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East Merritt Island Community Association
OUR BOARD MEMBERS

PRESIDENT, Richard Cripps
Richard is a long-time resident of Merritt Island along with his wife, Annette. Their professional careers were mostly spent in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore area where they raised two children. Richard was in the financial services industry holding various positions with his retirement as Chief Investment Officer for an asset management unit of Stifel Financial. He is a 1979 graduate of James Madison University.
VICE PRESIDENT, Maurice Boudreau

TREASURER, Bob Wise
Bob Wise is a retired software engineer and a Viet Nam era veteran. He likes to bicycle and kayak in his uncommitted spare time. He and wife Kae volunteer at the King Center and help to care for two colonies of feral cats. Their two daughters, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren all live in Florida.

SECRETARY, Laurie Crooks
A native of Chicago, Laurie has lived in Jacksonville, Atlanta, and for the past seven years, Merritt Island. An educator for 37 years, she has taught Gifted High School Humanities, English, Social Studies, Latin, Spanish, and Physics, and served as an Elementary School Media Specialist. With multiple degrees from Northwestern University, University of Georgia, and Georgia State University, she has been selected as Teacher of the Year several times and Media Specialist of the Year. Now retired, she volunteers at the Brevard Zoo (Aquarium), Cocoa Library, Brevard Democrats, and EMICA (Secretary, Editor).
Motto: Don’t complain! Do Something to Fix the Problem!

MEMBER RETENTION, Laura Hanson
Home Girls Brevard @ Lokation Real Estate: Laura, a University of North Florida summa cum laude graduate, brings over 20 years of industry experience and holds a Broker's License. With expertise spanning commercial and residential sectors, including loans, appraisals, and 1031 exchanges, Laura provides strategic market evaluations and expert guidance for property sales. Partnering with Laura is Cheryld, a Realtor® since 2005, who brings over 15 years of management experience and holds certifications as a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) and Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR). Cheryld emphasizes integrity and excellence, ensuring smooth transactions and client satisfaction. Together, as Home Girls Brevard, Laura and Cheryld offer unparalleled service, expertise, and personalized insights to guide clients to real estate success with exceptional care. Trust our team for all your real estate needs.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR - NEWSLETTER & WEBSITE, Aili Melton
I, Aili Melton, better known as Smiley Aili was born in Morocco to parents immigrating from Finland to the USA. I attended the School of Visual Arts in NYC for advertising, fine art & photography.
I have decades of experience as art director, creative director and general manager of various ad agencies, printing companies and publications.
I especially like to work with community businesses helping them to grow and boost the local economy. Community involvement is of utmost importance.
My business is making my clients successful visually
My fine art is fun and whimsical and I am inspired by the beauty of nature.

SOCIAL CHAIRMAN, Cheryld Hanson
Since relocating to Merritt Island in 2016, I have been dedicated to serving the local community as a realtor with LoKation Real Estate. Prior to this role, I honed my leadership skills as a manager at Winn-Dixie, where I developed a strong commitment to customer service and community engagement. As a Christian woman, my faith is central to my life, and I find great joy in attending church and participating in faith-based activities. My deep connection to Merritt Island and unwavering dedication to my clients enable me to provide personalized and insightful real estate services, helping individuals and families find their ideal homes in this beautiful area.
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