FLOAT Board of Directors
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Benjamin Strong
President
As COO of Ellis International, Benjamin is focused on putting safety first in every aquatic facility. Since joining Ellis in 2006, Benjamin has been dedicated to identifying smarter, more efficient ways to improve operations, reduce risk and protect guests. His vision is to create safe and connected facilities through strategic innovation and a relentless commitment to excellence.
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Jonathan Hartman
Secretary
As chief financial officer, Jonathan oversees the Finance and Human Resources departments for all companies under the Ellis brand. Jonathan served in operations for several years under Jeff Ellis Management before moving into a financial role. His experience in both areas provides an optimal bridge between operations and the business office.
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Nicole Pisarri
Treasurer
Nicole Pisarri brings eight years of experience in finance and accounting to her position as treasurer of FLOAT, where she is passionate about supporting the nonprofit’s mission through strong financial stewardship and strategic oversight. Nicole also lends her expertise in budgeting, reporting and long-term planning to help ensure accountability and sustainability at Ellis International, where she oversees financial operations across all Ellis companies as director of business and finance. Outside her professional responsibilities, Nicole enjoys traveling, staying active and spending time with her family and two dogs.
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Jerica Cyr
Director
As chief operating officer of Jeff Ellis Management, LLC, Jerica leads national aquatic operations with a focus on strengthening safety standards, investing in training and professional development, and elevating the overall experience for partners, guests and communities. She began her career in lifeguard operations and understands first-hand the responsibility and impact of frontline safety professionals. At the center of Jerica’s work is a deep personal commitment to safeguarding lives and making a meaningful difference in the communities where Ellis serves. She has dedicated her career to building strong safety cultures, empowering teams, developing leaders, and creating environments where families can enjoy the water safely and confidently. Jerica brings to the Board of Directors not only operational expertise, but a genuine passion for protecting lives, supporting families, and building stronger, safer communities. Beyond her professional work, Jerica is most proud of being a wife and mother to three active boys.
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Jem Hughes
Director
Jem serves as director of Jeff Ellis Swimming, where she oversees all swim instruction programming for Jeff Ellis Management and Ellis Aquatics. She also serves a trainer for Ellis Aquatic Innovations’ Ellis Aquatic Vigilance Systems (EAVS), the world’s most complete drowning prevention, safety and security vigilance system powered by AI. She honed her guest service skills as a small business owner before joining the aquatics industry as facility manager at the Vaughan Athletic Center for Aquatics in Aurora, IL, leading to her career with the Ellis organization. Jem is at the center of FLOAT’s partnership with the Sean Connery Foundation in The Bahamas and provides leadership for FLOAT’s nonprofit lifeguarding and learn to swim programs for underserved communities. Outside work, Jem is passionate about her family and enjoys gardening.
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Brian Stovall
Director
Brian is a certified venue executive (CVE) and brings 30 years of experience to his role as CEO of Ellis 360 and managing partner of ICON Leisure Services. His experience includes public, private and NFP sectors, with expertise in operational concept design consulting, new construction, renovations, expansions, executive management and real estate with organizations including Universal, Live Nation, House of Blues, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Marriott International. Brian is a 2nd degree black belt in martial arts and a certified scuba divemaster. He is passionate about exploring and traveling; recent trips have included hiking through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu in Peru, camping in the Amazon rainforest and diving throughout the Caribbean and in the cenotes of Mexico.
FLOAT Team
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Isela Juarez
Isela has dedicated 19 years to the aquatics industry, building a career defined by leadership, passion, and a commitment to community safety. She began as a lifeguard at Phillips Park Aquatic Center in Aurora, IL, leading to roles as a swim instructor, supervisor and facility manager. Isela holds a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification and has been a lifeguard instructor for nearly two decades. A skilled aquatic facilities operator, Isela has been involved in the opening of numerous Jeff Ellis properties across the U.S. including Disney Aulani, the Gaylord Rockies and Arapahoe Springs Water Park. She currently serves as area manager of Illinois for Jeff Ellis Management. As a foundational member of the FLOAT team, Isela is passionate about creating positive guest experiences, keeping people safe, mentoring others and building safer, stronger communities. Outside of work, Isela enjoys traveling, working out and spending time with her family.
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Cassandra Samples
One of the founders of FLOAT, Cassandra serves as the Nashville area manager for Jeff Ellis Management. With a background in biology and aquatics, Cassandra has dedicated her career to promoting water safety and education around drowning prevention. Beyond organizational leadership, Cassandra is deeply passionate about accessibility of the outdoors, mental health and pool safety at all ages. She believes in the power of collective action, the benefits of outdoor activities and the importance of swim lessons to mend the generational gap. Outside work, she enjoys hiking, swimming in natural bodies of water, photography and cooking as well as sharing the joy of outdoor activities.
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Tanishka Rodriguez
Tanishka brings more than 16 years of aquatics industry experience to her position as a training supervisor with Jeff Ellis Management. She began her career as a lifeguard at Walt Disney World, where she developed a strong foundation in training and safety as well as a passion for aquatics. For the past eight years, she has worked as an instructor, training lifeguard and auditing lifeguard across Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. Tanishka is deeply passionate about developing the next generation of lifeguards. She focuses on proactive scanning techniques and is committed to advancing the shared mission of achieving zero drownings. Outside of work, Tanishka loves spending time with her family, traveling and cruising.
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Kadence Sharp
