Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon

Description

Join us for a celebration to honor our veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. You’ll hear from an impressive panel of women and men about their contributions, how their military sacrifices have impacted their lives today, and how St. Johns County businesses can support veterans. 

Did you know? Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day and was first observed in 1919 to mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.

Brought to you by our Chamber at Noon Council, whose vision is to keep members on top of business trends in St. Johns County and Northeast Florida and offers valuable networking and educational opportunities through insightful topics and engaging speakers, and by our Women with Vision Council, who mentors, inspires and empowers professional women through education and collaboration to embrace their vision, purpose and value.

Speakers include:

Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher E. Smith
USN Command Master Chief
Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) “Fighting Tigers"

Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher E. Smith is a native of Slocomb, Ala., and graduated in 1993 from Geneva County High School in Hartford, Ala. He enlisted in the Navy in 1993 and received basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill.  He then completed “AT” Aviation Electronics Technician “A” School in Millington, Tenn.

In 1995 he reported to his first duty assignment with Patrol Squadron ONE (VP-1), in Whidbey Island, Wash., to work on the P-3C ORION. During that tour he earned his Project Bear Trap Technician and flew missions on temporary flight orders. He also achieved AIP Technician, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, and his Collateral Duty Inspector qualifications. He was deployed to Afghanistan, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Diego Garcia, South Korea, Thailand, Guam, and Japan in the Western Pacific, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean in support of Operations Southern Watch and Desert Strike.

He chose orders in 2007 to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) in Jacksonville as a P-3C instructor. He served as the Avionics O-level (AVO) Leading Chief Petty Officer.

He completed two deployments onboard the USS John C. Stennis in support of Operations New Dawn, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and completed his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification, advancing to Senior Chief Petty Officer in June 2012. 

Dr. Stephanie Erwin
Assistant Professor and Chief of Institutional Effectiveness, U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College

Dr. Stephanie K. Erwin is an Assistant Professor and Chief of Institutional Effectiveness at USAF Air Command and Staff College where she teaches courses in Leadership, Inclusion, Adult Education, and Political-Affairs. She has a doctorate from George Washington University in Organizational Leadership with expertise in leadership, military ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and organizational culture.

Before joining the faculty at ACSC, Dr. Erwin previously taught at the Army War College and George Mason University’s Costello College of Business. Prior to her academic career, Dr. Erwin served in the United States Navy as an MH-60S Knighthawk and C-12M Huron pilot with seven deployments in support of OEF and OIF including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ryan Clark
CEO of Code Coast Consulting 

Ryan Clark is a seasoned business leader, product innovator, and military veteran with more than 20 years of leadership experience in technology, defense, and education. As the CEO of Code Coast Consulting, Ryan has driven growth and innovation, expanding Code Ninjas to four locations in St Johns County and Northeast Florida and maintaining a high Net Promoter Score (90+).

Ryan’s distinguished 14-year military career includes 8 years on active duty as an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) flying the B-52 Stratofortress and 6 years in the Reserves. He led critical Long Range Planning and Standardization & Evaluation teams and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, supporting NATO planning aerial operations. As an EWO, Ryan safeguarded aircrews from threats, enhancing mission success. In the Air Force Reserves, he currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff, supporting Air Operations.

Ryan holds an MBA from George Mason University, and multiple certifications, including Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) Certified Product Manager (CPM) and Certified Product Marketing Manager (CPMM). His blend of military precision and business acumen makes him a standout leader in both fields. He currently serves as the secretary of the Board of Directors of the SJC Chamber.

Sean Rotolo 
President and CEO of Rotolo Corp Owner of Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning of Northeast Florida. 

Sean Rotolo has proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 18 years and counting. He has a background in logistics, a deployment to Afghanistan, and eight years in recruiting, allowing him to grow his skills as Director of Production and Program Manager. No matter what his position was, he always led his sailors to achieve their best and to grow within their careers while putting family first.

Sean is currently the president and CEO of Rotolo Corp., which owns Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning of Northeast Florida. Though the hurdles and challenges he has faced and overcome while starting his business during the COVID pandemic, he quickly realized the value of having a strong diverse network of experience, knowledge, and resources. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the SJC Chamber.

Sean is a proud husband and father of two children. He strives to pave the way for his family by keeping his practices of "Family First, Last, and Always." Leading by example and showing his children that nothing in life is free but if you work hard, stay focused, and have good mentors you can achieve your dreams.