Remembering Geo Ropert, Community Giant

Geo A. Ropert: 1963-2020

When you think of a community leader who has shaped Brevard County, that’s Geo Ropert. It is an immense struggle for me to write about this mentor in past tense. A native of Michigan, Geo called the Space Coast home for over three decades, leaving a lasting imprint on our community and our hearts.

Geo began his career in Brevard in the cruise industry. After several successful years and owning his own business, Geo ultimately landed at the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce (CBRCC) in the early 2000s. 

Cheryl Clark, senior manager of partnership development, was hired by Ropert in 2001 and remembers him fondly: “Geo is the reason I am at the Chamber...Geo was a great mentor; always pushing me as an emerging leader and sales person to gain new skillsets through experiences.”

After the Chamber, Geo turned his focus back to politics and owning his own business, ultimately launching Ropert and Partners Public Relations – Marketing Communications.

Geo’s heart beat for the Space Coast community. In addition to his work with Brevard Family Partnership and the Children’s Hunger Project, he was part of what some would call the best Leadership Brevard class. Kristin Bakke, President & CEO of LEAD Brevard, remembers the start of their relationship in 2001.

“Geo was an example of the depth of leadership in our community. He was a collaborator and connected people and resources as circumstances warranted. Our community benefited from his passion and love for Brevard County,” Bakke said. “He said yes to every request we made and gave 100% to any project… He was the epitome of #LeadershipInAction.” 

Geo joined the Space Coast FPRA in 1998 and served in many capacities. He was a past recipient of the Doris Fleischman Award and PR Professional of the Year. Geo mentored many FPRA members, often serving on accreditation panels advancing his peers’ careers.

Geo remained a committed member of the CBRCC and volunteered countless hours. He chaired the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee for over a decade, lending his knowledge surrounding politics to numerous understudies. He was also a regular host of the Chamber’s Annual Fiesta Brevard event celebrating nonprofits, appearing alongside friends Brian Hawkins and Greg Pallone to complete the “Three Amigos.”

“You always knew when Geo was in the room,” said friend and News13 Reporter Greg Pallone. “His big and gentle personality shined through with humility. Geo was a bright light of kindness, compassion, and dedication to the work or causes he supported here on the Space Coast. He will be dearly missed and never replaced.”

Geo was recently celebrated at the CBRCC’s Holiday Luncheon for being the second longest running board member in Chamber history. A memory that I will remember forever.

I am grateful that I was able to celebrate Geo’s volunteer work one last time just before his passing. We worked closely together over the past five years, and I owe a lot of my government affairs savvy to him. I will cherish the memories of our long talks while traveling to Tallahassee, his support of me personally as an emerging leader, and his infectious smile that always encouraged me. He will be dearly missed.

The Space Coast salutes you, Geo Ropert. May you rest in peace.