Staff & Careers

About the Institute

Staff and Careers

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all people in the diverse communities we serve, and we fulfill this mission with a small (but mighty!) team. We value team members with different backgrounds, skills and views... because the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be!
    
Studer Family of Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.    
      
If you’re interested in joining an organization that has a reputation for outstanding leadership, innovation, and expertise, we encourage you to check out our career opportunities and apply today!

Katie Ballard

Katie Ballard

Executive Director

Katie moved to Pensacola in 2016 from her hometown of Indianapolis, IN. She graduated from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy with a Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies and Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management. Katie has a passion for nonprofit work and finding new ways to build and enrich the community. She brings her knowledge of establishing and enhancing funding for nonprofit organizations to the SCI team, starting in the role of Director of Development and Fundraising, before being elevated to Executive Director in 2023.

Kara Dieck

Kara Dieck

Building Jobs Program Manager

Kara comes to SCI as a Pensacola native. As Program Manager, she oversees the Building Jobs Programs — which includes planning and execution of all live trainings, managing and growing SCI’s Certification program, and assisting with EntreCon®, SCI's annual business, leadership & entrepreneurship conference. Kara excels in all things organization, streamlining processes and anticipating the needs of those around her. Each day her goal is to bring joy and light into the lives of the people she encounters.

Lily Dominey

Lily Dominey

Business Development & Marketing Manager

Originally from the UK, Lily moved to Pensacola in 2013 to play on the women's golf team at the University of West Florida. She received my Bachelors in Marketing and an MBA from UWF. Lily has held various positions in Marketing, Sales, and Customer Relations - she loves analyzing data, being creative, and making meaningful impacts in the community. She has a passion for helping others and being a life-long learner. Everyday Lily's goal is to be the best she can possibly be and to put a smile on peoples faces. She loves to spend time with family, her doggies, and go out and explore.

Jeri Jo Fisher

Jeri Jo Fisher

Building Jobs Program Manager

Jeri Jo is excited to rejoin the SCI team as the Building Jobs Program Manager. During her time away she served as a development manager for a local nonprofit in Pensacola. The skills and experience she acquired will be a huge asset to her new role. Jeri Jo is a true “jack of all trades” with a background in Education and Performing Arts. Jeri Jo has strong Nonprofit organizational and developmental skills to include donor and financial management. She is an Ohio native ( Go Buckeyes ) but has called Northwest Florida home since 2016. Jeri Jo and her husband, Chris, stay busy with their son, Gavin, who loves sports and their daughter, Gracelyn, who loves ballet. When not in the office, she enjoys watching sports, dancing in the studio and relaxing by the pool with her family.

Steve Nissim

Steve Nissim

Chief Storyteller

Steve joined SCI in 2021 with the mission of increasing awareness, participation, and support for the great work being done. Steve produces video stories on all aspects of SCI with the aim to highlight the amazing people involved and difference-making impact. He also writes articles, does speaking engagements, and finds any ways he can to spread the word. His work is featured on social media, YouTube, SCI’s website, e-newsletters, and other media platforms. A native of New York City, Steve has lived in Pensacola since 2000 and spent almost three decades as an award-winning TV sportscaster.

Donte Sheppard

Donte Sheppard

Early Learning Development Program Manager

Donte is the Early Learning Development Program Manager, focusing on the Basics Insights and parent outreach programs. The programs work to ensure that parents have the information and resources to assure their children have a great start at life. He has a strong background in education, most recently as an admissions coordinator at the University of West Florida. He is a keen communicator and can connect with diverse groups. His goal is to build meaningful relationships and make an impact in the community.

Kim Martin

Kim Martin

Office Coordinator

In Loving Memory of Rodney Jackson

In Loving Memory of Rodney Jackson

Director of Business Engagement

Rodney brought his retail and commercial banking expertise to help SCI reach and serve a diverse range of businesses. Rodney, a Pensacola native and U.S. Air Force veteran, returned home to join SCI after a highly successful career in banking. He made a huge impact for SCI and our community before tragically passing away in August of 2022.

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