Leadership

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 Terry Parks is currently the Sports Commissioner with the Space Coast Sports Commission, where he promotes and markets the Space Coast of Florida as a premier sports tourism destination.  He oversees the sports grant and contracting process for sporting events and competitions that provide a significant economic impact to Brevard County. Terry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both from Columbus State University in Columbus, GA, where he was a member of the men’s basketball team.  Terry began his basketball coaching career at Columbia state University, and continued to coach at the University of North Florida, the Citadel, Eastern Florida State College, and Florida Tech. Terry has taught in the Brevard Public School system and has over 20 years of coaching experience.  He is also heavily involved in the community.  He has served time as a member of Florida Tech’s President’s Circle., the Titusville YMCA Board of Directors and has been an United Way representative, assisting in campaign efforts to raise funds in order to inspire hope and create opportunities for those in the community that need it.  Terry’s book, “The CHAMPS Method: Observable Traits of Highly Successful People”, lists the traits that he has found to be present in successful people while providing strategies of how to apply these traits to your personal and professional life. 

 Thomas Edward Highsmith is a multifaceted leader, educator, REALTOR®, veteran, and community advocate.

Real Estate: A dedicated REALTOR® with HomeSmart Coastal Realty and founder of Thomas Highsmith LLC, Thomas focuses on delivering a seamless, stress-free home buying and selling experience. He also serves as a Florida Director for Florida REALTORS® and is the Committee Chair for Inclusive Culture at the Space Coast Association of REALTORS®, advancing equity and inclusion, within the industry.

Education: A Professor of Business at Eastern Florida State College, he teaches courses in business, advertising, nonprofit management, and leadership. He also sponsors the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), mentoring students to develop their professional and leadership skills.

Community & Nonprofit Work: Thomas is Vice President of the Board of Directors for Verdi-Eco School and serves on the Board of Directors for HFH Affordable Housing. Alongside his wife, Shalarie, he co-founded URNOT4GOTTEN INC., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting those in need.

Military & Coaching: A proud retired veteran, Thomas served over 25 years in the United States Air Force, where he also worked as a graphic illustrator. For more than 30 years, he has coached basketball at multiple levels, from college programs to elite youth and military teams, combining mentorship, leadership development, and athletics.

Personal Life: Originally from Rockford, Illinois, Thomas has called6 Florida’s Space Coast home for over 25 years. He is a proud husband to Shalarie Highsmith and father to three children, Simone, De’Jha, and Bryson. He enjoys working out, golfing, and spending quality time with family. 

Maria Fanto is a results-driven hospitality and operations professional with over a decade of experience leading high-performing teams and developing programs that enhance community connection, efficiency, and growth. With a master’s degree in Strategic Management from Niagara University, Maria brings a blend of business acumen, empathy, and innovation to every initiative she leads.

Throughout her career, Maria has held leadership roles with organizations such as Villatel, TIAA, and WeWork, where she oversaw multimillion-dollar operations, developed training and engagement programs, and led teams through major transitions and expansions. She is passionate about building strong communities—both within organizations and in the broader public sphere—by creating inclusive, people-centered programs that drive lasting impact.

As an active community member and committee participant with the Melbourne Regional Chamber, Maria continues to dedicate her time and expertise to initiatives that foster collaboration, mentorship, and sustainable growth.