Committees & Councils

GCBX committees and councils bring together volunteer leaders who are passionate about strengthening the commercial construction industry and the communities we serve. Through collaboration, leadership, and shared expertise, these groups help shape programs, events, educational opportunities, advocacy efforts, and member engagement initiatives that support the success of both GCBX and its members.

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, stay informed on industry issues, develop leadership skills, or contribute your expertise, committees and councils provide meaningful opportunities to volunteer, get involved, and make an impact.

Committee participation opportunities are available throughout the year and are supported by members who generously volunteer their time and expertise to advance the mission of GCBX. Members interested in becoming more involved are encouraged to contact GCBX to learn more.

Get Involved

Member Committees & Councils

Education Committee

Industry Knowledge. Shared.

The Education Committee brings member expertise to the forefront, creating opportunities for construction professionals to learn from one another and better understand the issues shaping their businesses and the industry.

Committee members identify relevant topics and help develop practical programs led by experienced professionals, industry partners, and public-sector leaders. From business operations and technology to economic conditions, workforce challenges, and changes affecting commercial construction, the committee helps turn real-world knowledge into meaningful education for GCBX members.

Through panels, presentations, workshops and open industry conversations, members share what they know, learn from different perspectives, and strengthen the commercial construction community together.

Committee Chair
Jared Hawkins
Atlas Insurance

Meets:
First Tuesday of each month | 12:00 PM

Membership Committee

Strengthen the Exchange.

The Membership Committee helps foster member engagement, strengthen member retention, and support initiatives that enhance the overall value of GCBX membership.

Committee members serve as ambassadors for the organization, helping new members connect, engage, and maximize their involvement. Many committee members have deep roots throughout the commercial construction industry and the local business community, bringing extensive relationships and industry connections that support membership outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts.

Their collective knowledge and network help ensure members feel welcomed, engaged, and connected to the opportunities available through GCBX.

Committee Chair
Oliver Huff
J.E. Charlotte Construction

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Oliver Huff is a Co-Owner of JE Charlotte Construction, where he has been a member of the team since 2016 and became a partner in 2023. With extensive experience in preconstruction and estimating, he enjoys the early stages of a project, working closely with owners and design teams to bring each vision to life. Oliver is married with two children. When not working, he can be found boating or traveling with his family.

Meets:
Second Tuesday of each month | 3:30 PM

Governmental Affairs Committee

Be a Voice for the Industry.

The Governmental Affairs Committee helps advance GCBX’s advocacy efforts by bringing members and public officials together for informed, productive conversations about issues affecting commercial construction.

Committee members monitor local and state policy developments, share industry perspectives, and help identify challenges affecting the business environment. Through ongoing engagement with elected officials, local governments, school districts, government agencies, and community leaders, the committee helps GCBX members stay informed while building a better understanding of the people, businesses, and projects behind our region’s growth.

Committee Chair
Russ Bobbit

Purmort and Martin Insurance Agency

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Russ Bobbitt is the President and CEO of Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency. Russ has over 35 years’ experience in the insurance industry. He holds the Construction Risk Insurance Specialist designation and is fortunate to have the regions best general contractors and subcontractors as his clients. Russ has been on the GCBX Board for over 15 years and is the past Secretary, Vice Chair, and Chairman of the Board. In addition to the GCBX, Russ is the Chairman of the Coalition of Business Associations (COBA) and is the former Chairman of the Greater Sarasota Sertoma Club and the Crowley Museum and Nature Center. Russ is also active in the 100 Club and the Argus Foundation. He and his wife, Nancy have been married for 32 years. They have three sons and two daughters in law. Two of Russ’ sons are licensed insurance agents at Purmort & Martin.

Meets:
Second Wednesday of each month | 3:30 PM

Events Committee

Create Meaningful Connections.

The Events Committee helps create the experiences that make GCBX one of the region’s most connected and engaged business organizations.

From signature networking events and industry celebrations to member engagement opportunities and special programs, the committee helps deliver high-energy, well-attended events that foster meaningful relationships, generate business opportunities, and bring the commercial construction community together.

Through its leadership and creativity, the committee plays a vital role in advancing the GCBX mission of Members Doing Business with Members.

Committee Chair
Heather Shrum
Metal Building Solutions of Florida

Meets:
Fourth Tuesday of each month

Subcontractors Council

Strengthen the Subcontractor Voice.

The Subcontractors Council gives subcontractors and trade professionals a dedicated forum to share their perspectives, identify common challenges, and bring forward issues that affect their businesses and project teams.

Through open dialogue, industry roundtables, and solution-focused discussions, the Council helps improve communication between subcontractors and general contractors, encourages the exchange of best practices, and creates opportunities to address recurring challenges together.

By bringing the trade contractor perspective into the broader industry conversation, the Council helps build greater understanding, stronger working partnerships, and better outcomes across the commercial construction community.

Council Chair
Michael Forristall
Forristall Enterprises, Inc.

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Michael Forristall is an owner and Vice President of Forristall Enterprises, Inc., where he and his wife, Jessica, are leading the company into its next generation. Together, they continue the family-owned company’s longstanding work in demolition and concrete cutting while building on the experience and reputation established by the generation before them. A Florida native and third-generation demolition contractor, Michael grew up around the family business and began learning the industry alongside his twin brother, Anthony. Those early years gave him hands-on experience with demolition operations and heavy equipment, as well as a practical understanding of the work from the ground up. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in 2005, Michael returned to Forristall Enterprises full time as a project manager. He steadily advanced within the company before assuming his current ownership and leadership role. Michael is also a longtime GCBX member and is involved with the National Association of Demolition Contractors, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, and Meals on Wheels of Manatee County.

Meets:
Every Other Month | Fourth Wednesday
3:30 PM

YPBX

Build the Next Generation of Industry Leaders.

YPBX connects emerging construction professionals with peers, mentors, and established industry leaders who can help broaden their knowledge, strengthen their professional skills, and support their career development.

Through networking, education, mentorship, and opportunities to take on meaningful roles within GCBX, members gain practical experience while becoming more connected to the commercial construction community.

YPBX helps rising professionals build the confidence, perspective, and industry connections they need to grow into future leaders within their companies, GCBX, and the construction industry.

Committee Chair
Rick Scherzer
Willis Smith Construction

Meets:
First Wednesday of each month | 3:30 PM

Golf Committee

Build Relationships Beyond the Jobsite.

The Golf Committee supports one of GCBX’s most successful networking traditions. Through tournament planning, sponsorship engagement, and volunteer leadership, committee members help create memorable experiences that strengthen member relationships and support the mission of the organization.

Committee Chair
Vacant

Meets:
As needed throughout the year.

Leadership & Stewardship

Governance, Finance & Political Committees

The long-term strength of GCBX depends on sound leadership, responsible stewardship, and a clear understanding of the issues affecting the commercial construction industry.

The Governance, Finance, and Political Committees help guide critical decisions, protect the organization's long-term interests, and position GCBX to serve its members and advocate effectively for the industry.

Participation on these committees is by Board appointment and is not open to general membership.

01 / GOVERNANCE

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee supports board development, leadership succession, and sound governance practices.

Committee Chair

Brian Leaver GCBX Board Director Tandem Construction

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Brian Leaver is Principal and President of Tandem Construction, where he leads the company’s construction management operations and helps guide its continued growth throughout Southwest Florida. With extensive experience in local construction management, Brian has led projects for nonprofit organizations, school boards, local governments, and businesses across the region.

02 / FINANCE

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee provides oversight and guidance to promote responsible financial stewardship.

Committee Chair

Eric Troyer GCBX Treasurer Kerkering Barberio & Co.

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Eric Troyer’s primary area of practice is in the audit and assurance division with experience in construction, nonprofits (including Governmental Single Audits), manufacturing and other commercial audits.

03 / POLITICAL

Political Committee

The Political Committee helps strengthen GCBX's involvement in the civic process and supports the organization's efforts to advance the interests of the commercial construction industry.

Committee Chair

John Wiseman GCBX Chairman JP Wiseman Construction LinkedIn ↗

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In 2020 John started JP Wiseman Construction. This was after serving for over 25 years as the Florida President of a large Construction Management company. JPW now has a focus on serving clients in the state of Florida. John has been named Builder of the Year by three different trade groups and has taught continuing education as well college level leadership curriculum to construction management students. He has also served on the Florida Building Commission. His experience includes schools, government facilities, thousands of units of Senior and student housing and churches and medical facilities. John has two adult sons a grandson and he enjoys spending time traveling and on the water with his wife Jenny.

Interested in Becoming More Involved?

One of the greatest strengths of GCBX is the willingness of members to share their time, expertise, and leadership in support of the commercial construction industry. Committee and council participation provides opportunities to build relationships, strengthen professional skills, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and help shape the future of the organization.

Participation opportunities vary throughout the year based on committee needs and organizational priorities.

Interested in learning more? Contact the GCBX team to discuss current opportunities for involvement.

Contact GCBX

Committees & Councils