Board of Directors
Mike Sosadeeter, President
Mike Sosadeeter brings to the Florida West Coast RC&D extensive experience in sustainable agricultural systems, sustainable community development, and landscape architecture planning, design, and construction. He also is a project planner, partnership builder, and visionary problem solver.
Mike grew up on a farm in a small town in Indiana. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Botany from DePauw University. His master’s degree in Landscape Architecture at Ball State University had an emphasis on sustainable community planning and design.
Mike started his career in agricultural, economic, educational development, and landscape architecture in the Caribbean -- Haiti, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Mike has also worked for a variety of agencies with demonstrated expertise in the priorities of Florida West Coast RC&D. Mike has worked for Habitat for Humanity, Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center, USDA Forest Service, Florida House Institute for Sustainable Development, Resource Management Group, Inc., and Children’s Haven and Adult Community Services, Inc. Mike is currently employed by the Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department as a Park Planner.
John O’Connor, Secretary/Treasurer
John O’Connor brings his 35 years of experience in multi-disciplined project engineering and project management, along with his deep commitment to local issues, to the RC&D. John obtained his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Manhattan College and did graduate work at Villanova University. John is currently a Project Engineering Manager at PennPro Engineering and Technical Services where he oversees a variety of projects in environmental, chemical, and geotechnical disciplines.
John is an extremely active in his local community of Duette where he is involved with his local fire department and church. John’s other activities include Florida Institute of Phosphate Chemical Process Technical Advisory Committee, Supervisor of the Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District (elected), and founder and President of the Palmetto Chapter of the Future Farmers of America Alumni Chapter.
Richard Carroll
As president of Carroll Brothers Nursery and Garden Center in St. Petersburg, Richard Carroll brings to the RC&D his solid agricultural business experience and dedication to the future success of agriculture in our area. The successful family nursery business, which Richard operates with his brother, Robert, was started by his father over 40 years ago. Richard provides invaluable insights into many of the critical issues facing nursery producers, and is always thinking ahead to innovative, long-term solutions.
Richard is the immediate Past-President of the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), working to promote a unified grassroots approach to building strong support for agriculture and small business in our state.
Stephen Gran
As Manager of Agriculture Industry Development, Stephen Gran has served in the Hillsborough County Economic Development Department for the past 12 years. In this position, Stephen coordinates with wide-ranging agriculture, agribusiness interests, and governmental agencies to evaluate issues of concern, facilitate communication, and resolve problems. The overall purpose of the program is to initiate and assist in efforts to create a business atmosphere that is conducive to the continuation and expansion of agricultural businesses in the County.
Stephen received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida. Immediately after college, Stephen took a position as a County Extension Agent with the Sarasota County Cooperative Extension Service. In this position he offered services in the area of agriculture management.
Todd Underhill