Foundation Board Members at the October 2022 - Prom Event.
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Foundation Board Members at joining the library at the 2024 Safety Harbor Holiday Parade.
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BOARD MEMBERS
MARIE PADAVICH PreSIDENT |
SCOTT LONG VICE PRESIDENT |
CARA NOBLES TREASURER |
DENISE MURPHY SECRETARY |
DEBBIE WHITE PAST PRESIDENT |
PAM HOYT CHEEVER BOARD MEMBER |
LOUIS HASKEL BOARD MEMBER |
JEFFREY SIEVERS BOARD MEMBER |
JODI WILKINS BOARD MEMBER |
CAITLIN SWENSON BOARD MEMBER |
LORRAINE DUFFY SUAREZ BOARD MEMBER |
BRITNEY NORSWORTHY LIRBARY DIRECTOR |
MARIE PADAVICH, President
Marie is a retired Vice President of a prominent commercial real estate development firm. She has served as Vice President of the Safety Harbor Library Foundation, Chairman of the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, President of the GFWC Clearwater Junior Woman’s Club, President of Countryside High School PTA, President of Safety Harbor Middle School PTA, and President of Gilcrest Elementary School PTO.
Marie also has served as Secretary of the Rotary Club of Safety Harbor and was a member of the Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation Task Force Committee. Her community involvement also includes participation of the City of Safety Harbor’s Charter Review Committee and its Visionary Committee. She is a graduate of the Safety Harbor Citizens Academy. Marie earned a Bachelor of Science in Education/English from PennWest Edinboro University and also attended Arizona Western University.
SCOTT LONG, Vice President
Scott is founder and Chief Creative Officer of Quoz Creative LLC, a Safety Harbor company that specializes in content creation, event planning, marketing, community engagement and small business strategies. He previously co-founded and served as Co-Publisher of Ante Up Poker Media LLC. He is a board member of the Whispering Souls African-American Cemetery Restoration project, the Founder of Safety Harbor Strong and volunteers for several area non-profit organizations. He has served as a Safety Harbor City Commissioner, Chairman of the city's Charter Review Committee, member of the city's Planning & Zoning and Board of Appeals, Chairman of the city's Public Art Committee and was a member of the North Pinellas Cultural Alliance. Scott earned a B.A. degree in Political Journalism from Marietta (Ohio) College and is a former member of the school's Entrepreneurship Advisory Board. In his free time, he enjoys going to Clearwater Threshers baseball games, following the Tampa Bay Rays around the country, traveling and watching all Best Picture-nominated movies every year.
CARA NOBLES, Treasurer
Cara is a real estate professional serving as a National Account Manager for First American Title, and she also shares her passion for wellness as a yoga teacher at Yoga Village and Folly Farm. After moving to Safety Harbor in 2017, she joined the Safety Harbor Citizens Academy, where she proudly graduated and began her journey of community involvement. Since then, she has become a dedicated volunteer, always ready to support local Safety Harbor groups in need. She previously served as Secretary of the Safety Harbor Library Foundation and is a member of the Friends of the Library. In her free time, Cara enjoys reading with her cat, Wrigley, supporting local music and businesses with her husband, and attending the theatre with anyone who’s willing to join her.
DENISE N. MURPHY, Secretary
Denise is a Florida attorney licensed since 1997 and the founder of Murphy Law, a Safety Harbor practice focused on real estate, business, and estate and probate matters. Denise is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Pinellas and previously served the Foundation as Treasurer. Denise also has served as a Board Member for the PACE Center for Girls and is very proud to be a volunteer with the Suncoast Animal League in Palm Harbor since 2014. Denise earned her B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) and her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law.
DEBBIE WHITE, Past President
Debbie was the chair of the Foundation 20/20 Campaign; Let’s Build a Story and was the Foundation President from 2017 to 2025. She has
been involved in many Pinellas County non-profits as a volunteer for the past 40 years including Board Chair at Ruth Eckerd Hall; President of
Leadership Pinellas; Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce and the YWCA of Tampa Bay. Her current involvement includes USF St. Petersburg Campus Board, Dunedin Fine Arts Center Advisory Board and Ruth Eckerd Hall. She had a 20-year career in sales in Tampa Bay and Boston and graduated with a B.S in Economics from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
PAM HOYT CHEEVER, Board Member
Pamela Hoyt Cheever, PhD, retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of Colonel after serving 30 years. She was commissioned as a Military Police Officer. Her career highlights include Assistant Professor at the U.S. military academy, West Point; multiple positions at the Pentagon; and multiple combat and hostile environments, including Kuwait and Afghanistan. She also served in a leadership position as head of the Strategic Analysis Division at Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Since retirement, she has served on the Safety Harbor Library Foundation since 2016. She volunteers to support various veteran organizations. She has a BA from the University of Vermont in Political Science; a Master of Science (MS) degree in National Resource Strategy conferred by the Eisenhower School for
National Security and Resource Strategy; and a MS and PhD from George Mason University in Operations Research.
LOUIS HASKEL, Board Member
Louis Haskel, CPA, provides small business owners with full-service tax, accounting and business consulting in the Greater Tampa Bay area. Originally from the New York area, he has been in the accounting industry in New York and Florida since 1978. He is a graduate of Boston College and has been a CPA since 1993.
JEFFREY SIEVERS, Board Member
Jeff is a Private Wealth Advisor & Partner at Unique Wealth, with offices in Clearwater and Tampa. He is a Board Member of the Pinellas County Estate Planning Council and a member of Safety Harbor Rotary Noon Club. Growing up in Iowa, Jeff graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s in Economics. Moving to Pinellas County in 2009, he has immersed himself in the Florida gulf coast vibe enjoying running, hiking and the beach life.
JODI WILKINS, Board Member
Originally from Ohio, Jodi spent more than 25 years in a variety of purchasing and leadership positions before moving to Safety Harbor in 2014. After moving, she embraced the Florida lifestyle, transitioning to part-time work before retiring from Post Office Square in downtown Safety Harbor in 2022. Since then, her passions have led her to volunteer for many local charities, including assisting with the Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center’s Clothing Closet, coordinating volunteers at the annual Bloom 'N Chalk Festival, and supporting many other community festivals and events. When she’s not volunteering, Jodi can be found enjoying Safety Harbor recreation programs, reading, attending book club and Bible study, cheering on her beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and relaxing at the beach.
CAITLIN SWENSON, Board Member
Caitlin is an administrative and training professional in the higher education sector, where she supports program managers through training coordination, onboarding, communications, and day-to-day program operations. She enjoys helping teams stay organized and prepared so they can deliver meaningful educational experiences. Although she lives nearby, Caitlin spends much of her time in Safety Harbor playing in local kickball leagues and supporting the city’s small businesses and community events. She is proud to serve on the Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation Board and support its mission to expand access to learning and community programs. In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her dog, visiting theme parks, and watching sports, cheering on the Rays and the Threshers.
LORRAINE DUFFY SUAREZ, Board Member
Lorraine is a retired urban planner with more than 34 years of experience shaping communities through her work in local government for Hillsborough County. Although officially retired, she remains deeply connected to the profession she loves. Since 2021, she has taught urban and regional planning at St. Petersburg College’s Clearwater campus, where she brings real-world insight and practical experience into the classroom. A longtime champion of civic engagement, Lorraine has been actively involved in community service for years. Before joining the Foundation Board in 2024, she served on the Safety Harbor Planning and Zoning/Board of Appeals from 2017 to 2024, including three years as Chair. Lorraine is an avid reader and enthusiastic traveler, happily taking advantage of the time retirement has given her to explore the world. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University
BRITNEY NORSWORTHY, Director of the Safety Harbor Public Library
Britney is the Library Director at the Safety Harbor Library. She previously served as Youth Services Manager at the Dunedin Public Library and spent 10 years at the Largo Public Library as Outreach and Community Engagement Manager, where she launched an English Language Learning Program in partnership with the University of South Florida and Pinellas County Schools. Britney also has worked as an elementary teacher in Pinellas County and as an administrator for the Career Technical Adult Education Department, managing more than 200 high school interns in partnership with local businesses. She holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Illinois.
LISA KOTHE, Board Member Emeritus
Lisa was the Director of the Safety Harbor Public Library and advisor/liaison to the Board. Prior to Safety Harbor, she worked in the Hillsborough and Clearwater Library Systems. Before changing her career to librarianship, she was a project manager with EDS and a Vice President in Technology and Operations at Bank of America. Lisa is an alumnus of University of South Florida (MLIS) and University of Rhode Island, where she received her BA in Journalism and Marketing. She mentors at Safety Harbor Elementary School and is on the board of Paint Your Heart Out Safety Harbor. She is also President of the Friends of the Library.
LANA BULLIAN, Board Member Emeritus
Lana was a Founder of the Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation. For eight years, Lana was the Director of the Safety Harbor Public Library, bringing the library through an expansion and renovation in April 2009. For most of her library career, Lana worked in Pinellas County libraries. Prior to that, she worked in the medical field managing several physicians offices. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Lana holds a B.A. in Humanities and an MLIS. Now retired, Lana continues to support the Foundation.
Marie is a retired Vice President of a prominent commercial real estate development firm. She has served as Vice President of the Safety Harbor Library Foundation, Chairman of the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, President of the GFWC Clearwater Junior Woman’s Club, President of Countryside High School PTA, President of Safety Harbor Middle School PTA, and President of Gilcrest Elementary School PTO.
Marie also has served as Secretary of the Rotary Club of Safety Harbor and was a member of the Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation Task Force Committee. Her community involvement also includes participation of the City of Safety Harbor’s Charter Review Committee and its Visionary Committee. She is a graduate of the Safety Harbor Citizens Academy. Marie earned a Bachelor of Science in Education/English from PennWest Edinboro University and also attended Arizona Western University.
SCOTT LONG, Vice President
Scott is founder and Chief Creative Officer of Quoz Creative LLC, a Safety Harbor company that specializes in content creation, event planning, marketing, community engagement and small business strategies. He previously co-founded and served as Co-Publisher of Ante Up Poker Media LLC. He is a board member of the Whispering Souls African-American Cemetery Restoration project, the Founder of Safety Harbor Strong and volunteers for several area non-profit organizations. He has served as a Safety Harbor City Commissioner, Chairman of the city's Charter Review Committee, member of the city's Planning & Zoning and Board of Appeals, Chairman of the city's Public Art Committee and was a member of the North Pinellas Cultural Alliance. Scott earned a B.A. degree in Political Journalism from Marietta (Ohio) College and is a former member of the school's Entrepreneurship Advisory Board. In his free time, he enjoys going to Clearwater Threshers baseball games, following the Tampa Bay Rays around the country, traveling and watching all Best Picture-nominated movies every year.
CARA NOBLES, Treasurer
Cara is a real estate professional serving as a National Account Manager for First American Title, and she also shares her passion for wellness as a yoga teacher at Yoga Village and Folly Farm. After moving to Safety Harbor in 2017, she joined the Safety Harbor Citizens Academy, where she proudly graduated and began her journey of community involvement. Since then, she has become a dedicated volunteer, always ready to support local Safety Harbor groups in need. She previously served as Secretary of the Safety Harbor Library Foundation and is a member of the Friends of the Library. In her free time, Cara enjoys reading with her cat, Wrigley, supporting local music and businesses with her husband, and attending the theatre with anyone who’s willing to join her.
DENISE N. MURPHY, Secretary
Denise is a Florida attorney licensed since 1997 and the founder of Murphy Law, a Safety Harbor practice focused on real estate, business, and estate and probate matters. Denise is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Pinellas and previously served the Foundation as Treasurer. Denise also has served as a Board Member for the PACE Center for Girls and is very proud to be a volunteer with the Suncoast Animal League in Palm Harbor since 2014. Denise earned her B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) and her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law.
DEBBIE WHITE, Past President
Debbie was the chair of the Foundation 20/20 Campaign; Let’s Build a Story and was the Foundation President from 2017 to 2025. She has
been involved in many Pinellas County non-profits as a volunteer for the past 40 years including Board Chair at Ruth Eckerd Hall; President of
Leadership Pinellas; Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce and the YWCA of Tampa Bay. Her current involvement includes USF St. Petersburg Campus Board, Dunedin Fine Arts Center Advisory Board and Ruth Eckerd Hall. She had a 20-year career in sales in Tampa Bay and Boston and graduated with a B.S in Economics from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
PAM HOYT CHEEVER, Board Member
Pamela Hoyt Cheever, PhD, retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of Colonel after serving 30 years. She was commissioned as a Military Police Officer. Her career highlights include Assistant Professor at the U.S. military academy, West Point; multiple positions at the Pentagon; and multiple combat and hostile environments, including Kuwait and Afghanistan. She also served in a leadership position as head of the Strategic Analysis Division at Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Since retirement, she has served on the Safety Harbor Library Foundation since 2016. She volunteers to support various veteran organizations. She has a BA from the University of Vermont in Political Science; a Master of Science (MS) degree in National Resource Strategy conferred by the Eisenhower School for
National Security and Resource Strategy; and a MS and PhD from George Mason University in Operations Research.
LOUIS HASKEL, Board Member
Louis Haskel, CPA, provides small business owners with full-service tax, accounting and business consulting in the Greater Tampa Bay area. Originally from the New York area, he has been in the accounting industry in New York and Florida since 1978. He is a graduate of Boston College and has been a CPA since 1993.
JEFFREY SIEVERS, Board Member
Jeff is a Private Wealth Advisor & Partner at Unique Wealth, with offices in Clearwater and Tampa. He is a Board Member of the Pinellas County Estate Planning Council and a member of Safety Harbor Rotary Noon Club. Growing up in Iowa, Jeff graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s in Economics. Moving to Pinellas County in 2009, he has immersed himself in the Florida gulf coast vibe enjoying running, hiking and the beach life.
JODI WILKINS, Board Member
Originally from Ohio, Jodi spent more than 25 years in a variety of purchasing and leadership positions before moving to Safety Harbor in 2014. After moving, she embraced the Florida lifestyle, transitioning to part-time work before retiring from Post Office Square in downtown Safety Harbor in 2022. Since then, her passions have led her to volunteer for many local charities, including assisting with the Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center’s Clothing Closet, coordinating volunteers at the annual Bloom 'N Chalk Festival, and supporting many other community festivals and events. When she’s not volunteering, Jodi can be found enjoying Safety Harbor recreation programs, reading, attending book club and Bible study, cheering on her beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and relaxing at the beach.
CAITLIN SWENSON, Board Member
Caitlin is an administrative and training professional in the higher education sector, where she supports program managers through training coordination, onboarding, communications, and day-to-day program operations. She enjoys helping teams stay organized and prepared so they can deliver meaningful educational experiences. Although she lives nearby, Caitlin spends much of her time in Safety Harbor playing in local kickball leagues and supporting the city’s small businesses and community events. She is proud to serve on the Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation Board and support its mission to expand access to learning and community programs. In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her dog, visiting theme parks, and watching sports, cheering on the Rays and the Threshers.
LORRAINE DUFFY SUAREZ, Board Member
Lorraine is a retired urban planner with more than 34 years of experience shaping communities through her work in local government for Hillsborough County. Although officially retired, she remains deeply connected to the profession she loves. Since 2021, she has taught urban and regional planning at St. Petersburg College’s Clearwater campus, where she brings real-world insight and practical experience into the classroom. A longtime champion of civic engagement, Lorraine has been actively involved in community service for years. Before joining the Foundation Board in 2024, she served on the Safety Harbor Planning and Zoning/Board of Appeals from 2017 to 2024, including three years as Chair. Lorraine is an avid reader and enthusiastic traveler, happily taking advantage of the time retirement has given her to explore the world. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University
BRITNEY NORSWORTHY, Director of the Safety Harbor Public Library
Britney is the Library Director at the Safety Harbor Library. She previously served as Youth Services Manager at the Dunedin Public Library and spent 10 years at the Largo Public Library as Outreach and Community Engagement Manager, where she launched an English Language Learning Program in partnership with the University of South Florida and Pinellas County Schools. Britney also has worked as an elementary teacher in Pinellas County and as an administrator for the Career Technical Adult Education Department, managing more than 200 high school interns in partnership with local businesses. She holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Illinois.
LISA KOTHE, Board Member Emeritus
Lisa was the Director of the Safety Harbor Public Library and advisor/liaison to the Board. Prior to Safety Harbor, she worked in the Hillsborough and Clearwater Library Systems. Before changing her career to librarianship, she was a project manager with EDS and a Vice President in Technology and Operations at Bank of America. Lisa is an alumnus of University of South Florida (MLIS) and University of Rhode Island, where she received her BA in Journalism and Marketing. She mentors at Safety Harbor Elementary School and is on the board of Paint Your Heart Out Safety Harbor. She is also President of the Friends of the Library.
LANA BULLIAN, Board Member Emeritus
Lana was a Founder of the Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation. For eight years, Lana was the Director of the Safety Harbor Public Library, bringing the library through an expansion and renovation in April 2009. For most of her library career, Lana worked in Pinellas County libraries. Prior to that, she worked in the medical field managing several physicians offices. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Lana holds a B.A. in Humanities and an MLIS. Now retired, Lana continues to support the Foundation.
Interested in serving on the Board?
Board Members support the work of the Library Foundation and provide mission based leadership and fundraising to support the programs and technology of the Safety Harbor Public Library. This is an opportunity for someone who is passionate about libraries, specifically the Safety Harbor Public Library. Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. A copy of the Board Member Agreement can be found here.
Qualifications:
· Willing to serve and take on special assignments
· Represents the Foundation to stakeholders and acts as an ambassador for the organization
· Creative fundraising experience and/or accounting background desired
· Ability to solicit contributions from businesses and individuals
Board terms/participation:
Board Members will serve a two-year term to be eligible for re-appointment and must be available to attend board meetings typically held the Third Tuesday monthly at 5:30 pm in Safety Harbor. For consideration, please complete an application and submit via mail to SHPL Foundation - 101 2nd Street N. Safety Harbor, FL 34695 or email to [email protected]
Board Members support the work of the Library Foundation and provide mission based leadership and fundraising to support the programs and technology of the Safety Harbor Public Library. This is an opportunity for someone who is passionate about libraries, specifically the Safety Harbor Public Library. Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. A copy of the Board Member Agreement can be found here.
Qualifications:
· Willing to serve and take on special assignments
· Represents the Foundation to stakeholders and acts as an ambassador for the organization
· Creative fundraising experience and/or accounting background desired
· Ability to solicit contributions from businesses and individuals
Board terms/participation:
Board Members will serve a two-year term to be eligible for re-appointment and must be available to attend board meetings typically held the Third Tuesday monthly at 5:30 pm in Safety Harbor. For consideration, please complete an application and submit via mail to SHPL Foundation - 101 2nd Street N. Safety Harbor, FL 34695 or email to [email protected]
