Dr. Jeffrey Sharkey is a serial entrepreneur, visionary, and director of a wide variety of organizations and associations. He’s now a leader in Florida’s growing medical cannabis industry and guiding the expansion of legislative policy as the founder of the Medical Marijuana Business Association. He has worked to position himself and this association at the forefront of this new frontier in the nation’s third most populous state.

His interview with SalterMitchell PR CEO April Salter was recorded in front of a live audience during the Leadership FPRA conference this month. Listen to Dr. Sharkey as he details his entrepreneurial journey from Pennsylvania to Tallahassee, which also included mission-driven work in underdeveloped countries.

Holly Bell, Florida’s first director of cannabis, is focused on leading the state’s new medical marijuana and hemp programs.

More than two dozen people applied for the position, however, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services commissioner Nikki Fried said Bell was the person “to get it right” on implementing a state hemp program. For the past year, the former banker has been developing the program from the ground up, from growing to processing and manufacturing.

Tune in to hear her conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway as they discuss how Florida is positioned to be a leader in the cannabis industry and the unlimited opportunities to facilitate job creation and economic development statewide.

Fines and Fees Justice Center Florida State Director Ashley Thomas is a trailblazer for change with a passion for policy reform. She’s working hard to advance state and local campaigns to reform the imposition and collection of fines and fees in Florida, specifically dealing with driver’s license suspensions due to unpaid court debt.

Tune in to hear how fines and fees are addressed in the justice system, and learn how driver’s license suspension impacts Floridians and Florida’s economy.

Dr. Carrie Pettus-Davis devoted most of her career to improving the lives of formerly incarcerated people. Her five key approach prepares them to be job ready and job steady for when they complete their sentences.

Pettus-Davis believes that if we want to influence the children of our country, as well as our community, we need to make sure the parents are thriving so children won’t be affected. The Institute for Justice Research and Development does just that. Their mission to advance science, policy, and practice to improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities impacted by the criminal justice system involvement. Creating a movement towards smart decarceration to produce effective, sustainable and equitable criminal justice reforms.

Tune in now to Fluent in Floridian to hear her meaningful conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway as they discuss the impact of her research and how she preaches what she teaches.

Today, more than 22.7% of children in Florida live in “food insecure” homes. No Kid Hungry Florida is working to eradicate this statistic for good by providing innovative hunger solutions to communities across the Sunshine State.The organization recently hired long-time child advocate Sky Beard as its new Florida Director. She’s using her experience and connections to create partnerships and new programs that give youth 18 and under more access to meals year-round.

Tune into Fluent in Floridian to hear Sky’s informative conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway and get an inside look at how No Kid Hungry is working to reduce hunger in Florida through programs such as “Breakfast After the Bell” and the “Summer BreakSpot.”

In 2019, Desmond Meade was featured in TIME magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential list for his leading efforts to empower and civically re-engage local communities in Florida.

Meade has seen his fair share of hardship and struggle. He was incarcerated, homeless, but later turned his life around and earned a law degree. Now he’s the President of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and last year lead the efforts to pass Amendment 4 – One of the largest expansions of voting rights in Florida’s history.

Listen to his conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway as they discuss his journey from felon to nationally-recognized activist.

George LeMieux’s passion for politics began at an early age when a pivotal moment made him realize that being a part of public office can be truly impactful.

LeMieux went on to lead Charlie Crist’s successful gubernatorial campaign and serve as Chief of Staff to the governor before being appointed as Florida’s 34th Senator in the 111th Congress. In 2012, he founded the LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University and today, he enjoys his new role as author.

Tune in to hear his conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway as they discuss his political career, how the LeMieux Center engages students through powerful speakers and research, and his first book, “Florida Made: The 25 Most Important Figures Who Shaped the State.”

Flagler College President Dr. Joseph Joyner is a third-generation educator and his passion for the classroom has been the guiding force of his career.

From Florida State University football player to teacher to superintendent of St. Johns County School District, Dr. Joyner’s work and leadership has been recognized many times over for its commitment to students. Now, Dr. Joyner enjoys serving as a college President for one of Florida’s most historic institutions for higher education, where he is creating a diverse and inclusive community.If you enjoyed this episode, you may enjoy our episode with Florida State University President John Thrasher or our many other higher education guests.

NASCAR fans, this one’s for you. This week on Fluent in Floridian, International Speedway Corporation VP of Sales and Marketing Frank Kelleher takes the driver’s seat to share what life is like working for one of the largest motorsports corporations in the world.From the high-energy, epic sporting event of the Daytona 500 (the racing world’s Super Bowl) to the ultimate fan experiences the company has created through destination race tracks and dynamic corporate sponsorships – this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Tune in now to hear Frank’s fascinating conversation with SalterMitchell PR Heidi Otway and get an inside look into Florida’s billion-dollar racing industry.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may enjoy our episodes with Florida Sports Foundation President Angela Suggs, Jacksonville Jaguars President Mark Lamping and FSU Heisman Trophy Winner and New York Knicks PG Charlie Ward.