Gerald Angeli

CEO, Stirling Operations

Gerald J. Angeli successfully led an historic transformation of ACR Electronics. Serving in advancing leadership roles since 2011 culminating as its President and General Manager for the past four years, Gerry energized and inspired over 150 employees, intensifying their passion and dedication to save lives. As the industry leader, ACR designs and manufactures a complete top of the line life-saving equipment including personal locating beacons (PLBs), EPIRBs for the marine industry, EL Ts for aircraft and radio beacons for certain military applications.

Recognized today as a significant leader in the community, Gerry was appointed to head the 2018 Washington Summit, appointed member of the prestigious Council of Economic Advisors, Winterfest Advisory board, the Tower Forum and continues to be honored with multiple awards. Widely respected as a result-oriented executive, the experience has proven to be life-changing leading to his decision to announce his retirement, continuing to support ACR serving as Executive Vice President through 2018 with the intention to devote his next career journey making a difference in the community as a life’s mission.

Shawn E. Eager

Vice President, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley

First Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley

Shawn serves as a First Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, where he is also a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional. With an impressive array of ten financial certifications, Shawn specializes in comprehensive financial planning, estate planning and wealth transfer, charitable and philanthropic giving, business succession planning, divorce financial analysis, and retirement income planning and risk management.

Shawn is committed to guiding clients through complex financial landscapes, helping them achieve their goals during significant life events and beyond. He employs a personalized approach to craft financial strategies that empower individuals to navigate pivotal moments with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

Originally from Biddeford, Maine, Shawn earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine and a master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. Currently residing in Fort Lauderdale, he enjoys life with his son, Thomas. An avid reader and scuba diving enthusiast, Shawn also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and stays active with EMS fitness training.

Shawn’s dedication to Gilda’s Club South Florida is deeply personal. Having lost his father to cancer during his adolescent years, he intimately understands the profound impact cancer can have on families. This experience fuels his passion for supporting Gilda’s Club’s mission to provide a community of strength and hope for those affected by cancer.

Denise Guarino

International Tax and Transaction Principal at Ernst & Young

Denise has worked at EY for almost 25 years in the international tax and transactions service line.  She currently leads EY’s Americas Legal Entity Rationalization practice working with multinationals to optimize their legal entity footprint to achieve their business objectives.  She provides international tax and legal entity rationalization services to clients that have significant or expanding operations overseas. Her clients include many Fortune 50, 100, and 500 companies as well as global 100 companies in a variety of industries. 

Denise has also been personally impacted by cancer, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.  She has participated in Gilda’s support and programs since that time.  She is also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society ACS CARES program.

Denise received her BA in Economics from Boston University, her juris doctor cum laude from Suffolk University Law School, and her LLM in Taxation from Boston University School of Law.  She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and is a licensed real estate agent in Florida.

Jon Polenberg

Immediate Past Chair

Jon has a well-established litigation career in state and federal courts, as well as pursuing alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration on behalf of his clients when the situation warrants. Jon is client-focused while maintaining the highest professional standards.

Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Polenberg pursued a business management career, where he gained valuable insight into the business challenges facing today’s companies. He was a member of a prominent New York law firm, and then started his own firm that engaged in litigating cases involving business torts, class actions, construction, contracts, employment, fraud, insurance coverage, lender liability, and securities litigation.

Leonard Pounds

Vice President of NSU Health, Nova Southeastern University

Dr. Leonard Pounds is a dedicated senior executive with 20+ years of diverse leadership experience. Currently serving as Vice President of NSU Health at Nova Southeastern University, Leonard is instrumental in developing the organization’s strategic plan by creating a self-sustaining clinical enterprise centered on education, research, and quality patient care. Prior to joining NSU, Leonard served in the U.S. Navy during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, receiving several prestigious awards for his service.   

Dr. Pounds is a Nova Southeastern University graduate, earning his Ph.D. in Information Systems and M.S. in Information Systems Management. Outside of work, Leonard draws inspiration from his family and takes pleasure in reading and traveling. 

Jil Simon

Owner of Store Planning Services

Professionally, Jil Simon is the owner of Store Planning Services. Jil has volunteered for Gilda’s Club since 2006, hosting fundraisers; volunteering for Jet Cruise since its inception and since 2021 part of the committee; designing the floor plan for the building we now occupy and has come to and sponsored almost every event we’ve held in the last 20 years.

 In 2011, Jil’s journey with Gilda’s became deeply personal when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and went from being a volunteer to a member. “The compassion & support they provided for me, as well as my mother-In-Law in her battle with lung cancer, was invaluable to us as well as our families. Sadly last year I lost my Father to pancreatic cancer, which motivates me even more to help Gilda’s Club continue to grow & expand their outreach into our community.

Trudy Spence

ALD HR Business Partner at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Trudy has over 25 years of partner relationship, development, and strategic management experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit corporation sector.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Resource Economics – specializing in Agribusiness with a Minor in Business Administration from the University of Florida.

Currently, as a Human Resource Business Partner for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Trudy engages with business leaders on people strategy, acts as an effective change agent, present solutions to issues in a concise manner to varying levels of leadership, and ensures the company’s philanthropic endeavors are shared with the community.

Prior to joining Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Trudy served as the Senior Development Manager for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and oversaw the activation of one of American Cancer Society’s largest events, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Broward County.  Throughout her time at ACS, she also executed a portfolio of community-based events, as well as event-related mission and advocacy activities for community events and was responsible for ensuring a high ROI for community partners through engaging and stewarding corporate partners.

Trudy was also a Store Manager for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. for approximately 20 years while also serving in the Army Reserve where she retired as a CPT.

Additional achievements include a certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and membership in Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority where she has held various positions in the local alumnae chapter.

Rick Tobin

Owner/Broker at Premier Hotel Realty

Rick Tobin is a lifelong, second-generation resident of Florida and is a licensed Realtor since 1985, the founder and principal broker of Premier Hotel Realty, a real estate company specializing in selling hotels and multifamily properties.  In addition, Rick is also the founder ofBeachside Marketing, a local marketing company created to promote travel to South Florida and support local businesses. Beachside Marketing publishes several online directories including the Broward County Beachside Directory.

Heidi Mitchell

Heidi Mitchell is an experienced hospitality leader specializing in contact center operations for leading North American brands. She brings a strong track record of driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and supporting sustainable business growth within competitive markets. Passionate about creating memorable travel experiences, she is dedicated to delivering value while reshaping the customer experience across leading brands.

Heidi holds an MBA from Florida International University and a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from Shippensburg University.