LightHouse Palm Beach County

About

Advisory board

Our organization would not be successful without the many contributors who graciously give their time, talents and financial support. Our advisory board is an essential part of that, and a sounding board for the mission.

Paul A. Mikel

Entrepreneur

Paul started out as a less than stellar student, then got involved in learning how true entrepreneurs are wired by working alongside one, and figured out he was wired the same way. He started in sales and marketing at 22, travelled the country opening offices as a lead trainer for two different companies, then settled in Florida in 2002.

He created Gold Rush America, which became a leading company in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico in the precious metals buying arena, purchasing upwards of $1 million in gold and silver a week through independent reps. He built a direct sales company that passed $2 million in sales in its first eight months.

Paul specializes in market disruption when companies have forgotten what is important. He is currently disrupting the delivery world with Snap Delivered, helping restaurants and drivers keep more of the money while giving customers real value.

Kim Gomez

Mentor and author

Kim has a passion for reaching people in the most unlikely places, from adult entertainment clubs to juvenile detention centers across Palm Beach County. She serves on the boards of Epic Beauty and the Palm Beach Women's Network, and recently authored a book built around her Four Square Mentoring Framework.

Her experience as a local business owner, together with a high level of community and church involvement, has broadened her knowledge and skills. More importantly it has fuelled her purpose: strengthening women and helping them move into their full potential, and helping them discover the treasures already inside them.

Dr. Henry Virkler

Counselor educator, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Virkler lends his expertise as a counselor educator and counselor of more than 40 years. He received his Ph.D. in counseling from Georgia State University and taught in Georgia for 15 years, then Virginia for 5, then at Palm Beach Atlantic University for 22 years, where he retired as Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Christina Filis

Higher education and marketing

Dr. Filis serves on the advisory board for Y.E.S. (Young Earth Stewards) as well as LightHouse PBC. She has worked in higher education for over 20 years, including teaching at the University of Maryland, Catholic University of America, Palm Beach Atlantic University and Lynn University.

She owns Social Media and Design Associates LLC, doing business as EGO Business Solutions, an all-in-one marketing, graphic design and web design company. She has worked alongside LightHousePBC, formerly Hepzibah House, since 2017.

Ken Coleman

Community leader

Ken is a veteran community leader and nonprofit volunteer in northern Palm Beach County. As a local small business owner for 33 years he built a reputation as an innovator, creative problem solver and visionary willing to invest in building a better community.

He brings a critically important contribution through his active concern for the environment, culture and social vitality of Palm Beach County.

Lori Boyle

Banking and finance

A banker with Flagler Credit Union, Lori lends her financial acumen, analytical skills, critical thinking and extensive local network to LightHousePBC. She is passionate about raising awareness of the women being commercially sexually exploited in Palm Beach County, and about being part of providing restoration and hope.

Dustin Oprea

Engineering and technology

An engineer, a businessman and a Christian with a long history of small business and nonprofit involvement, and a heart for both technology and marginalized, forgotten people.

Could this be you?

We are always listening

Our board is small and deliberately practical. We are not looking for names on a letterhead. We are looking for people who will pick up the phone when Becky calls with a problem she cannot solve alone.

If that sounds like you, especially if your background is in law, real estate, grant writing, accounting or housing, start with a conversation.

Meet the founder these seven advise.

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