Board of Directors
Katy Demick
Chairman of the Board
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 Assistant 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.
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.
William Romberger
Secretary
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.
Dan Alderson
Dan and wife Sandy became residents of Cortez in 1998, moving from Minnesota. In 2008 their son, Rob, and his wife Laura, purchased Tyler’s Ice Cream, a 24-year-old business needing TLC. Since, they changed operations and recipes back to founders Larry and Gerri Tyler’s vision, ice cream is made and served with love. All of Tyler’s ice cream is made on-site. Tyler’s was honored with the AMI Chamber Small Business of the Year for 2013. Dan enjoys small business and continues to help with the growth of Tyler’s in Cortez and Longboat Key.
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.
Nikita Fosmore
Nikita Fosmore is an enthusiastic member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors with 14 years in business at Salon Salon of AMI and as a third generation hairstylist/salon owner-she has a deep-rooted passion for cultivating relationships in her business and our community. Nikita’s certification as an educator with Fierce Conversations reflects her dedication to empowering others and facilitating meaningful dialogues within the business community. Leading with empathy, she values communication and embraces personal and professional growth. As a forward-thinker, Nikita brings innovative ideas, dynamic strategies and a millennial voice to the table. Her goal is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere where professionals feel inspired to collaborate, learn, and thrive together.
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.
Janet Mixon
Janet Mixon and her husband, Dean Mixon are owners of Mixon Fruit Farms, an over 78-year-old family-owned business. Mixon’s is one of the top gift fruit shippers in Florida. Mixon also squeezes and bottles their juice for the community. Janet and Dean have diversified the business and Mixon’s has become one of the top Gulf Coast Destinations according to the Travel Channel. The Mixon Groveside Market is a wonderful experience. They have also added a tram tour through the grove where their customers learn about the history of citrus and the Mixon family and enjoy a visit to the wildlife rescue with crocodiles, alligators, raccoons, hawks, owls and much more. Injured animals that can’t be released into the wild that would normally be euthanized are provided sanctuary by the Mixons. During the year the Mixon’s host many non-profit organizations for fundraisers, sponsor a cooking competition for the local high school culinary arts programs, and also sponsor art events with students and local artists.
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.
Mike Southwick
Mike attended AMI Elementary, played football at the youth center, recalls the private air strip where Holmes Beach City Hall resides and the lack of paved roads. Mike moved to Tallahassee as a child, but was drawn back to the island in 1996 due in part to a strong family presence (Mary Norman, co-owner of the Sterling Anvil, and Mike Norman Realty). Mike is currently co-owner of AAA Payroll Service, which was honored to be awarded the AMI Small Business of the Year Award for 2017. His professional background includes 10 years in the real estate industry followed by 20 years in the PEO industry. Mike supports local charities such as Wildlife, Inc., Manatee Children’s Services and the Navy Seal Foundation. Mike’s support of our military is due in part to his father, Captain C.E. Southwick who was a highly decorated Naval Aviator and former POW during the Vietnam War. Mike resides in Bradenton Beach with his wife Sheryl. They love boating, cooking, gardening, local and Alaska fishing trips.