People

Sharlene Francois Lairscey
President/Owner/CEO

As owner and operator of one of Florida's most innovative communications firms statewide, Ms. Lairscey is a true entrepreneur. She has served in every capacity from administration, research and development, proposals and presentations, strategic management, sales, operations, account management, and client relations to contract negotiations, contract management, risk management, accounting, invoicing and overall financial management. She continues to be innovative and is pro-active in her leadership with on-going and new market pursuits, as well as the development of effective communications and sustainability programs that shape policy and build powerful images for existing customers.

Ms. Lairscey has a passion for government and a strong work ethic. Her experience has always been in professional consulting, serving both private and public agency clients. Today, she plays a key role as Managing Principal on large contracts nationwide. As a dedicated communications professional, she also continues to serve as a senior public involvement officer and quality control manager on projects companywide. Her capabilities include strategic partnering facilitation, focus group coordination, Community Awareness Plan development, the planning and implementation of effective outreach efforts, public meetings, public speaking and the creation of effective communications materials. She is skilled at leading with a hands-on approach to working with the public, including the media.

Steve Nalls
Senior Vice President

Senior Vice President Steve Nalls is a seasoned professional, recognized for analyzing organizational needs, developing and implementing action plans and leading quality teams. His experience includes an acquired expertise and a commitment to excellence. With more than 20 years of progressive management and marketing expertise, Steve is an innovative professional with demonstrated initiative and success. He is a proactive leader/manager with experience in multi-cultural and global environments. His expertise is also in strategic planning, new business start-up, market plan execution, asset oversight, cost containment, budgeting / finance, customer service and staff training, supervision and mentoring. He is highly skilled with competitor and market analysis, contract negotiations, legal compliance, staffing, purchasing and vendor relations, management reorganization, new product roll out and targeted marketing. He has proven his ability to develop strong client relationships and has been committed to long term customer service.

Diane Hackney
Vice President of Finance

Since 2004, Diane Hackney has served as Executive Vice President of finance and administration for QCA. She is responsible for QCA's finances, contracts management, human resources, facilities, research administration, business operations and investment management. Under the direction of President /Owner/CEO Sharlene Lairscey, Ms. Hackney plans, directs, monitors, coordinates, interprets and administers all functional activities and policies related to treasury and finance, accounting, budgeting, insurance, financial analysis and pricing within QCA. She has played a critical role in assuring that QCA is meeting the detailed accounting and billing principles and requirements set within each contract. She also serves as Senior Manager for QCA's Aviation Division Services nationwide. She serves as the statistical analysis manager, responsible for the creation of survey instruments and effective implementation of survey plans. She oversees all analysis of data and generates comprehensive reports, ensuring effective use of resources and budget adherences. She has participated in projects at every level, providing valuable support on contracts as well as to our staff in the field.

Mary Brooks
Senior Manager

QCA Senior Manager Mary Brooks oversees staff resources, product delivery and quality control. She has in-depth experience in developing and implementing public involvement and community outreach strategies and public relations initiatives. She has been recognized for building positive community and client relationships, educating the public, garnering constructive public input and gaining understanding and support for major programs and initiatives. A former journalist with The Associated Press and The Orlando Sentinel, she has extensive media relations, crisis communications and issues mediation skills. She has coordinated media outreach and events, and has repeatedly and successfully worked with representatives from print, broadcast and digital media outlets. She is highly skilled at keeping clients informed about project developments and public concerns, and working swiftly and efficiently to resolve and contain issues before they escalate to media coverage or other negative impacts. She always provides accurate, clear, concise and consistent messaging when promoting client agency projects and programs. She is also an FDOT-certified Partnering Facilitator and an Operation Lifesaver Presenter.

Tish Burgher
Senior Manager

Senior Manager and Southeast Florida District Manager Tish Burgher brings over 17 years of experience serving public-sector clients, overseeing contracts, projects, staff and client relations throughout the region. She is a skilled public speaker and writer and has well established relationships with local media. She has provided consultant communications services to numerous agencies throughout the region including the Florida Department of Transportation, Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Palm Beach County, Broward County, the City of Miami Beach, and the City of Doral. Her extensive experience and in-depth local knowledge and understanding of the concerns of the communities she serves make her a true asset to the projects she serves on.

Jill Capadoro
Senior Manager

Jill Cappadoro's public sector experience spans 24 years and two transportation properties. She is a Senior Manager and serves as the project manager leading public involvement, community outreach and development of education collateral for Hillsborough Area Regional Transit's Bus Rapid Transit development, Tampa Bay Water's Reservoir Renovation, Tampa International Airport's Strategic Master Plan Update and the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority's Bus Toll Lanes Feasibility Study. Ms. Cappadoro has a strong background in marketing, media relations, writing, developing public information materials that position complex messages for community understanding, and managing projects from conception through completion. Jill has conducted market research studies to better understand public perception on community issues, and has used the findings to develop marketing programs and implement media campaigns to educate the community. She directed such highly visible projects as the grand opening of the TECO Line Streetcar System, rebranding of Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), and developed the public involvement programs for transit decision making for both HART and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). She has extensive experience in managing project budgets, excellent communication skills, and has served as spokesperson representing these public sector agencies with media, County Commission and City Council leadership.

Lori Buck
Senior Manager

Senior Manager Lori Buck oversees Public Involvement and Administrative/Resident Compliance projects throughout West Florida in District 1 and 7. With over 18 years of experience she is accustomed to managing multiple major projects and multi-million dollar budgets. She excels in working with communities and businesses and has excellent leadership and organizational skills. Her strengths include public, community, media and corporate relations. She also excels in planning and implementing special events, generating community awareness of projects, public speaking, coordinating and implementing public meetings, and the creation, production and distribution of communications materials. Ms. Buck prides herself in her work ethic, teamwork and desire to exceed expectations.