Published January 16, 2025
Melissa Cole, Pensacola State College Foundation
This month, the Pensacola State College Foundation welcomed five fresh faces to its Board of Governors: Jodi Bell of LOCALiQ, Christa Childers Davis of the Hightower Law Firm, Carter Herman of PenAir Credit Union, Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger, and Santa Rosa County Commissioner Colten Wright.
Jodi Bell, Vice President of Advertising for the Panhandle and North Central Florida arm of LOCALiQ, holds over thirty years of experience in marketing, sales, and advertising with renowned media companies such as Gannett, Knight Ridder, McClatchy, and Morris Communications. She excels in leveraging both digital and print advertising to drive growth and success across diverse industries, helping businesses find innovative solutions and achieve their objectives.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jodi is dedicated to serving the community. She actively gives her time and talents to causes close to her heart, including education, mentorship, and business development. She currently serves as the board chair for ReadyKids! and the Gulf Breeze Chamber Foundation and sits on the boards of both Autism Pensacola and United Way of West Florida.
Christa Childers Davis, an Attorney and Partner at Hightower Law Firm, came to Pensacola six years ago from Bryant Miller Olive in Orlando. With experience in nonprofit tax, finance, accounting, and bond law, Christa looks forward to serving the Northwest Florida community through the Pensacola State College Foundation.
Christa received her Juris Doctor from Florida State University (FSU) in 2017, graduating in the top 10% of her class. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from FSU and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Florida.
Carter Herman serves as a Senior Financial Analyst in the finance and treasury department of PenAir Credit Union. In his role, Carter is responsible for analyzing data, developing strategies to bolster profitability, and preparing annual budgets.
An Army veteran, Carter appreciates our military-friendly institution and community. He has generously served in local organizations such as the Pensacola Downtown Rotary Club. He also values financial literacy and continuing education, best exemplified through his work presenting at the Louis Maygarden Center for Financial Literacy at the University of West Florida.
Ashlee Hofberger began her career in restoration in 2010. Shortly after, she cofounded what’s become the largest restoration company on the Gulf Coast. By 2021, Ashlee had earned her Human Resources SHRM-CP designation and SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential. She then began her next big adventure, cofounding a chain of high-end laundromats called “The Wash Room.”
Ashlee now holds a distinction as a Certified Emergenetics Associate and a position on the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners. She believes in leading with candor and kindness and enjoys watching her peers thrive with new and challenging opportunities.
Colten Wright is a lifelong Florida resident who has called Santa Rosa County and Gulf Breeze home for over thirty years. A graduate of Pensacola State College and of Leadership Santa Rosa Class 28, Colten is an active and involved member of the community.
Prior to becoming a Santa Rosa County Commissioner, Colten served on the County’s Planning and Zoning Board as well as the Local Option Sales Tax Oversight Committee. Now, he enjoys investing his time in several local organizations, such as the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Navarre Area Chamber of Commerce.
With these five new members, the Pensacola State College Foundation Board of Governors has grown to nearly forty dedicated members, each dedicated to the mission of providing access to affordable, quality education for all and growing the resources of the College to better serve the community.