HCEF Board Member Spotlight-September 2026
Lisa Becker, Chief Administrative Officer, You Thrive Florida
Lisa Becker serves as Chief Administrative Officer for You Thrive Florida, providing strategic leadership and administrative oversight in support of the organization’s mission, vision, and continued growth. In this executive role, Lisa partners closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership team to advance operational excellence, strengthen organizational culture, and ensure high-quality, compliant service delivery across programs and departments.
With expertise in human resources, policy development, risk management, strategic planning, systems improvement, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from St. Leo College, Lisa leads initiatives that support employee engagement, talent development, policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and organizational effectiveness. She is committed to building a workplace where staff feel informed, valued, connected, and equipped to deliver meaningful services to individuals, families, and communities.
“Lisa is an exceptional Board member whose leadership and commitment have made HCEF stronger. As Chair of our Governance Committee, she has been instrumental in reviewing and strengthening our policies, procedures, and governance documents, always bringing thoughtful insight and a strong focus on doing what is best for the Foundation.
Lisa’s commitment goes well beyond committee work. She attends our events, jumps in wherever she is needed, and continually helps connect HCEF with people and opportunities throughout our community. Lisa is the kind of Board member every organization hopes to have—engaged, dependable, thoughtful, and truly invested in our mission. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on Team HCEF.”
— Tammy Brinker, CEO, HCEF
As a collaborative and forward-thinking leader, Lisa helps guide organizational policies, performance systems, safety practices, and process improvements while fostering ethical decision-making and accountability. Lisa also represents You Thrive Florida through partnerships with public agencies, community stakeholders, boards, committees, and regional initiatives—advocating for the needs of the communities the organization serves.
HCEF Board Member Spotlight-September 2026
Frederick Weber, General Manager-WCM Construction & Roofing, LLC and Software Developer
HCEF Staff Member Spotlight-September 2026
Meet Maurita Strother: Building Relationships, Creating Impact & Making a Difference
This month, the Hernando County Education Foundation is proud to shine our HCEF Staff Spotlight on Maurita Strother, Community Impact & Development Coordinator!
Maurita has been a dedicated member of the HCEF team since 2015, beginning her journey with the Foundation through the STEAM program and growing into a role that allows her to do what she does best—connect people, build relationships, and help others.
With her creativity, energy, and genuine heart for service, Maurita works closely with educators, students, families, volunteers, donors, and community partners to help turn needs into opportunities. She has a special ability to make people feel welcome and valued, whether they are a teacher shopping for free classroom supplies, a student preparing for a special event, or a community member looking for a way to give back.
Two programs especially close to Maurita’s heart are the HCEF Tools 4 Schools Store and Operation Cinderella Boutique. Through Tools 4 Schools, she has built meaningful relationships with educators while helping ensure teachers have access to the supplies and resources they need for their classrooms. Through Operation Cinderella, she helps create a welcoming and memorable experience for students while ensuring they have what they need to feel confident for their special night.
“Maurita is an outstanding member of our HCEF team. She has an incredible ability to build genuine relationships with our teachers and community. Whether she is working in Tools 4 Schools, helping a student through Operation Cinderella, supporting one of our fundraising events, or simply seeing a need and stepping in to help, Maurita gives her heart to what she does. She truly represents what HCEF is all about—people helping people and creating opportunities for our students and educators.”
— Tammy Brinker, CEO, Hernando County Education Foundation
But there is much more to Maurita than her role at HCEF!
She is a professional makeup artist, a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and someone who puts family at the center of her life. One of her favorite roles of all is being a grandmother to her three grandchildren, whom she absolutely adores.
And there is another milestone approaching Maurita is almost 50 and fabulous!
When asked about her work at HCEF, Maurita will tell you that she genuinely loves what she does. She is especially grateful for the people she works alongside and believes this is the best team she has ever had the opportunity to work with during her professional career.
Maurita brings laughter, compassion, creativity, and a willingness to jump in wherever she is needed. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of the HCEF family.
Congratulations, Maurita, on being our September HCEF Staff Spotlight! We celebrate YOU and the difference you make every day!


Strengthening Our Support for Hernando County Schools

Grant Funding Deadlines 2025-2026
Click here to view the Grant Funding Deadlines Page – This can also be accessed by clicking ‘Grants’ in the top menu on any page.
- First Round Funding:
- Grant Submission Deadline Date: September 19, 2025
- Grant Committee Recommendation to HCEF Board Date: September 22,2025
- HCEF Board Approval Date: September 25, 2025
- HCSD Board Approval Date: TBD
- Approved Grant Award Submitted to Schools: October 2, 2025
- Approved Grant Mid-Year Report Due to HCEF: January 6, 2026
- Approved Grant End of Year Report due to HCEF: May 1, 2026
Second Round Funding:
- Grant Submission Deadline Date: October 9, 2025
- Grant Committee Recommendation to HCEF Board Date: October 10, 2025
- HCEF Board Approval Date: October 16, 2025
- HCSD Board Approval Date: TBD
- Approved Grant Award Submitted to Schools: October 30, 2025
- Approved Grant Mid-Year Report Due to HCEF: Jan 6,2026
- Approved Grant End of Year Report due to HCEF: May 1, 2025
Third Round Funding:
- Grant Submission Deadline Date: November 10, 2025
- Grant Committee Recommendation to HCEF Board Date: November 14, 2025
- HCEF Board Approval Date: November 20, 2025
- HCSD Board Approval Date: TBD
- Approved Grant Award Submitted to Schools: December 2, 2025
- Approved Grant Mid-Year Report Due to HCEF: January 6, 2026
- Approved Grant End of Year Report due to HCEF: May 1, 2026

















