Board of Directors
John O’Connor, President
John O’Connor brings his 35 years of experience in multi-disciplined project engineering and project management, along with his deep commitment to local issues, to the RC&D. John obtained his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Manhattan College and did graduate work at Villanova University. John is currently a Project Engineering Manager at PennPro Engineering and Technical Services where he oversees a variety of projects in environmental, chemical, and geotechnical disciplines.
John is an extremely active in his local community of Duette where he is involved with his local fire department and church. John’s other activities include Florida Institute of Phosphate Chemical Process Technical Advisory Committee, Supervisor of the Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District (elected), and founder and President of the Palmetto Chapter of the Future Farmers of America Alumni Chapter.
Dr. Carolyn Gregov, Vice-President
Dr. Gregov is the Director of Sarasota County Extension Service and holds her doctorate in educational psychology from Kansas State University. In her work with Extension, Dr. Gregov has primary responsibility for the management of the Sarasota County Extension Service and program leadership for the Family and Consumer Sciences Program.
Dr. Gregov brings her experience in Extension Service, education, management, development, partnership building, nutrition and volunteer programs to the RC&D. Her leadership and dedication to improving the quality of life in her community are evident in everything she does.
Mike Sosadeeter, Secretary/Treasurer
Mike Sosadeeter brings to the Florida West Coast RC&D extensive experience in sustainable agricultural systems, sustainable community development, and landscape architecture planning, design, and construction. He also is a project planner, partnership builder, and visionary problem solver.
Mike grew up on a farm in a small town in Indiana. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Botany from DePauw University. His master’s degree in Landscape Architecture at Ball State University had an emphasis on sustainable community planning and design.
Mike started his career in agricultural, economic, educational development, and landscape architecture in the Caribbean -- Haiti, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Mike has also worked for a variety of agencies with demonstrated expertise in the priorities of Florida West Coast RC&D. Mike has worked for Habitat for Humanity, Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center, USDA Forest Service, Florida House Institute for Sustainable Development, Resource Management Group, Inc., and Children’s Haven and Adult Community Services, Inc. Mike is currently employed by the Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department as a Park Planner.
Dr. John Alleyne
John Alleyne brings his extensive knowledge of botany and his expertise in collaboration to the RC&D. He is the Director of the Institute of Food and Agriculture Science University of Florida at the Martin County Extension Service, and holds a doctorate in plant science from the University of Arkansas. John also holds diplomas for additional training in specialized areas from the University of South Florida, University of Puerto Rico and Beej Bawan University in India, and has participated in postdoctoral studies at the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Experimental Station.
He has also held various appointments with the Ministry of Agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago, his last appointment being at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain. John is the recent recipient of the Florida Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals/Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Award, designed “to foster high standards among Florida Cooperative Extension County Faculty [University of Florida] members working in the area of invasive plant management.”
Richard Carroll
As president of Carroll Brothers Nursery and Garden Center in St. Petersburg, Richard Carroll brings to the RC&D his solid agricultural business experience and dedication to the future success of agriculture in our area. The successful family nursery business, which Richard operates with his brother, Robert, was started by his father over 40 years ago. Richard provides invaluable insights into many of the critical issues facing nursery producers, and is always thinking ahead to innovative, long-term solutions.
Richard is the immediate Past-President of the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), working to promote a unified grassroots approach to building strong support for agriculture and small business in our state.