Board Members

Kathy Alder has served as SAMA's Board President since June 2025, after joining the board in November 2023. She brings more than 20 years of experience in human resources, including over 8 years at Chris Craft Corporation, with deep expertise in talent strategy, workforce development, and organizational leadership within the manufacturing community.

Outside of work, Kathy enjoys traveling.

Jeff is a Co-Managing Partner of BC Advisory based in Sarasota, Florida. He began his public accounting career with PwC in 2010, working in Tampa, Boston, and London before leading the transaction advisory practice of the 45th largest CPA firm from 2021–2025. He has advised clients ranging from privately held businesses to public multinational firms, with experience across construction, manufacturing, financial services, and asset management. Jeff specializes in guiding clients through complex transactions and successful exits through a disciplined, consultative approach. He works closely with attorneys, tax professionals, wealth advisors, and other key partners to provide coordinated, practical guidance tailored to each client’s needs.

In addition to his advisory work, Jeff regularly participates in panel discussions and speaking engagements.

Carrie Collins has served as SAMA’s Board Secretary since September 2026, after joining the board in September 2025. She brings more than 17 years of experience as a third-generation owner of Aladdin Equipment, a 76+ year family-owned manufacturing company, with firsthand experience navigating succession, change, growth, and the challenges of carrying a multigenerational business into its next chapter.

Her leadership experience is further strengthened by 11 years of community board service, including five years as chair, giving her a unique perspective on both business leadership and organizational governance.

Branden Patrick serves as Vice President & General Manager of Aer-Flo Environmental, bringing more than 25 years of manufacturing experience and 8 years of U.S. Army service to his leadership role. He combines military discipline and a team-first mindset with expertise in operational excellence, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth. Branden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from The University of Olivet and a Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from Central Michigan University. He is passionate about developing high-performing teams, driving innovation, and delivering quality environmental products that make a lasting impact.

Outside of work, Branden enjoys spending time with his family and deep-sea fishing.

Matthew Testa is the Senior Manager of Operations at Elevate Healthcare, leading manufacturing operations, environmental health and safety, and facilities. With nearly 30 years of manufacturing experience, he is passionate about workforce development and operational excellence, focusing on building high-performing teams, improving processes, and strengthening manufacturing in the Sarasota-Manatee region. Matthew has served on the Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association (SAMA) Board of Directors since 2022, supporting industry collaboration and the growth of the local manufacturing community.

Outside of work, Matthew is an avid Formula 1 fan and enjoys traveling the world.

Steve is a Managing Director at Helios Technologies. He oversees the US businesses in their Motion Controls group, including Sun Hydraulics in Sarasota, FL, Daman Products in Mishawaka, Indiana, and Schultes Precision in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Steve also has engineering responsibility for the Motion Controls group globally.

Steve joined Sun Hydraulics in 2020. Prior to that, he worked at John Deere for 10 years, designing construction and forestry equipment. Before John Deere, Steve worked as an engineer in the aerospace and defense industry, specializing in mechanical design of satellites and rockets.

Mark serves FloridaMakes in the role of V.P. Client Engagement and is responsible for management of the Business Advisors Team and associated business processes. Mark has 38 years’ product development and manufacturing experience, most recently as General Manager with Sparton Electronics a defense contractor that develops and manufactures Undersea Warfare Devices. He is an experienced executive with a diversified background that can lead staffing through strategic planning and tactical execution of plans. His career started in product development and after 20 years of progressing through many engineering roles including Director of Engineering, Mark choose a career shift and spent 15 years as Director of Operations prior to advancing to a General Manager position. Mark has also served on the board of directors for the Volusia Manufacturers Association and the Manufacturers Association of Florida, and he served as a board member for FloridaMakes until accepting a regular full-time with FloridaMakes.

Mark graduated from the University of Hartford with a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology.

Serving as SAMA’s Executive Director since 2018, Rob has primarily been involved in the printing and signage industry within manufacturing. Holding executive roles in operations, production, marketing, and sales, and a strong focus on ERP software implementation, provided a good balance of knowledge.

Rob became full-time Director of SAMA in February 2021 and enjoys bringing value to SAMA’s members, along with a wide variety of community involvement which connects manufacturing to education, workforce initiatives, and economic growth.

Allison is a dedicated manufacturing and business development professional with FloridaMakes, where she works to support Florida manufacturers in driving growth, innovation, workforce development, and operational excellence. Through collaboration with industry leaders, educational partners, and economic development organizations, she helps connect manufacturers with resources, funding opportunities, training programs, and strategic initiatives that strengthen competitiveness and long-term success. With a strong focus on relationship building and client engagement, Allison works closely with companies to identify opportunities for improvement and implement solutions that enhance productivity, workforce capabilities, and business performance. Her passion for Florida's manufacturing sector is reflected in her commitment to helping organizations navigate challenges, adopt best practices, and achieve sustainable growth.

As a trusted advocate for manufacturing, Allison is dedicated to fostering collaboration, promoting industry advancement, and supporting the continued success of manufacturers throughout Florida.

Victoria serves as Admin and Events Assistant for SAMA, where she supports members, business partners, leadership, and events. She enjoys building relationships and creating opportunities that bring the manufacturing community together.

With a Master of Science in Business Management and a background in business operations, communications, and event coordination, Victoria brings an organized and personable approach to her work. She is proud to support SAMA’s members and contribute to the growth of the region’s manufacturing community.