By: Daniela Martin
Susie Gardner
University of Florida Women’s Basketball
After a 14-year stint at Mercer University, Susie Gardener will return to Gainesville as assistant coach for the University of Florida Women’s Basketball team. Gardener has more than 30 years of experience. According to Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley, Gardener is a well-respected leader, tremendous teacher and a person of great character.
Gardener knows what it takes to succeed, and the Gators are thrilled to have her back. She previously spent three seasons (2007-10) as an Assistant Coach under former Florida Head Coach Amanda Butler. During her tenure, Florida advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2009 and appeared in the WNIT in 2008 and 2010.
Meredith English Holder
Fracture
Meredith Holder has been named the new CEO at Fracture. With extensive experience and a Bachelor of Science in International Business/Finance from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, she is well-prepared for the role. Meredith also holds an MBA with high distinction and is a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School. As a mother to a one-and-a-half-year-old son, she understands the importance of preserving precious moments, making her the perfect fit to lead the team at Fracture. Founded in 2009, Fracture has been helping capture special moments with its glass prints, providing an easy solution to preserving cherished memories.
Cheryl Ferrell
Santa Fe College
Cheryl Farrell, executive assistant for Academic Affairs, received the 2024 Career Service STAR Award. Santa Fe College’s Career Service Council annually honors an exceptional employee with this award, recognizing excellence in Service, Teamwork, Attitude, and Reliability (STAR). Recipients consistently excel in their roles, deliver outstanding customer service, and show unwavering commitment to the college community. They are dependable, trustworthy team players who actively foster collaboration within Career Service and across the campus, always striving to enhance the college.
Samantha Lopez
Alachua County Public Schools
Samantha Lopez has been named Florida’s School-Related Employee of the Year for 2024, an award recognizing outstanding educational support personnel. Initially a food service worker, Lopez shifted her career path after a meeting with her son’s teachers, who encouraged her to work with Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. Motivated by her son’s needs, Lopez obtained state certification and has since been a one-on-one ESE paraprofessional at Rawlings Elementary School. One aspect of her dedication is that she works closely with fifth grader Zyler Mason, providing dedicated support for more than four years. Known as “Auntie Sam,” Lopez is also active in a local Facebook group supporting families of special needs children, advocating for acceptance and inclusion. She was one of 45 honorees in this year’s recognition program, showcasing her commitment to the school and broader community.
John Ritzdorf
Santa Fe College Men’s Basketball
Santa Fe College Athletics has introduced John Ritzdorf as the new Men’s Basketball Head Coach, succeeding Chris Mowry, who retired after 21 years and five conference Coach of the Year awards. Ritzdorf, who expressed his excitement about joining the Santa Fe community, brings significant experience from his tenure at Central Community College (CCC). At CCC, he was a three-time Region 9 Coach of the Year and led the team to its first NJCAA Division II National Tournament in nine years. Santa Fe Athletics Director Chanda Stebbins praised Ritzdorf, highlighting his strong relationships with players and community connections.
Dr. Nilanjana Caballero
Santa Fe College
Dr. Nilanjana Caballero has been appointed the new associate vice president for Academic Affairs (Health Sciences) for Santa Fe College. The announcement, made in a recent email to the Santa Fe College community from Dr. J. Nathaniel Southerland, SF Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, is effective immediately.
Dr. Caballero joined Santa Fe College in 2007, initially as an adjunct faculty member, and became a full-time faculty member teaching Anatomy & Physiology and Pathophysiology in 2008. She was the department chair of Sciences for Health Programs since 2013 and has also served as acting chair of the nursing department. Most recently, she was the Interim AVP for Health Sciences, a position she took on in 2023.
