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Advisory Committee

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"As a former collegiate basketball player and lifelong supporter of Tampa Bay, I could not be more excited to be welcoming the Women’s Final Four back to my hometown! And being a part of the Advisory Committee, that will ensure this tournament is the best player experience ever, is better than a triple-double game!"

City of Tampa Mayoral Candidate & Former Tampa Police Chief 

JANE CASTOR

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"Working in tandem with the AMAZING NCAA Women’s Final Four Committee while showcasing all that the gem of Tampa Bay has to offer is a Bucket List adventure."

Partner, Blank Rome

MICHELLE GERVAIS

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"It is a pleasure to work on an event that showcases the best of women’s college athletes."

Senior Vice President, Guest Experience & Blue Ribbon Service  & Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment – Amalie Arena & Tampa Bay Lightning

MARY MILNE

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"I’m thrilled to serve on the advisory committee and celebrate amazing female athletes. It is important to me to inspire our next generation of girls through this spectacular event!"

Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida

JESSICA MUROFF

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"As someone involved in bringing a large sporting event to the Tampa Bay region, I understand the many facets of positive impact the 2019 Women’s Final Four brings to the area, including strong economic impact, broad national recognition, and quality of life for our community.  I look forward to helping the event flourish in any way that I can."

Tournament Director, Valspar Championship
President, Copperhead Charities
Co-Founder, Partner and Executive Vice President, Pro Links Sports

TRACY WEST

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"The annual Women’s Final Four is not only a celebration of women performing at their peak in basketball (and sports in general), but the Final Four event itself serves as an amazing opportunity for the local Tampa Bay sports community to come together and use the power of sports to help the underserved in our community, as well as shine a light on the diversity of leaders in the Tampa Bay community."

Senior Vice President, Philanthropy & Community Initiatives
Executive Director, Lightning Foundation 
Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment - Amalie Arena & Tampa Bay Lightning

ELIZABETH FRAZIER

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"I am excited about being part of the Final Four as it allows us to showcase two things that I love: (a) the growing, progressive Tampa Bay Region and (b)phenomenal women athletes that will go on to be leaders in all types of industries."

Managing Director, Florida at Mutual of Omaha

BEMETRA SIMMONS

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It is my honor to once again serve our community as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Women’s Final Four. Working with such a distinguished group of women leaders, in partnership with the amazing team at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the NCAA, is an experience that is second to none!

Assistant Vice President, University of South Florida Foundation, Inc.

Executive Director, USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy

Chair, Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women

INDIA WITTE

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"Serving on this committee aligns with my ongoing commitment to see women continue to strive in the sports industry.”

Senior Associate Director of Athletics / External Relations at the University of South Florida

MEREDITH SCERBA

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"A third opportunity to host NCAA's Women's Final Four is proof that Tampa Bay has so many great things to offer - and I am so honored to serve on this committee!"

President, Swim Digital Group

TRIMEKA BENJAMIN

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Senior Vice President External Affairs; Tampa General Hospital

ROBIN DeLaVERGNE

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"I’m looking forward to assisting in making our 3rd Women’s Final Four a great success.  We are hoping that the teams and fans, young and older, have an amazing experience with all the WFF activities throughout the community."

Chief Financial Administrator, Hillsborough County

BONNIE WISE

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"As a former college basketball player and coach, it excites me to give these student-athletes, coaches, and fans a best-in-class championship experience and showcase the great city of Tampa and the cohesive and visionary work of Team Tampa Bay."

Executive Director, We COACH

MEGAN KAHN

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"It is an honor to serve on the Women’s Final Four advisory committee. The excitement and passion surrounding this event is second to none. I am glad to have the opportunity enhance the vision and foster greater support for women’s basketball through this committee."

Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator, University of South Florida

MARQUITA ARMSTEAD

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"I love Women's College Basketball! I grew up watching UCONN and have season tickets for USF’s Women’s team."

Wealth Management Advisor, Bast Financial Group

REBECCA BAST

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"As a former collegiate athlete, I know the excitement of a national championship and the energy that flows through your body at the tournament. I look forward to watching these women in action!"

Professor, University of South Florida Vinik Sport and Entertainment Program

DR. MICHELLE HARROLLE

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"As the mother of a daughter in college basketball and a former basketball player myself, I have always actively followed the NCAA.  Watching the Final Four in previous years was always exciting and to have the opportunity to bring it to my new city is amazing."

President, TECO Services, Inc.

SARAH MacDONALD

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“I’ve been a fan of women’s basketball all my life. I really never had a choice since I’m from Indiana, where basketball was born, and where I graduated from Indiana University. It’s an honor to be a part of this advisory committee, and to welcome back the Women’s Final Four to Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County. This event is spectacular for our residents and our visitors. Plus, Hillsborough is also home to the USF Women’s Basketball team, which has appeared in four straight NCAA Tournaments. It’s a win-win for the WFF and Tampa Bay.”

Chairman, County Commission, District 1

COMMISSIONER SANDRA MURMAN

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"Being on the WFF Advisory Committee that is hosting the 2019 NCAA Women’s Final Four brings a sense of pride and allows me to be a part of a larger conversation around equity that allows women and girls in Tampa Bay to feel confident as athletes and leaders in our community."

Community Engagement, Outreach & Philanthropy

Administration Division, Hillsborough County Public Schools

MARYLOU WHALEY

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"Having been affiliated with the past two Women’s Final Four Championships in Tampa, I have seen the positive impact this event has on the community.  The Women’s Final Four brings national attention to Tampa Bay, provides an educational component for local school children and an economic boost to the region."

Adjunct Professor; University of South Florida

BARBARA SPARKS-McGLIINCHY

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Former Broadcast Journalist and Television News Anchor - WFLA-TV

GAYLE SIERENS-MARTIN

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Vice President of Guest Experience at Visit Tampa Bay

SUSAN WILLIAMS

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The Tampa Bay Local Advisory Committee is a collection of influential women and community thought leaders who are passionate about the NCAA Women’s Final Four and the everlasting impact, impression and legacy that the premier women’s championship continues to have on Tampa Bay. These standout committee leaders provide additional oversight and input related to community engagement, grassroots marketing, promotional campaigns, social and legacy initiatives, volunteer recruitment, as well as overall strategic planning. They are incredible brand ambassadors for our community and collectively help elevate local support for the 2019 NCAA Women’s Final Four.   

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