Board Members

Irene Roach

Irene has been a resident of Land O’ Lakes for 50 years. As an experienced entrepreneur, she has owned and operated businesses throughout her career. Leadership in various service organizations, public schools, and clubs has allowed Irene to support our local community. In retirement, Irene continues to stay actively involved and to share her passion for children with special needs and others. Irene was personally inspired by her grandson with ASD to create a magical place where children of all abilities can thrive through participating in unique camp programs.

Wendy Neal

(non-voting member)

Wendy, a nationally certified school psychologist, and specialist in curriculum and instruction brings both professional and personal experience to our camp! With more than 30 years of experience working with children, families, and educational institutions (Pre-k to postgraduate), Wendy brings an array of knowledge to support the mission of our Camp. Her experience as a Clinical Associate at USF in the College of Education provides a unique link to professional development, family resources, and the field of special education.  Wendy currently holds the position of CEO at Camp Idlewild.

Kimberly Saavedra

Mark Shelton

Mark, a lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator, has practiced and been a general partner in a south-central Pasco County professional center for the past three decades. As a former scholar-athlete Mark served as an executive board member and as President of Habitat for Humanity for Central Pasco County, Black Watch Soccer Club, and Tampa Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame, Mark has often devoted many of his hours to non-profit and charitable endeavors. Mark’s legal, executive and non-profit experience provides vital support to our board.

Eugene "Gene" Sylvester

Director, Eugene, a retired Senior Project Manager for Gulf Coast Equipment Corp., brings 45+ years of experience in the construction and facilities management industry. His achievements include managing individual projects up to $14,000,000, and working with the University of Alabama, Mississippi State, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi, on upgrades of communication systems. Gene's extensive community involvement and charitable work experiences with youth and children's organizations provide an invaluable resource for Camp Idlewild. Gene serves as Senior Project/Facilities Manager for Camp Idlewild.

John Leslie

In addition to duties on the Board of Directors, portfolio manager for Trust and Corporate assets.  Retired U.S. Coast Guard officer; former Chief, U.S. Coast Guard Retired Affairs Branch; N.A.S.D. (now FINRA) registered representative since 1983; Stockbroker with Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, and Charles Schwab; Vice-President and branch manager for several offices including Ft. Myers FL and St. Petersburg FL as well as Group Manager for Southern US; Registered Investment Advisor and portfolio manager for Alexander Read & Co. and partner - portfolio manager for Burke- Leslie, LLC, both Registered Investment Advisory Firms.  In addition to asset management and participation on the Board of Directors, will promote community awareness of Camp Idlewild through participation in                                         fundraising activities, corporate/community/church sponsorships, and government agencies. Firm believer in the mission of Camp Idlewild, the learning experience and life-long benefits of youth camps,                                               and the need to provide special opportunities for autistic children and their families.

Shannon Wheatley