Mr. Larry Banks
Larry Banks is the Senior Director, Partner Services (Florida) for Florida Virtual School (FLVS). In this role, he oversees the provision of courses and services to schools, districts, and families throughout Florida. He directs the teams who provide and communicate education solutions, as well as customer service, to those clients. His subject matter expertise lies in his ability to listen to the needs of customers and to offer solutions to meet those needs.
Mr. Banks has held roles as a District Relations Manager, Budget and Finance Director, and Manager for the FLVS Foundation. He has overseen the growth of County Virtual School/Franchise program course completions which have increased more than 400 percent since 2011. Prior to joining FLVS, Mr. Banks worked for Orange County Public Schools as a senior manager for IDEA Federal Programs and was a manager for Early Childhood Programs.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida State University. Mr. Banks has served on the Academy of Ability School Advisory Board and St. James Cathedral Parish Council.
Mr. Phil Bertolo
Philip Bertolo is the Senior Director, Information Technology (IT) for Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and FlexPoint, the national arm of Florida Virtual School serving schools and districts around the nation. In this role, he leads all FLVS Information Technology management teams including Operations, Infrastructure, and Product Development. He supports the Chief Operating Officer with strategic planning, departmental goalsetting, establishing operating procedures, and managing strategic relationships with external entities.
With more than 30 years as an established IT professional, Mr. Bertolo’s strengths range from engineering to networking to product development. Prior to joining FLVS in 2009, he served as the IT Operations Director for Reunion Resorts. Mr. Bertolo is a subject matter expert in IT team leadership and is a skilled mentor, trainer, and project leader.
Mr. Bertolo served in the U.S. Navy for five years after high school. While in the Navy, he took several Technology courses. He continued his training obtaining several technology certificates. He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Novell Systems Administrator 4.0, Networking+ Specialist, ITIL Foundations Certified, and has completed several more IT Management-related and computer training courses.
Christine Conidis, Ed.D.
Dr. Christine “Chrissy” Conidis is the Senior Director, Governance, Risk, and Compliance for
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and FlexPoint, the national arm of Florida Virtual School serving
schools and districts around the nation. In this role, Dr. Conidis works collaboratively with the
Leadership team to implement and monitor consistent compliance practices of federal and
state laws, rules, and regulations, as well as organizational policies and expectations.
Dr. Conidis joined Florida Virtual School in 2006 as a Language Arts Instructor, and since then
has served in a variety of instructional and leadership positions. Today, she serves as an internal
consultant to department leaders on operational governance, risk, and compliance, including
compliance monitoring, policies and procedures, governance standards, and risk assessments.
Dr. Conidis holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of West Florida,
an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership and in Curriculum and Instruction from The
University of West Florida, a Master of Education in Reading from Grand Canyon University, and
a Bachelor of Science in English Education from the University of Central Florida.
Ms. Tiffany Kinzer
Tiffany Kinzer is the Senior Director of Product Strategy and Development for Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and FlexPoint, the national arm of Florida Virtual School serving schools and districts around the nation. In this role, she oversees the Enterprise Project Management and the Product Strategy teams. Ms. Kinzer leads key initiatives to drive organizational growth, focusing on the development of innovative business models, product and services, and process improvements. She is also responsible for centralizing the development of long-term and short-term strategic initiatives across the organization.
After joining Florida Virtual School in 2005, she has served in a variety of roles including Instructional Leader, Director of Knowledge Management Systems and Senior Manager of Project Services. Previously, she served as a senior consultant at Blackboard Inc.
Ms. Kinzer is a transformational leader with expertise in leading end-to-end execution of cross-team programs and initiatives. She plays an integral role for accelerating the organization’s measurable growth within the education industry as a leader in online learning.
Ms. Kinzer, a member of the Project Management Institute, earned an M.S. in Mathematics Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.
Mr. Martin Kelly
Martin Kelly is the Senior Director, Curriculum Development for Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and FlexPoint, the national arm of Florida Virtual School serving schools and districts around the nation. In this role, he manages all matters related to FLVS educational products including the design, development, and maintenance of FLVS course content, curriculum resources, and course management systems. He provides leadership to ensure creativity and innovation and guides prototype development and testing of next-generation education products, services, and models.
Mr. Kelly, a former social studies teacher and Instructional Leader (principal), also worked as an instructional designer and project manager for the Course Development team, and he served as a senior project manager of special projects. Previously, Mr. Kelly led the redesign and launch of 16 online International Baccalaureate courses as an Instructional Design Services Manager in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Kelly holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from University of West Florida, an M.Ed. in Instruction and Curriculum and a bachelor’s in history with a minor in Classics from the University of Florida. He is a certified ScrumMaster. In addition, Mr. Kelly has authored two books, Colonial Life: Government and The Everything American President’s Book.
Ms. Katerina Alfaro Lopez
Katerina Alfaro López serves as the Senior Director of Human Resources and Operations at Florida Virtual School (FLVS). In this role, she is responsible for leading the team member experience throughout their entire journey, from the recruitment process to managing internal policies and procedures and driving team member growth through professional development programs. Ms. Alfaro López works in partnership with the Chief Operations Officer in overseeing programs and enhancements for the organization.
Ms. Alfaro López has been a part of the FLVS team for 14 years, growing through a variety of roles in Human Resources and Operations, from HR Support Specialist to Employment Services Manager, and Talent Acquisition Manager. In her current role, she oversees the Talent Acquisition, Professional Standards, HR Systems Operations, and Staff Development Departments.
She is a dynamic leader, team builder, and mentor, and takes great pride in serving as a resource for learning and training.
Ms. Alfaro López holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Ms. Kate Lysaught
Kate Lysaught is the Senior Director, Marketing & Communications for Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and FlexPoint, the national arm of Florida Virtual School serving schools and districts around the nation. In this role, she leads the strategic multi-faceted marketing and communications program to strengthen the FLVS and FlexPoint brands as the leader and authoritative voice in online education for grades Kindergarten-12.
Prior to joining FLVS, Mrs. Lysaught worked at Universal Orlando Resort as a Senior Brand Manager where she developed and executed brand strategy for new attraction openings and utilized digital features to enhance guest experiences. Serving as project manager for an advertising agency, she built student enrollment campaigns for Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.
Mrs. Lysaught is an analytical thinker who thrives on data and consumer insights to develop successful marketing programs. Other strengths include communicating vision and strategy and collaborating across all job levels to efficiently execute business plans. She has served in various roles for Ad 2, including national chair, in which she led more than 1,500 members and 25 chapters around the country.
She has a Master of Business Administration and Management from the University of Florida, a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication and minors in Psychology and Marketing from the University of Central Florida.
Ms. Joanne Serra
Joanne Serra is the Senior Director of Procurement for Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and FlexPoint, the national arm of Florida Virtual School serving schools and districts around the nation. In this role she provides leadership and oversight for Procurement, Contracting, Facilities and Inventory Management. She works closely with the Office of the General Counsel, President and CEO, and individual departments to procure high quality products and services that support the delivery of innovative online learning solutions using strategic procurement methodologies which meet or exceed the budgetary and service requirements of FLVS.
Ms. Serra is a skilled professional who has grown through her experience. She has held several roles at FLVS including School & Business Solutions Specialist, Procurement Specialist, and Contracts Manager. Her procurement experience started at Tupperware Brands, Inc, where she held the position of Buyer.
Prior to joining FLVS, she was a stay-at-home parent actively volunteering at her local elementary school and serving as PTA president for two years. She is also an active volunteer for the Give Kids the World organization.
Ms. Serra has Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Rollins College. She is a member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials (FAPPO), and the Bay Area Schools Purchasing Consortium (BASCP).
Mr. Jason Schultz
Jason Schultz is the Senior Director, Instruction for Florida Virtual School (FLVS). In this role, he oversees the daily operations of instruction, including FLVS Flex, quality assurance, and all other instructional lines of business. As a member of the President & CEO’s Senior Leadership team, he participates in the school’s overall strategy, planning, and delivery.
Mr. Schultz began his career in education as a business education teacher and then moved into administrative roles including Dean, Assistant Principal, and Assistant Principal of Instruction. He joined FLVS in 2013 as an Instructional Leader/Principal and has since taken on the roles of Director of Instruction and currently, Senior Director of Instruction.
Mr. Schultz holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida. He also holds Principal and Educational Leadership certifications.
Dr. Gina Tovine, Ed.D.
Dr. Gina Tovine is the Senior Director, Analysis, Assessment, and Accountability for Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and FlexPoint, the national arm of Florida Virtual School serving schools and districts around the nation. In this role, she is responsible for advanced analytics, statewide assessment initiatives, and all accountability requirements, overseeing data governance and data quality. Her focus includes research and analytics, data management, assessment, planning, and accountability.
Dr. Tovine has more than 30 years of relevant experiences, including 11 years of teaching, seven years as an assistant principal and principal, and 14 years of director and superintendent executive cabinet level positions. She has been recognized for outstanding systems thinking, communication, leadership, analytical thinking, collaboration, decision-making skills, and fiscal management.
Dr. Tovine lends her leadership expertise to various organizations including the Florida Organization of Instructional Leaders and the Florida Legislature and the State Board of Education.
She has a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida.
Ms. Corey Wheeler
Corey Wheeler is the Senior Director of Financial and Treasury Services for Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and FlexPoint, the national arm of Florida Virtual School serving schools and districts around the nation. In her role, Ms. Wheeler oversees and leads all financial services including budget management, payroll, financial reporting, federal and state compliance, and more.
Ms. Wheeler has more than 15 years of experience in various finance roles. Prior to joining FLVS, she was the Director of Financial Services for the Okeechobee County School Board for five years, where she implemented a variety of cost savings measures to help the district increase their fund balance. She also served as the Budget Director for the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners and as an Accounting Manager for the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court.
She currently serves as Secretary of the Florida School Finance Council, where she is the co-author of the council’s legislative recommendation to the Commissioner of Education. She is also a graduate of the first cohort of the Institute of Florida School Finance Officers.
Ms. Wheeler has a Bachelor of Science and master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida. She is also a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Government Finance Officer.
Ms. Robin Winder
Robin Winder is the Senior Director, Instruction for Florida Virtual School® (FLVS®). She oversees the daily operations of instruction, including FLVS Full Time, academic integrity, virtual learning labs, blended learning communities, Global School, and all other instructional lines of business. As a member of the President & CEO’s Senior Leadership team, she participates in the school’s overall strategy, planning, and delivery.
In her more than 18 years of service with FLVS, Ms. Winder has held many roles within the organization including instructor, academic integrity manager, instructional mentor and leader, and senior director of student learning.
Ms. Winder has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies Education from the University of Central Florida. She also holds Principal and Educational Leadership certifications.