Board of Directors
William Romberger
Chairman of the Board
Years of island small business ownership has shaped William’s professional approach to real estate. He and his family owned and operated the Tropic Isle Inn in Bradenton Beach for 12 years, transforming this island eye sore into one of the leading boutique hotels on the Island, leaving a lasting mark on the island accommodations industry. Living and working on the island since 1995 he is proud father of three and currently works as a Realtor on island. William is a founding member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce as well as a Board of Director, acts as Suncoast Surfrider island representative and engages in numerous other community activities with other islanders to help protect our island.
Wayne Gunter
Treasurer
Wayne’s commitment to superior client service along with his attention to detail has helped position him as a top mortgage originator in his area. Wayne graduated from the College of Business at the University of Florida in 1995 and has been originating mortgage loans over the past 27 years. His high level of expertise, strong commitment to his community and dedication to his field are just a few things that set Wayne apart as a true professional as well as a highly sought-after expert in his field. A native of Manatee County, Wayne has spent his life watching Anna Maria Island grow; he has been a member of the AMI Chamber of Commerce for 20 years and contributes his early career success to the membership.
Katy Demick
Secretary
Originally from England, Katy moved to Anna Maria in 2000, planning to stay and work here for a year. After that first year, she decided this was where she wanted to live. Eighteen years later and counting, she is still here. Katy is married to David, has 2 dogs and lives in Bradenton. Katy has worked for Anna Maria Island Resorts (Tortuga Inn; Tradewinds; Seaside Inn and Tropic Isle Inn) since its inception in 2009 but has worked for David Teitelbaum since 2003. She is now General Manager and attributes her knowledge of business to the very supportive mentoring from David and the general manager, Barbara Baker. Katy has been a committee member with Symphony on the Sand since 2013 and also enjoys volunteering with Manatee County Animal Services.
Adrienne Cardinale
Adrienne Cardinale has proudly called Florida home since 1994. A graduate of Bayshore High School and Manatee Community College, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Recreation from the University of Florida. Her passion for people, community, and creating memorable experiences has shaped a diverse and rewarding career. With a professional background spanning customer service, nonprofit organizations, home services, franchising, and entrepreneurship, Adrienne has built a reputation for developing strong relationships and delivering exceptional customer experiences. For the past five years, she has been a business owner and operator of Shore Thing Tiki Cruises and Gasparilla Boat Tours, where she combines her love of hospitality with her passion for Florida’s beautiful waterways to create unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike. Outside of her professional life, Adrienne is a proud mom to one daughter and two bonus daughters, as well as a loving grandmother to three grandchildren, with a fourth on the way. She treasures spending time with her growing family and embraces every opportunity to make lasting memories together.
Joann Baker
Joann previously lived in New York and moved to Holmes Beach in 1974. She then established permanent roots in the Palma Sola area in 1985. She also has two children who reside in Manatee County and an amazing grandson who is her pride and joy. Joann has been an ambassador for the AMI Chamber since she became a member in 2017. She has also been involved with Sertoma Club of Bradenton for over eight years and has been the President for three years. She received an award as Sertoman of the Year 2021-2022 and has raised money throughout Manatee County while giving back to non-profits in the area. Joann currently works for United Community Bank as a Universal Banker II. She has 30+ years’ experience in the banking industry. “I feel the AMI Chamber is a close-knit group: We help each other, and we care about people.”
Kellie Spring
An Anna Maria Island native, Kellie has deep seated roots in community involvement, and you will find her at most local events. An Account Manager for SERVPRO of Bradenton since 2020, she serves not only on the AMI Chamber Board but also the Longboat Key Chamber Board of Directors as well as a part of the Leadership Committee for the Manatee Young Professionals group from the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce. She also volunteers with multiple organizations throughout the community.
Eric Cairns
Eric came to Anna Maria from Ohio where he was a general contractor for 25 years and successfully operated his own business. He has been an Anna Maria Island businessman and manager of Cedar Cove Resort since 1999. Years ago, Cedar Cove Resort became one of the original founders of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Eric continued this tradition when he became a Founders Club Member. Eric has been an active member of the AMI Chamber of Commerce and presently serves on several of the Chamber’s committees. Special Interests: Cedar Cove Resort donates regularly to the MS Foundation and Breast Cancer Foundation. Eric is an army veteran and a helicopter pilot. Cedar Cove Resort has been voted the “Best Beach Resort and Hotel” on the Island for the last several years.
John Campora
With over 18 years of hands-on work in the investing and banking experience, helping others reach their financial goals is a passion of mine. Being adopted and raised by a single mother generated an understanding of the challenges of single income families and the value that saving can have on a person’s future. Manatee County has been my home for over 42 years. Serving the community and helping maintain and improve where we live is very important to me. Currently, I sit on the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board of directors as well as volunteer in other areas of the island life. Spending time with my wife and young son is a source of true enjoyment for me.
Amy Moriarty
Amy Moriarty is a New England native and lifelong sports fan who bravely escaped blizzards in 2020 in pursuit of sunshine, sanity, and year-round flip-flop weather. After a brief stint in Washington State supporting her husband Quinn through his 29-year military career, she finally made her way to Florida—though her heart had been on Anna Maria Island for years (and frankly never left).Now with Kern & Gilder Construction Inc., Amy leverages her former life with the City of Anna Maria—where she mastered the fine arts of permitting, problem-solving, and calmly explaining things multiple times—to help guide projects and keep things moving forward (and occasionally keep everyone else sane). Known for her collaborative spirit and get-it-done attitude, she approaches every challenge with equal parts determination and well-timed humor. Her background in construction, permitting, and regulatory processes, combined with a collaborative, solutions-focused leadership style, allows her to effectively guide projects and support clients.A Chamber member since 2020 and Ambassador since 2021, Amy can often be found volunteering at events, enthusiastically saying “yes” to things, and helping wherever needed—sometimes before fully understanding what she just agreed to.When she’s not working or volunteering, Amy enjoys life with Quinn and is actively campaigning to expand their household to include dogs, horses, and possibly ducks. Negotiations are ongoing.
Karen LaPensee
Karen LaPensee graduated from State College of Florida with a nursing degree. She spent 14 years working in emergency care, intensive care, surgery and as an Air Force Reserve Flight Nurse prior to starting LaPensee Plumbing with her husband Michael LaPensee in 1985. Karen became the President of LaPensee Plumbing • Pools • Air after Michael’s retirement in 2009. She continues to run and expand the business with her daughter, Shawn LaPensee. Karen has been a long-time active member of the Chamber of Commerce, serving as Treasurer, Secretary, and Chairman of the Board. With the help of a very capable staff LaPensee Plumbing • Pools • Air has been honored to receive the 2011 Manatee Chamber Small Business of The Year Award, the 2016 Anna Maria Island Chamber Small Business of The Year Award and the 2017 Longboat Key Chamber Small Business Person of the Year Award.
Peter Robinson
Pete was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, where he built a long and successful career with The Kansas City Star. During his 37 years with the organization, he worked in several departments, beginning in distribution before transitioning to finance. He then spent 25 years in advertising and marketing, developing extensive experience in customer service, communications, and business operations. In 2016, he relocated to Bradenton, Florida, to help his father remain comfortably in his home. During that time, Pete pursued a longstanding interest in boating and completed an online training program that prepared him to pass the examinations required to obtain a U.S. Coast Guard OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel), commonly known as a “Six-Pack” Captain’s License. Following his father’s passing, Pete chose to make Florida his permanent home and purchased a residence in 2018. In February of that year, he launched his charter business, offering fishing, sightseeing, and wildlife-viewing excursions on the beautiful waters of the Gulf Coast. When Pete is not on the water with clients, he enjoys giving back to the community through shoreline cleanup initiatives and takes pride in maintaining his vessel to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and appearance.
Logan Nichols
Logan moved to the area and started with Island Real Estate Vacations June 15, 2020 after getting out of the Air Force. Logan is the Owner Relations Manager (ORM) of Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV). The ORM is the main point of contact for property owners on the IREV vacation rental program responding to owner concerns and acting as the liaison between the owner and IREV’s internal departments. This position supports the IREV operations department and retention efforts by providing comprehensive assistance, support, and interactive communications and services to our current owners. Prior to working for IREV, Logan served 9 years in the United States Air Force. During his time in the military Logan learned valuable professional skills such as project management, productivity improvement, and staff training. While in the Air Force, Logan served 2 tours in Afghanistan. He received 3 Medals of Commendation and 2 Medals of Achievement for his accomplishments and leadership. Logan has earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Management graduating with honors and is currently enrolled in a Masters of Business program. Logan is married and has 3 amazing children.
Bob Slicker
Originally from a small town in Michigan called Houghton Lake, Bob Slicker successfully started his career in restaurant business management in New Orleans and Boston. After hiking the Appalachian Trail over 35 years ago, he went to visit a friend on Anna Maria Island… and found his ideal destination, the place he’d call home. Currently, the Owner/Operator at Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez. Slicker’s Eatery is a family-built restaurant boasting fresh, chef-driven food at a great price. One of the main pillars in his business plan is to not look the other way and make a difference. He is a proud member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber and is eager at the opportunity to continue supporting our wonderful small businesses and vibrant local community.
Felica Goett
Felica Goett has been a business owner on AMI for 7 years and is the owner of Blooms By The Beach ~ Your Island Florist. Felica is a 4th generation florist and is passionate about her craft. Originally from New Jersey, Felica attended College and Graduate School at the University of Nebraska – Kearney, and was a 4 year college Track and Field Athlete specializing in the Hammer Throw, 20lb. Wt Throw, Shot Put and Discus. She later trained with hopes of qualifying for the US Track Team, and then spent 3 years at Colorado School of Mines as the Track and Field Assistant Coach for the Men’s and Women’s Throws program. Felica spent 20 years living in Denver, CO and in 2018, after an annual trip to AMI, she decided to go home, get ready to sell, and move to West Bradenton/AMI area so she could open the island’s flower shop. AMI and the beaches, all the way south to Venice, were the beaches she vacationed on with her grandparents in her younger years and has experienced AMI first hand for over 40 years prior to moving here.