Who We Are

Rebuilding Together Greater Florida (RTGFL) ensures every family has a safe, healthy home. Through free home repairs and affordable housing, we help neighbors stay in the communities they love—at no cost to them.

MISSION

Repair Homes, Revitalize Communities, Rebuild Lives.

VISION

Safe homes and communities for everyone.

Our Story

Since our inception in 2000, we’ve helped thousands of families throughout Tampa Bay,
Southwest Florida, North Florida, and Central Florida. Working under the Rebuilding Together
umbrella—a national organization with over 140 affiliates—RTGFL addresses urgent repairs,
disaster relief, homeowner education, and more. We’re here to ensure that safe and affordable
housing is within reach for every neighbor.

Our History

For 25 years, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida has been strengthening communities. Explore our interactive timeline to see how we’ve helped Floridians rebuild, recover, and thrive—one milestone at a time.

Our Leadership

We’re a dynamic organization with over 25 professionals from diverse backgrounds in construction management, community development, marketing, and more. Together with passionate volunteers, neighborhood partners, and trusted contractors, we bring transformative change—one home at a time.

Staff

We’re a dynamic organization with over 25 professionals from diverse backgrounds in construction management, community development, marketing, and more. Together with passionate volunteers, neighborhood partners, and trusted contractors, we bring transformative change—one home at a time.

Executive Team:

Joan Ortiz,
Executive adminstrative assistant

Regional Growth & Strategy:

Anthony Peral,
Vp of regional programs

Operations:

Lance lee,
vp of operations

Samantha Rodriguez,
Operations manager

Luz Lopez,
Program Manager: Central East

Rebecca Hankinson,
Program Manager: Southwest 1

Kurt Germaine,
Program Manager: Southwest 2

Jason Phillips,
Intake & Client Relations Manager: Central West

Mimi Bell,
Client Intake Support:
Central West

Stella Ramos,
Senior project administrator: Central East

Kyra Osaghae,
Project Administrator Support: Central east

Vanessa De Rover,
Intake & Client Relations Assistant: Southwest 1

Diana Serrano,
Intake & Client Relations Assistant: Southwest 2

John Killackey,
Client Intake Support:
Southwest 2

Construction:

Margaret Bahnsen,
VP of Construction

Colin McGrail,
Construction Manager: Central West

Richard "dJ" June,
Construction Manager: Southwest 1

Tyler Shaw,
Construction Coordinator: Central West

April McManus,
Construction Coordinator:
Central West

Leon Beckford,
Construction Coordinator:
Central east

Wylie Wilkinson,
Construction Coordinator:
Southwest 2

Development & Grants:

Justin Coles,
Vice President of Development

Chris Reesor,
Community Engagement Administrator

amy simpson,
Grant specialist

Accounting:

Liz Acosta,
CFO

Thomas McSpadden,
Senior Accounting Manager

Kristin Martin,
Accounts Payable Specialist

Kevin Pagan,
Accounts Receivable Specialist

Marketing & Communications:

Sharon Painter,
Senior Marketing & Communications Manager

Keana Ramirez-Acosta,
Marketing & Communications Manager

Omolola Adeagbo,
Marketing Specialist: Central West

Katharine Obrien-Stenman,
Marketing Specialist: Central East

Petra Rivera,
Marketing Specialist: Southwest 1 & 2

HR & Compliance:

Ana Ramirez,
VP of Human Resources and Contract Management

Board Members

Our Board Members serve as advisors, capacity builders, and community connectors—sharing their expertise in development, construction, and economic growth to guide RTGFL’s mission.

Linda Thomas,
Board President

Beverly Minardi,
Vice President

Norma Cohen, Board Member

Jason Powell,
Board Member

Kary McDonald Andrews, P.E.,
Board Member

Gabino San Emeterio,
Board Member

Georgia Tipton Parker,
Board Member

Ann Martino Price, Esq.,
Board Member

Thank You to Our Partners

RTGFL works closely with local governments, sponsors, neighborhood groups, and volunteers to maximize our impact. These partnerships make it possible to repair homes, offer resources, and build affordable housing—strengthening Florida communities, one project at a time.

RTGFL - need logos and preferred order

Financials & Transparency

We are committed to full transparency. Please review our Annual Reports and Financial Statements to see how donor contributions and grants are stewarded effectively to fulfill our mission.

Our Locations

We operate in multiple Florida districts to serve homeowners close to where they live and work.

Central West District

Tampa Bay HQ
3914 US-301 #700
Tampa, FL 33619
813-878-9000

St. Petersburg
1350 22nd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
813-878-9000

Central East District

Central Florida
2464 Sand Lake Rd,
Orlando, FL 32809
407-898-3777

Southwest District 1

DeSoto County
16 S Volusia Ave,
Arcadia, FL 34266
813-614-2962

Sarasota County
Resilience Incubator
1760 Mound St., 2nd Floor,
Sarasota, FL 34236
813-614-2962

Southwest District 2

Lee County
3049 Cleveland Ave.
Suite 200
Fort Myers, FL 33907
239-229-6392

Charlotte County
Family Services Center (FSC) 21500 Gibralter Dr., Port Charlotte, FL 33952 813-614-2962

Northern District

Central Florida
2464 Sand Lake Rd,
Orlando, FL 32809
407-898-3777

Hurricane Distribution Center
5148 Le Tourneau Cir, Tampa, FL 33610
813-878-9000

Gratitude to Our Community of Support

Our work thrives on collaboration. We’re thankful to every volunteer, donor, partner, and staff member who helps us transform houses into safe, welcoming homes across Florida. Together, we’re building healthier futures and stronger neighborhoods—one family at a time.

Ready To Learn
More Or Get Involved?

Jose Garcia

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Mr. Garcia is presently the Chief Executive Officer of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida (RTGFL). He is responsible for all fundraising activities through foundations and corporations and for development of business plans and programs for the organization and to the development of the staff capacity.

Before RTGFL, Mr. Garcia was the Deputy Director of Housing and Education Alliance in Tampa. Before moving to the Tampa area, he was the Executive Director of the Latino Economic Development Corporation in Washington, DC. He has been working in the not-for-profit field for over 25 years with extensive experience in housing, business and economic development activities, fundraising, public relations and communications. In addition, Mr. Garcia has a Bachelor of Arts in Education.

Liz Acosta

CFO

With over two decades of experience in finance and administration, Liz has been instrumental in guiding both small and large businesses toward financial stability and growth. As the Chief Financial Officer at Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, she brings a strategic approach to financial planning, assessing business models, and implementing innovative solutions that drive efficiency and profitability.

Throughout her career, Liz has helped businesses navigate transitions, optimize accounting systems, and develop strategies to minimize expenses while maximizing profits. Her expertise has not only saved companies time and money but has also positioned them for long-term success.

Liz’s dedication to financial excellence and strategic innovation makes her an invaluable asset to Rebuilding Together Greater Florida and the communities it serves.

Ana Ramirez, J.D.

Vice President of Human Resources & Contract Management

Ana brings extensive experience to her role as Vice President of Human Resources and Contract Management at Rebuilding Together Greater Florida. With a distinguished legal career in New Jersey, where she practiced Family Law, Criminal Law, and Real Estate etc., she offers a unique perspective and versatile skill set that greatly enriches our organization. Her unwavering focus and dedication ensure transparency and accountability for our team.

As a forward-thinking professional, Ana is pivotal in developing and implementing policies, streamlining procedures, and managing personnel effectively. She plays a strategic role in aligning HR practices with RTGFL’s overall goals and objectives. Under her stewardship, we maintain not only seamless processes, but also foster a vibrant and inclusive work environment, upholding the highest standards of legal and ethical compliance.

Justin Coles

Vice President of Development

Justin Coles has been at Rebuilding Together Greater Florida since 2019, initially covering corporate engagement, he quickly grew to lead the organization’s entire development & marketing function. Justin’s fundraising capabilities and keen eye for strategic partnerships has helped RTGFL expand significantly, bringing its budget well into the 8 figures and helping the organization grow to several offices and communities statewide. Justin started his career in NYC working at Pratt Institute engaging corporations like Dow Jones to launch the Wall Street Journal’s 125th anniversary and VISA Inc. to conceptualize the future of payment systems. However, he has found his niche working at RTGFL collaborating with an incredible team and bringing in the funding and forging the partnerships required to return our most vulnerable, especially survivors of disaster, to safe and healthy homes. Justin is also a musician who, although essentially retired, once played the stages of NYC’s Carnegie Hall and Austin’s SXSW.

Margaret Bahnsen

Vice President of Construction

Margaret joined Rebuilding Together Greater Florida in 2018 after relocating to Tampa. Her introduction to the organization began years earlier in Boston, where she participated in two volunteer events and saw firsthand the transformative impact Rebuilding Together has on homes and families. As a licensed residential contractor, Margaret now oversees the construction of new homes and reconstruction projects, ensuring quality and care in every build. After stepping away briefly, she returned to the organization, driven by her passion for creating safe, beautiful homes and vibrant communities. Margaret takes great pride in contributing to an organization so deeply to this vision.

Anthony Peral

Vice President of Regional Programs

Anthony comes to Rebuilding Together with 15+ years in financial services and a decade in community development experience. Additionally has experience in Small business technical assistance & Real Estate. Focused to bridge executive leadership with grassroots impact—expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring program excellence. Guided by RTGFL’s mission to repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives, champions sustainable solutions that uplift underserved neighborhoods and drive measurable change.

Has a proven track record of collaboration with community engagement partners who share our vision for tangible, lasting outcomes. Interested in volunteering, funding, and exploring partnership opportunities with financial institutions, local governments, as well as housing and redevelopment agencies to build stronger communities together.

Anthony is involved in the community and serves on various boards with the purpose of having a positive impact where he lives and works. This allows to build relationships which create opportunities, expand influence and advocacy on important causes.

Joan Ortiz

Executive Administrative Assistant

Joan Ortiz brings over a decade of expertise in bookkeeping and office management to her role at Rebuilding Together Greater Florida. With a solid background spanning ten years in a previous company, Joan excels in managing accounts payables and leveraging software such as QuickBooks and Excel to optimize financial processes. Joan is deeply committed to Rebuilding Together Greater Florida’s mission of home rehabilitation and affordable housing, fueled by her personal journey of overcoming financial challenges as a single mother. Her dedication to helping families in need reflects her profound desire to make a meaningful impact in the community. Outside of work, Joan treasures time spent with her three children and her beloved 9-year-old Yorkie. She has a passion for literature, movies, and enjoys salsa dancing.

Samantha Rodriguez

Operations Manager

Samantha has a passion for working with people, and her lifelong desire to help and serve has led her to be drawn towards working with RTGFL. Taking on the role of Operations Manager, Samantha’s people-oriented mindset and skills in administrative accounting contribute positively to meeting the needs of the operations department. Her experience as a grant administrator and in retail store management aids in the seamless transition, ensuring necessary funding for the organization’s work, providing safe housing and comfort for clients. Samantha eagerly anticipates growing with this remarkable organization.

Rebecca Hankinson

Program Manager Southwest 1

Rebecca has always loved helping people, and working with Rebuilding Together Greater Florida (RTGFL) provides a perfect opportunity to fulfill this passion. She enjoys being one of the first people that neighbors interact with, as it allows her to convey the organization’s commitment and reassure them that RTGFL genuinely cares and will do everything possible to assist.

Jason Phillips

Intake & Client Relations MANAGER Central West

Jason brings over six years of experience in community outreach services with the Salvation Army. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Jason sought a role where his work would go beyond earning a paycheck, focusing instead on making a difference in the lives of others.

Stella Ramos

SENIOR PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR Central East

Having transitioned from her past role as a medical assistant, Stella now serves as an Senior Project Administrator at Rebuilding Together Greater Florida (RTGFL) Central East Office, where her role involves directly interacting with clients, a pivotal aspect of providing assistance. She dedicates herself with compassion to meaningful community service projects, actively participating in efforts to rebuild homes and supporting RTGFL’s mission to make a positive impact in the community. Stella approaches each task with enthusiasm and a sincere commitment to making a positive impact.

Diana Serrano

Intake & Client Relations Assistant Southwest District 2

Diana is passionate about working with nonprofits because of their ability to create meaningful change in the community. She finds great fulfillment in contributing to causes close to her heart. In her role as Intake & Client Relations Assistant at Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, Diana is inspired daily by the organization’s mission. She takes pride in her work, knowing that her efforts directly enhance the organization’s capacity to assist those in need.

Richard 'D.J.' June

Construction MANAGER
Southwest District 1

Bio Coming Soon.

Tyler Shaw

Construction Coordinator
Central West

As a home assessor, Tyler evaluates homes to identify necessary repairs, ensuring work can be efficiently dispatched. Since childhood, he has been passionate about helping people in need. Growing up in New Jersey, he witnessed firsthand the impact of housing instability on communities. With a business degree from the University of Tampa, Tyler brings valuable skills to Rebuilding Together. “Keeping people safe and healthy in their homes is the most rewarding job I could have asked for.”

April mcmanus

CONSTRUCTION Coordinator
HQ/Central West District

Bio Coming Soon.

Leon Beckford

Construction Coordinator
Central East

Leon Beckford, hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, witnessed the devastating impact of multiple hurricanes, igniting a passion to aid disaster survivors. Believing in the power of small groups to make significant changes, he organized contractors, corporate interests, politicians, and legislators to improve low-income urban housing options. Despite bureaucratic hurdles, his commitment to helping the disenfranchised and disproportionately affected communities following disasters remained unwavering. Recruited after Hurricane Ian in 2022, Leon served with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), focusing on rebuilding efforts in Southwest Florida. Finding kindred spirits at Rebuilding Together, he now joyfully contributes to repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives.

Wylie Wilkinson

Construction Coordinator Southwest 2

Wylie chose to work with Rebuilding Together because he is also a firefighter for the City of Fort Myers, right in the heart of Lee County. He saw this as an opportunity to give back to his community beyond his firefighting role, allowing him to help people on a personal level. Wylie is passionate about supporting others during their toughest moments, and this role lets him extend that support even further.

Chris Reesor

Community Engagement Administrator sARASOTA/SOUTHWEST DISTRICT 1

Chris brings over a decade of not-for-profit experience to Rebuilding Together. His dedication to community-based projects aligns seamlessly with the mission of Rebuilding Together. Chris actively seeks partnerships to support neighbors in need. His philosophy, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success,” embodies the organization’s goals. Repair Homes, Revitalize Communities, Rebuild Lives.

Sharon Painter

Senior Marketing & Communications Manager

As a founding board member of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida in 2000, Sharon recently returned to serve as the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager. With over 20 years of broadcast and fundraising experience, Sharon is delighted to focus on communicating the value and mission of Rebuilding Together. She is excited to lead the marketing efforts for the fastest-growing non-profit in the state of Florida and to be part of the 25th Anniversary celebration for Rebuilding Together in 2025.

Keana Ramirez-Acosta

Marketing & Communications Manager

Keana holds a degree in Film and Digital Media from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Since 2019, she has applied her creative talents in marketing, social media, and content creation roles. Currently serving as the Marketing & Communications Manager at Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, Keana is dedicated to leveraging her skills to advocate for community support and transform lives. She takes pride in sharing inspiring success stories that highlight the organization’s impact on neighbors in need.

Jason Powell

Board Member

Jason Powell is a seasoned commercial banker with over 24 years of experience in banking. Jason has been serving on the board of RTGFL for six years. He is vested in the vision at RTGFL, where everyone deserves a safe and healthy place to call home. He believes that homeownership is still part of the American Dream, and it needs to be available to more of our neighbors. At RTGFL, we are doing just that by providing free critical home repair and affordable housing opportunities in the communities we live and serve.

For the past nine years, Jason has been working in banking specifically to help non-profit organizations grow and impact our communities. With all the storms that Florida has endured over the years, he knows firsthand how much of an impact RTGFL can do for our communities. This has been the why that Jason has been so committed to Rebuilding Together Greater Florida.

Outside of the boardroom, Jason enjoys spending time with family, friends and serving in his church. Jason is available to connect and share more about RTGFL. You can reach him at jason.powell@ozk.com.