Board of Directors and Officers
Thomas J. Spulak, Chairman and President
Thomas J. Spulak is a partner in the law firm King & Spalding LLP and chairs its Government and Public Policy Practice Group in Washington, D.C. Before joining King & Spalding, he was a partner at Shaw Pittman LLP, also in Washington, DC. Prior to entering private practice he served as Democratic Staff Director and general counsel of the House Committee on Rules, serving most of that time under the chairmanship of Claude Pepper; he later served as general counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives. Early in his career, he served as district representative for Congressman Pepper in his Miami office.
Spulak attended the School of Politics and Public Affairs at the University of Miami and later received his Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law. Spulak is an adjunct professor at Florida State University College Of Law, where he teaches political law. He devotes a considerable amount of time in the service of non-profit entities. In addition to the Claude Pepper Center he serves as Chairman of the Hospice Foundation of America and is a board member of the Ethics Resource Center.
Heather W. Greenaway, Executive Vice President
Heather Wells Greenaway is a partner at Burning Glass Consulting, a public affairs firm located in the Washington D.C. area. She has managed political grassroots and earned media campaigns from the campaign trail to Capitol Hill and campaigns for Fortune 100 corporations, major associations, and trade organizations. Greenaway serves as a strategic partner to clients and leads the execution of integrated efforts that combine activities ranging from interactive and earned media campaigns to field operations and coalition building nationwide. Prior to the private sector, Heather served on the staff of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson.
Stephen R. MacNamara, Secretary-Treasurer
Professor Stephen R. MacNamara is a former Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florida State University (FSU) and served as Associate Dean of the FSU College of Law for three years. He has been a tenured faculty member at FSU since 1994 and was a finalist for Chancellor of the State University System in 2009.
MacNamara earned a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Florida in 1975 and a J.D. from FSU in 1982. Florida Trend magazine has recognized him as one of Florida’s “Legal Elite.”
MacNamara is the only person in Florida history to serve as Chief of Staff to Florida’s House Speaker, the Florida Senate President, and the Governor of the State of Florida. He has also worked with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and worked as a Special Assistant to a U.S. Senator.
In 1989, he became Secretary of the Florida Department of Business Regulation under Governor Bob Martinez. He later served as Executive Director of the LeRoy Collins Center for Public Policy and the Claude Pepper Center at FSU.
MacNamara has held various leadership roles, including general counsel for No Casinos, Inc., and founder of the Coalition for Family Safety and the Florida Association of Health Plans. He has also contributed to the Miami Herald’s annual ranking of the Florida Legislature and advised statewide campaigns.
Appointed by Governor Jeb Bush, he chaired the Governor’s Ex-Offenders Task Force to recommend reforms for former prisoners. He has worked with nine Florida Governors.
Currently, MacNamara teaches in the MAAPP graduate program at FSU and serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Claude Pepper Foundation.
Loranne Ausley
Loranne Ausley is an attorney who previously served in the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives and ran for statewide office in 2010. Her practice focuses on strategic advice and general government consulting. Ausley began her law practice with the Miami offices of Steel, Hector & Davis as a member of their litigation practice. Since that time she has held high level posts throughout state and local government, including 8 years as an elected Member of the Florida House of Representatives.
As a Democratic leader in the State House, Ausley established herself as an independent-minded leader unafraid to take on tough problems and find real solutions. As the ranking Democrat on the House Health Care Council, she developed a policy expertise in health care, and in 2008 was selected to oversee the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, Florida’ s $300 million child health insurance program. In addition to her state legislative service, Ausley has held high level posts in all branches of government at the state and federal level, including the Executive Office of the Governor of Florida, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Commerce, the US Senate and the US House of Representatives.
Ausley is active in a number of local state and national organizations. She was instrumental in creating Whole Child Leon, a community based initiative focused on young children and their families, and she continues to actively serve as Chair. She serves on numerous boards including Ruth’s List Florida, The New Deal and the New Leaders Council. She is a member of Leadership Florida’s Class XX, and an honorary member of Omicron Delta Kappa. Ausley graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with a degree in Economics and earned her J.D. from the Washington & Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. She is an avid triathlete (Ironman Florida finisher, 2007) and marathon runner.
Dawn Carr
Dr. Dawn C. Carr is the Director of the Claude Pepper Center and also serves as Professor of Sociology. Her mission as a scholar and gerontologist is to identify and leverage factors that bolster older adults’ ability to remain healthy and active as long as possible. Her work over the last decade has focused on understanding the complex pathways between health and active engagement during the second half of life. She has particularly focused on evaluating the health consequences of major stressors and life transitions such as those related to later life employment, retirement, engagement in new social roles (e.g., volunteering and caregiving), social networks and social relationships, and major health events such as onset of disabilities, and critical health setbacks or diagnoses. Her recent work pays increasing attention to the role of early life experiences and exposures over the life course, and the ways in which individual psychological resources facilitate resilient outcomes in later life.
Before joining Florida State University in 2016, Carr was a researcher at the Stanford Center on Longevity, a postdoctoral fellow in the Carolina Program for Health and Aging Research at the Institute on Aging at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a researcher at the Scripps Gerontology Center.
Matthew M. Carter II
Matthew M. Carter II is an attorney and professional business consultant on energy, economic development and education matters. Prior to this, he served as a senior staff director for two committees in the Florida Senate: Communications, Energy and Public Utilities and the Committee on Military Affairs, Space and Domestic Security. He is a public speaker and has written two books. He also serves as an associate minister for the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida.
Carter earned a Master’s degree in Theological Science from Smith Chapel Bible University, a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Christian Ministry from Gulf Coast College & Seminary. For his international Christian mission assistance and service, he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the St. Thomas Christian College. He is retired senior pastor for Beulah Hill Missionary Baptist Church, in Gretna Florida, where he formerly served as president of the Congress of Christian Education (Union Baptist Association) and vice moderator for the Gadsden County Baptist Association (Southern Baptist Convention).
Carter received his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law in 1988. He has broad experience in public and private senior management. As an attorney, he was appointed to the Florida Public Service Commission, serving a four-year term and two years as Chairman. In his capacity as commission chairman, Carter served on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Committees on Water, Critical Infrastructure, and International Relations. He was also active in training regulators from other nations on regulatory policies and NARUC activities designed to improve regulated companies’ minority business procurement practices.
Carter is a veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington DC, and overseas in Germany and the Panama Canal Zone. Carter is a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Tim Chapin
Dr. Tim Chapin is Dean in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy and a Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at Florida State University. Prior to stepping into the interim dean’s role, Chapin served a six-year term as chair of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and two years as Associate Dean for Development for the college.
Since joining FSU in 1999, Chapin has undertaken research on the effectiveness of Florida’s growth management system and the role of sports facilities in the promotion of urban redevelopment. He is a noted expert on land use and comprehensive planning, growth management, and urban redevelopment.
Chapin’s current research interests revolve around how Florida’s demographic trends influence urban patterns and transportation systems in the state. Over his career he has secured more than $3 million in outside funding from federal, state, and local governments to support his research.
Ander Crenshaw
Former Congressman Ander Crenshaw serves as Senior Counsel of Government Advocacy and Public Policy at King & Spalding LLP in Washington, DC.
Congressman Crenshaw was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2000 and represented Florida’s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for sixteen years. During his tenure in Congress, he served on numerous committees including the House Appropriations Committee, where he chaired the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee. He also sat on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. Congressman Crenshaw also served as a Deputy Majority Whip.
Originally a member of the House Armed Services, Budget, and Veterans Affairs committees, Congressman Crenshaw also was active in international affairs and established himself as a respected voice on military issues. As part of his leadership in international affairs, Congressman Crenshaw founded the Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance and helped develop the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which reformed the way the United States provides foreign assistance.
Caroline Gillis
With over 12 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher, Caroline Gillis has made a significant impact across Florida, working in self-contained, inclusion, and general education environments for Pre-K through 7th grade in Broward, Bay, Leon, and Jefferson counties. Her profound compassion and strong sense of responsibility drive her dedication to supporting individuals and groups facing cognitive and emotional challenges in today’s ever-evolving society. Throughout her educational career, she has emerged as a powerful advocate for change and service.
Mrs. Gillis is connected to Senator Claude Pepper as his great-niece through her father, Branson Willis, who also serves on the Board of Directors and is the son of Sarah Pepper Willis, Senator Pepper’s nephew. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from Tallahassee State College and both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Florida State University, which she completed in 2011.
Currently, Ms. Gills serves as the State Lead for students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities within the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services at the Florida Department of Education, where she passionately advocates for students with exceptionalities.
As a member of the Claude Pepper Foundation’s Board of Directors, Mrs. Gillis is committed to furthering her great uncle’s mission and ensuring that his legacy continues to thrive.
Kendrick B. Meek
Kendrick B. Meek serves as a senior advisor to a diverse group of companies in the healthcare, homeland security, agriculture, and financial services sectors, drawing upon strategic skills developed over a long tenure in politics, including his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Florida State Legislature, and as Special Representative to the United Nations.
From 2002 to 2010, Meek represented the 17th Congressional District of Florida. During his time in Washington, Congressman Meek’s open-minded and bipartisan outlook allowed him to navigate a broad cross-section of Congress in order to achieve results for his constituents. Building on a strong legislative record in the Florida Senate and Florida House of Representatives, Congressman Meek was able to secure a spot on the House Ways and Means Committee. In that capacity, he was successful in sponsoring and passing legislation focused on tax, trade and healthcare issues.
While in Congress, Meek devoted significant energy to engaging younger Americans in the political process by pushing for fresh ideas in Washington. He was the youngest Member of Congress to serve as chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and was recently named director emeritus – one of only two former members who has held this position. Mr. Meek works with U.S. corporations to develop and strengthen their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Meek is also deeply steeped in matters related to homeland security and international affairs. In 2011, President Obama appointed him as Special Representative to the United Nations. While in Congress, he was appointed to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and served on both the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees. In those roles, he traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East, engaging with foreign leaders on international security and trade matters.
Kendrick Meek, Jr.
Kendrick Meek, Jr. is a Law Clerk at LSN Law based in Miami Beach. He specializes in land use and zoning law. With a profound passion for urban development and an in-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks, Kendrick plays a pivotal role in providing strategic insights that help shape communities and enhance urban landscapes. With a strong foundation in law and a deep commitment to social equity, Kendrick is poised to make a significant impact in the field of land use and urban development.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Kendrick is a passionate advocate for community engagement. He joined the Board of Directors for SAVE Inc. in 2022 and the SAVE Foundation Board of Directors in 2023, where he continues to support initiatives that promote equality and inclusivity.
Before embarking on his legal career, Kendrick served as a Legal Assistant at the Human Rights Campaign, where he actively advanced equality initiatives and organized corporate support for the Equality Act. His commitment to social justice laid a strong foundation for his legal studies.
During law school, Kendrick further honed his policy expertise through internships with the Executive Office of the President’s Office of Management and Budget and the House Judiciary Committee, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in legislative processes and policy analysis.
Kendrick is a proud alumnus of the University of Florida and the University of Miami School of Law, where he excelled academically and earned a full-tuition public interest scholarship. Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys exploring art history, traveling to new destinations, and volunteering with local nonprofit organizations, reflecting his commitment to both personal growth and community service.
John Thrasher
Following a successful career as a state legislator, businessman, lawyer and lobbyist, John Thrasher became the 15th president of Florida State University in November 2014 and served until his retirement on August 15, 2021. As president, Thrasher focused his efforts on elevating FSU’s reputation as a preeminent research institution and led the university to recognition as one of the nation’s Top 20 public universities. In addition, he presided over a $1 billion fundraising campaign, advanced the university’s academic and research mission, championed diversity and inclusion, and welcomed the best and brightest students in the university’s history.
Thrasher’s political career began in 1986 when he was elected to the Clay County School Board where he served as vice chairman, then chairman. He then became a state representative in 1992, and was re-elected without opposition in 1994, 1996 and 1998. Thrasher was unanimously elected as the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in 1998. He was a key supporter of legislation that brought funding to the development of FSU’s College of Medicine. He also served as chair for the Republican Party of Florida in 2010. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and subsequently re-elected. He served in the Senate until he was named president of FSU in 2014. From 2001 to 2005, Thrasher was the first chair of Florida State University’s Board of Trustees.
Branson Willis
Branson Willis is the son of Sarah Pepper Willis and the nephew of Senator Pepper. Mr. Willis is an Investment Counselor formally with Josephthal, Lyon and Ross and AG Edwards and owns Branson Willis Investment Counseling. He is a Certified Business and Personal Tax Preparer and a graduate of Florida State University. He is a U.S. Air Force, Strategic Air Command, Vietnam veteran and was a member of the first B-52 Combat Wing in Air Force history.
Monica Laughlin, Office Manager
Monica Laughlin joined the staff of the Claude Pepper Foundation in 1993 to support its administrative operations. In 1997 the Pepper Foundation founded the Claude Pepper Center at Florida State University where Laughlin assumed the administrative, financial, and human resource support operations in 2005. She also assists the director and staff at the Center in the development and implementation of programs, symposia and conferences, and has continued to support the administrative and program management initiatives of the Pepper Foundation.
Former Board Members (Living)
Frances H. Campbell
Marie Cowart
Steve Davis
Tom Herndon
Grace Cavert Nelson
Larry Polivka
Former Board Members (Deceased)
Talbot D’Alemberte
Bernard F. Sliger
Allen Clements, Jr.
James A. Brennan, Jr.
Jack D. Gordon
Greg Farmer
Irene Hudak
Tina Pepper
Frank W. Pepper