Board Bios

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Chair

Craig Carter has lived in Gainesville since 1989 and has been a business owner, a real estate investor, a City Commissioner and a commercial realtor. In addition to the Airport Authority, he has served on the boards for the Police Advisory Council, the Gainesville Housing Authority, the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors, and The Fisher House. He is married to Michelle and they have 6 children and 8 grandchildren

Vice-Chair

Kinnon Thomas received his BA Journalism from Louisiana State Universty in 1971. He was the owner and general manager of two radio stations in Louisiana and Oklahoma between 1977 and 1987. As sponsorship representative for WUFT TV-FM he won three Gainesville Ad Federation ADDY awards. Kinnon has served multiple terms on the GACRAA Board since 2004, including Past Chair. He was the Past Chair of the Gainesville Alachua County Chamber of Commerce Board, and two city adviory boards: Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board and East Gainesville SPROUT Task Force (Depot Park). He served as Past President of the Gainesville Advertising Federation, and was Past president of Gainesville Downtown Owners and Tenants (GDOT).

Secretary – Treasurer

Todd Chase has lived in Gainesville for nearly twenty years where he and his wife, Mary, raised their three children. He has thirty years of leadership experience in business, government, and military organizations. A retired Navy pilot with 28 years of active duty and reserve service, he holds a BS Degree in Mathematics from Jacksonville University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Todd was elected twice to the Gainesville City Commission serving from 2011-2017, where he was know for his blunt common sense and responsible fiscal oversight. He moved here originally as an early stage venture capitalist investing in technology and the entrepreneurs at the University of Florida, and has played an important role in the growth of our local innovation economy as an investor, founder, and executive at several local technology companies. Additionally, Todd coached and mentored countless young men at the Boys Club and YMCA over the years and has served on numerous boards throughout our community. He is excited to be part of Lexis Real Estate Group and his experience and relationships across Gainesville and Alachua County give him a unique perspective and ability to serve the needs of businesses, owners, and investors.

Fred Posner has lived in Alachua County for more than 30 years and owns a consulting firm in Gainesville, Florida specializing in telecommunications. Traveling for work, Fred often uses Gainesville Regional Airport and appreciates how quickly he can return to his family after landing. Prior to owning his business, Fred worked for the City of Gainesville and is a graduate of the University of Florida.

Kevin W. Thorpe is the lead Pastor of Faith Church where he has served since 1998. He is the owner Suits By Thorpe, a custom clothing company that serves a nationwide client base. Kevin has served a number of community and governmental boards and he holds a MA in Pastoral Studies. He is married to Mrs. Phoenicha J. Thorpe.

Staci is a double Gator, receiving her bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate from the University of Florida. While in law school, she was selected as a Gubernatorial Fellow working on education policy for then-Governor Jeb Bush.

Staci was appointed in 2023 to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, she also serves on the boards of Foster Florida, Project One45 and the Florida FFA Foundation.

Staci is the proud wife of a career law enforcement officer, Lieutenant Chris Sims. The title she is most proud of is, Mom. She and Chris are the proud parents of three children.