CRC Members

Mark Watts, Chair

Land Use Attorney

Mark Watts is a seasoned attorney with over two decades of legal experience serving clients throughout Florida. He began his legal career at the Pinellas County Attorney's Office from May 1997 to April 1999, before joining Cobb Cole in April 1999, where he continued to practice and build his expertise for over 25 years.  Community and professional involvement have always been fundamental to Mark's commitment to serving his community, and he has demonstrated leadership in the following organizations:

• DeLand Breakfast Rotary, Past President
• VCARD (Volusia Community Advancement for Responsible Development), Past President
• DeLand Chamber of Commerce, Past President

Mr. Watts's leadership roles in these prominent community organizations reflect his dedication to promoting business development, responsible growth, and civic engagement throughout Volusia County.
His experience leading these diverse organizations has given him valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

During his free time, Mr. Watts enjoys spending time with his family, boating, hiking, cycling, motorcycling, gardening, traveling, and staying actively involved in community initiatives.

Pat Northey, Vice Chair

Former Volusia County Council Member

Patricia Northey is a dedicated public servant and community leader who has spent decades contributing to Volusia County through both her professional career and extensive volunteer work. Her career began in the medical field, where she worked in administration from 1970 to 1993 at prestigious healthcare institutions including ORMC, Lucerne, Orlando General Hospital, and Florida Hospital. Ms. Northey's commitment to public service led her to serve as a Volusia County Council Member from 1993 to 2004 and again from 2007 to 2014. She also served as President of the West Volusia Chamber of Commerce from 2005 to 2006 and has worked as a part-time consultant with Ghyabi Consulting and Management from 2015 to 2018 and 2020 to 2024.
Community and professional involvement have always been fundamental to Ms. Northey's dedication to West Volusia, and she currently serves in the following roles:

• ECHO (Environmental, Cultural, Historical, and Outdoor Recreation) Board member
• Former Chair of the ECHO Forever reauthorization Committee
• Deltona Planning and Zoning Board member
• Rotary Club of DeBary, Deltona, Orange City member
• Advent Fish Memorial Board of Trustees member
• League of Women Voters of West Volusia member
• Former Habitat for Humanity volunteer

Ms. Northey's extensive experience in healthcare administration, local government, and community advocacy has given her a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges facing Volusia County residents.
During her free time, Ms. Northey enjoys gardening, photography, and staying engaged with local government affairs.

Jennifer L. Bright

Retired AT&T Financial / Data Analyst, Wells Fargo / Ettain Business Analyst, Mission Foods Financial Analyst

Jennifer Bright brings a diverse background in financial analysis and business operations to her professional endeavors. Her career has spanned multiple industries, where she has served as a Financial and Data Analyst at AT&T, a Business Analyst at Wells Fargo through Ettain, and a Financial Analyst in Marketing and Sales at Mission Foods. Through these roles, Ms. Bright has developed expertise in data analysis, financial planning, and business process optimization across telecommunications, banking, and food manufacturing sectors. Community and professional involvement have always been important to Ms. Bright, and she continues to seek opportunities to contribute her analytical skills and business acumen to serve others. During her free time, Ms. Bright enjoys researching genealogy, traveling to new destinations, and tending to her garden.

James R. Clayton

Retired Circuit Judge in the Seventh Judicial Circuit

James Clayton is a lifelong resident of Volusia County who has dedicated his career to public service through the legal system. He began his professional journey as an Assistant State Attorney in the 7th Judicial Circuit, stationed primarily in Volusia County from 1978 to 1982. Following his prosecutorial service, Mr. Clayton transitioned to private practice as an attorney in Volusia County from 1983 to 2002, before ascending to the bench as a Circuit Judge in the 7th Judicial Circuit, where he served with distinction for over two decades from 2003 to 2024. Currently semi-retired from his legal practice, Mr. Clayton continues to contribute his expertise to the legal community.
Community and professional involvement have always been a cornerstone of James's commitment to Volusia County, and he has served in the following roles:

• Former President of the Volusia County Bar Association
• Former Board of Directors member of the Domestic Abuse Council
• Former Board of Directors member of West Volusia Habitat for Humanity
• Former member of the 7th Circuit Grievance Committee
• Former member of the 5th DCA nominating commission
• Current member of Journey Church

During his free time, Mr. Clayton enjoys boating, fishing, motorcycle riding, working on his property, and spending quality time with his wife and dogs.

Ben Johnson

Retired Volusia County Sheriff and Volusia County Council Member

Ben Johnson is a lifelong resident of Volusia County attaining degrees from Daytona Beach Community College and Rollins College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in Criminal Justice.  In addition, he is a graduate of the 156th session of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia.
Mr. Johnson’s career with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office spanned almost 43 years including a stint as a First District Commander in Deltona and 16 years as elected Sheriff of Volusia County, a position he held until his retirement in 2016.  During his tenure as Sheriff, he was elected president of the Florida Sheriff’s Association in 2011.  After retirement, Mr. Johnson still wanted to serve the community, so he ran for and was elected as the at-large member of the Volusia County Council between 2019 and January 2023.
Community and professional involvement have always been a commitment for Mr. Johnson, and he has served in the following roles:

• American Heart Association Volusia/Flagler Heart Walk Co-Chairman
• Emergency Medical Foundation Board of Directors
• DeLand Rotary Club
• West Volusia Police Athletic League
• Volusia Masonic Lodge
• One Voice for Volusia, Board of Directors
• Habitat for Humanity, Board of Directors
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties, Board of Directors
• Florida and the National Sheriff’s Association
• Volusia County Relay for Life
• American Heart Association, 1998 Heart Walk Vice Chair
• Boy Scouts of American, Chairman of Golden Eagle Dinner
• American Cancer Society, 2001 Honorary Chair
• During his free time, Mr. Johnson enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and playing golf.

Florida Coalition for Safe Highways Community Leader

Nathaniel Ingram

Real Estate Broker

Nathaniel Ingram is a dedicated public servant and entrepreneur who has built his career around serving the Volusia County community. His professional journey includes 27 years as a Certified Law Enforcement Officer in Florida, where he gained extensive experience in public safety and community protection. Following his law enforcement career, Mr. Ingram transitioned into real estate as a broker with Compass Real Estate, while also establishing himself as a small business owner in Volusia County.
Community and professional involvement have always been a driving force for Mr. Ingram, and he has made significant contributions through the following initiatives:

• Co-owner of a mental health group practice that provides care based on a sliding fee schedule to community members
• Advocate for specialized PTSD and trauma therapy services for public safety personnel
• Champion of accessible mental health care, providing low or no-cost services to those who cannot otherwise obtain treatment

Mr. Ingram's commitment to giving back to his community extends beyond his professional work, as he believes in ensuring that essential mental health services are available to all members of the community, regardless of their ability to pay.

During his free time, Mr. Ingram enjoys fishing, diving, motocross, stock car racing, and spending precious moments with his granddaughter.

Kelly Kwiatek

Chief Legal Officer for Halifax Health

Kelly Kwiatek is a distinguished legal professional who has dedicated her career to both private practice and healthcare leadership in Volusia County. Beginning in 2001, she established herself as a skilled Commercial Litigator at Cobb Cole, progressing from Associate (2001-2006) to Shareholder (2007-2018). In 2019, Ms. Kwiatek transitioned to her current role as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Halifax Health, where she oversees multiple critical departments including legal, compliance, risk management, self-insurance/insurance, government affairs, and the foundation.
Community and professional involvement have always been central to Ms. Kwiatek's commitment to serving Volusia County, and she currently serves in the following roles:

• Board of Trustees for Daytona State College
• Judicial Nominating Commission for the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida
• Board of Directors for the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Endowment Committee for St. James Episcopal Church
• Member of the Halifax Area Civic League
• Member of the Checkered Flag Committee
• Member of the Volusia County Bar Association
• Member of the Litigation Counsel of America

During her free time, Ms. Kwiatek enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, reading historical fiction, boating on the water, and playing piano and singing with fellow musicians.

Dwight Lewis

Retired business owner and former Volusia County Council Member

Dwight Lewis is a lifelong resident of Volusia County who has dedicated his career to education, business, and public service. He began his professional journey as a teacher from 1966 to 1969, before transitioning to the private sector as a Sales Representative for Texaco Oil Company from 1969 to 1979. In 1979, Mr. Lewis became an entrepreneur, owning and operating Driver Oil Company in DeLand until 1999. His commitment to public service led him to the Volusia County Council, where he served from 1998 to 2006, being elected Chair twice and serving on numerous County Council Boards, chairing most of them throughout his tenure.
Community and professional involvement have always been a cornerstone of Mr. Lewis' dedication to Volusia County, and he has served in the following leadership roles:

• President of South Daytona Little League
• Daytona State College Board of Trustees
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties Board, Chair
• Council on Aging Board
• Volusia Council of Governments (VCOG), Chair
• Rotarian

Mr. Lewis' extensive experience in both the private and public sectors has given him a unique perspective on community needs and effective governance, making him a trusted leader throughout Volusia County.  During his free time, Mr. Lewis enjoys spending time with his family, following all sports, hunting and fishing, and helping with local community concerns.

Amy Munizzi

President of DeLeon Springs Community Association

Amy Munizzi is a dedicated community advocate and longtime resident who has made significant contributions to the DeLeon Springs area since purchasing property there in 2006. Her professional background includes work in interior design before becoming a full-time homemaker, during which time she volunteered extensively in public schools and student ministry as a curriculum writer and student missions leader. Ms. Munizzi's passion for community involvement led her to volunteer with a local citizen group and co-found the DeLeon Springs Community Association, Inc., where she continues to serve as a driving force for positive change.
Community and professional involvement have always been central to Ms. Munizzi's commitment to serving DeLeon Springs and the broader region, and she currently serves in the following leadership roles:

• President of the DeLeon Springs Community Association, Inc. (DSCA)
• Vice Chair of the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor Board
• Chair of the Autumn in the Oaks Festival
• Chair of the "Ride into Reading" program
• Chair of the DSCA, Inc., Scholarship Board
• Former Guardian ad Litem in the 7th Judicial Circuit
• Former GAL Mentor
• Active advocate and volunteer in various church roles

Ms. Munizzi's advocacy efforts have resulted in significant environmental and infrastructure improvements for her community, including her successful campaign for the environmental remediation of DeLeon Springs' extensive underground fuel plume and her work to extend water and sewer lines to McInnis Elementary School and DeLeon Springs' commercial corridor.  During her free time, Ms. Munizzi enjoys spending time with her family, appreciating the beauty of nature through boating and water sports, and cycling throughout the scenic areas of her beloved community.

Ken Parker

Retired Port Orange City Manager

Kenneth Parker is a distinguished public administration professional with an extensive career spanning over four decades in municipal government leadership. His career began in 1970 with various administrative positions in the City of Dallas, Texas, before advancing through progressively responsible roles including City Manager of Malvern, Arkansas (1973-1977), Chief Deputy Secretary of State for Arkansas (1977-1978), Assistant City Manager and later City Manager of Texarkana, Arkansas (1978-1984), and culminating in his role as City Manager of Port Orange from 1984 to 2013. Following his retirement from full-time municipal service, Mr. Parker continues to contribute his expertise as the ICMA/FCCMA Senior Advisor Coordinator for Florida, a volunteer position where he and other retired city and county managers provide services to municipalities at no cost.
Community and professional involvement have always been central to Mr. Parker's commitment to public service, and he currently serves in the following roles:

• Board of Directors for the Port Orange Community Trust, Vice President
• Former Chair of the Scholarship Committee for Port Orange Community Trust
• Bible study teacher at First Baptist Daytona Beach
• Deacon at First Baptist Daytona Beach
• Co-founder and coordinator of homebound meal ministry at First Baptist Daytona Beach
• ICMA/FCCMA Senior Advisor Coordinator for Florida (volunteer position)

Mr. Parker’s dedication to serving others extends beyond his professional expertise, as he and his wife prepare and deliver approximately 50 meals weekly through their homebound meal ministry, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to caring for community members in need.

During his free time, Mr. Parker enjoys traveling, working with his grandchildren who attend virtual school, and participating in various volunteer activities throughout the community.

Nicholas Sakhnovsky

Retired Educator

Nicholas Sakhnovsky is a Florida native who has maintained a deep connection to Volusia County since beginning regular visits for Bike Week in the mid-1990s, eventually maintaining a timeshare in New Smyrna Beach. Six years ago, Mr. Sakhnovsky retired from a distinguished public service career in Broward County government to make his permanent home in Daytona Beach's Margaritaville with his wife, Alice.
Mr. Sakhnovsky's educational foundation includes a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in Government and Urban & Regional Studies, complemented by graduate degrees from the University of Florida (law), Florida Atlantic University (educational leadership), and Florida State University (information studies). His diverse expertise spans transportation planning, law, education, and library services.
Community and professional involvement have been hallmarks of Nick's commitment to public service throughout his career, and he has served in the following roles across multiple Florida communities:

• Environmental Law Society legislative liaison at UF Law School
• Member of the Sierra Club's Gainesville Group
• Certified Legal Intern with the Miami-Dade Office of Public Defender
• Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee member, Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization
• Elementary school association president in Broward County
• Middle school advisory council chair in Broward County
• Education director at South Bay Correctional Facility in Palm Beach County
• Volusia County Housing Finance Authority member (current, past two years)

Mr. Sakhnovsky's extensive experience in government, education, and community advocacy across multiple counties has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of Florida's diverse regional needs and challenges.

Suzanne Scheiber

Founder of Dream Green Volusia

Suzanne Scheiber is a dedicated environmental advocate and former marketing executive who has channeled her professional expertise into protecting Volusia County's natural resources. Her career included over two decades as Director of Marketing at MacAcademy/Windows Academy d/b/a Florida Marketing International from 1991 to 2013, where she managed a team of twenty people overseeing marketing staff and customer service operations. In this role, she traveled extensively for business meetings with Apple Computer, trade shows, and seminars, while coordinating marketing materials with advertising and video production departments.
Following her marketing career, Ms. Scheiber has immersed herself in environmental education and advocacy, completing certification courses through the University of Florida/IFAS for Environmental Advocacy, as well as earning certificates from Save the Lagoon Academy, Save the Springs Academy, and the Citizens Academy.
Community and environmental involvement have become Ms. Scheiber's primary focus, and she currently serves in the following leadership roles:

• Founder and Director of Dream Green Volusia (environmental nonprofit organization, established March 2019)
• Vice Chair of Volusia Forever
• Member of the Indian River Lagoon Citizens' Advisory Committee

Through Dream Green Volusia, Ms. Scheiber has achieved significant environmental improvements including securing a Watergoat for Holly Hill to prevent trash from reaching waterways, providing storm drain labeling stencils to twelve cities and the county, creating two educational environmental murals in New Smyrna Beach, and successfully conserving thirty-six acres of land on the Ormond Scenic Loop. During her free time, Ms. Scheiber enjoys hiking, kayaking, and biking at Central Park, traveling to national parks, and continuously educating herself on local environmental issues through courses, experiences, and community meetings.

Christopher Tolland

Executive Vice President with Foundation Risk Partners

Christopher Tolland is an accomplished insurance industry executive who has built his career in risk management and commercial insurance services. He served as Producer and Vice President at Brown and Brown from 2007 to 2018, before advancing to his current role as Executive Vice President at Foundation Risk Partners in 2019, where he continues to provide strategic leadership and expertise in the insurance sector.
Community and professional involvement have always been central to Mr. Tolland's commitment to serving Volusia County and the broader region, and he actively participates in the following organizations:

• Council on Aging of Volusia
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia and Flagler Counties
• Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida
• Conklin Davis Center for the Blind
• Rotary Club of Ormond Beach
• Florida Chamber of Commerce
• Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Civic League of the Halifax Area

Mr. Tolland's extensive community involvement demonstrates his dedication to supporting various causes including youth development, senior services, public safety, and assistance for individuals with visual impairments, reflecting his broad commitment to improving the quality of life throughout the communities he serves.  During his free time, Mr. Tolland enjoys playing tennis, reading, traveling, and socializing with family and friends.

Billie Wheeler

Former Volusia County Council Member

Billie Wheeler is a lifelong advocate for Volusia County where she built her career in accounting and financial planning. She owned and operated an accounting and financial planning firm, developing extensive business and community connections throughout Central Florida.
Ms. Wheeler's government experience includes serving as Volusia County Council Member for District 2 from 2016 to 2022, representing beachside communities of Ponce Inlet, Daytona Beach Shores, and portions of Daytona Beach.
In 2012, she was elected to Daytona Beach Shores City Council, where she also served on the Planning and Zoning Board and Parks and Recreation Board. Her leadership experience extends to serving as President of the Volusia League of Cities and serving on the Florida League of Cities Executive Board.
During her tenure in government, she has been appointed to numerous state and national leadership positions including:

• Board of Directors, Florida Association of Counties
• The National Association of Counties Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee
• Chairman, River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization
• East Central Florida Regional Planning Commission Executive Board

Community and professional involvement have always been a commitment for Ms. Wheeler, and she has served in the following roles:

• Co-Chairman of Census 2020 Campaign
• Executive Board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties
• Daytona State College Center for Women and Men Advisory Board
• Board member of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Hall Campaign Inc
• Halifax Health Associate member
• Volusia Community Health Needs Assessment Leadership Team
• Victim Advocate for Port Orange
• MOAS Guild
• Daytona Symphony Guild
• Halifax Historic Society Board Member
• VFW 3282 Auxiliary
• Member of Daytona Regional Chamber
• Member of Port Orange/South Daytona Chamber
• First Baptist Daytona member

In her free time, Ms. Wheeler enjoys time with her combined family of 8 children, 26 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren and dancing, reading, traveling, and swimming.

Stephanie Wohlford

Director of Government Affairs with Halifax Health

Stephanie Wohlford is a dedicated public affairs professional and longtime Volusia County resident of 24 years who has built her career around government relations and community service. She currently serves as Director of Government Affairs at Halifax Health, bringing valuable experience from her previous role working in the Florida House of Representatives for Representative, now Senator, Tom Leek, where she also managed his election campaigns. Prior to entering government work, Ms. Wohlford demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating several local businesses in the area.
Community and professional involvement have always been central to Ms. Wohlford's commitment to Volusia County, and she actively serves in the following roles:

• Halifax Health Auxiliary Board member
• Co-Community Service Chair for Daytona Beach West Rotary Club
• Cabinet member for Children's Home Society Community Partnership Schools
• Homes Bring Hope Prosperity Initiative member
• Easterseals Florida Advisory Board member
• Former board member for Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida
• Take Stock in Children mentor
• Member of the Daytona Regional Chamber (2022 Leadership Daytona graduate)
• Member of the Volusia Tiger Bay Club
• Member of the Volusia League of Cities
• Member of the Volusia County Republican Executive Committee
• Member of the Republican Club of NE Volusia County

Ms. Wohlford's extensive network of community involvement reflects her deep commitment to supporting children's services, healthcare initiatives, and civic engagement throughout the region.

During her free time, Ms. Wohlford enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 17-year-old daughter and her 10 and 7-year-old nieces. She also enjoys staying engaged with politics, gardening, bird watching, wine tasting, beach walking, reading true crime, and reading.