Bonnie Hendrix, Jacksonville PRESIDENT
Bonnie Hendrix is a retired Senior Human Resource Professional (SCP). In her career she served as Director of Human Resources accountable for Business Partner Relationships, Enterprise Learning and Development, Succession Management, Performance Management, Employee Engagement and Executive Education.
She has a history of community engagement and leadership serving on a Community College Board and various Committees, as Chair of a Veteran's Employee Resource Group (VetNet), and serving on the North Florida ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) Committee. Bonnie retired from the US Air Force Reserves, as an Airlift Control Operations Officer where she was responsible for planning and overseeing global airlift operations. Bonnie is a Desert Storm veteran.
A native of Savannah, GA, Bonnie became acutely aware of racial and gender based discrimination at an early age and was labeled as “different” and “stubborn” by her family because she refused to accept the status quo. She is a lifelong resistor of racial, gender, and class oppression, and an outspoken advocate for equality and women’s rights. Like many others, Bonnie was shocked by the election results and trekked to Washington D.C. to voice her disdain. For the last year she has been instrumental in supporting Women’s March in the NE Florida region and building coalitions to fight social injustice.
Bonnie resides in Jacksonville Beach, FL, with her partner, Mary. When not fulfilling her activist calling, Bonnie enjoys golfing, traveling, sewing, and spending time with her step-children and eight grandchildren.
PAT MCCOLLOUGH, VICE-PRESIDENT, JACKSONVILLE
Pat McCollough is a Florida Native, a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Education and a retired United States Marine Corps Command Sergeant Major.
After graduating from UF, Pat taught several years in the Florida public school system then joined the Marine Corps where she served successfully for 25 years prior to retiring. While serving in the Marine Corps, Pat was noted for being one of the first women to serve in a top leadership position aboard a naval vessel and lead Marines into a conflict zone. Pat retired highly decorated to include the Volunteer Service Medal for her civic work in the civilian community while serving on active duty the United States and abroad.
After retirement from the military, Pat became an entrepreneur and opened a local printing and desktop publishing storefront. She served in the community as a Toys for Tots coordinator, community service site for returning citizens to perform community service hours and served on the Chamber of Commerce board.
Pat returned to teaching for a short period of time before becoming involved in politics. She organized the first Florida grassroots group for Senator Obama in Alachua County and surrounding counties in 2007. After that, she would become a volunteer, intern, was quickly hired as a paid staff for Obama for America as a field organizer. She was able to mobilize over 100 volunteers, train neighborhood team leaders and supervise the largest volunteer field office in North Florida.
Upon completion of the Obama 2008 campaign and a great victory, Pat went on be become the Regional Field Director for North Florida with Organizing for America. Health Care Reform and Wall Street reform were key focuses and victories. She was then promoted to Deputy Field Director during the midterm election for North Florida where volunteers and staff were further developed across the region and in Duval County for the upcoming Mayoral election. T and further prepared for the 2012 presidential election cycle.
Pat was promoted again. This time, to a State Director position and subsequently transferred to Louisiana for a two-year period for the 2012 presidential election cycle. Going into a state where there was not a foundation of parish by parish group volunteers on the ground was very challenging. At the end of the two-year period, the statewide vote was increased by 14%, leaders were trained, and a volunteer base established which subsequently led to assisting with a democratic governor being elected. Ousting the long term Republican strong hold.
Pat returned to Louisiana shortly after the election as a contracted consultant for the Inauguration Committee to organize a statewide day of action as well as assist in coordinating the National day of action in Washington D.C.
Pat briefly left the organized campaign trail after President Obama was elected to his 2nd term, to participate with the Dream Defenders in the “Stand Your Ground” fight for the killing of several Black and Brown citizens. She was instrumental in helping to organize the month long sleep-in at the Florida State Capitol. She then returned to school and earned a degree in Graphic Design Technology and Photography prior to returning to organized politics.
For Our Future Florida offered Pat a position as North Florida, African American Outreach Director during the 2016 cycle and she was responsible for organizing two “Souls to The Polls” for Duval County. The event yielded over 1,000 participants, volunteers, renowned Gospel artist and local performers while working with local organizations.
Pat continues her work with For Our Future Florida as the North Florida Regional Director. She works closely with local organizations and faith leaders, organizes press conferences and community events, supervises staff and volunteers, and runs a robust data program. Pat’s main focus is training leaders, developing youth, and building coalition partnerships. Pat is known for her training skills, being people focused, data driven and mission oriented.
After graduating from UF, Pat taught several years in the Florida public school system then joined the Marine Corps where she served successfully for 25 years prior to retiring. While serving in the Marine Corps, Pat was noted for being one of the first women to serve in a top leadership position aboard a naval vessel and lead Marines into a conflict zone. Pat retired highly decorated to include the Volunteer Service Medal for her civic work in the civilian community while serving on active duty the United States and abroad.
After retirement from the military, Pat became an entrepreneur and opened a local printing and desktop publishing storefront. She served in the community as a Toys for Tots coordinator, community service site for returning citizens to perform community service hours and served on the Chamber of Commerce board.
Pat returned to teaching for a short period of time before becoming involved in politics. She organized the first Florida grassroots group for Senator Obama in Alachua County and surrounding counties in 2007. After that, she would become a volunteer, intern, was quickly hired as a paid staff for Obama for America as a field organizer. She was able to mobilize over 100 volunteers, train neighborhood team leaders and supervise the largest volunteer field office in North Florida.
Upon completion of the Obama 2008 campaign and a great victory, Pat went on be become the Regional Field Director for North Florida with Organizing for America. Health Care Reform and Wall Street reform were key focuses and victories. She was then promoted to Deputy Field Director during the midterm election for North Florida where volunteers and staff were further developed across the region and in Duval County for the upcoming Mayoral election. T and further prepared for the 2012 presidential election cycle.
Pat was promoted again. This time, to a State Director position and subsequently transferred to Louisiana for a two-year period for the 2012 presidential election cycle. Going into a state where there was not a foundation of parish by parish group volunteers on the ground was very challenging. At the end of the two-year period, the statewide vote was increased by 14%, leaders were trained, and a volunteer base established which subsequently led to assisting with a democratic governor being elected. Ousting the long term Republican strong hold.
Pat returned to Louisiana shortly after the election as a contracted consultant for the Inauguration Committee to organize a statewide day of action as well as assist in coordinating the National day of action in Washington D.C.
Pat briefly left the organized campaign trail after President Obama was elected to his 2nd term, to participate with the Dream Defenders in the “Stand Your Ground” fight for the killing of several Black and Brown citizens. She was instrumental in helping to organize the month long sleep-in at the Florida State Capitol. She then returned to school and earned a degree in Graphic Design Technology and Photography prior to returning to organized politics.
For Our Future Florida offered Pat a position as North Florida, African American Outreach Director during the 2016 cycle and she was responsible for organizing two “Souls to The Polls” for Duval County. The event yielded over 1,000 participants, volunteers, renowned Gospel artist and local performers while working with local organizations.
Pat continues her work with For Our Future Florida as the North Florida Regional Director. She works closely with local organizations and faith leaders, organizes press conferences and community events, supervises staff and volunteers, and runs a robust data program. Pat’s main focus is training leaders, developing youth, and building coalition partnerships. Pat is known for her training skills, being people focused, data driven and mission oriented.
