About Us
Advancing Business Leaders is a division of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. formed in the fall of 2007 in response to calls for developmental and networking opportunities for the region's rising professionals.
ABL's Mission Statement:
To promote professional and personal development of Advancing Business Leaders through educational activities, community involvement and networking.
ABL's Vision:
To develop, attract and retain talented business leaders for Lee County by providing a forum for forward thinking, forward moving young business leaders to increase their sphere of influence and advance their careers. With an array of influential speakers and programs, ABL is the perfect environment for rising professionals to expand their business education and increase their community awareness. ABL's programs also reach out and embrace new college graduates embarking on their careers by providing networking opportunities, career advice, and strategic contacts with employers.
Meet the Committee Members:
Chairperson
Bio coming soon
Chris Black studied English & classics at the Univ of Wisconsin – Madison & earned a law degree from Catholic University's Columbus School of Law. Chris founded Winged Foot Title in January 2007. Given the current state of the market, to say that he likes a challenge may be the understatement of the century.
Brad Dohack as a Charter Ambassador for Humanity Unites Brilliance (HUB), Brad embarks each day to enrich the lives of those he meets. In the Fort Myers community, he serves as a Board Member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County, as an Ambassador for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Inc., and President of the Executive Council of Southwest Florida. Brad graduated Magna Cum Laude from Truman State University.
Jessica Collins is a Florida native. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. Jessica is currently employed with Bank of Florida and serves as their manager for the Lee County Market. Jessica is also very involved in the community, aside from her activity with ABL, as she volunteers with Island Coast AIDS Network, is a member of the Downtown Fort Myers Kiwanis Club, and is a 2007 graduate of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber Emerging Leaders program.
Michael T. Briers is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in several states. Prior to establishing BriersCPA in Fort Myers, Mike was based in Shanghai, China as the Asian Corporate Controller for Springs Global US, Inc., where he directed all financial aspects of sourcing textile products from Asia. Earlier in his career, Mike worked for the “Big 4” accounting firm Ernst & Young LLC, assisting clients on various types of tax and accounting issues ranging from multi-tiered partnerships and S-Corporations to large corporate clients. Mike holds a B.S.B.A. from West Virginia University, a Masters of Accountancy from The University of Tennessee and completed significant course work on his M.B.A. from Wake Forest University.
Leah McCann is a Marketing Representative with Czaia & Gallagher, PA., a Personal Injury Law Firm providing legal representation for accident victims throughout Southwest Florida. Since moving to Southwest Florida back in 2004 from her hometown of Koloa, HI, Leah has been very involved in our community. Prior to joining Czaia & Gallagher, she was a Mortgage Banker with Washington Mutual. She believes in empowering the lives of others & creating a passion & desire to succeed.
Erin Thomas is a Marketing Assistant for Oswald Trippe and Company, Inc. and is responsible for assisting the Marketing Coordinator in expanding the marketing efforts of the agency. Prior to Oswald Trippe and Company, Inc., Erin was the Long-term Recovery Manager / Liaison for United Way of Lee County and Lee County Human Services. Erin has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, majoring in Travel and Tourism with a Minor in Business, from the University of Florida.
Kevin Brown is a Commercial Insurance Executive with Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc. He graduated from the University of Miami and was a Member of the 1999 and 2001 Baseball National Championship Teams. When not spending time at work or with his family, Kevin enjoys playing golf and fishing
Edye Button is the District Manager for Green Flag Profit Recovery by Transworld Systems. Edye has over 11 years experience leading her team of Business Financial Consultants. She specializes in helping businesses grow by increasing their cash flow, reducing their costs, and operating more efficiently. She graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, IL with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Mike Chernaiwski CRPC is a native of Michigan and a Michigan State Alumnist. He works at Merrill Lynch in Fort Myers and serves in the community with the Chamber of Commerce and as the president of the Michigan State Alumni Assoc of Fort Myers.
Shelley Lund is a Senior Account Executive with Florida Weekly. She is very involved in the community through the Chamber of Commerce & Rotary Club. Shelley moved to SW FL from Dallas, TX. Prior to that, she worked for Marsh & McClennan in Boston, MA and Louisville, KY. Shelley studied for her BA in Business Administration at Spalding University.
