Our Board of Directors brings together a diverse group of leaders dedicated to ending human trafficking. With expertise spanning various fields, they provide strategic direction, governance, and oversight to ensure our mission’s success. Meet the committed individuals guiding our efforts to create a world free from exploitation. Email info@thelifeboatproject.org if you are interested in joining our team.
Executive Committee

Founder & CEO
Jill Bolander Cohen
Founder and CEO of the Lifeboat Project, a central Florida 501(c)3 nonprofit which increases awareness and provides wraparound services to victims and survivors of Human Trafficking such as trauma counseling, housing, personal development and educational resources. Jill was Vice-President of her family’s Coffee Service which has served central Florida for over 45 years. Her passion and previous career are that of a professional Jazz singer and worship leader. Jill was educated at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina and Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Florida. She and her husband, Gary, reside in Apopka, Florida.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, VP of Sales, Central Florida iHeartMedia Markets Group
Shannon K. Fraser
Shannon Fraser is the Senior Vice President of Sales at iHeartMedia Orlando, where she leads strategic sales across radio, digital, and event sponsorships. With over 20 years in media sales, Shannon is known for her strong leadership, innovative approach, and commitment to team development. She plays a key role in driving market growth and solidifying iHeartMedia’s leadership in the Orlando region. Known for her balance of creativity and analytics, she fosters and encourages a collaborative team environment with her sales approach. Shannon is also an advocate for mentorship and professional development, dedicating time to coach emerging sales professionals and encouraging diversity within the industry. Her influence extends beyond iHeartMedia as she actively participates in Orlando’s business community, contributing her expertise to local initiatives and organizations. Shannon has been deeply connected to the Orlando area for over 20 years. When she’s not working, she travels, loves local dining and supports her city in both sports and community/charitable events. She has dedicated the last few years to the cause of Human Trafficking and believes education and exposure are vital to stopping this tragedy affecting so many lives.

Treasurer of the Board of Directors, Chief Financial Officer of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, (Retired)
Gary Cohen
Gary Cohen has 40 years of experience in financial management and strategic planning, most recently serving as CFO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission for over eleven years until his retirement in mid-2025. He has 40 years of experience in financial management and strategic planning. Previously, he founded and led GaryCohenRunning. Cohen is also Treasurer of The Lifeboat Project, overseeing all financial matters, and a co-founder of CEO Leadership Forums. He has held various leadership roles, including Treasurer of the Wekiva Wilderness Trust and serving on the Maitland Presbyterian Church Finance Committee. A former track and field champion, Gary has run over 120,000 miles and fifty marathons. His website, GaryCohenRunning, earned the 2017 Alan Jacobs Award for excellence in online journalism. He also authored All in a Day’s Run, a collection of essays on running and fitness.

Member of the Board, VP and Banking Center Manager at First Horizon Bank
Linda Kennedy-Martin
Linda has over 42 years of experience in the financial sector, including 30 years in Retail Branch Management and 8 years in Branch Administration. She is VP and Banking Center Manager for the Medical District Banking Center in Central Florida and joined First Horizon Bank in 2008 through the acquisition of Old Florida National Bank. Linda serves on several community boards and is an alumna of Florida State University. She has two adult children and five grandchildren.

Secretary of the Board, Vice President & Business Banking Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank
Jeremy Smith
Jeremy serves as Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager of Fifth Third Bank, N.A. In this role, he works with a diverse group of commercial companies in the Central Florida market to deliver financial solutions and strategies utilizing the bank’s capital market products, syndications department and treasury management capabilities. Jeremy has more than 20 years of financial services experience and enjoys partnering with clients to help them overcome challenges and implement innovative growth and cash management strategies. Jeremy graduated from Allegheny College of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management. Jeremy is actively involved in his community serving on multiple boards and is a volunteer for United Way and Junior Achievement. He lives in Lake Mary with his wife and enjoys everything sports related and spending time outdoors with his family and their 4 legged best friend Lucy.
Board of Directors

Member of the Board
Donna Shelley

Member of the Board, Owner/Operator of RC Pizza
Cindy Traenkner

Member of the Board, VP of Government Relations at CityServe
Todd Lamphere

Member of the Board, Chief of Police St. Cloud
Chief Doug Goerke

Member of the Board, Retired Lieutenant General for the United States Army
General David Ohle

Member of the Board, Seminole County Commissioner
Commissioner Lee Constantine

Member of the Board, Orange County Commissioner
Commissioner Nicole Wilson

Member of the Board, Mayor of Apopka
Bryan Nelson

Member of the Board, Divisional Chief Legal Officer for AdventHealth
Jessica Schuman

Member of the Board, Orange County Sheriff
Sheriff John W. Mina

Member of the Board, President/CTO/AI iServ
Jim Palmisano
Get Involved
Our Team
Our team members are committed to empowering survivors and driving meaningful change in the fight against human trafficking.
Advisory Board
Join our Advisory Board and help develop The Lifeboat Project with your knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for making a difference.
Lifeboat Lifesavers
A Lifeboat Lifesaver is a company or organization that donates time, services, or products to support our mission in aiding survivors.
Volunteers
We're seeking dedicated individuals to join our mission to support human trafficking survivors and raise awareness.
