Mr. Larry Banks
Larry Banks is the Senior Director, Partner Services (Florida) for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, he oversees the provision of courses and services to schools, districts, and families throughout Florida. He directs the teams who provide and communicate education solutions, as well as customer service, to those clients. His subject matter expertise lies in his ability to listen to the needs of customers and to offer solutions to meet those needs.
Mr. Banks has held roles as a District Relations Manager, Budget and Finance Director, and Manager for the FLVS Foundation. He has overseen the growth of Franchise program course completions which have increased more than 400 percent since 2011. Prior to joining FLVS, Mr. Banks worked for Orange County Public Schools as a senior manager for IDEA Federal Programs and was a manager for Early Childhood Programs.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida State University. Mr. Banks has served on the Academy of Ability School Advisory Board and St. James Cathedral Parish Council.
Mr. Phil Bertolo
Philip Bertolo is the Senior Director, Information Technology (IT) for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, he leads all FLVS Information Technology management teams including Operations, Infrastructure, and Product Development. He supports the Chief Operating Officer with strategic planning, departmental goalsetting, establishing operating procedures, and managing strategic relationships with external entities.
With more than 30 years as an established IT professional, Mr. Bertolo’s strengths range from engineering to networking to product development. Prior to joining FLVS in 2009, he served as the IT Operations Director for Reunion Resorts. Mr. Bertolo is a subject matter expert in IT team leadership and is a skilled mentor, trainer, and project leader.
Mr. Bertolo served in the U.S. Navy for five years after high school. While in the Navy, he took several Technology courses. He continued his training obtaining several technology certificates. He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Novell Systems Administrator 4.0, Networking+ Specialist, ITIL Foundations Certified, and has completed several more IT Management-related and computer training courses.
Ms. Courtney Calfee
Courtney Calfee is the Senior Director, Partner Services (Global) for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, she oversees the business development, sales, and operations for global FLVS products and services, focusing on sourcing and closing business opportunities to drive revenue for FLVS research and development and marketing as mandated by Florida legislature.
Since beginning her career as a social studies teacher, she has held various positions since joining FLVS in 2006, including curriculum specialist, account manager, and sales manager. She co- authored Conspiracy Code American History, a game-based course which won a 2010 CODiE award for Best Social Studies Instructional Solution.
Mrs. Calfee is a data-driven and results-oriented leader who is passionate about creating, mentoring, and maximizing sales and operations. She lends her expertise as a Digital Learning Annual Conference Advisory Board Member and has served in Leadership Santa Rosa Class 34. She has volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem and was a Make a Wish Foundation wish grantor.
She has a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Florida and has studied abroad at the University of Cambridge.
Mr. Martin Kelly
Martin Kelly is the Senior Director, Curriculum Development for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, he manages all matters related to FLVS educational products including the design, development, and maintenance of FLVS course content, curriculum resources, and course management systems. He provides leadership to ensure creativity and innovation and guides prototype development and testing of next-generation education products, services, and models.
Mr. Kelly, a former social studies teacher and Instructional Leader (principal), also worked as an instructional designer and project manager for the Course Development team. He was a senior project manager of special projects in FLVS Global Services. Previously, Mr. Kelly led the redesign and launch of 16 online International Baccalaureate courses as an Instructional Design Services Manager in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Kelly holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from University of West Florida, an M.Ed. in Instruction and Curriculum and a bachelor’s in history with a minor in Classics from the University of Florida. He is a certified ScrumMaster. In addition, Mr. Kelly has authored two books, Colonial Life: Government and The Everything American President’s Book.
Mr. Kevin Locke
Kevin Locke is the Senior Director of Project Services for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, Mr. Locke oversees the Project Management professionals responsible for delivery of both IT and Curriculum development initiatives. He also plays a vital role in the evaluation and delivery of key strategic objectives for the organization.
For the past nine years, Mr. Locke has served in various supporting and leadership roles within FLVS including Project Manager, Senior Manager of Operations, and Senior Manager of Project Services. Prior to joining FLVS, he served as a Regional Operations Manager for Target Corporation.
Mr. Locke is a highly skilled communicator, strategic thinker, and a leader who thrives in an environment of change. He has formulated and executed innovative process and operational strategies for the private sector resulting in multi-million-dollar profit gains.
Mr. Locke holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of Central Florida.
Mr. Alfred Lopez
Alfred Lopez is the Senior Director, Human Resources and Operations for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, he oversees Human Resources, Professional Standards, Records, Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Audit, and Staff Development. He assists the Chief Operations Officer in overseeing programs, enhancements, and compliance for the organization.
Mr. Lopez is a skilled professional with more than 20 years dedicated to education and has expertise in conducting internal investigations. Prior to joining FLVS, he worked at Orange County School Board in Employee Relations in the Legal & Litigation Services Department. He served as first chair for Arbitrations and is Florida state certified for Mediations proceedings.
Mr. Lopez holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He is a graduate of the Marine Corps University Staff Management Academy Program and served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years.
Ms. Kate Lysaught
Kate Lysaught is the Senior Director, Marketing & Communications for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, she leads the strategic multi-faceted marketing and communications program to strengthen the FLVS brand as the leader and authoritative voice in online education for grades Kindergarten-12.
Prior to joining FLVS, Mrs. Lysaught worked at Universal Orlando Resort as a Senior Brand Manager where she developed and executed brand strategy for new attraction openings and utilized digital features to enhance guest experiences. Serving as project manager for an advertising agency, she built student enrollment campaigns for Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.
Mrs. Lysaught is an analytical thinker who thrives on data and consumer insights to develop successful marketing programs. Other strengths include communicating vision and strategy and collaborating across all job levels to efficiently execute business plans. She has served in various roles for Ad 2, including national chair, in which she led more than 1,500 members and 25 chapters around the country.
She has a Master of Business Administration and Management from the University of Florida, a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication and minors in Psychology and Marketing from the University of Central Florida.
Ms. Deborah Meyer
Deborah Meyer is the Senior Director of National Sales for FlexPoint Education Cloud, a trademark of Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In her role, she leads the national team that partners with schools and districts worldwide, providing them with the tools, educator training, and resources they need to seamlessly implement Kindergarten through 12thgrade online learning programs.
Ms. Meyer began her career in education as a seventh-grade teacher and assessment coach in River Falls, Wisconsin. After more than 10 years as a teacher, her love for teaching transformed into a passion for providing educators everywhere with innovative online learning curriculum and tools to drive student success. Prior to joining FlexPoint, she led sales, partnerships, and customer success teams at Great Minds, Imagine Learning, and Mastery Coding,cultivating full-scale sales and customer success operations from the ground up. Her expertise lies in her ability to understand firsthand the challenges educators face and offer innovate programs that adapt to school districts’ unique needs to ensure the success of their students.
Ms. Meyer has a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin, as well as a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Assessment from the University of St. Thomas.
Ms. Kim Poling
Kim Poling is the Senior Director, Finance & Treasury Management for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, she provides leadership and oversight to all financial functions including accounting, budget, cash management, student full-time equivalent (FTE) forecasting, payroll, grants management, and procurement card expense management. She serves as the primary liaison to external auditors to ensure all information is gathered timely to conduct the required annual financial audit.
With more than 30 years of financial management experience, Mrs. Poling is an expert in budget preparation and implementation, and governmental financial and cost reporting. She has spent more than two decades in educational finance, serving three Florida school districts. While under her leadership at Orange County Public Schools, her team received the Association of School Business Officials International and Government Finance Officers Association awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting for six consecutive years (2002-07).
Mrs. Poling has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Tennessee. She has been an active member of the Florida Finance Officers Association for 26 years.
Ms. Joanne Serra
Joanne Serra is the Senior Director of Procurement for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role she provides leadership and oversight for Procurement, Contracting, Facilities and Inventory Management. She works closely with the Office of the General Counsel, President and CEO, and individual departments to procure high quality products and services that support the delivery of innovative online learning solutions using strategic procurement methodologies which meet or exceed the budgetary and service requirements of FLVS.
Ms. Serra is a skilled professional who has grown through her experience. She has held several roles at FLVS including School & Business Solutions Specialist, Procurement Specialist, and Contracts Manager. Her procurement experience started at Tupperware Brands, Inc, where she held the position of Buyer.
Prior to joining FLVS, she was a stay-at-home parent actively volunteering at her local elementary school and serving as PTA president for two years. She is also an active volunteer for the Give Kids the World organization.
Ms. Serra has Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Rollins College. She is a member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials (FAPPO), and the Bay Area Schools Purchasing Consortium (BASCP).
Mr. Jason Schultz
Jason Schultz is the Senior Director, Instruction for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, he oversees the daily operations of instruction, including FLVS Flex, quality assurance, and all other instructional lines of business. As a member of the President & CEO’s Senior Leadership team, he participates in the school’s overall strategy, planning, and delivery.
Mr. Schultz began his career in education as a business education teacher and then moved into administrative roles including Dean, Assistant Principal, and Assistant Principal of Instruction. He joined FLVS in 2013 as an Instructional Leader/Principal and has since taken on the roles of Director of Instruction and currently, Senior Director of Instruction.
Mr. Schultz holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida. He also holds Principal and Educational Leadership certifications.
Dr. Gina Tovine
Dr. Gina Tovine is the Senior Director, Analysis, Assessment, and Accountability for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In this role, she is responsible for advanced analytics, statewide assessment initiatives, and all accountability requirements, overseeing data governance and data quality. Her focus includes research and analytics, data management, assessment, planning, and accountability.
Dr. Tovine has more than 30 years of relevant experiences, including 11 years of teaching, seven years as an assistant principal and principal, and 14 years of director and superintendent executive cabinet level positions. She has been recognized for outstanding systems thinking, communication, leadership, analytical thinking, collaboration, decision-making skills, and fiscal management.
Dr. Tovine lends her leadership expertise to various organizations including the Florida Organization of Instructional Leaders and the Florida Legislature and the State Board of Education.
She has a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida.
Ms. Corey Wheeler
Corey Wheeler is the Senior Director of Financial and Treasury Services for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). In her role, Ms. Wheeler oversees and leads all financial services including budget management, payroll, financial reporting, federal and state compliance, and more.
Ms. Wheeler has more than 15 years of experience in various finance roles. Prior to joining FLVS, she was the Director of Financial Services for the Okeechobee County School Board for five years, where she implemented a variety of cost savings measures to help the district increase their fund balance. She also served as the Budget Director for the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners and as an Accounting Manager for the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court.
She is currently on the Florida School Finance Council, where she is the co-author of the council’s legislative recommendation to the Commissioner of Education. She is also a graduate of the first cohort of the Institute of Florida School Finance Officers.
Ms. Wheeler has a Bachelor of Science and Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida. She is also a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Government Finance Officer.
Ms. Robin Winder
Robin Winder is the Senior Director, Instruction for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). She oversees the daily operations of instruction, including FLVS Full Time, academic integrity, virtual learning labs, blended learning communities, Global School, and all other instructional lines of business. As a member of the President & CEO’s Senior Leadership team, she participates in the school’s overall strategy, planning, and delivery.
In her more than 18 years of service with FLVS, Ms. Winder has held many roles within the organization including instructor, academic integrity manager, instructional mentor and leader, and senior director of student learning.
Ms. Winder has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies Education from the University of Central Florida. She also holds Principal and Educational Leadership certifications.