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This BankAtlantic SVP has 25+ years experience in Banking. Born in Jamaica, she attended University of Toronto, majoring in Sociology and English. As CRA Officer, she is accountable to Executive management and the Board of Directors for success of CRA performance in Lending, Investment and Service. As Executive Director of the BankAtlantic Foundation, Marcia manages all aspects of its efforts to assist charities and community groups with grants and outreach programs, employee volunteerism and civic involvement . Her nationally acclaimed Homeless to Homeowner program has placed 60 formerly hopeless families into homeownership. Barry-Smith has courageously appeared in newspaper and TV interviews for Women in Distress, working tirelessly to reach women of color, urban professionals and youth regarding this epidemic.
Most Prominent Awards: Recipient of Channel 10 TV Salute award, Thurgood Marshall Advocacy – ULBCF, Sept 27 proclaimed “Marcia Barry-Smith Day” by the City of Lauderhill., SFBJ 2009 - 25 Most Influential Business Women, March of Dimes Woman of Distinction2010, ICABA Lumina recipient: Most Accomplished Black Executives and Professionals 2011, MDEI Spirit of the Caribbean - Inspiration through Faith award 2011 and Member of numerous boards
SUSAN RENNEISEN, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS, SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO
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Ms. Renneisen is responsible for creating, producing and overseeing the South Florida landmark entertainment destination’s award-winning and extravagant celebrations. Her position additionally includes responsibility for all sponsorship’s, community related events, outdoor festivals and the over-the top red carpet productions the Hard Rock has become famous for producing. Renneisen has been with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino since its inception as part of the executive committee as well as producing the week-long opening ceremonies and events for that resort and other Seminole properties.
Renneisen has created hundreds of one-of-a-kind signature events for a myriad of South Florida organizations in addition to those for the resort. She brings a wealth of passion, talent, charisma and experience to the many organizations she has professionally and personally dedicated her time to. She sits on the Executive Committee of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and is an active board member of The Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation, The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood and The Ann Storck Center, to name a few.
In addition to being named an Honoree of the 2010 Style & Substance by the Symphony of the Americas, she has been honored as the 2008 Women’s Way Volunteer of the Year and has received the 2010 Winterfest Captain’s Award for Outstanding Service. She was named as one of the 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County 2010 by The Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. Other professional highlights include winning The Florida Commission of Tourism’s Flagler Award in both 2009 and 2010 for Best Special Event and Biz Bash Magazine’s 2010 Event Planner of the Year.
Prior to moving to South Florida, Renneisen established a solid reputation as an admired and innovative event planner, caterer and decorator while working with several prominent casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Her background includes Public Relations and Marketing, Catering and Convention Services, Special Events and Promotions.
Renneisen resides in Davie with her husband Tony Mason, a professional yacht captain.
JEN KLAASSENS, VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS, WASIE FOUNDATION
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As the face of The Wasie Foundation, Jen’s mission is to change the way non-profits do business by empowering them with the tools they need grow their organizations. She spearheads and Co-Chairs the Beach Bash event for the JEB BUSH Florida Classic for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She is President of Neighbors 4 Neighbors, and serves on the board of Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2-1-1 Broward, Angel's Pediatric Heart House, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center, The Broward Sheriff’s Foundation, The Crockett Foundation, and The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
Among her many accolades, she was honored as one of the “Top 100 Women” in Broward County in 2009; selected to the 2010 Cystic Fibrosis Leadership Council (only 40 people are selected in the US); nominated for the “Women of Excellence” Award, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce , 2010; “President’s Award,” National Philanthropy Day, Association of Fundraising Professionals, 2010; “Style & Substance” Award, Symphony of the Americas Society, 2010; “Women of Distinction” Award, March of Dimes, 2010; the Valor Awards, American Diabetes Association, 2011 and “Influential Business Women” Award, South Florida Business Journal.
Klaassens also spearheaded the creation of Dinner with Philanthropists, an exclusive monthly dinner series recognizing charities in South Florida presented by The Wasie Foundation and Signature Grand. Each month, one local notable or business leader is invited to host an exclusive seven course dinner for sixteen which honors a charity or cause near and dear to the evening’s host.
Jen is a graduate of Leadership Florida, Leadership Fort Lauderdale, Leadership Broward, and Lifework Leadership. She launched the Transformers, a group of community leaders who support Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center. Jen’s dedication and infectious enthusiasm have made an important difference for many charities in the community. Raised in Texas, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma where she earned a BA in Marketing. Jen’s interests revolve around travel, family, friendships, and her community.
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