LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation announces the appointment of four new board members. Phillipa Greenberg, Jack Harrell, III, Michael B. Lawley, and Marlene O’Toole bring solid industry, entrepreneurial and technological expertise to its Board of Directors.
Phillipa Greenberg is an early pioneer in commercializing computation. In 2016, she founded Next Machine, a supercomputing firm which brings cluster computing and machine learning to the forefront. Greenberg also founded a supercomputing app which provides a “Single Source of Truth’” for distributed computation. She is a strong advocate for women in technology and leadership forums, as well as a passionate supporter of advancing STEM programs.
“I am humbled and honored to be in the room with like-minded individuals to make a difference in the education capacity,” Greenberg said. “My two goals are to create more awareness of Florida Poly and the school’s mission, and also to improve and accelerate ways of helping students overcome barriers to entry into industry post-graduation.”
Jack Harrell, III, is the senior vice president of marketing, inventory and R&D at Harrell’s LLC in Lakeland. The company is a third generation family business and one of the nation’s largest distributors of branded fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. Harrell has a vast global network and a passion for STEM education.
Michael B. Lawley is an executive at WellCare Health Plans in Tampa, Florida. The $17 billion company focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to patients with complex medical needs. Lawley has a strong IT background and entrepreneurial spirit, and said he’s excited to use his expertise to help advance Florida Poly.
“I’ve been working with individuals and companies on the cutting-edge of innovation and STEM focus for years. I think Florida Poly’s mission is perfectly aligned with the needs of the future,” said Lawley. “Florida Poly’s legacy is going to be something that people will be talking about and I want to be part of that story.”
Marlene O’Toole has a strong technological background. She began working for IBM in 1967, where she eventually became the company’s regional manager for the south. O’Toole is also a former state legislator elected four times to the House of Representatives. She served as the chairwoman to the Education Committee, among other appointments.
“We’re extremely fortunate to be welcoming Jack, Marlene, Michael and Phillipa to the Foundation Board,” said Kevin Aspegren, Florida Poly vice president of advancement and CEO of the Florida Poly Foundation. “Their experience in industry, the community and government will play a vital role in the Foundation’s ability to continue to showcase and support the university.”
The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders and industry experts who see the potential to fuel dreams, boost the economy and put Florida Poly on the map as a high-tech leader. The Foundation Board works closely with university leadership to align fundraising efforts with Florida Poly’s future path.
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Assistant Director of Communications
8639748837