Director of Communications

Darren Alfonso

Over the course of an 18-year career in public service, Darren was responsible for the implementation, management and marketing of numerous government service and outreach programs.

Since 2006, Darren has provided community outreach and public information on more than 50 infrastructure projects for the state of Florida and various other municipalities, including Hillsborough County. He has successfully partnered with numerous agencies and affected communities to overcome some the most challenging public issues and concerns on several of the highest profile projects and campaigns in the state, including the $2.1 billion I-4 Ultimate Project and the State’s first Diverging Diamond Project in Sarasota.

He possesses a high level of expertise in developing customized community awareness plans, efficient information delivery systems, and strategic community partnerships.  Darren has a proven track record within the agencies he has served and maintains an outstanding reputation for the work he has performed.  He provided public outreach the Bradenton Beach Roadway Improvement Project in 2010 and the Anna Maria Boardwalk Project in 2011, both of which received the FTBA Award for Outstanding Community Awareness.  He was also awarded the 2002 Governor’s Peace at Home Award from Governor Jeb Bush for his community outreach accomplishments. Darren is a native of Tampa and graduate of the University of South Florida.

Creative Director

Tim Boatright

As a veteran creative director, Tim produces strategic and innovative marketing solutions for corporate clients including many in the Fortune 100. His creative has earned hundreds of prestigious honors, including more than a dozen Clio Awards and scores of regional and national ADDY Awards. With over 30-years’ experience, he’s worked on everything from major pharmaceutical, consumer and telecommunications accounts, to the latest internet start-ups. His responsibilities include concept development, creative direction, graphic design, multimedia development and as a video producer for a wide array of corporate clients. Tim’s experience includes work for brands such as AT&T, DIRECTV, Pepsi, Pfizer, Lowe’s, Burger King and MillerCoors.

He is active in the arts community as a public artist and has work in museums, private and corporate collections. Tim serves nonprofit organizations, including 11 years on the board of directors of the Farm of the Child, an organization which runs a medical clinic, school and children’s home in Honduras and with Trinity Cafe – which provides restaurant quality meals, served with dignity to those who are homeless and hungry.

Tim studied at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University. He holds a degree in Design.

President & CEO

Brian Butler

Brian Butler is President and CEO of Vistra.

A retired and decorated career military officer, Brian has provided public relations, strategic communications, marketing, and management consulting services to senior leaders and their organizations for more than three decades. Prior to founding Vistra, Brian provided strategic communications counsel to senior leaders at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa, Fla. He also served in a director-level policy position on the Homeland Security Council (HSC) in the White House.

As an experienced leader and communications professional, Brian worked in the Washington, D.C. office of Fleishman-Hillard International Communications, a niche market Washington, D.C.-based strategic communications firm. While in uniform, he served as Spokesperson and Chief of Communications for an Army Secretary and on the personal staff and communications team for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Brian founded Vistra in 2007 and has grown the company to nearly 100 team members with a growing client portfolio which includes clients in healthcare, information technology, transportation and airports, sports and entertainment, local state and federal government and nonprofit industries.

Brian holds an M.S. in National Security Strategy from the National War College, an M.S. in Administration from Central Michigan University and a B.S. in Marketing from Hampton University. He also holds certifications from colleges and universities across the United States.

Director of Business Strategy and Operations

Chris Butler

Chris has more than five years of full-time marketing and public relations experience serving multiple capacities. Historically he has played a role both off-site and on-site with clients and their strategic needs. Over time, Chris transitioned into his current role of Director of Business Strategy and Operations allowing him to utilize his skills as a communicator while also increasing business development opportunities for Vistra. Chris’ role allows him to have a greater impact in the community.

Chris has been involved in many client projects such as media relations with Feld entertainment, pre-event and on-site support during The Honda Classic and strategic support with Clear Channel Airports relating to advertising and other opportunities. Chris currently is a member of Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay and participates in additional opportunities within the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce as well. Chris has been involved in other organizations around the Tampa Bay Area serving on the board of Ad2 Tampa Bay, as well as volunteering with Mort Elementary School.

Chris holds a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Tampa.

Executive Vice President

Maureen Butler

As Vistra’s Executive Vice President, Maureen is involved in all aspects of Vistra’s strategy, administration, operations and financial management. She served as CFO from the company’s founding in 2007 until 2016. Maureen was a key player in establishing Vistra’s administrative and financial operations including accounting, HR and contracting.

Maureen’s experiences as a U.S. Army Finance Officer, staff accountant with a property management company and small CPA firm, and consultant to small businesses and nonprofits have enabled her to contribute to the growth and development of Vistra. Maureen spent 4 years as an Accounting Professor at the University of South Florida and 9 years at The University of Tampa where she earned tenure prior to leaving academia to join Vistra full time in 2019. She is an Adjunct Professor of Accounting at The University of Tampa teaching Financial Management in their Nonprofit Management Program. She has published research in the areas of nonprofit management, defense contracting and outsourcing in the Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, the Journal of Business Research and the Journal of Accountancy.

A Certified Public Accountant licensed in Florida and Virginia, Maureen holds a B.S. in Accounting from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. She is a member of the Hillsborough Education Foundation Program Oversight Committee and a current instructor, former board member and former board treasurer of the Nonprofit Leadership Center.

Senior Account Executive

Julie Capobianco

With more than 20 years combined experience in broadcast news, public relations, radio and customized communications, Julie provides unique insight and expertise to the design and implementation of an effective strategic campaign to help Vistra’s clients tell their stories. Skilled in managing all aspects of strategy, media relations, executive media training, social media and PR, Julie brings considerable local and national experience to the federal, nonprofit, healthcare and professional service industries.

Julie’s vast understanding of communications began in 1997 when she wrote and anchored the University of South Florida’s nightly news program. This was followed by a decade spent in newsrooms throughout the Tampa and Orlando markets before transitioning into news radio and then PR. This combination of experience served as the foundation to building her unique expertise to successfully customize services for clients such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Honda Classic, Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), TAPS Academy, Freedom Alliance, Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, Miss GEICO Racing, The GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team, LeaderShape, Minority Enterprise Development Corporation, Tampa Housing Authority, University Area Community Development Corporation and Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay.

Julie earned her B.A. in Mass Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism from the University of South Florida.

Traffic/Account Service

Jillian Cochran

Jillian has over 7 years of marketing experience and has worked as a Production Manager for numerous national and international campaigns. In her current role, she traffics all jobs requiring deliverables and ensures projects stay on task, on time, and within budget. She creates and maintains production schedules, monitors progress through each phase of the project, prioritizes campaigns and allocates resources. She brings organization to multiple marketing channels and facilitates communication across departments. Jillian has full visibility of all active jobs requiring creative and manages workflow to make sure all internal efforts and resources are appropriately allocated to allow multiple marketing campaigns to flow through the pipeline simultaneously. She understands how each piece of a project comes together and how each initiative fits into the organization’s bigger picture.

Jillian has been with Vistra since January 2018, with the acquisition of Marketing Associates. Previously Jillian worked with clients such as AT&T, Coca Cola and PGi. She also worked in the Procurement Department at The Auto Club Group, where she sourced materials and supplies for over 300 AAA branches nationwide. She also worked as a Real Estate Buyer, facilitating all leasing agreements and purchases for the real estate department, including contracts for new branches and Car Care Centers.

Jillian holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Florida, with an Area of Specialization in Communication and Leadership Development and a Minor in Mass Communications.

Research Analyst II

Kelsey DiNardo

Kelsey has over five years of experience in designing, implementing, analyzing, and reporting quantitative and qualitative research. She has experience in conducting customer satisfaction research, brand awareness research and ad hoc research. Kelsey has successfully managed a broad range of research initiatives including smaller scale local research projects as well as nationally based research. In her current role at Vistra, she conducts quantitative and qualitative research for both federal and corporate clients. She has provided services for clients such as the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, the VA Comprehensive End-of-Life Care’s Veteran Experience Center and Premier Community HealthCare.

Prior to joining Vistra, Kelsey was an Institutional Review Board Research Compliance Administrator for the University of South Florida where she provided consultation to the research community and reviewed research protocols to ensure compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and university policies.

Kelsey has a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Business from Wittenberg University and a M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University.

Graphic Designer

Tricia Esposito-Loretto

Trish is a Graphic Designer and has developed a variety of strategic communications campaigns spanning several industries including small businesses, large corporations, healthcare and federal government organizations for nearly 15 years.

Along with being gifted with creativity, Trish is exceptionally detailed, organized and consistent and prides herself on being a versatile production artist and a skilled graphic designer. Her customer service experience emphasized her ability to listen well to a client’s needs while remaining mindful when strategically designing, addressing and solving problems while maintaining established brand standards.

Trish has also created communications and marketing materials tailored to internal and external audiences including WellCare’s government-sponsored health care plans, its subsidiaries, Medicare and Medicaid. She has also strategized messaging and developed collateral focused on key audiences as well as helped establish branding guidelines to maintain consistency across all channels. She has worked with clients such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Medi-Weightloss Clinics (corporate and franchise), Cub Cadet, Carrier and Bryant (HVAC) and the St. Lucia Travel Bureau.

Trish earned her bachelor’s degree in graphic design.

Director of Human Resources

Jorge Feliciano

Jorge has more than ten years of Human Resources Management experience and has worked as Director Human Resources for federal and state governments as well as private companies. In his current role, he collaborates with Vistra leadership and team members to maintain a culture of teamwork and operational excellence. He supports the company in all areas related to human resources as it strives to achieve its strategic priorities.

He works closely with executive leaders, managers and team members, as Director of Human Resources coordinates and manages talent acquisition, team member benefits, team member experience, human resources planning, reporting and the regulatory/legal compliance.

Jorge has been with Vistra since August 2019. Previously, Jorge worked with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and the bio-pharmaceutical, Bristol Myers-Squibb. He also worked with the Federal Aviation Administration as a Special Agent for thirteen years.

Jorge holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s in Human Resources Management–Personnel.

Chief Financial Officer

Zoe Gustafson

Zoe is an experienced CPA with a demonstrated track record of leading accounting, financial and human resources teams. She has expertise in driving efficiency and productivity through implementation of financial management and process improvement. She brings over twenty years of experience as a member of senior management teams, building on eight years of experience at Ernst & Young.

Zoe has served as a Chief Financial Officer at several large not-for-profit organizations throughout the Tampa Bay Area, including Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, the Byrd Research Institute at USF and the Florida Holocaust Museum. She also served as the Statewide Director of Guardianship Services at Lutheran Services of Florida. Zoe is a member of Leadership Tampa Alumni, and is the board treasurer of Tampa’s Athena Society, Inc. She is a past treasurer of the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts and is a member of Las Damas de Arte.

Zoe has a B.A. from the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio.

Research Analyst

LaTora Heath

LaTora has more than five years of experience analyzing data and identifying trends as a subject matter expert in the financial industry.  She is a change agent, creating a positive customer experience for a diverse customer base and continuously looking to improve processes that drive results for large national companies.

LaTora acquired her M.B.A from Saint Leo University and her B.A. from Warner University.

Director of Federal Programs

John Korsak

John brings more than 25 years of Defense and Homeland Security leadership and experience. In his current position, he leads Program Management and Business Development activities across our DoD and DHS business portfolios.

John began his career on active duty in the United States Marine Corps where he served as a non-commissioned officer in the security company at HMX-1, the “Marine One” Presidential Helicopter Squadron.  Following honorable service, he was selected by the United States Secret Service where he worked in protective operations at the White House and worldwide, including work on National Special Security Events.  John also served in the Army Reserve Military Police Corps and the Army Reserve Unit for Consequence Management (ARU-CM).

John’s civilian career spans more than 18 years of management consulting and executive leadership serving the conventional and special operations warfighter, domestic military operations, and comprehensive emergency management and homeland security programs.  His experience includes providing direct support to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counter-narcotics, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Infrastructure Protection, and the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

John has served as the Acting Program Manager for U.S. DOT’s National Response Program and Emergency Support Function-1 (ESF-1) operations during Hurricane Katrina; the DHS Infrastructure Protection Liaison Officer to FEMA in the National Response Coordination Center; and as a Biometrics and Forensics Action Officer in U.S. Central Command’s Operations Directorate (J3).  He also developed security and intelligence preparedness plans and exercises for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece; served as a member of the Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8 (HSPD-8) Working Group’s Sub-committee on Critical Resource Logistics and Distribution; and was a member of the White House Homeland Security Council’s National Response Framework (NRF) Writing Team where he served as a contributing author of the NRF Critical Infrastructure/Key Resources (CI/KR) Support Annex.

John holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in Intelligence and Terrorism Studies from American Military University and has maintained his PMP professional certification since 2009.

Director of Communications

Paula MacDonald

Paula has extensive experience in corporate, government and non-profit communications, bringing together a variety of skills across many platforms, including digital, print and video production.

As an independent consultant, Paula led communications and marketing efforts in several industries, including hospitality, gardening and an exclusive private golf club. In her work with Vistra, she leads public relations strategy and execution for corporate and non-profit clients.

Paula is an Accredited public relations practitioner, demonstrating a commitment to the highest ethical standards and serving as a trusted advisor to clients seeking communications counsel. She also supports fellow practitioners seeking Accreditation as co-chair of the APR committee with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Tampa Bay Chapter, leading study groups and providing guidance to candidates going through the rigorous process.

A graduate of the University of Southern California’s prestigious School of Cinematic Arts, Paula’s lifelong passion for narrative film has helped her to visualize corporate storytelling in unique ways, serving as writer, producer and director for numerous corporate and government video projects. She continues to hone her storytelling skills in her off-time, participating in production of both documentary and narrative short films currently screening in festivals.

Paula’s commitment to serve includes roles as a board member with the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Pinellas County, and as a University of Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Trainee with Pinellas County.

Proposal Writer

Grace Maselli

Grace brings more than 17 years of experience in strategic content development within marketing and communications, serving the multi-channel information needs of Fortune 100 companies, government agencies, research universities, and nonprofits. Her background includes proposal development across business segments for KPMG and Thomson Reuters and, most recently in the Tampa Bay Area, for WellCare Health Plans in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to advance integrated healthcare delivery. Her professional experience also includes community outreach and capacity-building on behalf of disadvantaged populations to drive collective action at the grassroots level.

Grace holds a Master’s in Communications Management from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and a Bachelor’s in Business Journalism also from NYU.

Senior Executive Administrator

Pam Mooney

Pam has 25 years under her belt keeping top executives and organizations she’s served running smoothly with her administration, leadership and organizational expertise. Here at Vistra, Pam’s indispensable and is responsible for everything from enhancing office administrative systems and forms management using available technology, to managing extremely active calendars, arranging complex and detailed travel plans and/or events, developing itineraries and agendas, to ensuring the accuracy of contacts in the CRM tool. Pam also provides leadership both internally and externally to build relationships crucial to the success of the organization and manages a variety of special projects for the President and COO, some of which have organizational impact.

Before joining Vistra, Pam held positions at Insurance and Trust, Inc., Private Wealth Advisors, Inc., Adelphia Communications and St. Anthony’s Hospital. Additionally, Pam volunteered her time and skills serving in leadership roles at Odessa Elementary, Seven Springs Middle School and Solid Rock Community School.

Graphic Communications Specialist

Alaina Pompa

Alaina is a graphic communications specialist with nearly 20 years in the industry. She loves to visually organize information using her skills to help clients stand out and get noticed. She provides graphic design, photography direction and creative counsel and brand identities for advertising and promotional communications.

Alaina has worked with companies of all sizes from entrepreneurial start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Her past experience includes The Homeless Connection (Appleton, WI), The Barbershops (Wisconsin and North Carolina), Epcon Communities (Wisconsin and Ohio), Comcast Communications, Cox Communications, Time Warner Cable, Green Bay Packers and Packers Pro Shop, Kimberly-Clark (Corporate Recruiting, Cottonelle and Kotex), Oshkosh Corporation and Schneider National.

Alaina holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Communications from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh.

Chief Operating Officer

Ed Stillo

Ed is an accomplished seasoned manager and group leader experienced as a communicator, project manager, program manager, strategic planner and technical adviser. In his role as Chief Operating Officer Ed provides internal operational support and direct strategic planning for both state and national business expansion initiatives.

Ed has more than 30 years’ managing the development of numerous marketing, outreach, technical studies/analysis, media and safety campaigns, including the production of computer- enhanced photography, videos and other high-end graphic presentations for a variety of clients. His extensive background in civil engineering and computer technology has been an asset in the production of 3D CADD models, renderings and computer animations in support of large-scale infrastructure projects. Also, as an accomplished public speaker, a certified presenter for Operation Lifesaver and a talented voice-over announcer, Ed and his team created many high-profile safety campaigns, public information efforts, presentations and public involvement programs.

Ed is a multiple recipient of national Telly awards for outstanding video, soundtracks and 3D animations.

Director of Information Technology

Tom Stillo

Tom has over 35 years in various roles relating to technology ranging from managing IT systems, CADD systems, renderings, 3-D animations and technical illustrations in support of government clients and public projects within Florida and around the country. In his role at Vistra, Tom is instrumental in making sure Vistra is technologically savvy and ahead of the curve so we may better serve, communicate and collaborate with client partners.

Tom has 30 years of design experience in civil projects, surveying, construction management and inspection. He has utilized this extensive engineering background to bring design drawings to life through 3-D animation, computer-enhanced photography and videos for public involvement meetings.

Tom holds a A.S. in Civil Engineering Technology from Pinellas Technical College.

Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Josh Talkington

Josh is a seasoned communications expert with a passion for helping those in need, serving the underserved and using his journalistic skills to give a voice to those who often feel unheard.

As a former journalist and business owner, Josh’s experience includes leading multi-cultural communications efforts across the country for large, multi-state organizations, nonprofit groups and minority-owned businesses focusing on underserved populations.

A relationship builder and listener who values the lives and experiences of others, Josh utilizes his communications knowledge to truly make a difference. Drawing on his deep media roots and vast experience as a storyteller, he effectively positions Vistra’s partners to secure the exposure they deserve. Josh is also experienced in crisis communications and has handled media crises for organizations on both the local and national level.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Josh spent the first 15 years of his career working in television and radio. He has been a news reporter, anchor and radio host throughout the Tampa, Las Vegas, Nashville and Jacksonville media markets covering some of the biggest stories in the country including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, presidential elections and numerous hurricanes. He also helped launch video production companies, SnapShot Interactive in Nashville, Tennessee and Blue Dog Video in Daytona Beach, Florida.

​In 2012, with a desire to make a positive impact on underprivileged youth, Josh began working as an after-school program director and youth and college minister in Georgia. He served in that role for four years before moving back to Tampa to effect change and manage external relations with a national nonprofit involved in child welfare, juvenile justice and workforce development.

Josh can be found regularly teaching public relations workshops and networking throughout the Tampa Bay area. He is also passionate about mentoring disadvantaged youth.

Graphic Designer

Naeem Thomas

Naeem is a graphic designer with more than 10 years of professional experience working in the design and media industry.

With a wide variety of skills spanning from design and photography to film production, animation and motion graphics, Naeem enjoys creating new ways to effectively communicate a client’s vision. He has produced creative elements for brands such as University of Central Florida Athletics, the Tulsa Drillers Minor League Baseball Team, Tulsa Roughnecks FC and Universal Orlando.

Naeem earned his B.A in Studio Art from Florida Atlantic University.

Communications Specialist

Jessica Vega-Eugene

Jessica Vega-Eugene is a sought-after thought leader and marketing strategist passionate about amplifying and supporting business growth.

Jessica has more than 12 years of marketing, community outreach, and fostering strategic community partnerships experience. She is skilled at developing integrated marketing campaigns, pitching media, planning community forums and helping clients tell their stories.

She has worked in the corporate, education and nonprofit sectors leading campaigns such as Teach in Tampa and Keep the Wheels of Education Rolling; the Florida Department of Transportation and Hillsborough County Sheriff Office, Hillsborough Healthy Schools in partnership with Bay Care and St. Joseph’s Children’s Wellness Center, the Bullard Family Foundation’s Annual Back-to-School Bash, Walmart and Tampa General Hospital Foundation, community meetings and groundbreaking ceremonies.

Prior to joining Vistra, Jessica refined her communications, marketing, and project management skills at Trinsic Communications, Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women as The Women’s Business Centre Outreach Manager, and the seventh largest district in the nation, Hillsborough County Public Schools, where her work was recognized with a Bronze Telly Award.

Jessica is actively involved with the Tampa Bay Spark, Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators (HABSE), Made Wonderfully, and sits on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force for Hillsborough County Public Schools.

She holds a Degree in Business Administration in Marketing from the University of South Florida. Go Bulls!