WOPA elects new chair

The 26-member board of the West Orange Political Alliance has elected Michelle Strenth as its new chairwoman. Strenth previously served on the WOPA board as its vice chairwoman for the past two years.

Strenth is an executive with more than 15 years of experience in public policy and advocacy. She has provided thought leadership and worked to protect various companies’ legislative and regulatory initiatives as they are created with various legislative and municipal bodies. She ensures that robust relationships are established with all elected officials, agency staff, industry associations, and community leaders.

She has a degree in finance from East Tennessee State University and her MBA from the University of Central Florida. She is a graduate of Leadership Florida, Leadership Orlando Class 76, Leadership Winter Park Class 29, and former chair of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

She is a former board member of the Frederick Leadership Initiative and the Children’s Home Society of Central Florida.

“Michelle’s vast experience in the healthcare arena, working closing with legislators and policy-makers, and dealing with issues within the West Orange area will certainly benefit our efforts,” said Nick Asma, former WOPA chairman.

Also, serving on the board with Strenth are Asma, Leticia Adams, A. Kurt Ardaman, Christopher Bailey, Melanie Becker, Jose Cantero, Joe Cobb, Kari Conley, Kim Dawson, Camille Evans, Mark Griffith, Jeff Jonasen, Iliana Jones, Tim Keating, Gary Meredith, John Miklos, Jeff Milhausen, Sarah Nemes, Dan Pollock, Charles Roper, Sharon Smoley, Craig Swygert, and ex-officio members Stina D’Uva and Dr. Kim Hardy.

WOPA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization formed in December 1997 to provide an active political voice in the interests of West Orange County. WOPA is governed by a set of by-laws approved by Florida’s Division of Elections.