Marion Smith, chairman
Marion Smith, a long-time resident of Plant City, graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration. In 2016, she retired from the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, where she served as President for fifteen years. Prior to that, Ms. Smith was a partner, along with her father, and managed an automotive sales company, B. M. Smith Motors, for approximately nineteen years. She is active volunteer, and has served in leadership roles for many local organizations. She is currently serving on the Executive Committee for the Plant City Photo Archives and is on the Board of SPCA Florida, located in Lakeland, Fl.
Marsha Passmore, vice-chairman
Marsha Passmore, a long-term resident of Plant City, retired from her position as a General Motors accountant after twenty-two years of service. She has a degree in Marketing and Human Resource Management from Saint Leo College. Mrs. Passmore served on the Plant City Commission for six years and was chosen as Citizen of the Year in 2011. She is an active community leader, currently serving on the Unity in the Community Board (Chairman for three years), the United Food Bank Executive Committee, the Arts Council, the City of Plant City’s Historic Resource Board, and many other local organizations.
Gwendolyn Thomas, secretary / Treasurer
Gwen Thomas is Plant City native and is dedicated to youth development through education, historic restoration, workforce development, and sports activities. She is a graduate of Canal Zone College, with a degree in Business. Mrs. Thomas is an active volunteer in the community, having served on the Hillsborough County Community Action Board, and the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board for Hillsborough County. She is currently a member of several local organizations including the Plant City Arts Council, Plant City Photo Archives, Bealsville, Inc., the GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City and the Improvement League of Plant City, Inc.
ed Verner
Ed Verner is long-term resident of Plant City and has been instrumental in revitalizing the Plant City Community. He is a graduate from Duke University, with a degree in Psychology. Mr. Verner owns and operates City Properties, a property management company, and is known for his work in historic downtown renovations and involvements in historical charity and museum efforts. He has served on the Boards for several profit and not for profit companies and organizations in Plant City, including the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce (Past Chairman), the Plant City Photo Archives (Founder), and Plant City’s newspaper, the Plant City Observer (Partner), just to name a few.
Danny coton
Danny Coton is the managing partner of the law firm, Trinkle, Redman, Coton, & Davis, P. A. He has served or is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Florida Strawberry Festival (Treasurer) , Unity in the Community, Plant City Chamber of Commerce (Past Chairman) , Lion’s Club, and Plant City Little League just to name a few. He was appointed by Governors Bush and Crist to three terms to the Hillsborough Community College Board of Trustees having twice served as Board Chairman. Mr. Coton received both his Finance and Law Degrees from the University of Florida.
Tina Pike
Tina Pike has resided in Plant City for twenty-four years and takes an active role in community charitable organizations and events. She holds a dual Master’s Degree in Education, from Elmira College in New York. She has served in leadership roles for many local organizations such as the Plant City YMCA, The Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, and the Plant City Garden Club. Mrs. Pike has been instrumental in organizing several fundraising events held by various organizations including Rotary, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts, the YMCA, and the United Food Bank. She currently serves as one of the five Florida State Boxing Commissioners, appointed by the Governor in 2017.