211 Brevard appoints Knowlton president of its board of directors

Compiled by Wayne T. Price
| Florida today

Knowlton named president of the board of 211 Brevard

David Knowltonpartner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, recently became president of the board of 211 Brevard, the nonprofit organization that operates the 211 Community Helpline and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Ryan Evansthe city of Titusville, takes over as vice president of the board; AND Heather Branly Space Coast Credit Union will serve as treasurer.

211 Brevard also announced this Dr. Jeffrey O’Brien from the Orthopedic Center recently joined the board.

211 Brevard operates a 24-hour hotline that offers information and referrals to social services through area code 211 and is a member of the 988 Area Code Suicide Prevention Partner Network.

The Jess Parrish Medical Foundation elects Lugo as board chair

The Jess Parrish Medical Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Parrish Healthcare, announced the selection Melissa E. Lugo as president of its management board.

Lugo, a certified financial planner and Six Sigma Black Belt, is senior manager of store transformation and innovation at TD Bank.

Committed to making a difference in the community, Lugo was a past president of the Women’s Center North Guild, Riverview Pilot Club and the Junior League of Central & North Brevard.

In addition to serving as JPMF president, she currently serves as grants chair for the Riverview Pilot Club and vice president of the Titusville Playhouse.

Other officers and board members who voted for office included: Philip Simpsondoctor, president-elect; Kelley Broomevice-chairman; Britt Diazsecretary; Josh Norristreasurer; Randall Colemandirect chair; AND Jerzy Mikitarex-officio and president/CEO of Parrish Healthcare.

Elected members of the executive committee include Krzysztof Broome, Santiago Bulnesa, Jessie Kirk, Jason Snodgrass, Barbara Terhune AND RachelTerry.

Directors elected to the management board include: Winnie Brewer; William Chivers; Herman Cole; Mary Coleman; David D. Ferguson; Terry Lee; Lisa McAlpine; Jo Lynn Nelson; Kevat Patel, Ph.D; Howard RinkerDDS; Joe Rodriguez; Sifting Turma; AND Jennifer Trastelis.

Jerry Allender, Dorothy Hudson, Richard Boggs, J. J. Parrish III AND William Terry will continue to serve the foundation as an emeritus board member.

“As a JPMF board member for over 11 years, I am honored to continue serving the foundation as chairman of its board,” Lugo said. “Parrish Healthcare’s vision of ‘Healing Families – Healing Communities’ resonates deeply with my personal values. It is an honor to serve with such an exceptional group of community leaders who generously give of their time, talent and financial support to advance ParrishHealthcare’s mission, vision and values. Together, we will continue to make a significant impact on the quality of health care in North Brevard.”

Through philanthropy and volunteerism, JPMF supports Parrish Medical Center’s mission of “Healing Experiences for Everyone, All the Time.”

JPMF works with the community to raise funds to maintain and improve health care services in North Brevard County. Whether you’re caring for seniors or helping children reach their full potential, JPMF is working to improve, transform and save lives.

For more information about the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation, call 321-269-4066 or visit www.parrishmedfoundation.com. Titusville-based Parrish Healthcare, America’s first network to be Joint Commission Integrated Care Certified, includes: Parrish Medical Center, a Mayo Clinic member care network; Parrish Medical Group, National Committee for Quality Assurance, Certified Patient-Centered Health Homes; and Florida Health Network, a coalition of health care providers, insurers and others working together to improve the quality, safety and lower costs of health care for individuals, families and businesses.

Berger appointed brand communication strategy specialist at Rock Paper Simple

Kary Berger he was recently promoted to the position of brand communication strategy specialist at Rock Paper Simple.

Berger joined the Melbourne-based advertising and marketing agency almost four years ago.

Before joining Rock Paper Simple, she was a senior copywriter at an advertising firm in Clearwater.

She joined Rock Paper Simple in February 2021 as lead copywriter.

Berger is a graduate of Florida State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport is launching a dog therapy program

Melbourne Orlando International Airport, also known as MLB, recently launched its MLB Comfort Canines therapy program for dogs.

The initiative, with the support of Space Coast Therapy Dogs, aims to provide travelers with emotional support and comfort.

Greg DonovanMelbourne Orlando executive director said the program was accelerated after Hurricane Milton last month.

“Although our terminal suffered damage, we are incredibly grateful to have been spared the worst of Hurricane Milton and our thoughts are with those most impacted by the hurricane,” Donovan said. “Our teams have been working diligently to prepare the airport to welcome returning travelers, and the new MLB therapy dogs have been a great addition to improve the passenger experience.”

Even under normal circumstances, passengers may feel anxious during a flight.

“Our new Comfort Canines program is part of MLB’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment and reducing travel stress,” he said Stephanie BettyDeputy Director for Airport Operations and Maintenance.”

The MLB league partnered with Space Coast Therapy Dogs Inc. to develop the program.

“Therapy dogs have a unique ability to bring comfort and joy to those in need, especially in difficult situations,” she said Rochelle Kenyonrepresentative of Space Coast Therapy Dogs. “We are honored to partner with MLB and provide support to passengers.”

Ten MLB Comfort Canines will be present at the terminal at various times each month to greet passengers at the departure gates. The list includes:

Jeff Arent AND Airy (Newfoundland).
Danielle Dennison AND Chrome (standard poodle).
Janet Dematteis AND Reggie (Biewer’s Terrier).
Rochelle Kenyon AND Dolly (red golden retriever).
MaryLewis AND Colby (golden retriever).
Ed Mills AND Sunny (yellow labrador retriever).
Jane Parliament AND Loot (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel).
Heidi Peterson AND Stevie (Newfoundland) and Sami (Golden Retriever).
Rose Wilcox AND Timmy (shepherd/papillon mix).
Vicki Wood AND Harley (papillon).

If you have a Business Newsmakers article you would like to publish, please email Wayne T. Price with details at [email protected] or contact him at 321-223-0230.