Golden Gator Awards

2009 Judging Panels

News Release/Annual Publication

Cory Armstrong, chair

Cory Armstrong, Ph.D., joined the Department of Journalism faculty in Fall 2004. She has approximately eight years of professional journalism experience on newspapers in Ohio, as a copy editor, reporter, and bureau chief. She has interdisciplinary interests in research and her dissertation focused on the influence of community pluralism on local news content. She received the Mary Gardner Award for Graduate Student Research in 2003 from the Commission on the Status of Women in the Association for Educators in Journalism and Mass Communication for her dissertation proposal. She has also won a top research paper award from the AEJMC Newspaper Division. Armstrong has had articles published in Newspaper Research Journal, Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, Mass Communication & Society, and Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. Her teaching areas included the core journalism courses of applied fact-finding and newswriting/reporting. At the graduate level, she teaches Issues in the Press and Race, Class, Gender and Media. Her research interests are: influences on news content, media credibility, gender and media and effects of news coverage. She is a faculty affiliate with the Center for Women's Studies and Gender Research.

Shawna Mansfield

Shawna Mansfield is owner and creative director of Gamut Design Group, a local graphic design firm. Gamut Design Group specializes in logo, print, web and multimedia design and has conducted design software seminars for the University of Florida and Central Florida Community College. Five years ago, Shawna joined SFCC’s widely accredited Graphic Design Technology Department as an adjunct instructor. Her high standards along with a fresh and practical approach in the classroom have made her one of the most desired instructors in the program. She currently is serving on the Advertising Federation of Gainesville’s Board of Directors as ADDY Co-Chair for the 2007-2008 ADDY Awards; on the Board of Directors for the Gainesville Area Women’s Network as Communications Chair; and on the American Cancer Society’s 2008 Cure By Design Committee as Print Design and Web Design Sponsor.

Melissa Berlin

Melissa Berlin is the corporate communications associate for RTI Biologics Inc., the Florida-based processor of orthopedic, dental, hernia and other biologic implants. In her role, Melissa develops and implements communications programs to internal and external audiences, with a focus on RTI Donor Services and contract recovery agencies, for the purpose of creating and maintaining relationships with these audiences to advance RTI’s corporate mission. Melissa received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida in 2007. She is currently serving as the UF Get Carded campaign professional liaison, as a member of Donate Life Florida, and also is the director of communications for the Gainesville Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA).

Web/Broadcast

Prentiss Ladkani, chair

Prentiss Ladkani is the webmaster for the University of Florida College of Education. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she got her master's in Information Studies and focused on Web Usability and Information Architecture.

Donna Foster

Donna Foster is the Communications Manager of the Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center (GTEC), a technology incubator program managed by the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and funded by the City of Gainesville. Donna is responsible for all internal and external communications as well as assisting the executive director in managing the technology incubator program and maintaining the GTEC facility. Donna is the secretary of the Florida Public Relations Association Gainesville Chapter. She received a bachelor's in public relations from the University of Florida.

Erin Morton

Erin Morton is the Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator for St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida with minors in Health Science Education and Sociology in 2001 and a Master of Arts degree in Mass Communications with a specialization in Science and Health Communication from UF in 2003.

Photography/Visual

Sarah White Modell, chair

Sarah White Modell is the Production Manager for the School of Theatre and Dance. In addition to her job as Production Manager, Sarah also coordinates publicity for the School and oversees the Publicity Production and Performance area. She teaches Stage and Theatre Management, is the mentor for all of the schools Stage Managers and is the Faculty Advisor for the Florida Players. She received her BFA in Theatre from the University of Florida and her MFA in Scenic Design from Florida State University. She held the position of Stage Supervisor at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts where she was the technical supervisor for a wide variety of shows and had the opportunity to work with many different artists. She has most recently designed for Dance Alive!, Tallahassee Community College, Gainesville Community Playhouse and Central Florida Community College. She is the proud mother of two beautiful girls.

Jim Atyeo

Jim Atyeo is the staff photographer at Santa Fe Community College. He is working on his 29th year at the college. Jim also teaches Photo 1 and 2 for Community Education at SFCC. He has taught Electronic Still Photography for the Graphics Design program at SFCC as well. Jim also has had great fun teaching portrait and lighting seminars around the state. Jim has been a judge for the Southeastern High School photographic contests and has served as a judge for several of North Florida’s camera clubs. He also has judged numerous Science Fairs on the photographic components.

Bernadette Gunder

Bernadette Gunder manages the graphics department at Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. She coordinates visual identity, develops corporate collateral and leads design efforts. Previously "Bernie" was a designer and editor in Valdosta State University's Publication & Design Services unit. Her graphic design and editorial development expertise were used to advance an array of publications and projects including annual reports, alumni magazines and promotional campaigns. She was also an adjunct instructor in the Valdosta Technical College Printing and Graphics Technology Program. Early in her career, Bernie was a public relations assistant at South Georgia College, where she assisted the director in researching donor prospects, wrote and disseminated press releases, photographed various college events and designed publications.

Magazine/Communications Program

Amelia Bell, chair

Amelia Bell is the Secretary of the University of Florida Faculty Senate. Bell is responsible for communicating with a variety of audiences, including Senators, administrators and faculty. She is the editor of the Faculty Senate newsletter and is responsible for maintaining the Faculty Senate Web site. Bell is the educational services director of the Florida Public Relations Association’s Gainesville chapter. She received a bachelor’s in public relations from UF and is working on a master’s in mass communication from UF.

Nathan Trenteseaux

Nathan Trenteseaux is an Account Executive with Group 5 Advertising, a local marketing, public relations and advertising agency that knows how to “do it better.” He is responsible for account management, budgeting, media buying and placement for several local governmental agencies, nonprofits and small businesses. His work with the Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives has resulted in Alachua County’s newest enviro-hero – The Waste Watcher! Prior to joining the staff at Group 5 three years ago, Nathan worked in the public relations and marketing field with organizations such as the United Way, James Moore & Co. and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is a board member with the Advertising Federation of Gainesville and a member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Nathan is a proud graduate of the University of Florida (public relations, ’99) and an avid health and fitness aficionado with plans of opening his own fitness-based business.

Courtney Holmes

Courtney Holmes is the corporate communications specialist for RTI Biologics Inc. (RTI) (Nasdaq: RTIX), the Florida-based processor of orthopedic, dental, hernia and other biologic implants. In her role, Courtney coordinates projects in corporate communications, which includes internal communications, media relations, community relations, investor relations, government relations and general corporate public relations. Prior to joining RTI in 2006, Courtney’s experience included marketing, public relations, special event planning, patient education, internal communications and strategic planning with the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center and public relations, internal communications, public information campaigns and media relations with Alachua County government. Courtney received a bachelor's degree in public relations from the University of Florida in 2004. Courtney is the current president of the Gainesville Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) and a member of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI).

Brochure/Print Newsletter

Jeff Stevens, chair

Jeff Stevens is the Webmaster for the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where he oversees the College website as well as several department sites and the journal of Undergraduate Research. He is the current chair of the UFCN Web and Electronic Communications Committee and the 2008 Volunteer of the Year for his work with the UFCN. Jeff is also the CEO and creative director of Union Design & Photo, a graphic and web design agency located in Newberry, Florida that has worked with hundreds of clients across the country. Jeff is a graduate of the UF College of Journalism with a master's in Mass Communication. Jeff’s work has been featured in several volumes of LogoLounge, and he is a multiple winner of Silver Addys and Golden Gator Honorable Mentions for his web and print design work. This year Union was recognized by the City of Gainesville / Alachua County Office on Homelessness as Business of the Year for its work on Project Grace. Jeff is a member of the Newberry-Jonesville Chamber of Commerce and the Gainesville Advertising Federation, where he also serves as the webmaster.

Steve Shepherd

Steve Shepherd, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, has been a Gainesville resident since 1990. He has been heavily involved in the North Central Florida, Gainesville, Florida area business and university communities throughout most of his professional career, and has nearly 25 years of experience working exclusively in the printing and publishing industries. Steve graduated from the University of Florida College of Fine Arts, School of Art + Art History in 1984 with a degree in graphic design. He has worked over the years as a graphic designer, photographer, art director, print production director, printing consultant, principle in a design agency and publisher -- and is currently the director of sales and marketing for Alta Systems, a Gainesville printing and mailing facility. In 1996, Steve was awarded the University of Florida’s People Awareness Week, President’s Humanitarian Award—Community, recognizing his efforts in print education while working with the various student groups associated with the University of Florida. In December 2007, Steve was awarded Member of the Year (2007) through the Florida Public Relations Association, Gainesville, Florida chapter. Over the years, Steve also has garnered several printing-related awards through associations such as the Printing Association of America, Printing Impressions, Florida Public Relations Association, the Gainesville Advertising Federation and the Advertising Association of Florida—4th District.

Mark Piotrowski

Mark Piotrowski is a freelance graphic design atist located in Gainesville, Florida. He is a graduate of the Graphic Design program at Santa Fe Community College and the University of Florida's History Department.

E-Newsletter/Special Event

Tracy Bryant, chair

Tracy Bryant joined IFAS Communication Services at the University of Florida in 2001. She has more than 10 years experience in many graphic design settings, including direct mail, marketing, private print shops and higher educational venues. Previously, Tracy has judged the Golden Gator Awards, IFAS Image Awards, 4-H Congress competitive events, Brevard County Transportation's 25th Anniversary contest and the Florida Today newspaper Design an Ad contest. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications/Advertising from the University of South Florida, Tampa.

Rose Sierra

Rose Sierra is the Retail Advertising Manager for the Independent Florida Alligator.

Morgan Dunn

Morgan Dunn is a Sales Communications Specialist for Exactech, Inc. Prior to that Morgan worked as the Communications Manager for the Council For Economic Outreach. Morgan graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in public relations. She spends her spare time training for triathlons and cheering the Gators on during the football season.

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