Visionary leader Sara Hand has served for over a decade on the front lines of business development. Her experience fuels her belief that people and businesses thrive in connected communities. As the CEO of Spark Growth, she connects clients with resources and strategies, leading innovation across the value chain from idea stage to exit. She has gained wide recognition for her use of agile strategies to drive action-focused agendas, and her portfolio marks her influence across public and private sectors, industry clusters, educational projects, and early-stage investment groups.  Sara finds and leverages unique value propositions to create synergistic partnerships – all with the support of the Spark Growth Team.

Through her work at Spark Growth, Sara unites global communities of thought leaders. Her international network has led her to opportunities with the State Department, the United Nations Launch of WED, the Harvard Future-Ready Economies Summit (2015), the International Strategic Doing Leadership Conference, and Startup India Rocks (2016). She has co-produced Smart Cities Innovation Accelerators, made an appearance at the CEED Global Conference in Tunisia (2018), and served as Moderator (2016 – 2019) and Program Chair for TiE Tampa Bay (2019 to Present).

Stan Schultes, CIO, is an engineer and professional technologist working to build smarter, more inclusive communities where we live, work, play, and learn. Schultes delivers transformative change by crossing traditional boundaries and operating across public, private, and independent sectors at the intersections of business, technology, and community development. Microsoft Corporation has recognized Schultes for his global business and technology expertise. Schultes has received recognition for advanced manufacturing solutions, development contributions, technology transfer, and commercialization and has been named Regional Director (2018 – Present) and MVP (2004 – 2018). With a BSE in engineering from Purdue and over 40 years of experience, Schultes understands the power of culturally responsive technology and the downfalls of the digital divide. His communication and analytical skills, his creative and critical thinking methodologies, and his propensity for life-long learning provide Schultes with the ability to design and orchestrate experiences, fostering collaboration for innovation that change the way people think.

Cassandra Decker, MA, is a data designer who focuses on driving efficiency in programs, projects, procedures, and products. Decker earned a Master’s Degree in applied anthropology (with a cultural and economic focus) from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish, English, and Political Science from The University of Iowa. Decker also has over 15 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research, conducting results-based work in English and Spanish. She is the owner and principal consultant of CRD Impact, which uses community research, equitable design, and inclusive marketing practices to identify, analyze, and interpret data. By identifying disparities in resource acquisition and opportunities, Decker develops and implements solution-based responses respectful of the voices of the communities served — all within the framework of results-based initiatives.  

Norman Dempsey, MBA, is a technology innovator and solutions engineer widely recognized for his business, computer network, & cyber-security consulting. A former television Network Administrator & Digital Media Director, Dempsey’s grasp of responsive media development is second to none. His tech skills complement the human-interfacing and management skills he developed managing and owning restaurants, selling and manufacturing books, and supporting computer operations for DoD clients. A graduate of Eckerd (BA) and USF (MBA), he is passionate about education and loves finding opportunities for existing businesses to expand services and enhance cash flow.

As an Education Consultant and Curriculum Development Specialist, Laura Hand has worked with a wide range of education entities across private and public, domestic and international, and for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Her extensive experience – remarkable in both breadth and depth – uniquely qualifies her to provide insight into the education systems’ technical development, production, and administration aspects.

Hand has recently worked on textbook development and program management for a large-scale WIOA/ALE-funded ESOL program. As an ESOL Coordinator, Hand improved program compliance and metrics while overseeing the onboarding, education, and assessment of over 100 teachers and 800 students on a 12-week cycle. Hand’s other projects included testing, instruction, and curriculum development for Columbia University, as well as education program administration for Johns Hopkins University’s satellite programs in Hong Kong. Hand holds a Master’s Degree in English and Comparative Literature and a multidisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, English and Comparative Literature, and Comparative Literature and Society (MLS). Hand has also served as a Workforce Development Coordinator and Career Advisor with CUNY, liaising with governmental and business entities to promote citywide pandemic recovery practices in business and education.