Access Chair: Russ Browning | HUB International
Why Tallahassee?
Tallahassee’s proximity to the coast, national forest/public lands, and freshwater lakes were all huge attractions for me personally, and the opportunity for growth was my top reason professionally.
Favorite Access event?
Coffee and Connections. It’s a great start to a Friday morning when you get to network and meet new young professionals!
What other organizations are you involved in?
Ducks Unlimited (District 3 Chairman), Tallahassee Ducks Unlimited (Board Member), Tallahassee Chapter Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (Treasurer), North West Florida Chapter Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (Board Member), Florida Association of Insurance Agents (Member), Florida Association of Insurance Agents Young Agents Council (Member), Florida Surveyors and Mappers Society (Member / Endorsed Agent), Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Total Resource Campaign (Volunteer/Team Captain), Leadership Tallahassee Class 37 (Best Class Ever)
Vicki Bradley | WTXL
Why did you get involved in Access?
After a year in Tallahassee, I knew that I would likely be here for a bit longer. I saw joining Access Tallahassee as an opportunity to meet new people. I’m also always looking for unique stories and examples of the great things happening in our communities. Groups like this one are perfect for achieving those things.
Favorite Access event?
Coffee & Connections – it’s such a positive way to start your day. It’s also an event that works well for people who have long work days or very busy afternoons.
What’s on your Tallahassee bucket list?
Getting the homecoming experience at Florida A&M University. It’s such a big economic driver, it brings in thousands of people and it looks like a lot of fun!
Stuart Chandronnet | Prime Meridian Bank
Why Tallahassee?
Tallahassee is my hometown. I view Tallahassee as the perfect balance of big and small towns. We have enough size and growth for career progression without the feeling of disconnection from the community. Growing up here has helped build long term relationships. Those relationships have helped me tremendously in my career and personal life.
What’s the best part about Access?
I have always enjoyed connecting with people my age. The Chamber does a great job of including everyone in their events. That being said, there is also something to be said about the common ground we have as young professionals.
What’s on your Tallahassee bucket list?
To see our basketball team play for the National Championship.
Lili Childree | Leadership Tallahassee
Why Tallahassee?
I’ve called Tallahassee home since I was in the Fourth Grade. I left Tallahassee for college the same year my parents moved away for a job opportunity my father had and they could not pass up. However, like most, it did not take long before they were pulled back home and I, shortly after graduating from college. I had a job offered to me in Tallahassee following my graduation, and because this place is such a unique community that has given me experiences far quicker than most of my peers in other cities, I decided to stay long term and it has been one of the best decisions I have made personally and professionally.
What’s the best part about Access?
Easy! The relationships I am building with some of Tallahassee’s most driven and passionate young people in its workforce. It is because of the connections I have made in this group that has led me to the position I hold today.
What’s your favorite Access event?
Access does an amazing job of hosting events that suits everyone’s event-style preference and mine would have to be the Power Lunches. I walk away each time with so much new knowledge (and usually about topics I previously believed myself to know quite a bit about). A lot of thought and planning goes into choosing these topics/ speakers for this event and it’s refreshing to be able to walk into an event like this and know for sure, you will enjoy the experience – It is a great way to spend a lunch hour!
Jason Hollister | Indoor Environmental Management
Why did you get involved with Access?
I became a part of Access because I believe that building relationships and collaboration are key aspects of building a good business and a thriving community.
What other organizations are you involved in?
Chair of Chamber Leads Group 2, member of the Leads Advisory Council, member of Village Square, a mentor at Apalachee Tapestry Magnet School of the Arts, a leader at Four Oaks Community Church, F3, and the Tallahassee Ruck Crew.
Fun fact about yourself?
I was an Academy award-winning extra in The Help.
Christina Lynch | Trydent Consulting
Why Tallahassee?
I stayed in Tallahassee after college due to the kindness and support I received from the community. I felt a sense of belonging and connection with great employers and mentors.
Favorite Access event?
My favorite Access event is Coffee and Connections. I love being able to start my day off feeling caffeinated and connected. Every time I attend, I leave motivated and energized to tackle the day.
Fun fact about yourself?
I am a community herbalist with a passion for herbal tea blending.
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Jaynie Mitchell Sundberg | Capital City Bank
Why Tallahassee?
I have called Tallahassee home my entire life, aside from a 5-year hiatus in South Florida when I was young. I can honestly say that I have loved calling Tallahassee home during every stage of my life. As a young professional, I can attribute FSU sporting events and the Forgotten Coast as major reasons why I stayed.
Why did you get involved with Access Tallahassee?
After graduating from Florida State, I knew that I wanted to get involved with an organization that would aid me in creating solid professional relationships and building my personal networking skills. After finding Access and attending a few events, I knew that I had found the right group.
Favorite TLH Festival?
My favorite festival is TCC’s Uncorked on Campus: Food & Wine Festival. It’s a great way to see the TCC campus and enjoy delicious food and drinks!
Patrick O’Bryant | Messer Caparello, P.A.
Why Tallahassee?
I genuinely love Tallahassee. I left for a few years – I’ve lived in Boston, D.C., and London – but I always knew I was going to come back sooner rather than later. Tallahassee is large enough that there is always something to do or something going on while being small enough that you can actually make a meaningful impact in the community. It’s also exciting watching the growth of this community over the last few years and I knew I wanted to be a part of seeing that continued development.
Why did you get involved with Access Tallahassee?
I’m a big believer in being the change you want to see. The opportunity to be involved in an organization that can move the needle so to speak was too good to pass up. Access provides a great opportunity to not only meet other young professionals but to get plugged into the Tallahassee business community at large.
Favorite TLH Festival?
Word of [South], it’s a unique festival that you wouldn’t expect to find in a place like Tallahassee and it is a ton of fun!
Darryl Walker | TC Federal Bank
Favorite Access event?
Coffee & Connections
What’s on your Tallahassee bucket list?
The top thing on the list is to visit every park in Tallahassee. I’ve done the popular ones, but I want to visit them all!
Fun fact about yourself?
I have started collecting coins from the mint. The excitement one gets when the new coin comes in the mail!!