Anthony Joseph Gagliano

The meeting focused on key personnel and organizational matters. The Chief Financial and Administrative Officer initiated the proceedings by seeking approval for the appointment of Dr. Patricia Rand to the Board of Director, representing an Institution of Higher Education. Subsequently, the council reviewed and approved the re-appointments of four members: Ericka Randall (Vocational Rehabilitation), Shaun Polasky (Business Representation), Lisa Eding (Business Representation), and Heather Kasten (Economic and community development entity). The agenda also addressed the formal resignation of Sharon Hillstrom, effective December 31, 2025, and reviewed the current vacant Board positions, soliciting recommendations from the commissioners for representatives from an Economic and community development entity, a Labor organization, and a Small Business.

The Finance & Performance Committee meeting covered several key financial and performance matters. Discussions included Budget Modification #1 for PY25-26, which proposed an increase in funding of $699,968 across various line items, including Personnel Costs, Facilities, Office Furniture and Equipment, Operating Costs, and Program Services; this modification was recommended to the Full Board of Directors. The committee also reviewed Budget to Expenditure Reports for the period July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, noting the overall burn rate was 23% and reviewing state and federal expenditure requirements compliance. Furthermore, the Florida Commerce PY23-24 Financial Monitoring report was reviewed, resulting in no findings but three observations. Finally, performance updates for PY 2024-2025 were presented, showing a final letter grade of "A" with a score of 94.43% for CSS WIOA Performance Indicators.

The Board of Directors meeting agenda included several action items and reports. Key discussions involved the review of the Audit and Tax Services Proposal Committee and Officer Nominating Committee appointments. Action items covered the approval of the revised CareerSource Suncoast Policies, including updates to Purchasing and Procurement, Distribution of Gas Card and Bus Passes, Client Grievance and Reporting, and Whistleblower Policy. The Board was also scheduled to review and potentially accept the Financial Audit Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and approve the Strategic Plan for 2026-2028. Reports were expected from the CEO, One-Stop Operator/Education and Industry Consortium, Finance and Performance Committee, and staff.

This document outlines CareerSource Suncoast's strategy to foster economic development and improve the community by facilitating business growth, career advancement, and entrepreneurship. The core strategic pillars include recruiting to match job seekers with employer needs, training through various educational and certification programs, and retaining skilled employees by supporting on-site and classroom development. The overarching goal is to turn possibilities into opportunities for individuals and businesses.

The Executive Committee meeting addressed key action items, including the approval of the previous month's minutes. A primary focus was the annual President/CEO performance evaluation, which resulted in an overall rating of 4.6, indicating exceptional performance across strategic development, board relations, change agency, risk-taking/problem-solving, and community leadership. Following the evaluation, the committee approved a 5% salary increase for the President/CEO, resulting in total compensation of $163,228 effective November 24, 2025. Additionally, a 5% performance bonus totaling $7,773 was approved for the President/CEO, consistent with the organization's performance metrics. Further discussions included considerations for changing the evaluation grading rubric, providing higher bonuses to senior leadership, outlining specific OKRs for the President/CEO, evaluating staff salaries, and reviewing evaluation forms from other LWDB Regions.