Meet the Officers and Directors Leading With Purpose

The Fort Pierce Sunrise Kiwanis Club is powered by a passionate team of servant leaders committed to improving the world—starting right here in St. Lucie County. As we celebrate 100 years of Kiwanis service in Fort Pierce, our officers and directors are honoring a remarkable legacy while building an even stronger future.

Our leaders volunteer their time, talents, and hearts to serve children, strengthen our community, and create meaningful opportunities for members to get involved. Together, they are ensuring that our second century of service begins with purpose, connection, and action.

2026–2027 Club Officers

President: Tom Perona

Leading Fort Pierce Sunrise Kiwanis during our historic 100th Anniversary year, Tom is focused on strengthening member engagement and creating more opportunities for every Kiwanian to actively participate in the life of our club. Whether through service projects, events, committees, fellowship, or leadership, his goal is to ensure members feel connected to our mission and know that their involvement makes a difference. Tom brings enthusiasm, insight, and a genuine commitment to keeping our club moving forward together.

Immediate Past President: Deb Mock

A longtime advocate for youth leadership, Deb has dedicated countless hours to supporting our Key Clubs, scholarships, and service initiatives. After leading the club as President, she continues to provide valuable experience, encouragement, and continuity as Immediate Past President. Her compassion and commitment to developing young leaders remain an important part of our club’s impact.

President-Elect: Chris Cicio

Chris is an enthusiastic and dedicated leader who consistently puts service into action. For several years, he has helped lead our Bridge-Buster 5K, bringing commitment, organization, and energy to one of our community traditions. He also leads our weekly prayers, helping us begin each meeting with gratitude and purpose. As President-Elect, Chris brings compassion, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for serving others as he prepares to guide our club into its next chapter.

Vice President: Mike Martin

Mike is an active and dedicated member who brings his talents, energy, and willingness to serve to everything he does. Known for his excellent cooking skills and hands-on approach, Mike is always ready to contribute wherever needed. He demonstrated outstanding leadership as Co-Chair of our Golf Tournament, the club’s largest fundraiser, helping make the event a success. As Vice President, Mike continues to lead by example, showing that great service is about teamwork, commitment, and taking action to make a difference.

Secretary: Christine Westenhaver

Christine brings creativity, energy, and exceptional communication skills to her role as Secretary. An active and supportive member at our events and service initiatives, she has helped elevate Fort Pierce Sunrise Kiwanis’ communications and community presence through her talents in social media, design, and storytelling. Her enthusiasm for the club shines through in the way she helps us share our mission and celebrate the people who make our work possible.

Treasurer: Jovanny Cossio

Jovanny brings strong attention to detail, reliability, and follow-through to his new role as Treasurer. His stewardship helps ensure that our club’s resources, fundraising efforts, and investments in service are managed responsibly as we continue creating meaningful impact for children and our community.

Sergeant at Arms: Giovanny Barbieri

Bringing positive energy and a warm welcome to our Thursday morning meetings, Giovanny helps ensure our gatherings run smoothly while keeping the Kiwanis spirit high. His friendly presence helps make Fort Pierce Sunrise a place where members and guests feel welcomed and connected.

2026–2027 Board of Directors

Our Directors serve staggered three-year terms, providing both continuity and fresh perspectives as our club grows. Together with our officers, they help guide our priorities, strengthen our service, and ensure that Fort Pierce Sunrise Kiwanis remains a powerful force for children and our community.

Board of Directors

• David Mcguire

• Frank Lott

• Gary Bennett

• Gaby Simpson

• Justin Keim

• Mike Pelitera

• Michelle Franklin

• Barry Keim

• Jay Gaines

Celebrating 100 Years. Engaging Members. Building What Comes Next.

For 100 years, Kiwanians in Fort Pierce have answered the call to serve. Today, we have the privilege—and responsibility—of carrying that legacy forward.

Our officers and directors don’t simply guide the club from the boardroom. They roll up their sleeves alongside our members at service projects, community events, fundraisers, youth programs, scholarship reviews, Key Club activities, and everything in between.

As we celebrate our Centennial, we are also looking ahead. We want every member to discover where their talents, interests, and passions can make a difference—because the strength of Fort Pierce Sunrise Kiwanis isn’t measured only by how many members we have, but by how many members are engaged, connected, and serving together.

Whether you’re a longtime Kiwanian, a new member, or someone looking for a meaningful way to give back, there is a place for you at Fort Pierce Sunrise Kiwanis.

100 Years of Service—and We’re Just Getting Started!

Kids Need Kiwanis—and Kiwanis Needs You.