Central Florida Advisory Council

TRACE LINDER - Advisory Council Chair

As a fourth-generation Floridian raised in Polk County, Trace has strong ties to the heart of Central Florida’s cattle and citrus country. He is an avid outdoorsman with a passion for wildlife, protecting our waterways, and conserving our land.  

Trace earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and works in commercial and industrial real estate.  

In addition to Conservation Florida, Trace is an active member of several organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation, including Ducks Unlimited, The National Wild Turkey Federation, and Captains for Clean Water. He resides in Tampa with his wife and son. 

Steve Messer

Steve is assistant general counsel at Checkers and Rally’s restaurants. Previously, Steve has worked in private legal practice as well as in the Florida Senate, where he served as a staff attorney. He grew up in Lake Wales, Florida, and has lived in Tampa for more than ten years. Steve is a graduate of Florida State University and the University of Florida College of Law. In his free time, Steve enjoys fly fishing, exploring wild Florida, and keeping bees with his wife, Ashley. Steve and Ashley have one son, Everett

Mike Damboise

Raised in the beautiful St. Cloud, Florida, Mike holds a profound love for Central Florida and the land within. After graduating high school, Mike would pursue his passion for land management as he attended college in Hobbs, New Mexico on a rodeo scholarship. 

Now living in Zolfo Springs, Florida, Mike is currently a Managing Partner at DT Davis Ranch, the President of DMB Constellation Commons, and the President of Davis Family Properties. Additionally, Mike holds memberships within the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Hardee County Chamber of Commerce, and the Hardee County Farm Bureau. Mike is also the Founder and Manager of Charlie Creek Livestock, a 3000 head preconditioning yard. 

Mike and his wife, Betsy, have enjoyed over 30 years of marriage on their family ranch where they have raised two kids and lots of cattle. With his children now grown, Mike enjoys spending time with his family whenever he can. Together, they enjoy flying the helicopter, driving his airboat, and spending time in nature. 

Marshall Hernandez

Marshall lives in Sarasota; he holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. With a lifelong passion for the outdoors, he is deeply committed to land stewardship and nurturing a love of nature. Marshall enjoys fishing and hunting throughout Florida, sharing these experiences with his wife, Bonnie. As a conservation-minded sportsman, he aims to preserve Florida’s natural beauty for future generations. 

LAura Lenhart

Laura L. Lenhart joined Port Tampa Bay with nearly 15 years of experience in government affairs. Lenhart previously worked as a Government Affairs Advisor at Gray Robinson, P.A., where she advocated on behalf of client issues in the Tampa Bay area and statewide on varied interests ranging from telecommunications, technology, K-12 education, transportation, and human services. She has served as the Government and Regulatory Affairs Manager for Frontier Communications serving parts of Pasco and Polk, and all of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties, where she was responsible for developing and successfully executing their annual legislative agenda. 

Lenhart also held government relations positions with Moffitt Cancer Center and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. She earned a Master of Science in Political Science, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, both from Florida State University. 

kelly byrnes

With a background in biology and 15 years of marketing experience, Kelly brings a wealth of expertise in event planning, media, and promotions. Alongside her partner Chris, she spearheaded the largest beach cleanup in Pinellas County, focusing on Gandy Beach, which indirectly contributed to its eventual improvements. Kelly is passionate about the outdoors, enjoying activities like hiking and paddleboarding, and has a deep interest in Florida’s rich history, particularly its Native American heritage. Her dedication to respecting and protecting Florida’s wild lands drives her to continue advocating for environmental conservation and community involvement, ensuring that future generations can experience the natural beauty she holds so dear. 

david seider

David is the Chief Commercial Officer of The Zebra, an insurance technology company. He lives in Tampa, FL, with his wife Amylynn and their three children. He previously spent his career as a FL-based private equity investor and currently serves on the Investment Advisory Committee for University of Florida's Innovate + Ventures and the Endowment of Saint John's Episcopal Church & School . He earned his BS from the University of Florida and is a member of the Florida Blue Key Leadership Honorary. He earned his MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business where he was a Fuqua Scholar.  

clinton euler

Clinton lives in Orlando with his wife, Nicole, and two boys, Owen and Noah.  He is a sales rep in the Building Materials Industry where he often meets with builders and homeowners alike.  Clinton earned the Top Gun award for 2023 as the top sales rep in his store.  However, his true passion is bicycles.  Clinton operates his own business, Adventure Bike Works, where he loves to work on bicycles.  He loves to explore Florida’s natural and conserved lands on his gravel bike. Clinton hopes to bring more awareness to Florida’s conservation needs.   

Analisa Jahna

Analisa Jahna is a 4th generation native of Polk County, FL and an adjunct Biology professor. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Stetson University and a doctorate degree from National University of Natural Medicine.  

Analisa is passionate about saving beautiful places and supporting local communities in arts, culture, and education to ensure a bright future for the generations that follow. She serves on the boards of the Polk State College Foundation, the Lake Wales Arts Council and The Jahna Foundation.