Board of Directors and Executive Board

Chairman of the Board

Daryl Hych

The Switzer Hych Group, LLC

Daryl Hych retired from the US Navy after serving nearly 3 decades. He is the Founder/President of the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce.   He is an Award-Winning Instructor and Founder of The Switzer Hych Group. The Switzer Hych Group is a consulting firm that specializes in helping New Business Owners. Mr. Hych developed an Entrepreneurship Training Program named the Entrepreneur Think Camp focusing on Transitioning Military Personnel, Youth and Medium Size Companies. He is the Publisher of Tampa Pioneer, Tampa's Entrepreneurship Magazine. He is also the author of "Where Is The Chief" a book on military leadership within the Navy. 

Board of Directors

Karl A Davis

Karl Davis is a native of Tampa, Florida. He has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Albany State University and a Master of Management from the University of Phoenix. Karl has 31.5 years of law enforcement experience in the Department of Detention Services for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida. Karl is also a life coach and certified in DiSC and EQ-I 2.0. He is a Life Member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, a Life Member of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc, a Life Member of the Albany State University National Alumni Association, and a Life Member of the American Jail Association. He is also a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Tampa Chapter). Although Karl has retired from public service, his passion for community service, mainly youth mentoring, is a central focal point of his well-being. He enjoys family time, traveling and pursuing the world of charitable giving through philanthropy.

Board of Directors

Genevieve Dobson

Degrees of Success

Dr. Genevieve "Gen" Dobson is a renowned expert in student loans, debt management, and business consulting. With over 18 years of experience in the student loan industry, she founded Degrees of Success in 2010 to provide individuals with the guidance they need to make informed decisions about managing their loans. Driven by her goal to empower everyone in loan management, she ensures that clients receive personalized assistance to navigate the complexities of student debt.

As the owner of Degrees of Success, Dr. Dobson has received recognition for her exceptional work. Her business was named the Best of Tampa for Debt Management in 2019 and 2013, and it was a finalist for Best in Biz, Grassroots Marketing in 2015. Additionally, she was nominated for Woman of the Year in 2014. Dr. Dobson's dedication to helping individuals with student loans led her to write three books on the subject, further establishing her as an authority in the field.

In addition to her expertise in student loans, Dr. Dobson also operates Jump Program, a business consulting firm. Through Jump Program, she assists clients in starting and growing their businesses by providing support with legal documents, systems implementation, and analyzing their specific business needs. With a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, Dr. Dobson is a trusted advisor for individuals seeking to achieve success in their business ventures.

As the owner of Degrees of Success, Dr. Dobson has received recognition for her exceptional work. Her business was named Best Student Loan Management Experts in Florida in 2023, Best of Tampa for Debt Management in 2019, and was the finalist for Best in Biz, Grassroots Marketing in 2015. Additionally, Dobson was nominated for Woman of the Year in 2014. Dr. Dobson's dedication to helping individuals with student loans led her to write three books on the subject, further establishing her as an authority in the field.

Board of Directors

Joshua Monteiro

Sammis Law Firm

After graduating magna cum laude from the State University of New York (SUNY) in Potsdam, Joshua L. Monteiro earned his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. Joshua Monteiro began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County and the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pasco County, where he defended clients charged with a spectrum of criminal offenses.

In county court, he defended clients charged with misdemeanors such as criminal traffic violations and DUI cases. In circuit court, he defended clients charged with the most serious felony offenses, including drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and sexual battery. Joshua also practiced civil insurance defense for a prominent Miami firm where his practice included personal injury insurance defense, first-party insurance litigation, matters involving property and casualty insurance, as well as a wide variety of other torts, insurance litigation, and appellate law. After joining Sammis Law Firm, Joshua has continued to focus exclusively on criminal defense. He currently serves on the board of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HAACDL).

In addition to his legal and educational experience, Joshua served over 29 years in the U.S. Army, on both active and reserve duty. His experience in the Army has provided him with a wealth of leadership and decision-making skills. Joshua joined the Army while he was a junior in high school. He attended Infantry Basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. He later transitioned to serving as an Air Defense Crew Member. During his time as an enlisted soldier, he was stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort Riley, Kansas, Camp Casey, Korea, and Fort Drum, New York. After earning a green to gold scholarship, Joshua was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in August 2002. The next year he deployed with his unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his time in Iraq, he was the platoon leader of a 25-man Bradley Fighting Vehicle Platoon. His unit was responsible for the security of Baghdad International Airport. After his platoon successfully returned from Iraq, Joshua deployed two more times to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He retired as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2022.

President

Nicole Payne

Kennico Investments, LLC

Nicole Payne is a dynamic professional with a diverse range of experience and a strong commitment to community empowerment. She holds an MBA and is a Doctoral Candidate at South University, Tampa, researching Emotional Intelligence in Business and Talent Management.

As a business consultant and finance manager, she has provided strategic insights and operational expertise to organizations, driving growth and success. Nicole's passion for community service led her to run as a candidate for Tampa City Council, where she advocated for equitable representation and economic development. Currently, as the Managing Partner of Kennico Investments, LLC and the Managing Director of the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce, she leverages her leadership and entrepreneurial skills to drive economic empowerment within the African American community and create opportunities for businesses to thrive.

As a public speaker, she captivates audiences with her inspirational messages and connects with individuals from all walks of life. With a background as an education counselor and mentor, Nicole has guided and empowered numerous students, helping them navigate their educational journeys and achieve their goals.

Vice President

Ny'Kole Krivda

High Standards HR Solutions

Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer

Joshua Monteiro

Sammis Law Firm

After graduating magna cum laude from the State University of New York (SUNY) in Potsdam, Joshua L. Monteiro earned his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. Joshua Monteiro began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County and the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pasco County, where he defended clients charged with a spectrum of criminal offenses.

In county court, he defended clients charged with misdemeanors such as criminal traffic violations and DUI cases. In circuit court, he defended clients charged with the most serious felony offenses, including drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and sexual battery. Joshua also practiced civil insurance defense for a prominent Miami firm where his practice included personal injury insurance defense, first-party insurance litigation, matters involving property and casualty insurance, as well as a wide variety of other torts, insurance litigation, and appellate law. After joining Sammis Law Firm, Joshua has continued to focus exclusively on criminal defense. He currently serves on the board of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HAACDL).

In addition to his legal and educational experience, Joshua served over 29 years in the U.S. Army, on both active and reserve duty. His experience in the Army has provided him with a wealth of leadership and decision-making skills. Joshua joined the Army while he was a junior in high school. He attended Infantry Basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. He later transitioned to serving as an Air Defense Crew Member. During his time as an enlisted soldier, he was stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort Riley, Kansas, Camp Casey, Korea, and Fort Drum, New York. After earning a green to gold scholarship, Joshua was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in August 2002. The next year he deployed with his unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his time in Iraq, he was the platoon leader of a 25-man Bradley Fighting Vehicle Platoon. His unit was responsible for the security of Baghdad International Airport. After his platoon successfully returned from Iraq, Joshua deployed two more times to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He retired as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2022.

Mental Health & Wellness Director

Natasha Rubie

Wellness & Employee Mental Health

Dr. Natasha Rubie, is a native of Jamaica W.I., she grew up in Roosevelt, NY, and earned her doctoral degree in public health from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. It is her earnest belief that without your health you have very little.  In her quest to help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives,she has embarked on a journey to better understand 'root-cause.'  It is her understanding that the spirit must be well in order for the body to be well.  Her aim is to help people of all walks of life to address childhood trauma and other barricades which may prevent individuals from living their best quality of life. 

 Throughout her professional career she has worked with people from all walks of life, government agencies, non-profit organizations and community-based interventions. Through community collaboration she has promoted health and wellness.  Her specific areas of interest and expertise are: adverse childhood experience (ACEs) screening, trauma- informed workplaces, work-site health promotion, health literacy, policy development, health education and community organizing.

Technology Chair

Warwrick Reid

FlowMajik LLC

Warwrick Reid's educational and professional journey has firmly establisheed him as a versatile leader in the intersection of technology and information security. Graduating from the Nnew Jersey Institute of Technology, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science, a combination that equipped him with a broad understanding technological systems and applications.

Reid began his career at Hewlett-Packard (HP) as a Systems Engineer and a Database Developer. In this dual capacity, he demonstrated his ability to design, implement, and maintain complex technical systems, laying the groundwork for a career that would blend technical prowess with strategic insight. 

Warwrick is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), a gloabally recognized standard that underscores ones deep undersatnding of information security. He is also ITIL (Information Tecknology Infrastructure Library) Certified, which further attests to his expertise in IT service managment, preparing him for roles that require meticulous planning, deployment, and managment of IT services.

At Citigroup, Reid speciialized as a Service Manager in Information Security Risk, Controls and Compliance. Here, he was pivotal in managing the firm's cybersurity framework, focusing on risk assessments, controls implementation, and compliance with regulatory and corporate standards.

Currently, Reid channels his extensive experience into leading FlowMajik, a business marketing platformation dedicated to providing affordable digital marketing solutions for small businesses. His role involves leveraging his technical and managerial skills to offer services that empower small businesses to enhance their digital presence effectively. Under his guidance, FlowMajik has become a key resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of digital marketing with cost effective strategies. Warwrick Reid's career is a testament to his ability to drive innovation and security in the digital domain, with significant contributions to the field.

Brock A Everett

Essential Being Coaching & Consulting

Brock Everett is the Armed Forces Committee Chair for the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce. With 25 years of leadership in telecommunications and 10 years of U.S. Navy aviation experience, he brings a wealth of expertise. As the founder of Essential Being Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and an ICF ACC-certified coach, Brock specializes in leadership development, military transition, and fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. He is passionate about empowering others to lead with purpose, embrace personal growth, and create meaningful change in their lives and communities.

Vanessa Lester

AVL Consulting