(727) 394-6251 | 

Sam Jenkins is from Tampa, Florida. Sam joined the Institute in 2021 and has served as Associate Director since 2022. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Florida. Sam serves on the boards of some local organizations and previously worked as an aide to a member of the Florida House of Representatives.

(727) 394-6178 |

Tim graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and earned his Associate Degree from St. Petersburg Junior College. Tim and his wife Mary have been married for 29 years. They have two adult children. Tim enjoys traveling with his family and exploring new places. He also enjoys the outdoors and watching the Tampa Bay Rays.

(727) 394-6286 | L

Matthew Lee is a Florida native, born and raised in St. Petersburg. Mr. Lee is an alumni of St. Petersburg College where he received his Associate in Science in Digital Media Video Production. Mr. Lee also attended the University of South Florida where he acquired his Bachelors Degree in Digital Communication and Multimedia Journalism. 

(727)-394-6114 | Ballard.Michael@spcollege.edu

Michael Ballard is an SPC Alumni originally from San Jose, California, before transitioning to live in Florida 9 years ago. Mr. Ballard served as Senator and Executive Historian for the Seminole Campus Student Government Association. He also completed the Leadership Capstone Training Program and made the All-Academic Team in Student Government.

Odell August Jr. attends St. Petersburg College as a student studying Public Policy & Administration. Odell engages in applied policy research and community engagement with a focus on governance and public-sector problem-solving. As a U.S. Army veteran and former squad leader, Odell offers operational leadership experience to policy analysis, with interests including veterans’ services, emergency management, and local government decision-making.

Chris Hedges is a Fellow currently pursuing Certification in Photography at St. Petersburg College. He has a B.B.A. in International Finance and an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Leadership from the University of Miami, and a J.D. from Stetson University College of law. As an ISPS Fellow Chris hopes to sharpen his leadership skills.

Kingston James is a dual-enrolled sophomore at St. Petersburg College. Kingston is an active participant in St. Petersburg College’s Model United Nations Team, Student Government, and received first place in the 2024 ISPS Grand Debate. He hopes to use his passion for bipartisan civil debate to foster an environment where citizens feel comfortable discussing public policy.