of Tampa. He leads technology and infrastructure initiatives that support critical utility operations and public services. Derrick has a diverse professional background that includes engineering, business administration, information technology, project management, and extensive experience with large-scale public sector projects and organizational improvement efforts.

Beyond his profession, Derrick documents the world around him through both film and digital photography. He is passionate about exploring the many ways people interact with the environments they inhabit. He has a particular interest in the built environment and the details that often go unnoticed. Through his photography, Derrick seeks to examine how industry, history, and everyday life shape the character of a community.

Derrick regularly participates in photographic exhibitions throughout the Tampa Bay area and has created several photographic zines. He strongly believes in the importance of photography as a tool for education, storytelling, and community engagement, and actively participates in programs and initiatives that help connect people with the photographic arts.