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 Heyward Smith - Executive DirectorHeyward Smith brings a wide range of public policy knowledge and experience to ELF. Mr. Smith has served as an aide to former U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell of Georgia, as well as Congressmen Mac Collins and Bob Barr -- working on market solutions to issues ranging from energy and global trade to education and the environment. Mr. Smith has also served as an advisor to the Gotham Legal Foundation in Manhattan, helping develop its issue set and offering prudent, timely counsel on a host of institutional matters.Mr. Smith has been a Financial Advisor for over ten years working with a large Wall Street firm and two regional banks. On two occasions, he was recognized with the Chairman's Club designation as one of the top advisors in sales of his firm, and most recently received the Emerald Club honor for his outstanding sales performance. His sustaining interest in public policy and concern about the direction of government inspired his involvement in helping found Everglades Legal. He resides in Jacksonville with his wife and two children.  Back to TopDerrick B. Gruner - General CounselDerrick Gruner is a founding attorney of the law firm of Gruner|Strahl in Jacksonville, Florida, and brings a wealth of political and legal experience to Everglades Legal. A trained litigator and student of public policy, he has coordinated numerous special events hosting Florida Supreme Court Justices, members of the United States and Florida House and Senate, and other State and Federal officials, many of whom also appeared on People and Politics, a local television program Derrick co-hosted and produced.A member of the Florida Bar, Mr. Gruner began his career in Chicago's mortgage banking business with a primary emphasis on business development and mortgage-backed securities, where he was active in the Illinois Association of Mortgage Brokers. Elected as the youngest Vice President of the Glendale Heights Chamber of Commerce, he also served as Chair of the Industrial and Commercial Development Commission. After relocating to Atlanta, Derrick became active in a variety of prominent trade groups, serving as Chairman of the Georgia Association of Mortgage Brokers PAC and Legislative Committee member of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. Derrick is actively involved in the Jacksonville community. A member of the 2005 class of Leadership Jacksonville, he serves on the Board of the Inside/Outside House, Inc., a residency program for juvenile offenders, and has served as a volunteer for the Willie E. Gary Classic. Derrick also serves on a committee organized by several state lawmakers with the aim of advancing predatory lending legislation during the 2006 legislative session. His concern about the unchecked growth and power of government -- and a dearth of tangible forums to help counter these trends --prompted him to help found Everglades Legal Foundation. He resides in Jacksonville. Back to TopLori Klein - Director of DevelopmentLori Klein has been on the cutting edge of fundraising for issues, initiatives and nonprofit organizations in Arizona and nationally for over 15 years. She has been responsible for raising substantial funds from leading corporations and individuals for issues such as Medical Choice in Health Care, Systemic Tax Reform, School Choice, U.S. Term Limits and, most recently, Eminent Domain.In 2006, Ms. Klein was Executive Director/Director of Development for a high profile Arizona ballot Proposition that provided protection to private property owners from government takings by eminent domain. This was passed overwhelmingly by 65% of the voters of Arizona this past November under Ms. Klein's leadership and demonstrated fundraising skills. Ms. Klein worked on several Presidential campaigns and was a government affairs representative for the American Land Development Association (now ARDA) from 1980 until 1984. She was later director of public relations at the Washington Times from 1984 - 1988. Ms. Klein sits on the board of Arizona Federation of Taxpayers and Arizonans in Action. She is also on the Advisory Board for Arizona School Choice Trust. Back to Top
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