John is a partner at FS Advisors (“FSA”) as well as a partner and CEO of FSA Investment Group and FSA Advisory Group. FSA is a family of advisory firms focused on providing financial solutions to Indian Country.  As a comprehensive financial advisor, FSA is actively working with over 30 tribes around the country, providing financial advisory services specific to project development, financing, investment management, and tribal member benefits.  John focuses the majority of his time leading the Investment Group and Advisory Group as well as developing and managing client relationships.
John has assisted numerous tribes with project development and financing ranging from smaller transactions like convenience stores to casino expansions in excess of $400 million.  John's strength is helping identify the ideal project or transaction scope and crafting strategies to ensure the projects or financings proceed and succeed.  Before joining FSA, John worked for a large accounting firm providing wealth management services and assisting clients secure angel funding.  This experience laid the foundation for the sophisticated financial modeling FSA provides its clients today.
John believes that providing exceptional client service paired with Indian Country expertise, execution and accountability are keys to successful tribal relationships. John is a Registered Investment Advisor and also serves on numerous non-profit boards.

Dr. Erica Karr is the founder of Glassy Day Studio, where she shapes jewelry from recycled surfboard resin. In the studio, Erica couples her expertise in strategic planning with thoughtful design. Zero waste is a top priority, which challenges her to constantly innovate. Erica also serves as a consultant for organizations who want to achieve excellent results. She has years of experience in supporting leadership teams to align system priorities with measurable goals. As a former director of development at a consulting firm in Pensacola, FL, she worked with executive and cross-departmental teams across the nation. Prior to that, she led alignment and accountability efforts as a member of the school district’s leadership team in Charleston, SC. She earned her doctorate in leadership and innovation and can talk all day about continuous improvement. She has the most adorable toddler in the world and a loving husband.

Ruthie Noel serves as the Executive Director for Achieve Escambia, a nonprofit organization on a mission to align community resources so everyone is empowered to achieve success.

Ruthie is a two-time graduate of the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology which encompasses:

• the study of leadership in the workplace
• organizational change and development
• effective group and team dynamics
• personnel training and development
• ethical business practices

all of which directly contribute to a successful cross-sector approach to collective impact.

In her previous roles at Studer Group and Studer Education, Ruthie implemented the framework, tools, and tactics of continuous improvement that take health care and education systems from good to great.

Ruthie is passionate about community building: She has been a PYP member since 2015, served on the Board of Directors, and led the organization from 2019 – 2021.

She is a member of the Pensacola Women’s Alliance, Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast, PSC Nonprofit Center for Excellence, and Leadership Pensacola Class of 2022.

Ruthie and her husband, Zach, love adventuring with their golden retriever, Daisy May, and their daughter, Hazel Belle. They also own a short-term rental downtown, so let them know if you have company coming to town and they need a place to stay!

Meg Rich is an accomplished professional serving as the Vice President of Project Management at Pen Air Credit Union. With over a decade of experience in her field, Meg consistently delivers tangible outcomes that propel her organization’s strategy forward. Meg also volunteers to help mentor and guide emerging leaders not only in her organization with within the Pensacola community. She serves on the advisory boards of both Pensacola Young Professionals and Valerie’s House Pensacola. Meg treasures her personal life, cherishing moments spent with her spouse and beloved pets, and indulging in activities that get her outdoors to enjoy all the things the Pensacola community has to offer.

Kyle Schoolar’s life mission is to “Build strong communities; communities in which every member has the opportunity to thrive.” A mission he attributes to his parents’ commitment to community service throughout his life. He is the Director of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives at Feeding the Gulf Coast. In this role, he supports the advancement of Feeding the Gulf Coast's mission by leading strategic initiatives that address the intersection of health and nutrition within our communities. Additionally, he leads Feeding the Gulf Coast's tristate advocacy and government relations activities to engage a community of advocates working to build stronger Gulf Coast communities. Kyle has been with the organization since moving to Pensacola in October of 2015.

A Mississippi native, Kyle is a 2011 graduate of Mississippi State University, earning a degree in Communication with specializations in Public Relations and Broadcasting.

Kyle is a member of the Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) Class of 2023. He is a graduate of Leadership Santa Rosa Class 31, past chair of Santa Rosa Young Professionals, and a member of several organizations and boards including Pensacola Young Professionals, United Bank Advisory Council, Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Leadership Santa Rosa Alumni. Kyle also chairs the “Quality of Life” subcommittee for the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce’s Policy Committee. Kyle was recognized as the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce “Emerging Leader of the Year in 2017”, and he was recognized as the Gulf Breeze Chamber “Young Professional of the Year” in 2021. He is a member of Echo Life Church.

Kyle is an avid Mississippi State Bulldogs fan (Hail State!), and he serves on the board for the Mississippi State Alumni Association’s Northwest Florida Chapter. In his free time, you can find Kyle volunteering in the community through the various community organizations he is a part of. He also loves spending time with friends taking advantage of the amazing activities and places our community has to offer.