The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors has new leadership, five new members, and five reappointed community leaders. The Florida Poly Board of Trustees approved the appointments on May 22.
Ana Wood-Rogers, a longtime community leader, was named chair. She joined the board in 2022 and previously served as vice chair. Wood-Rogers, an entrepreneur and management consultant, led the waste and recycling division in Polk County, Florida, for over a decade.
“I am honored to assume the role of chair at such a pivotal moment for Florida Polytechnic University,” Wood-Rogers said. “The Foundation is committed to supporting student success through a meaningful partnership with the University’s leadership to foster growth. I am delighted to collaborate with our esteemed board to capitalize on our strong momentum as we continue to align its actions with Florida Poly’s mission.”
Nicholas “Nick” Barnett was named vice chair. Barnett is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, investor and third-generation Lakeland native. He joined the board in 2024 and has actively supported the University’s fundraising initiatives and regional growth.
“Florida Poly is an incredible asset to our community and the entire state,” Barnett said. “As vice chair, I am eager to help advance the University’s mission and create more high-impact opportunities for STEM students.”
New Foundation Board members
Larry Arndt
Larry Arndt is vice president at Barton Malow Builders, overseeing operations across Florida. He is also the company’s regional healthcare leader , supporting healthcare pursuits and leading its complex healthcare programs.
Kathy Killingsworth
Kathy Killingsworth is a consultant with more than 35 years of private industry experience, including IT strategy, business process management, software development, systems implementation, and quality assurance. She previously held senior leadership positions at companies such as DXC Eclipse US, where she served as chief performance officer, and DXC Concerto, where she was vice president.
Curtis Pease
Curtis Pease is the general manager of Fields BMW in Lakeland. He has more than 10 years of luxury automotive sales experience and leads high-performing teams. He is skilled at strategy development and execution, optimizing efficiency and managing financial performance.
Kyle Story
Kyle Story is vice president of The Story Companies, which owns or manages more than 5,000 acres throughout Florida. The company’s operations include land holdings, land management, commodity marketing and agricultural production. Story oversees the company’s harvesting and marketing division, as well as investments.
Lea Ann Thomas
Lea Ann Thomas is a longtime advocate for Polk County with decades of experience in public service, intergovernmental relations, and community-based healthcare. She is the retired deputy county manager for Polk County, where she oversaw complex initiatives, including the county’s $1 billion budget and the administration of its indigent healthcare program.
The key to any organization’s success is recruiting and retaining great talent, said Stephen Weingart, Florida Poly’s chief development officer and CEO of the Florida Poly Foundation.
“This new class of directors represents a broad range of talent, experience, and wisdom,” Weingart said. “The directors beginning another term have proven their value to Foundation and I am honored they will continue to serve.”
Reappointed to the board were John Curls Jr., majority owner and CEO of Barney’s Pumps; Travis Hills ’19, security analyst at Saddle Creek Logistics Services; Kristen Lowers, chief information officer at Saddle Creek Logistics Services; Ryan Perez ’20, project manager at Electronic Precepts; and Alen Tomczak, global head of defense and intelligence strategy and execution at Cellebrite.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
