Tom Palermo – President & Publisher

A resident of Brevard County, Florida for the past 37 years, Palermo has three decades of experience in the media business as a publisher, editor and industry consultant.  During his career in both corporate and small business entrepreneurial environments, he has founded dozens of local, state, regional and national print and digital publications.

Palermo has written thousands of articles and columns for daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, trade publications and websites – and hosted a weekly radio talk show for seven years. In 2005, Palermo founded Maverick Multimedia, Inc., which specializes in media-specific IT development, niche multimedia publishing and devising comprehensive strategic business and marketing plans.

Palermo is also co-founder of Brevard Production Inc., an organization that owns and produces some of the most significant and compelling annual special events in the region including the Central Humanitarian Awards, the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame, the Space Coast State Fair, Cocoa Beach Spring Training, the Port Canaveral Seafood & Music Festival, the Space Coast Oktoberfest, Space Coast Home Shows, Space Coast Health Fair and many more.

The founder and president of the Space Coast Publishers Guild, Palermo works diligently on behalf of his industry in regard to innovation, and in upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Dr. Jim Palermo – Partner & Editor-In-Chief

Dr. Palermo, a 39-year resident of Brevard County, touched the lives of countless people during his 22-year practice of general, vascular and non-cardiac thoracic surgery.

In 2002 he transitioned from clinical practice, in which his impact was on an individual patient level, and accepted a position as full-time chief medical officer and vice president of quality management of Health First.

Dr. Palermo made this career transformation based on his conviction that he could personally have a greater impact on improving the quality of healthcare on the Space Coast by more globally addressing quality and patient safety issues as a physician healthcare executive. During his 10 years at Health First, he was instrumental in establishing the patient-centered, patient-safe quality healthcare and service for which Health First is known throughout the Central Florida area.

An accomplished author and sought-after expert in the healthcare industry, Dr. Palermo is an independent consultant focused on healthcare quality and safety, and physician leadership development. He also serves on the board of directors of Florida Medical Quality Assurance Inc., a nationally recognized federal, state and private healthcare contractor dedicated to improving and ensuring the quality and safety of patient care across multiple states.

Dr. Palermo is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri School of Medicine, did his surgical residency in the U.S. Army at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgery, and also attained a Masters of Science Degree in healthcare management in 2004 at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Dr. Palermo’s wife Kerry, a registered nurse to whom he’s been married 35 years, partners with him to run the Banyan Tree Ranch in Merritt Island, where they breed, raise, and show American Quarter Horses and Labrador Retrievers.

His son, Joe, a well-recognized local outdoorsman, and Captain-owner of one of the most successful off-shore fishing charter businesses at Port Canaveral for the past ten years, has a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from UCF and is a sales executive for an Orlando based healthcare device company that services all of Central Florida.

Dr. Palermo’s daughter, Michelle, was a varsity cheerleader at Merritt Island High School and state champion competitor in High School Rodeo before attending and graduating with a BS in communications from the University of Georgia. She’s following in her father’s footsteps in the healthcare delivery field and attained her master’s degree as a physician assistant from NOVA Southeast in Jacksonville. She has worked in the emergency departments of Holmes Regional Medical Center and Palm Bay Hospital for three years.

Giles Malone —  Partner & Vice President

Giles Malone

As one of the most prolific media, entertainment, and sports industry professionals on the Space Coast, Malone has left an indelible mark on Central Florida during his 34-year career.

As co-founder and partner of Maverick Multimedia Inc., Malone has worked with Tom and Jim Palermo to create and develop high-quality publications like Space Coast Daily magazine and SpaceCoastDaily.com.

Malone has helped Brevard County become a national leader in youth sports and was inducted into the United Soccer Leagues Hall of Fame in 2002, being recognized as one of the main builders of the game in the region.

As a founding member of the Space Coast Sports Commission in 1987, Malone has been instrumental in building the Space Coast as a premier destination for youth and amateur sports events, which have had a profound effect on the business of sports tourism on the Space Coast. For more than 30 years, thousands of teams have participated in sports events created and produced by Malone’s sports management team, creating millions of dollars for the local tourism economy.

Malone is co-founder of Brevard Production Inc., an organization that owns and produces some of the most significant annual special events in Central Florida, including the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards, the Space Coast State Fair, Cocoa Beach Spring Training, Space Coast Seafood & Music Festival, The Space Coast Sports Hall Of Fame, The Space Coast Public Service Awards  Hall of Fame and many more.

While volunteering for numerous organizations within his community for 30 years, Malone has served as Chairman of the Space Coast Tourism Development Council, President of the Space Coast Sports Commission, Board Member of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Committee, Board Member of the Beaches and Shores Beach Preservation Society, Board Member of the Board of Trustees of the Florida Tech Business School, Chairman of the Space Coast State Fair, Founding member of the Space Coast Sports Hall Of Fame, Board Member of the Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Central Florida and as a volunteer soccer coach at Florida Tech.

Malone earned a B.A in Finance from the University of Louisiana in 1984 and an M.B.A from Florida Tech in 1986. Giles and his wife Alison have been married since 1988 and have four children – Megan, Victoria, Michael and Grace.

Joshua Adams – Partner & Technology Director 

Joshua-Adams

Joshua started programming at 11 years old and began his freelance web career at 14. His entrepreneurial spirit and years of experience (serving over 750 clients) have led him to become an expert in the fields of web development, digital marketing, and branding. He is the Founder and “Head Honcho” of Rock Paper Simple, a digital marketing agency based in Melbourne Florida, as well as Partner and Technology Director for Space Coast Daily.

Joshua and his team at Rock Paper Simple have served local recognizable companies such as Health First, Satcom Direct, Long Doggers, Space Coast Daily, Pizza Gallery & Grill, Brevard Health Alliance, Craig Technologies, Adventure HQ and Sorensen Moving and Storage.

Joshua’s hard work and impact in the community have been recognized by LEAD Brevard who selected him as a winner for the distinguished “4 under 40” award in 2019. Under his leadership, Rock Paper Simple has also proudly racked up Addy awards every year since its founding including Judges Choice and Best of Show in 2018.  Other awards include semifinalist for Bright House Networks Regional Business Awards (2016), the Business Acceleration Award (2017) and the twice-earned Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award (2011 and 2018).

Joshua serves on the board of directors for Founders Forum as board chair, an organization dedicated to the success of entrepreneurs in Brevard County. He also sits on the board of Brevard Rescue Mission (breaking the cycle of homelessness) and sits as vice-chair of the Space Coast Early Intervention Center (an inclusion school) board.

Personally, he is never satisfied with the status quo and is always working hard to find the simplest, but most effective ways to create results for his clients and ventures. You will frequently hear him say “Ever Forward!”, as he believes the best option is always, always to move forward. He lives to empower talented people and dedicates his work in every endeavor to the glory of God.

Zach Clark – Executive Editor 

Zach Clark joined Space Coast Daily in 2014. Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Clark graduated from Omaha Central High School in 2009 where he proceeded to attend his dream school, the University of Nebraska.

Clark went on to graduate in Journalism, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college, where he majored in Broadcasting (emphasis in Production) with a minor in Communications. Shortly after graduation, Clark moved with his family to Georgia where he landed the Managing Editor position at Space Coast Daily in 2014.

Since arriving in 2014, he has flourished and seized the opportunity that the Space Coast has offered by helping make Space Coast Daily the top independent-private media company on the globe.

His years of experience have included a variety of projects and innovative ways to keeping Space Coast Daily on the forefront of emerging technologies and processes.

Some of his duties have included a wide array of responsibilities such as breaking news coverage, publishing numerous stories on SCD (local, state and national), live event production, local sports announcing/producing, TV programming, video editing special projects, interviews with the most recognizable local leaders, sports figures and officials in Central Florida.

Clark’s family currently lives in Belgium, where he loves to visit when he can and still makes frequent trips to Nebraska to visit family and attend Nebraska Football games. In his free time, he enjoys fitness, tennis, disc golf, traveling, sporting events, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, whitewater rafting, ATVing in the mountains and cheering on his beloved alma mater – Go Huskers!

Matt O’Hern – Social Media Director

For over 15 years, Matt O’Hern has managed thousands of social media ads for a wide range of clients, from hyperlocal-targeted ads for local businesses to nationwide projects for retailers and campaigns for U.S. Presidential candidates, governors, and U.S. Senators.

Matt’s ad campaign strategies have added more than a million new followers, including hundreds of thousands of followers for multiple media entities. Unlike other social media marketing experts, Matt doesn’t run ads that rely on gimmicks, he finds quality followers who engage with client content on their respective websites and social media accounts.

Karina Connor – Multimedia Marketing Director 

Longtime Brevard County resident and accomplished media executive Karina Connor has joined the Space Coast Daily team as Multimedia Marketing Director.

Connor has excelled in advertising and media relations in Brevard County for the last 10 years and has a true passion for marketing with extensive experience in digital and traditional media, as well as event productions.

“As an entrepreneur and local business owner myself, I know what it means to build a business from scratch and then make it thrive,” said Connor.

Her honesty and “help me help you” philosophy, along with her access to resources within the community, is what gives her the unmatched ability to assist any business reach its growth potential.

“Karina has a proven track record of helping business owners gain market share through advertising campaigns across multiple platforms and we are excited to have her as part of our dynamic and hard-charging team,” said Tom Palermo, president and publisher of Maverick Multimedia, the parent company of Space Coast Daily.

Connor brings her combined experience in the radio industry and business development to Space Coast Daily with strong ties in the community through her many local business partnerships and client relationships.

“Having known Karina for over a decade, and now having her join our Space Coast Daily team, I am very excited for our business community. With her experience, talent and work ethic, Karina will be able to bring and share our Space Coast Daily cutting-edge marketing tools to them to help them grow their businesses,” said Giles Malone, partner with Space Coast Daily.

“She’s helped build and manage successful multimedia political campaigns for local candidates in addition to working with traditional advertisers.”

Connors’s passion, faith and engaging personality got her where she is today, but it’s her meticulous attention to client needs and competency that makes her successful.

“Karina brings her creative writing, graphic design and campaign management skills to Space Coast Daily with the goal of delivering even better content and creative development for our readers, viewers and advertisers,” said Space Coast Daily Executive Editor Zach Clark.

Space Coast Daily is the leading event producer in East Central Florida and Conner’s extensive experience includes building numerous successful events locally over the past 10 years.

“I enjoy building sponsorship opportunities that create value for the community, from traditional Expo events to the “Battle of the Bands” and fundraisers for charity – and everything in between,” said Connor.

Among Conner’s community and professional associations are the Space Coast Advertising Federation and the Space Coast Tourism Development Council, and she has been recognized during her career with numerous awards for exceptional performance and client service.

“I look forward to connecting people with goods and services that provide high value, and helping to promote events that the community can enjoy and benefit from.”

Conner can be reached at 321-265-2969 or KarinaConnor.scd@gmail.com

Jordan Rocco – Assistant Editor

Jordan Rocco is a third-generation native Floridian and has lived in Cocoa his entire life. He graduated from Cocoa High School in 2019 where he swam for the Tigers and holds the distinction of being the first-ever six-year varsity swimmer.

Rocco developed an interest in journalism as a youth, and during his years at Cocoa High School excelled in the journalism program while interning for Space Coast Daily.

Since being a part of the Space Coast Daily team, Rocco has produced outstanding content for readers and viewers, while learning first-hand the ins-and-outs of 21st-century multimedia journalism in the process.

In addition to providing play-by-play sports commentary, Rocco has produced compelling content for Space Coast Daily in print, online and on SCD’s robust social media platforms.

He is currently a student at Eastern Florida State College and plans to attend the University of Central Florida where he will continue his studies in journalism.

When Rocco gets a break in his responsibilities for Space Coast Daily he enjoys spending time with his friends and family and working out. His main focus is to learn how to be better not just at his job, but in life, each day.

Eric Ciocher – Outdoor Editor & Multimedia Coordinator 

Captain Eric Ciocher is an established professional fishing guide on Florida’s Space Coast and has numerous tournament wins in the saltwater arena.

Captain Eric has over 30 years of fishing experience in salt and freshwater combined and is a published outdoor writer for national and local fishing industry publications.

With over 30 years of fishing experience in salt and freshwater combined, Captain Eric Ciocher is a professional angler on Florida’s Space Coast holding numerous tournament wins as well as being a published outdoor writer.

Dedicated to the sport of fishing – from light tackle spinning gear to fly fishing and everything in between – Captain Eric has tried it all and always aspires to expand upon his evolving techniques wherever his next cast lands him.

Captain Eric brings his fishing expertise and dynamic personality to television audiences around the world producing and hosting the Ultimate Catch television show. Eric travels to World-Class fishing destinations to fish with some of the best modern-day anglers in pursuit of the Ultimate Catch!

Juan Rodriguez – Reporter/Multimedia Producer

Born and raised in Brevard County, Juan Rodriguez brings experience and versatility to the Space Coast Daily team.

Rodriguez attended Satellite High School and is completing his Bachelor’s degree. His passion for journalism began not too long after developing a passion for sports. During high school, he began practicing multimedia journalism via social media, gaining thousands of followers as he started his own sports podcast, “Never Not Sports.”

Rodriguez is bilingual in Spanish with roots originating from Puerto Rico. He has more than 15 years of experience and knowledge in the sports realm, especially on the Space Coast. His experiences on the court translate very well in the media industry with his competitive mindset and work ethic.

After graduating from high school, he worked as a free-lance journalist in Brevard County, writing several articles and columns in both English and Spanish, and then excelled during an internship with Space Coast Daily.

Since joining the Space Coast Daily team fulltime in 2019, Rodriguez has excelled in all areas as he has honed his skills in front and behind the camera, and as an editor and writer.

His duties include a wide array of responsibilities including breaking news reporting, live sporting events announcing and producing, copy editing and conducting compelling interviews with community leaders, and professional and amateur athletes.

In his free time, you can find him on the basketball court, exercising or at Hard Rock Stadium cheering on his Miami Dolphins. He also enjoys traveling, sporting events and visiting places on his bucket list.

Maria Sonnenberg– Writer/Columnist

Lifestyle, entertainment, real estate, home and gardening, travel, education, environment, dining and food, pets, sports, politics, business, space, health and medical news – veteran freelance writer Maria Sonnenberg has covered these subjects for both local and national publications.

Maria earned her master’s degree in Information Science from Villanova University near Philadelphia before heading south to the warmth of Brevard County in 1982.

Her background also includes marketing and public relations in the nonprofit sector and editing a series of weekly newspapers in the picturesque counties that encircle the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

She is part of Space Coast Daily’s “inaugural team,” joining parent company Maverick Multimedia, Inc. in 2007 for the launch of Space Coast Medicine magazine.

In addition to writing, she is an adjunct professor at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne.

Leisure-time pursuits include trying to remain sane with a pack of miniature wirehair dachshunds and a turbo-charged basset hound, binging on Britcoms and murder mysteries and trotting the globe.

Leneah Willis – Multi-Media Marketing Specialist

Leneah Willis is an acclaimed photographer with 11 years of experience, traveling to different locations around the world.

Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Leneah started young in the art and broadcasting industry, learning from her professors at Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, and receiving awards in fine arts and photography.

Leneah is a mother to three boys and an active member of the community in Brevard County. Leneah brings her high-quality talent in producing content to her clients, which enables them to increase customers for the businesses she serves.
Leneah thrives on elevating herself to the next level with everything she touches and dedicates herself to high-quality results for the betterment of her community.

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