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Home My WebLink AboutItem D3COUNTY of MONROE The Florida Keys BULK ITEM: No TIME APPROXIMATE: N/A BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Mayor Michelle Lincoln, District 2 Mayor Pro Terra David Rice, District 4 Craig Cates, District 1 James K. Scholl, District 3 Holly Merrill Raschein, District 5 Regular Meeting January 28, 2026 Agenda Item Number: D3 25-0178 DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Council STAFF CONTACT: Ammie Machan AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of one "At Large" appointment to the Tourist Development Council District I Advisory Committee. Applicants are: Ms. Heather Carruthers and Mr. Damian Vantriglia. Approval of one applicant is requested. This is Commissioner Scholl's appointment. ITEM BACKGROUND: This position was advertised due to the resignation of Ms. Jovanie Vasquez. The applicants are: Ms. Heather Carruthers Mr. Damian Vantriglia PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: On September 8, 1999, the Board of County Commissioners passed Ordinance No. 038-1999 providing for the appointment of "At Large" members to the TDC District Advisory committees by the Board of County Commissioners. INSURANCE REQUIRED: No CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of one applicant is requested. DOCUMENTATION: FINANCIAL IMPACT: D3. Approval of one "At Large" appointment to the Tourist Development Council District I Advisory Committee. Applicants are: Ms. Heather Carruthers and Mr. Damian Vantriglia. Approval of one applicant is requested. This is Commissioner Scholl's appointment. ne FloriddKeys & Key st come as you are' MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DATE: January 8, 2026 TO: Christine Hurley, County Administrator FROM: Sydney Schuhmacher, Administrative Assistant Monroe County Tourist Development Council RE: DAC I `AT LARGE' VACANCY Please bring forward the attached District I Advisory Committee "At Large" application to the January 2026 BOCC meeting. This position was advertised due to resignation of DAC I Member, Jovanie Vazquez. DISTRICT I - Encompasses the City Limits of Key West "At Large" representative — Any resident who is not direct) involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists). The applicants are: Damian Vantriglia Heather Carruthers Approval of one (1) applicant is requested. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our administrative office at 305-296-1552. TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS — shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position listed above within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying). X AT LARGE — Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. This means no direct involvement by an applicant in a business or economic activity that is dependent upon tourism). Name: Heather Carruthers Business Name: K2M Design / Berkshire Hathaway Knight & Gardner Business Address: 1150 Virginia Street, Key West, FL 33040 336 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 Home Address: 1314 Newton Street Key West, FL 33040 Business Phone: Cell Phone: 305.509.2122 *Enail AdWersO-r,2iTidesian.com Current Employment: Director of Business Development, Southeast Region, K2M Design Licensed Realtor@ with Berkshire Hathaway Knight & Gardner Realty Employment History: Please see attached resume. Please see attached resume. r4*TJ T11WInTm I have lived in Key West for over 25 years. My pre -Keys background was in marketing and advertising, and I moved here to own and operate a 38-roolm guesthouse. I understand the tourism market from my 13 years as a hotelier and past chair of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys. I understand the TDC's funding mechanism, enabling statutes and regulatory process from my 12 years as a County Commissioner. As a permanent resident who is raising a family here, I understand the need to create a balance between the impacts of a tourism economy and the quality of life for residents. It's more than my experience, though. I love this community. I've lived here longer than I've lived anywhere else. I appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us and enjoy days on the water with my family. Our family participates in events that happen thanks to the TDC. I appreciate and sometimes have sometimes been part of the cultural offerings of our community — some of which are far more professional than you'd expect in a town of 25,000. V11151 M00050 VA a r. 1 a If K 1 it- 0 1 0 Z= R&WRIV I LON OPA AN] A IN RZIS EXOR01 VVZRON RA MUM 11 lZROKS] All 9119 111 IVA "YANUIMM =1 LIM= I am-o"o be r""d no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 18, 2025. Important: Applicants will be notified by email that the application has been received by our office. If an A pplicant does not receive notification, it is their responsibility to contact the TDC office to -confirm rec te. 305.509.2122 1314 Newton Street Key West, FL 33040 ° Leadership ° Advocacy &Communication ^ Public Speaking fkPresentations ~ Marketing &Advertising ~ MS365'CK8AP' F|exMLS, B|uebeam ° Monroe County Commissioner and Mayor ° TDCBoard Member ° Boutique Hotel Owner " Chair, The Lodging Association ofthe Florida Keys and Key West ° President, The Key West Business Guild ° Board Member, Sculpture Key West ° Key West Ambassador ~ Co'Chair'PjdeFestKey West (Sea-to-GeaRainbow Flag) ° Graduate, Leadership Monroe ~ Board Member, Key West Symphony Orchestra ° /AACertificate inAdaptation & Resiliency ~ P3K6JProject Management Bootcamp{Sraduate ° Licensed Realtor, SL3355466 ° Good Government Initiative, University ofMiami, Graduate ° Certified County Commissioner Florida AsaocctionofCounties ° Management Certificates from F4C,Forum Corporation, and the Direct Marketing Association ~ Fundamentals ofFinancial Accounting for Non -Financial Executives, American Management Association Senior executive with a strong background imgovernment, hospitality, marketing and real estate. Acknowledged for leadership and integrity. Deeply familiar with Florida Keys economy, environment, culture and character. K2M Design, Key West, FIL March 2021 - Present ° Responsible for nurturing existing customer relationships and expanding business ofnational A/E/|Ofirm, ° Serve asPrincipal inCharge for key projects. ° Successfully secured major contracts innew markets and routinely exceeded sales goals, ° Developed regional business development strategy with an emphasis on civic and hospitality markets. REAL ESTATE SALES ASSOCIATE ° Engaged incommercial and residential transactions, • Sales award -winner four years in a row. Monroe County, FL (The Florida Keys) 2008-2020 County Mayor, FY2O11'FY2O1band FY2O2O. Served onTourist Development Council, County Climate Change Advisory Committee, South Florida Regional Planning Council, Early Learning Coalition, Florida Association of Counties (FAQ and Sevem5O(Southeast Florida Prosperity Plan) Led efforts to improve transparency, clarify budget process, revitalize Higgs Beach Park, rebuild housing after Hurricane Irma, and more. OWNER & PRESIDENT 2000-2013 ° Owned and operated a3R-roornguesthouse resort with two pools, arestaurant and bar. ° Responsible for oversight ofall aspects ofoperations, marketing, advertising, renovations, personnel, planning, business management and expansion. SELECT AFFILIAMONS ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR OgilvyOne (Direct Marketing division of Ogilvy & Mather), NY, NY • Monroe County Local Mitigation 1998 _2000 Strategy Task Farce (2022- Present) • Responsible for managing IBM Global Services account. • Montessori Children's School of Key West, Board Member Developed worldwide marketing plans including database and (2022-Present) relationship marketing strategies. • Key West Chamber of Case study editor for internal knowledge management tool for Commerce (2020 - Present) entire IBM account. • Key West Association of Realtors, Member (2016- DIRECT MARKETING CONSULTANT Present) Multiple Firms, New York, NY • Keys Choral Arts (2000-Present) 1992 - 1998 • Rotary Club of Key West, Member, Paul Harris Fellow • Market research, writing and project management (2010-2020) • Florida Keys Relay for Life, • Clients included Aetna, American Express, Merck-Medco, Chair(2013) Pfizer, Sotheby's International Realty, Spiegel, Time -Warner • Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe, and Visa USA. (2006-Present), Past President • Florida State Task Force on PROFESSIONAL CLASSICAL ENSEMBLE SINGER Citizens Property Insurance Freelance, New York, NY Claims Handling and 1992 - 2000 Resolution, Appointed by Insurance Commissioner Kevin • Performed and toured with the Gregg Smith Singers, The First McCarty (2007-2008) Presbyterian Church in NYC, New York Concert Singers, New • American Guild of Musical Artists (1992-2000) York Vocal Artists, After Dinner Opera and Opera on the Go.. Recorded and performed in venues from Mexico City to Milan including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and The David Letterman Show. SELECT AWARDS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING • Woman of Integrity Award far The Trumpet Club (Bantam Doubleday Dell), New York, NY Public Service from Samuel's 1991 - 1992 House of Key West • Nan-Zontian Community NEW MEMBER MARKETING MANAGER Service Award from the Zonta Better Homes & Gardens Book Clubs, New York, NY Club of Key West 1986-1991 • Voice for Equality Award from Equality Florida Various marketing positions in New Hampshire and New York, 1981 - 1986 • Leader of the Year Award, Leadership Monroe County, FL • Property of the Year Award, Lodging Association of the EDUCATION Florida Keys, for Pearl's Rainbow • Historic Florida Keys BACHELOR OF ARTS, 191 Wells College, Aurora NY g Foundation Certificate of Excellence and Star for • Major: American History; Minor. Philosophy Historic Rehabilitation, for • Media Intern, Ogilvy & Mather, New York, New York Pearl's Rainbow • Opposition Research Intern, Republican National Committee, • Mayor's Clean Key West Washington, DC Award, for Pearl's Rainbow Additional studies in music theory, choral conducting, music performance References available upon and German language at The Julliard School, NY, NY, and SUNY Purchase, White Plains, NY request. AT LARGE — Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who sh represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for whi they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. This means direct involvement by an applicant in a business or economic activity that is dependent up I tourism). Name: Damian J. Vantriglia Business Name: Business Address: Home Address: 75 Seaside N Court Key West, FL 33040 Business Phone: Cell Phone: (305) 741-9411 *Email Address: Damian@keysrealestate.com Current Employment: REALTOR, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Knight & Gardner Realty Employment History: REALTOR, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, 2024-Present REALTOR, Truman & Co. Real Estate, 2017-2024 Advisor, Progressive Strategy Group/Computer Doctor, 2007-2011 anizations/Membership Affiliation(s) Chamber of Commerce Key West Art & Historical Society Monroe County Education Foundation The Studios of Key West oriley oummary as ILO VOUF QU41111UM1011b LU bVIVU V11 L111to 1UU1111111LLVV. As a lifelong Key West resident now raising my family here, I'm deeply committed to ensuring long-term, sustainable outcomes for our community economically and in quality of life. I currently serve as Chair of the Monroe County Human Services Advisory Board and sit on the boards of the Monroe County Education Foundation and the Key West Art & Historical Society. My experience across multiple boards and advisory committees including the Education Foundation, the Studios of Key West Buildings & Grounds Committee, and the Monroe Compute$ Advisory Board has prepared me to contribute meaningfully and effectively from day one to the work of the District 1 Advisory Committee. Thank you for your consideration. Signature: Date: 112/8/2025 Application to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 18, 2025. Important: Applicants will be notified by email that the application has been received by our office. If an applicant does not receive notification, it is their responsibility to contact the TDC office to confirm receipt within 2 business days of the deadline date. Damian J. Vantriglia 75 Seaside N Ct Key West, FL 33040 damian(Pkeysrealestate.com (305) 741-9411 RE: Application for District I Advisory Committee (DAC 1) At -Large Representative Dear Commissioners: Los I currently serve as Chair of the Monroe County Piuman Services Advisory Board, where I work closely with community partners, county staff, and funding stakeholders on issues that directly affect local residents. In addition, my service on the boards and advisory committees of the Monroe County Education Foundation, the Key West Art & Historical Society, Monroe Compute$, and the Studios of Key West Buildings & Grounds Committe'& has provided meaningful insight into the needs, strengths, and future direction of our island. These roles have strengthened my understanding of community priorities and equipped me with the experience necessary to engage productively, collaborative ly, and immediately in the responsibilities of DAC 1. I am committed to contributing time, energy, and thoughtful leadership to this important work, and I am confident that my background positions me well to serve Key West and Monroe County in this capacity. Thank you for your consideration. I welcome the opportunity to support the continued success and long-term well-being of our community through this role. Sincerely, Il�llw�. ,�� Damian Vantriglia