LEAD Brevard names 2021 Distinguished Alumni

The LEAD Brevard Board of Directors announced today that Kimberly Rezanka, Partner at Lacey-Lyons-Rezanka and Geo Ropert, formerly of Ropert and Partners, awarded posthumously, have been named the 2021 recipients of LEAD Brevard’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Rezanka is a Leadership Brevard graduate class of 2002 and previously served on the LEAD Brevard Board of Directors. Ropert was a former staff member at LEAD Brevard and the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, a Leadership Brevard graduate class of 2001 and a member of the greater Brevard community until December 8, 2020.

The Leadership Brevard Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes and rewards leaders whose contributions through exceptional leadership have made a difference in Brevard County because of his/her Vision, Innovation, Courage and Inspiration

Kim has shared her time and expertise with multiple organizations in order to build a better Brevard. She excels and serves in state and local professional organizations including the Brevard County Bar Association, the Florida Bar Foundation and the Brevard County Bar Foundation. Presently she serves on the Friends of the Children's Advocacy Center Board, Brevard Homeless Coalition and the Homebuilders and Contractors Association Boards. This is in addition to pro bono work for Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofits.

Kim’s community service and involvement started in high school with Key Club at Satellite High School in 1980 and the list of her community engagement includes: creating the first Young Lawyers Division of the Brevard County Bar Association; drafting the Florida Lawyers’ Emergency Response Program; working with the South Brevard Junior League Board; the Children’s Services Council of Brevard; Girl Scout Troop Leader and was instrumental in developing the Leadership Essentials skills development program, powered by LEAD Brevard.

Attorney Kim Rezanka represents business entities and individuals in matters concerning governmental activities and in matters involving contracts. Attorney Rezanka has been practicing law for 29 years, with extensive courtroom experience, which includes jury and non-jury trials and appellate hearings.
Rezanka says “Most of my accomplishments have been realized by collaborating with others, leading when necessary, but working toward a common goal always”.
Geo Ropert was an example of the depth and breadth of leadership in our community. He was a collaborator who connected people and resources. The community benefitted from his passion and love for Brevard County. Before hashtags were in vogue, he was the epitome of #LeadershipInAction.

Kristin Bakke, President and CEO of LEAD Brevard says “Geo was always concerned with improving our work, and he was very keen to jump in and try new things – in conversations, in the media and in local politics – during his time here as director of Brevard Tomorrow, notable achievements included – a video called Charting our Course for Brevard’s tomorrow which aired on Bright House Networks; work as an advocate for Smart Growth in the Viera West planning phase, developed the citizens academy in partnership with the United Way of Brevard for the City of Melbourne and other local municipalities, moderated the annual Government Summit and helped to lead the creation of what was known then as the Young Professionals of Brevard. He brought energy, commitment and inspiration to our team and to others with whom he worked. He challenged us to be active leaders in community life, for our organization to deliver top-quality programs and to our community to join with us in a spirit of collaboration, cooperation and mutual assistance. He was passionately interested in all things Brevard. “

Those nominated for award consideration must live and/or work in Brevard County, be a graduate of the Leadership Brevard program (1986 - 2020) and meet these qualifying criteria; Vision – the ability to articulate a dream and provide direction so that others want to share and follow; Innovation – the ability to be creative and think ‘outside of the box’; Courage – the strength to challenge the status quo for the betterment of the lives of others; and Inspiration - the ability to empower and mobilize others to serve a greater vision. This award is not based on the recipient’s views, organization, opinions or the environment within which the recipient demonstrated outstanding leadership.

The award’s intent is to focus on the commitment, courage and positive contributions of the recipient’s leadership to the community and, as appropriate, to LEAD Brevard.

Rezanka and Ropert join previous recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award 2013 Mike Williams, MH Williams Construction Group, Leadership Brevard class 1992; 2014 Steve Crisafulli, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Crisafulli Enterprises, Leadership Brevard class 1998; 2015 Rob Rains, United Way of Brevard County, Leadership Brevard class 1998; 2016 Milo Zonka, Sheltair Aviation, Leadership Brevard class 2005; 2017 Gina Kaiser, USA TODAY NETWORK, Leadership Brevard class 2005; 2018 Mario Busacca, Keystone Strategies, Leadership Brevard class 1997; 2019 Pastor Jarvis Wash, The R.E.A.L. Church, Leadership Brevard class 2016 and 2020 Bart Gaetjens, Florida Power and Light, Leadership Brevard class 2016.

LEAD Brevard was founded in 1985 and incorporated as an educational charitable organization 501(c) (3) in 1993. It facilitates several leadership programs, Leadership Brevard Alumni, membership programs and special events as fundraisers, all to achieve its mission of ‘working together to strengthen our community by inspiring people to lead’. For more information visit www.LEADBrevard.org or call 321-632-8222.