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. Upon becoming President in 2022, her focus has been on strengthening organization effectiveness to help ensure the association delivers meaningful value to its members. She edits and produces the official magazine, The Florida Writer. An independent editor with 30+ years’ experience, she founded MAD about Words, named as a play on her initials and passion for writing. Mary Ann is mad about nurturing creative and community spirit.

Minda Stephens
Executive Vice President

Minda Stephens is a lifelong Floridian, currently living in Winter Park. Her writing specialties include historical and comedy scriptwriting, historical literature, children’s literature, fiction, business copywriting, and illustrating. She has had plays produced nationally and received awards in playwriting, short story writing, journalism (Gannett Publishing), and video production. She has written scripts for business, radio and media. Her most recent published literary works include Christmas Noir and Other Holiday Treats, Thank You for Asking, Where is Bunny?, and Seaside Bunnies. She is a Lifetime M ember of FWA and a member of an FWA-based writers group.

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 has been drawn to storytelling in all its forms since childhood and continues to explore the powerful connection between writer and reader. His work appears in multiple FWA Collection volumes. Outside of writing, he holds a black belt in tae kwon do and previously trained in gymnastics.

Directors

Rick Bettencourt
Data Analysis

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, 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 novella, Winter Blossoms, was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award as best M/M Romance Novella of 2018.

Lynn Van Meter
Conference

Lynn Van Meter is a self-published author with titles in both picture books and middle-grade mystery adventure books. She is an advocate for literacy, and is passionate about books, writing, storytelling and encouraging others to tell their stories. Lynn has been involved in nonprofits both as an employee as well as volunteer. Although she has served in many volunteer roles in her community, she is excited to give her time and expertise to the Florida writing community.

Noel Zamot
Technology

Noel Zamot is the award-winning author known for Anamnesis, The Archer’s Thread and The Feather’s Push.With a rich background in artificial intelligence, economic development, and national security, Noel weaves extensive experiences from the military, intelligence, diplomacy, and technology into his writing. His works provoke thoughtful escapism, creating “what if?” scenarios set in eerily familiar near-future settings. His stories echo the urgent issues behind today’s headlines, allowing readers to experience alternate worlds through the eyes of someone who has lived them. He lives in Florida with his wife, Diane.

Olivia Zugay
Marketing

Olivia Zugay is a marketing and sales strategist for self-published fiction authors. As the founder of Story Flow Solutions, she helps authors market and sell their books with clarity, confidence, and a sustainable strategy so they can grow their readership, increase sales, and build thriving, full-time author careers. With a background in project management and virtual assistant work for bestselling indie authors, Olivia has spent years behind the scenes crafting high-converting launches, revitalizing stagnant platforms, and helping her clients achieve their highest revenue years.

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)