LEAD Brevard Honors Attorney Kimberly Rezanka, the Late Geo Ropert, With Distinguished Alumni Awards
By Space Coast Daily // April 30, 2021
award focuses on the commitment, courage, and positive contributions to the community
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The LEAD Brevard Board of Directors have honored Kimberly Rezanka, Partner at Lacey-Lyons-Rezanka and Geo Ropert, formerly of Ropert and Partners, awarded posthumously, as the 2021 recipients of LEAD Brevard’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
Rezanka is a Leadership Brevard graduate class of 2002 and previously served on the LEAD Brevard Board of Directors.
Ropert was a former staff member at LEAD Brevard and the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, a Leadership Brevard graduate class of 2001, and a member of the greater Brevard community until December 8, 2020.
The Leadership Brevard Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes and rewards leaders whose contributions through exceptional leadership have made a difference in Brevard County because of his/her Vision, Innovation, Courage, and Inspiration.
Rezanka has shared her time and expertise with multiple organizations in order to build a better Brevard. She excels and serves in state and local professional organizations including the Brevard County Bar Association, the Florida Bar Foundation, and the Brevard County Bar Foundation.
Presently she serves on the Friends of the Children’s Advocacy Center Board, Brevard Homeless Coalition and the Homebuilders and Contractors Association Boards.
This is in addition to pro bono work for Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofits.
Rezanka’s community service and involvement started in high school with Key Club at Satellite High School in 1980 and the list of her community engagement includes:
■ Creating the first Young Lawyers Division of the Brevard County Bar Association
■ Drafting the Florida Lawyers’ Emergency Response Program; working with the South Brevard Junior League Board; the Children’s Services Council of Brevard
■ Girl Scout Troop Leader and was instrumental in developing the Leadership Essentials℠ skills development program, powered by LEAD Brevard.
Rezanka represents business entities and individuals in matters concerning governmental activities and in matters involving contracts. She has been practicing law for 29 years, with extensive courtroom experience, which includes jury and non-jury trials and appellate hearings.
“Most of my accomplishments have been realized by collaborating with others, leading when necessary, but working toward a common goal always,” said Rezanka.
The community benefitted from his passion and love for Brevard County as Ropert was an example of the depth and breadth of leadership in our community. He was a collaborator who connected people and resources.
“Geo was always concerned with improving our work, and he was very keen to jump in and try new things – in conversations, in the media, and in local politics – during his time here as director of Brevard Tomorrow, notable achievements included – a video called Charting our Course for Brevard’s tomorrow which aired on Bright House Networks,” said Kristin Bakke, President and CEO of LEAD Brevard.
Ropert also worked as an advocate for Smart Growth in the Viera West planning phase, developed the citizen’s academy in partnership with the United Way of Brevard for the City of Melbourne and other local municipalities, moderated the annual Government Summit, and helped to lead the creation of what was known then as the Young Professionals of Brevard.
“He brought energy, commitment, and inspiration to our team and to others with whom he worked,” said Bakke.
“He challenged us to be active leaders in community life, for our organization to deliver top-quality programs, and for our community to join with us in a spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and mutual assistance. He was passionately interested in all things Brevard.”
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