2026 Nehemiah Action Program
Nehemiah Interaction
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 6:00 PM
The Old West Florida Enrichment Center
Meeting Chairs: Apostle Otis Young, Rev. A.J. Mealor
The Time is N:OW
5:30 – 6:00 PM | Arrival & Seating
Candidate arrival (by 5:30 PM)
Reserved parking (rear)
Ushers escort candidates to seating
Community gathering and seating
6:00 – 6:03 PM | Call to Order
Apostle Otis Young, Kingdom Life Tabernacle
6:03 – 6:06 PM | Welcome
Rev. Anna Brooke Opalinski, Trinity United Methodist
6:06 – 6:09 PM | Opening Prayer
Rabbi Catriel Garland
6:09 – 6:16 PM | Purpose & Ground Rules
Rev. Gerrard Lindsey, Mt. Zion AME
6:16 – 6:26 PM | Recognition of County Commissioners
Rev. Sylvia Jones, Mt. Zion AME.
6:26 – 6:29 PM | CAJM Investment Appeal
Rev. A.J. Mealor, Fellowship Presbyterian
6:29 – 6:30 PM | Transition to Candidate Forum
Rev. A.J. Mealor, Fellowship Presbyterian
Candidate Forum Panels
6:30 – 7:00 PM | Panel 1 – Seat 3
Testimony (2 minutes)
Norm Roche
Talethia Edwards
Max Herrle
PJ Perez
Darryl M. Alfred Jr.
Tom Derzypolski
7:00 – 7:30 PM | Panel 2 – Seat 5
Testimony (2 minutes)
Dianne Williams-Cox
Bernard Stevens
Tifany Hill
7:30 – 8:00 PM | Panel 3 – Seat 4
Testimony (2 minutes)
Daryl Parks
Mike Foust
Jeremy Matlow
Loranne Ausley
8:00 – 8:05 PM | Closing Charge, Prayer & Adjournment
Apostle Otis Young, Kingdom Life Tabernacle
Tonight’s Panel
Darryl Alfred Jr.
Darryl “Dar Wavemaker” Alfred is a Tallahassee-based Realtor, ride-share driver, and community-focused entrepreneur whose work has always centered on building stronger, more connected communities. He has lived in Tallahassee since 2000 and began his work in the community through gardening and local food initiatives at a young age— helping create spaces focused on nourishment, sustainability, and shared growth. That path led him into the natural foods and wellness space, where he helped open Whole Foods in Tallahassee and later opened The Frenchtown Farmer’s Market and Lucky’s Market, deepening his commitment to health, access to quality food, and community wellbeing. Today, as both a realtor and ride-share driver, Dar engages daily with residents across every part of the city— hearing firsthand the challenges people face around housing, transportation, and cost of living. His campaign reflects lived experience— founded in working-class perspectives— focused on practical solutions that allow longtime residents to stay, and the next generation to build a future in Tallahassee.
Tom Derzypolski
Tom Derzypolski’s campaign for Tallahassee City Commission centers on community-driven leadership rooted in integrity, collaboration, and working to ensure all families are thriving in our community. Tom is a decorated Veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy. When he returned home to Tallahassee, he
worked to receive degrees from both TSC and FSU. Tallahassee is where he chose to build his career and family, shaping his belief that the city’s future depends on residents working together with purpose. Tom’s service in the community is unparalleled in his race, having dedicated countless hours
to volunteer service and having chaired efforts to raise substantial funds for nonprofits across Tallahassee. Tom believes in Tallahassee and knows all families can thrive and grow when leaders work together, focus on service, accountability, and strengthening the community as a whole. Tom has several key priorities aimed at improving the quality of life and ensuring smart growth. These include responsible development that preserves neighborhood character, strong investment in public safety services, and economic development initiatives to attract businesses and create jobs. He also stresses fiscal responsibility through transparent use of taxpayer dollars, expanding parks and recreational spaces, and elevating community voices in decision-making. Tom brings a balanced, collaborative approach to economic growth, public safety, and civic engagement to build a stronger and more inclusive Tallahassee.
Talethia Edwards
Talethia O. Edwards is a nationally recognized urban planner, strategist, and community development leader who has built her career at the intersection of policy, people, and place. A business owner and CEO of Toedwards Community Development Consulting, she brings a data-driven, solutions-oriented approach to addressing complex challenges such as housing stability, economic mobility, and equitable growth. As Executive Director of Good News Outreach, Talethia leads with vision and execution, strengthening partnerships, expanding impact, and aligning resources to meet real community needs. Her leadership has resulted in millions of dollars directed into underserved communities, the activation of cross-sector collaborations, and the design of innovative systems that move individuals and families from crisis to stability. A Harvard Bloomberg Cities collaborative alum and a leader in statewide anti-poverty initiatives, Talethia is known for turning ideas into action and building coalitions that drive measurable results. Her work spans government, nonprofit, and private sectors, positioning her as a trusted voice in shaping sustainable, people-centered solutions. Now, as a candidate for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3, Talethia O. Edwards brings bold leadership, proven results, and a clear vision to ensure Tallahassee grows smarter, stronger, and more inclusive for all.
Max Herrle
Max Herrle is a local history expert, campaign consultant, and advocate who grew up here and has worked for clients like the firefighter’s union, teachers’ union, local progressive commissioners, Lime Scooters, Killearn Homes Association, and Summerbrooke Property Owners Association. This has given Max a front-row seat to the dysfunction at City Hall regarding addressing our community’s longstanding problems. Gun violence prevention, creating a walkable community with safe streets for all, caring for our immigrant neighbors by removing ICE from Tallahassee, building city operated grocery stores, building real, modern and affordable transit, expanding food access and broadband, funding meaningful gun violence interruption training, and loving our neighbors. These ideas aren’t radical. They’re common-sense measures backed by CAJM because you know our community, you know these issues and you know the solution. I’m here tonight to listen and learn from you. As one of your representatives serving on the Leon County Charter Review Committee appointed by Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor, I was proud to work with CAJM to advance your mission of creating affordable housing for very low-income people in Tallahassee. And we’re not done yet, over the coming weeks the Leon County Charter Review Committee meets again and I need your help to get Leon County Commissioners to Say YES to get the Leon County Affordable Housing Trust Fund & the Restoring Communities Amendment on the ballot. With your help, we’re going to Unite the Canopy and Bring Peace to City Hall to pass a working people’s agenda. Vote Max Herrle on August 18th. If you’d like to follow our campaign, you can join us at: maxherrle.com/cajm.
PJ Perez
I’m PJ Perez, and I’m running for Tallahassee City Commission seat 3 to make Tallahassee more affordable, build public trust, prioritize public safety, and protect our community from special interests. I am a proud local educator with 15 years of experience working directly with our youth and working families both in and outside of the classroom. As a husband, father and teacher I’ve dedicated my life to preparing the next generation for a better future. I’m running for City Commission to fulfill that promise. When communities are ignored and neighborhoods fall into disrepair the entire city bears the cost of inaction. Thoughtful community investments like youth diversion, job training, and mental health services reduce the substantial costs of emergency services, police response, and the judicial system. These costs burden the taxpayer, tear families apart, and destroy communities. I believe local government works best when it is accessible, collaborative, and focused on long-term investments in people, neighborhoods, and the environment. My experience working in classrooms, community centers, and grassroots initiatives has prepared me to listen, lead, and help build a Tallahassee that works for everyone. If we invest early in gun violence prevention and rebuilding community connections, deliver on affordable housing, and provide workforce pipelines, our next generation gets to watch our city get built back up neighborhood by neighborhood. I believe Tallahassee is a place worth fighting for. Working together, we can plan for the next 50 years. I hope you’ll join me.
Norm Roche
Norm brings to the table wide-ranging experience in both the private and public sector fields, highlighting a diverse career, strong and successful professional growth, relationship building, and community involvement with a focus on economic development, firm proficiency in budget oversight and analysis, effective problem solving, and applying practical deliberating methods to address the challenges we face here in Tallahassee. As a former County Commissioner, Norm was honored as Public Servant of the Year and recognized as one of Florida’s Top 20 Leaders. In addition to serving as County Commissioner, Norm also brings to the table successful experience gained while holding numerous important community roles to include:
- Chairman – Public Safety Coordinating Council
- Chairman – Value Adjustment Board
- Board Member – Early Learning Coalition
- Board Member – Licensing Board for Children’s Daycare Centers and Homes
- Board Member – Health & Human Services Coordinating Council
- Community Advisor for Clothes to Kids
- Level-2 Volunteer for Public Schools
Loranne Ausley
Loranne Ausley is an attorney, a former state legislator, and currently running for Mayor of Tallahassee. A sixth-generation Floridian, she served 14 years in the Florida Legislature—as both senator and representative—where she championed children and families, stood up for state employees, and focused on bringing people together to get real results for communities. Beyond elected service, Ausley has built and led community initiatives. She brought Purpose Built Communities to Tallahassee and served seven years as founding chair of the South City Foundation. She helped create Whole Child Leon—a community initiative focused on young children—and chaired its board for eight years. She is the current board chair of the Institute for Child Success, a national nonprofit that helps organizations and governments better support young children. A competitive runner and six-time Ironman finisher, Ausley completed the 2024 Women’s Ironman World Championship in Nice, France. After a serious bike accident later that year, she has retired from cycling and is grateful to be able to stay healthy through running and walking. Last year, she received the 2025 Lawton Chiles Advocacy Award for her lifetime commitment to Florida’s children. She and her husband, intellectual property attorney Bill Hollimon, live in Tallahassee; their son, Will, 23, is a student and accomplished musician.
Michael Foust
Mike Foust is a Tallahassee small business owner, IT service management professional, and father who has called the city home for over 20 years after attending Florida State University. As the founder of Mad Phoenix, he brings a practical, solutions-oriented mindset shaped by real-world experience in both private industry and government systems. He is running for Mayor to serve a community he believes is special—one worth preserving while continuing to grow in thoughtful, intentional ways. Mike is focused on steady, transparent leadership that brings people together and delivers results. His priorities include strengthening community trust, improving relationships between residents and law enforcement, addressing domestic violence, and supporting initiatives that enhance Tallahassee’s unique character and quality of life. He believes effective leadership starts with listening, staying calm under pressure, and showing up ready to do the job.
Jeremy Matlow
Jeremy Matlow is a Tallahassee City Commissioner raised on the Southside by a single mother of four. His personal experience with poverty, food insecurity and housing instability informs his work fighting to invest in underserved neighborhoods, defend our environment and bring accountability to City Hall.
Jeremy, a small business owner, founded Gaines Street Pies in 2013. He understands the day-to-day challenges local businesses and startups face in sustaining a workforce and navigating the complexities of local government. An avid outdoors enthusiast, Jeremy and his wife, Sarah, are raising two boys in our beautiful city. His childhood background, business acumen and love for outdoor spaces make him uniquely qualified to unite our community under a common vision to build a city we can all be proud to call home.
Daryl Parks
Daryl D. Parks is a nationally respected attorney, successful businessman, and longtime Tallahassee community leader who is running for Tallahassee Mayor to help build a stronger, more inclusive future for Florida’s capital city. His life’s journey, from humble beginnings to national recognition, reflects a simple truth he learned early on: when you work hard, stay focused, and lift others as you climb, success becomes possible for anyone. Raised by a hardworking mother who instilled in him the values of perseverance, family, and community, Parks grew up understanding the barriers that keep too many people from getting ahead. Those early experiences shaped his belief that leadership should create real opportunities for everyday people, not just the well-connected or well-resourced. Parks worked his way through college at Florida A&M University (FAMU) as a dishwasher and fast‑food worker, becoming the first in his family to attend college. While at FAMU, he made history as the first two‑term Student Government Association (SGA) President and pledged the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Nu Chapter. He graduated with degrees in economics and political science, a foundation that strengthened his understanding of how strong economies and strong communities grow together. He later earned his law degree from the Florida State University (FSU) College of Law, launching a career defined by advocacy, justice, and service. As managing partner of Parks & Crump, LLC, a boutique law firm that grew to national prominence for standing up for the most vulnerable and fighting for the “little guy,” Parks helped build one of the most respected practices of its kind in the country. Today, he continues that work through his own law firm, representing individuals and families seeking fairness and accountability. His legal career has brought national attention to the issue of justice, with appearances on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and other major media outlets.
Tifany Hill
Dr. Tifany Hill is a proud Tallahassee native—born, raised, and still rooted in the Southside community known as South City. As the daughter of longtime housing advocate and Orange Avenue United Tenant Association President, Mr. Oliver Hill, Sr., she carries forward a legacy of service, advocacy, and standing up for residents. A retired Army veteran who served during the Gulf War and was awarded the Combat Medic Badge, Dr. Hill has dedicated her life to service both in uniform and beyond. She continued that commitment through her work with the Veterans Health Administration, where she retired as a Veteran Outreach Program Specialist, ensuring that those who served our country received the care, resources, and respect they deserve. Today, Dr. Hill remains deeply engaged in her community and continues to lead with purpose. She is an active union member of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and is affiliated with organizations including the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW, AmVets, Women Veterans Unite, the United States Colored Troops Living History Association, and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veteran Advisory Council. Her professional experience includes managing two Goodwill Industries Big Bend HUD properties, further demonstrating her commitment to housing and community stability. Recently crowned the 2026 Ms. Bald & Beautiful Pageant Queen representing Tallahassee, she was also honored with a Maryland General Assembly Official Citation from Senator Arthur Ellis. Dr. Hill’s life reflects a powerful blend of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the people of Tallahassee.
Joseph Kalicki
Joe Kalicki is running as a progressive candidate for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 5 with a clear, results-oriented agenda: diversify Tallahassee’s economy, make housing more affordable, fix public trust in our city commission, support local small businesses, and invest in arts and culture. Joe is the Director of Product Development at Ruvos, a growing Tallahassee-based healthcare technology company. He leads engineering and design teams on complex projects for the CDC and WHO, including disease modeling and public health analytics solutions focused on keeping populations safe and healthy. As a director in a large organization who actively recruits and hires technical talent, Joe sees the gaps in Tallahassee’s workforce every time he tries to fill a role. He’s not running on theory—he’s running on firsthand experience of what this city’s economy needs to thrive and what our residents haven’t received from the current group of elected commissioners. Tallahassee is a city of extraordinary potential — home to two major universities, a highly educated workforce, and a vibrant creative community — yet it remains chronically over-reliant on state government employment and underperforms as a regional economy. Joe’s campaign is built on the belief that Tallahassee can do better, and that smart local policy and more efficient, transparent government is the pathway to get there.
Bernard Stevens II
Born and raised in Tallahassee FL the oldest of 7 siblings, Bernard’s focus this election season is on stewardship. His endeavors are to allow the American people to see the election process shouldn’t be about funds but about conversing with the community. Bernard Believes in Sympathy and Love will draw our community together. I believe true leadership is not about power, but stewardship caring for what we’ve been given and building a future worthy of the next generation.
Dianne Williams-Cox
Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox, a proud native of Quincy, Florida, has built a life rooted in service, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to community. A graduate of Florida A&M University and Nova Southeastern University, her journey has been shaped by a deep belief in civic responsibility and the power of informed, engaged leadership. From her early influence under educator Carl Daniels to her professional work as a software developer and public servant, she has consistently used her voice to champion voter engagement, equitable access, and opportunities for underserved communities in Tallahassee. Since being elected to City Commission Seat 5 in 2018, she has remained a tireless advocate for education, women’s rights, and neighborhood empowerment, often bringing government directly to the people it serves. Her leadership spans decades of involvement in schools, community organizations, and faith-based ministry, reflecting a life committed to lifting others. Honored as the 2018 Community Activist of the Year, she continues to lead with purpose, alongside her husband of over forty years, as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, working daily to move Tallahassee forward together.