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 University 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 advisory 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

Staci B. Sims serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Florida Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest general agricultural member association. She joined the Florida Farm Bureau family in 2009, and has had the opportunity to serve in multiple roles, including General Counsel and Director of Government and Community Affairs.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Crawford founded Concept Companies in October 2004 with Concept Construction. After successfully completing numerous residential, commercial, and industrial projects in various parts of the U.S., Brian began investing in real estate, which led to the creation of Concept Development in 2009. Since then, Brian has been responsible for developing over 300 commercial projects in Florida totaling over approximately 2 million square feet. Brian is a licensed General Contractor in multiple states, Florida Roofing Contractor, and Florida Real Estate Agent.

 

 

 

 

 

Teresa Callen is a Commercial Sales and Leasing Specialist with Portal Realty. She has held a Florida Sales Licensee Since 2004. During her time as a licensee, she has worked as a commercial real estate acquisitions advisor to numerous investment groups and individuals, and has been involved in transactions in various locales such as New York City, Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Gainesville and Savannah.

Teresa has been a commercial property investor since 2003, and has a total of 21+ years of commercial real estate experience. She is well versed in transacting in all asset classes and has a particular penchant for identifying excellent investment opportunities. Teresa’s superior negotiating skills as well as a firm understanding of urban planning have made her a top producer in her field.

In addition to her significant real estate experience, Teresa holds a BA in English and Spanish Language, as well as a Masters Degree in English Education from University of Florida. She is Bilingual and is able to transact in both English and Spanish.



 

 

 

Adrian Hayes-Santos grew up in Gainesville and attended Santa Fe College where he earned his associate of arts degree and the University of Florida where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, a minor in urban planning and masters in international business. Earlier in his life he worked at the Gainesville Airport with Gulf Atlantic Airways as a lineman. He has also earned his private pilot’s license with a multi-engine rating.

Adrian served on the Gainesville City Commission representing District 4 from 2016 to 2023. His background is in entrepreneurship and has worked with multiple startups in the Gainesville area. Adrian currently works as the Director of Operations for McColm & Company, a federal government contractor in the national security and foreign policy areas. He also serves as a Board Member for the Florida Diabetes Camp and as a Lead with Gainesville is for People, a housing advocacy YIMBY group.

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.