Building on nearly two decades of leadership in public dialogue and thought leadership, the Institute is expanding its role as a convener of ideas, culture, and community conversations throughout Central Florida. The new trustees and officers bring expertise spanning media, communications, higher education, business, law, hospitality, and organizational transformation.
Joining the Winter Park Institute Board of Trustees are:
Michelle Alban
Founder of Lima Charlie Communications and an accomplished global communications strategist whose experience spans Paramount Global, NBCUniversal, healthcare, hospitality, real estate, and nonprofit organizations. Alban is recognized for her expertise in reputation management, executive communications, media relations, and crisis communications.
Aleksandra Cuprys
Chief Executive Officer of Latino Media Network, who leads a national media platform serving Latino audiences across the United States. A global executive and attorney, Cuprys has held senior leadership positions in media, infrastructure, and aviation industries throughout more than 20 countries.
Dr. E. Ann McGee
President Emerita of Seminole State College. During her 22-year tenure as president, Dr. McGee helped transform the institution into one of Florida’s leading state colleges and remains widely respected for her contributions to higher education and community leadership.
Daniel F. McIntosh
Shareholder at Lowndes and one of Central Florida’s most respected legal and business leaders. McIntosh has spent decades advising major organizations while helping shape the region’s civic and economic landscape.
Megan Rose
Vice President of Global Strategy and Transformation for Marriott Vacations Worldwide. Rose leads enterprise-wide transformation initiatives focused on organizational performance, innovation, and long-term growth across the company’s global operations.
The Institute also announced its 2026-2027 Board officers:
- Lawrence Lyman, Board Chair
- Linda Warren, Vice Chair
- Megan Rose, Treasurer
- Stephanie Carmany, Secretary
The leadership transition follows a period of significant growth and visibility for the organization under outgoing Board Chair Tony Jenkins, who will continue to serve on the Board of Trustees as Immediate Past Chair. During Jenkins’ tenure, the Institute established itself as one of Central Florida’s most respected platforms for civic dialogue. Under his leadership, the Institute hosted two landmark programs at Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: a conversation with bestselling author and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, and an evening with former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that drew a record audience and generated extraordinary community engagement.
Jenkins also strengthened the Institute’s governance structure, expanded its donor and sponsor relationships, and positioned the organization for independent, long-term growth.
“Tony provided exceptional leadership during one of the most important periods in the Institute’s history,” said Lawrence Lyman, Board Chair. “His vision, commitment, and steady guidance helped position the Institute for long-term success while expanding its reach and impact throughout our community.”
“Serving as Board Chair of the Winter Park Institute has been one of the great privileges of my professional life,” Jenkins said. “Watching this organization grow into one of Central Florida’s most important civic platforms, and seeing the community respond the way it has, has been deeply gratifying. Lawrence and this extraordinary board are the right team to take the Institute to the next level, and I could not be more proud of what we have built together or more excited about what comes next.”
The appointments come at a time of growing momentum for the organization. Earlier this year, the Institute launched a new community engagement model that brought together public conversation, community reflection, and measurable civic impact through a series of events inspired by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to Central Florida under its 2026 Theme: Human Flourishing: How We Live Well Together.
In addition to its public programs, the Institute is expanding its community impact initiatives through Pages for the Ages, a literacy-focused program supported by the Carmany Foundation that promotes reading, learning, and intergenerational engagement throughout Central Florida.
“The Winter Park Institute is entering an exciting new chapter,” Lyman said. “We are building on nearly two decades of success while expanding our role as a platform for meaningful dialogue, civic engagement, and community impact. These trustees bring the expertise, perspective, and leadership needed to help us grow our reach and deepen our impact throughout Central Florida and beyond.”
The Institute’s Board of Trustees now includes Lawrence Lyman, Linda Warren, Megan Rose, Stephanie Carmany, Tony Jenkins, Stephanie Hill, Dawn Ofodile, Cynthia Wood, Heather Harris-Keliiheleua, Tom Dyer, Caleb Liptak, Ericka Dunlap, Gerald Hector, Mark Allen Hayes, Michelle Alban, Aleksandra Cuprys, Dr. E. Ann McGee, and Daniel F. McIntosh.
Founded in 2007 at Rollins College and now operating as an independent nonprofit organization, the Winter Park Institute has become one of Central Florida’s leading platforms for ideas, dialogue, and cultural engagement. Through conversations with globally recognized leaders in public policy, business, science, literature, the arts, technology, and innovation, the Institute creates opportunities for meaningful civic engagement and community connection around the issues shaping our world.
About the Winter Park Institute
Mission: The Winter Park Institute engages global thought leaders in meaningful conversation that impacts our world.
Purpose: The Institute creates opportunities to explore new ideas that improve our lives and our communities.