Bob Costello- Board President

Retired Attorney, Nationwide Insurance Company

Bob Costello graduated from the University of Memphis and after nine years as a trade association executive (Builders Association of Memphis, TN and Builders and Contractors Association of Palm Beach County, Florida) earned his law degree from the University of Florida. He spent eight years in private practice in Gainesville, then moved on to 19 years at Nationwide Insurance Company. Bob retired in 2005 as the Managing Claims Counsel for Nationwide for the state of Florida. He currently serves as Board President for Rebuild Gainesville.

John Kish Jr.

General Contractor #CGC3386, Kish Construction, Inc.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from the University of Florida, John Kish Jr. has gone on to become a successful businessman in Gainesville as the president of Kish Construction, Inc. founded in 1980. He has held a state certified General Contractor License since 1972. Throughout his career, Kish Construction has built schools, parks, office buildings and has developed numerous subdivisions, residential and commercial sites. John's level of industry expertise is invaluable to the smooth operation of Rebuild Gainesville.

Martha Brown League

Assistant Scholar, Department of Special Education, University of Florida

Martha League has been involved with Rebuild Gainesville since conception. She is a well respected member of the academic community as a faculty member at the University of Florida. Martha holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Special education from the University of Florida. She is wonderful with adding compassion to ever decision made by the board of directors and helps us to remember our mission and humble beginnings.

Bonnie Mott

President, Real Estate Broker, Prudential Preferred Properties of Gainesville

President of Prudential Preferred Properties, Bonnie is a native Floridian, graduating from Gainesville High School in 1967. After attending Santa Fe Community College, she entered the real estate industry in 1977 and obtained her Broker's license in 1986. In 1993 she opened Prudential Preferred Properties of Gainesville and within 18 months the company was Number 4 in sales. She has served in many positions with the local Association of REALTORS, including chairing many committees and was elected President of the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of REALTORS for 2005. As housing is near and dear to her, she serves as a great asset of knowledge for the Rebuild Gainesville board of directors.

Leon Wetherington

Professor, M.E. Rinker School of Building Construction, University of Florida

Leon "Doc" Wetherington has been a professor at the University of Florida's School of Building Construction since 1994. Prior to his commitment in Gainesville, Leon taught at Georgia Southern University and worked in the construction field. His construction experience ranges from a carpenter to project engineer, quality control engineer to superintendent. While teaching, he continues to work as a consultant for various independent hirers. Leon has also chaired the Florida Home Builder's Associations Code Study Committee. Prior to involvement with Rebuild Gainesville, Leon coordinated his own service projects with students at UF. As a well respected member of the academic and professional community, Leon adds a wonderful field experience professional to the Board of Directors.

Leah Winter

Realtor, Tioga Realty, Inc.

Leah Winter has a passion for health and safety as well as the importance of adequate housing. Before her career as a realtor, Leah worked for 17 years as a Registered Nurse in North Central Florida. In 1995, she saw a need among young pregnant women and founded a non-profit called the Tri-County Pregnancy Center in Williston, Florida. Her ten-years of experience as founder and president of this organization makes her a great resource for non-profit management. Now, Leah keeps a close eye on the housing market in the Gainesville area as a realtor for Tioga Realty. She is also very involved in her church and has acted as a "team leader" organizing volunteers to raise support and work on project for Rebuild Gainesville.

Melisa L. Miller

Executive Director

Melisa Miller graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from the M.E. Rinker School of Building Construction at the University of Florida. She has been involved in the construction service industry through non-profits since 1998. Melisa spent two years on staff with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP), where she helped coordinate projects for roughly 65 volunteers a week. In April of 2006, Melisa passed the residential contractor's exam for the state of Florida. As one of the founders of Rebuild Gainesville, she is dedicated to the Gainesville community and to alleviating substandard housing in this area.

Amanda Cusick

Office Assistant (part time position)

Amanda joined the Rebuild Gainesville team in August 2007. She comes from Clearwater, Florida and is currently attending Santa Fe Community College and looking to transfer after two years to the University of Florida to study Building Construction. Amanda was first involved with Rebuild Gainesville as a volunteer with her church youth group. She participated in our week long summer camp for two summers. Amanda is responsible for coordinating office affairs, helping to schedule and recruit volunteers, and some financial accounting.