Our Team

Executive Director

Ginnye Lynn Cubel is a writer and Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) through the American Marketing Association. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from Butler University and has over a decade of experience in marketing and business operations. As Executive Director of Florida Writers Association, she empowers writers through strategic leadership, community building, and creative programming. Fueled by coffee and a love of writing, she turns bold ideas into action.

 Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Mary Ann de Stefano
President

Mary Ann de Stefano is a Lifetime Member who has been volunteering service to FWA since joining in 2005. Her primary focus has been on advancing the organization and editing and producing our official magazine, The Florida Writer. An independent editor with 30+ years’ experience, she works one-to-one with writers who are developing books. She does business at MAD about Words, named as a play on her initials and passion for writing. Mary Ann is mad about nurturing creative and community spirit. Visit madaboutwords.com.

Donna Brown
Vice President of Finance/Treasurer

Donna Brown has devoted 30+ years to various nonprofits, serving as both an employee and volunteer. She earned her MBA in accounting while raising two children and working full time at private school and is experienced with financial analysis and forecasting. Currently, she performs various roles in the finance office and summer program of the school and serves on the board of directors for a co-op grocery market, all while donating her time to FWA.

Michael Farrell
Vice President of Administration & Membership/Secretary
FWA Youth Chair

Michael Farrell was captivated by stories of all different forms as a child. Now he aspires to master the connection between writer and reader. He is FWA’s Vice President of Administration & Membership as well as the Chairperson of FWAY, the Florida Writers Association Youth program. Michael’s writing has been featured in multiple FWA Collection books. Aside from being a writer, he is a black belt in tae kwon do and has a background in tumbling.

Directors

Rick Bettencourt
Strategic Planning

Rick Bettencourt is a published author and leader in technology and writing. His unique blend of technical acumen and creative writing skills makes him a versatile asset in business, tech, and literary areas. Rick loves vintage Volkswagens and lives in Manatee County with his husband and dog Rusty.

Paul Iasevoli
Collection

Paul Iasevoli holds a master’s degree in Latin American literature. His poetry and prose have appeared in Cathexis, High Shelf Press, City.River. Tree, NewMyths, and Deep South Magazine where he won honorable mention in their 2019 Race in Place competition for his short story “Forced into Freedom.” His LGBTQ+ novella, Winter Blossoms, was nominated for a 2018 Goodreads Choice Award in M/M Romance. Find out more at pauliasevoliwords.com.

Elaine Senecal
Data Management
Royal Palm Literary Awards

Elaine Senecal serves FWA as Data Management Chair focusing on RPLA and Collections contest processes and support through database applications. A former executive committee member and secretary, she co-created the FWA website and continues to support website experiences for our membership. By day Elaine works full time as Business Analyst and application instruction writer. In her downtime, she enjoys working with writers to help develop character personalities and dialogue. The clouds in the sky are full of strains of inspirations for Elaine. She has two published cozy mysteries to her credit with her late co-author Margarete Johl—forever in her heart.

Board Service & Bylaws

The Board is responsible for legal governance, policy setting, and strategic planning. Members of the Board serve without compensation.

Being a Board member requires a commitment of time and responsibility. Members of the board are expected to be well-informed about the craft and business of writing, actively involved in the writing community, participate in good faith decision-making, and take an active and productive role in managing and supporting FWA programs.

Attendance at board meetings is expected. Meetings may be online or in person and usually take place 4-6 times a year.

Download Florida Writers Association Bylaws (PDF)