Breaking the poverty cycle does not happen all at once. It happens when students are given access, belief, and the support to see a future they can step into.

In this episode, Christine Sylvain, Founder and CEO of Path to College, shares her personal journey and the work behind a proven model that helps high potential students overcome systemic barriers, earn scholarships, and access selective universities debt free. She also looks ahead to what’s next for the organization and how education and mentorship create lasting community impact.

How do you build a stronger Palm Beach County workforce? For Julia Dattolo, President and CEO of CareerSource Palm Beach County, it starts with people.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran and workforce development leader, she connects talent with opportunity and helps local businesses grow through service and purpose, sharing how community leadership, veterans employment, and workforce innovation are shaping Palm Beach County’s economy and redefining what it means to serve our community.

In this episode of the Palm Beach North Podcast, Adam Hasner, President of Florida Atlantic University (FAU), shares his journey from Palm Beach County kid to leading one of South Florida’s most dynamic public research universities. He talks about how growing up with educator parents, early experiences in public service, and a high-energy, servant-leadership style shaped his approach to the presidency.

President Hasner highlights FAU’s momentum with record applications, competitive incoming classes, and groundbreaking research in neuroscience, ocean engineering, and artificial intelligence. He explains why he sees FAU as the region’s hometown university and outlines his strategic priorities of elevating the brand, strengthening partnerships, expanding opportunities for students, and leading through influence with a vision for the future.

Topics Covered:

• Roots in Palm Beach County and a path through law, business, and public service

• Lessons from public service that prepared him to lead in higher education

• FAU’s growth as a research university with record demand and unique strengths

• The student experience and the importance of access and affordability

• Athletics as a source of school pride and community connection

• A vision to elevate FAU’s reputation and impact across the region

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Check out our websites:

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

To learn more about FAU, visit: https://www.fau.edu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

#PalmBeachNorthPodcast #FAU #HigherEdLeadership #SouthFlorida #CommunityImpact

In this episode of the Palm Beach North Podcast, Cressman Bronson, South Florida EVP & President at PNC Bank , shares his journey from a humble upbringing and early sports career to leading one of the most influential banking institutions in Florida. He opens up about the life lessons that shaped his leadership style, the pivotal role his family has played in his success, and his commitment to making a meaningful impact on the community.

Cressman discusses PNC Bank’s growth story in Florida, the importance of building strong partnerships, and why early childhood education has become a cornerstone of the bank’s philanthropic efforts. He also provides valuable advice for business owners on creating sustainable success, staying grounded during uncertainty, and embracing community engagement as a driver of long-term impact.

Topics Covered:

- From walk-on athlete to regional banking leader: the life lessons behind Cressman’s success

- The role of family and resilience in shaping leadership

- PNC Bank’s growth in Florida and commitment to community impact

- Why early childhood education is a top priority for PNC’s philanthropy

- Advice for entrepreneurs: surrounding yourself with the right partners and staying focused on what you can control

- Building a legacy of community and business leadership in Southeast Florida

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Tampa General Hospital.

Follow us on social media!

Instagram:

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: @tghcares

PNC Bank: @pncbank

Facebook:

Palm Beach North: / palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: / pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: / tampageneralhospital

LinkedIn:

Palm Beach North: / palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: / pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: / tampa-general-hospital

PNC Bank: / pncbank

Cressman Bronson: / cressman-bronson

Check out our websites:

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

To learn more about Tampa General Hospital, visit: https://www.tgh.org

To learn more about PNC Bank, visit: https://www.pnc.com

#PalmBeachNorthPodcast #LeadershipInBusiness #PNCBank #CommunityImpact #CressmanBronson

In this episode of the Palm Beach North Podcast, Nathan Green, Vice Chancellor for Government & Community Relations at Vanderbilt University, discusses the university’s decision to open a second campus in West Palm Beach, a strategic move to strengthen its role as a top-tier research institution while embedding in a thriving economic hub. He explains how this expansion aligns with Vanderbilt’s long-term vision for growth, innovation, and community impact.

Nathan shares insights into the university’s commitment to impactful research, institutional neutrality, and meaningful partnerships with local schools, businesses, and civic leaders. He also explores how the new campus will serve as a catalyst for workforce development and economic growth, creating opportunities that will benefit both Palm Beach County and the broader South Florida region for decades to come.

Topics Covered:

- Vanderbilt’s $20 billion economic impact in Tennessee and why it matters for Palm Beach County

- Why West Palm Beach was chosen for the university’s second campus

- Plans for a 300,000 sq ft campus with programs in finance, AI, fintech, and engineering

- Partnering with local schools, colleges, and businesses to strengthen the community

- Projected $7 billion economic impact over 25 years and a $1 billion investment in the first decade

- $520 million capital campaign and the goal to break ground after raising $300 million

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Tampa General Hospital.

Follow us on social media!

Instagram:

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: @tghcares

Facebook:

Palm Beach North: / palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: / pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: / tampageneralhospital

LinkedIn:

Palm Beach North: / palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: / pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: / tampa-general-hospital

Nathan Green: / nathangreen

Check out our websites:

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

To learn more about Tampa General Hospital, visit: https://www.tgh.org

To learn more about Vanderbilt University, visit: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/

In this episode of the Palm Beach North Podcast, we sit down with Charles Bender, Founding CEO of Place of Hope, one of South Florida’s most impactful faith-based nonprofits. With over two decades of leadership, Charles has built an organization that provides safety, stability, and support to children, youth, and families facing trauma, abuse, and homelessness.

Charles shares how his background shaped his leadership philosophy, the challenges and victories of building Place of Hope, and how his team empowers children to overcome adversity. From combatting human trafficking to launching statewide programs, Charles explains why purpose, faith, and community are at the heart of everything he does—and how businesses and residents can play a part in making a difference.

Topics Covered:

- Charles’ personal journey into nonprofit leadership

- The founding and evolution of Place of Hope

- Creating family-style care and trauma-informed environments

- Combating human trafficking in South Florida

- Preparing teens aging out of foster care for independence

- Leadership, legacy, and building sustainable teams

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Tampa General Hospital.

Follow us on social media!

Instagram:

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: @tghcares

Place of Hope: @placeofhope

Facebook:

Palm Beach North: / palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: / pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: / tampageneralhospital

LinkedIn:

Palm Beach North: / palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: / pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: / tampa-general-hospital

Place of Hope: / Place of Hope Inc.

Charles Bender: / charles-l-bender-iii

Check out our websites:

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

To learn more about Tampa General Hospital, visit: https://www.tgh.org

To learn more about Place of Hope, visit: https://www.placeofhope.com

In this episode of the Palm Beach North Podcast, we sit down with Eric Kelly, President of the Quantum Foundation—Palm Beach County’s health conversion foundation that has granted over $170 million to advance health equity. Eric shares his powerful journey from growing up in the Sugar Hill housing projects of Palatka, Florida to leading one of the region’s most impactful philanthropic organizations. He opens up about how his upbringing shaped his values, why he views his work as a calling, and how he blends faith, leadership, and service into a purpose-driven life.

Eric dives into Quantum’s place-based strategy in Coleman Park, the importance of equity versus equality, and the deep listening and collaboration required to create lasting change. Whether you’re in nonprofit leadership, public service, or business, Eric’s perspective on leadership, legacy, and community investment offers a timely and meaningful roadmap for how to lead with intention—and why it all starts with relationships.

Topics Covered:

- Eric’s journey from public housing to philanthropy

- The origins and mission of the Quantum Foundation

- Place-based philanthropy and the Coleman Park initiative

- Balancing tradition and innovation in community grantmaking

- Equity vs. equality: what it really means in practice

- Leadership through listening, vision, and collaboration

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Tampa General Hospital.

Follow us on social media!

Instagram:

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: @tghcares

Facebook:

Palm Beach North: / palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: / pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: / tampageneralhospital

LinkedIn:

Palm Beach North: / palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: / pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: / tampa-general-hospital

Quantum Foundation: / quantumfoundaton

Check out our websites:

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

To learn more about Tampa General Hospital, visit: https://www.tgh.org

To learn more about Quantum Foundation, visit: https://quantumfnd.org/

#HealthEquity #PhilanthropyInAction #LeadershipWithPurpose #PalmBeachNorthPodcast #CommunityImpact

In this episode of the Palm Beach North Podcast, we sit down with Michelle Oyola McGovern, Regional Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Comcast. A lifelong public servant and proud Puerto Rican, Michelle shares her journey from teaching swim lessons in South Florida to representing a U.S. senator and now leading Comcast’s efforts to expand broadband access across Florida. She reflects on the values that shaped her—kindness, resilience, and connection—and how those principles continue to guide her career, her role as a mother, and her community work.

Michelle opens up about the realities of running for office, her passion for digital equity, and the partnerships she’s built with nonprofits across the state. From empowering girls and first-generation college students to helping seniors access technology, Michelle shares the heart behind her leadership—and what she hopes her daughters, and community, take away from the work she’s doing.

Topics Covered:

- Michelle’s path from teaching to public service

- Her leadership role at Comcast and broadband expansion efforts

- Supporting digital equity and community impact

- Lessons from her run for Palm Beach County Commissioner

- The power of mentorship, board service, and showing up with heart

- Balancing family, politics, and purpose

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Tampa General Hospital.

Follow us on social media!

Instagram:

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: @tghcares

Facebook:

Palm Beach North: https://www.facebook.com/palmbeachnorth/

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: https://www.facebook.com/pbnchamber/

Tampa General Hospital: https://www.facebook.com/tampageneralhospital/

Comcast: https://www.facebook.com/comcast

Check out our websites:

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

To learn more about Tampa General Hospital, visit: https://www.tgh.org

To learn more about Comcast, visit: https://corporate.comcast.com

#LeadershipWithPurpose #DigitalEquity #WomenInGovernment #CommunityImpact #PalmBeachNorthPodcast