OUR AMAZING TEAM!
Founder-President
Suzee Bailey
Many of you know me as a local Fort Lauderdale resident who cares deeply about restoring the health and vitality of our precious waterways, replacing not just repairing our failing infrastructure, clean safe drinking water, and constantly exploring new innovative ideas to mitigate storm surge and flooding. With a background in television and journalism, I’ve spoken at many City Commission meetings, fighting diligently for the safety and well-being of all who are affected by these important water plights. The City of Fort Lauderdale’s partnership with Miami Waterkeeper Waterway Quality Testing program was one of those long but thankfully successful battles. 10 highly used waterway recreational sites are now being tested weekly, thoughout our city for bacteria levels, and results are posted on the Miami Waterkeeper website or the SwimGuide App.
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After serving on the Board of Children’s Aid Club, and two terms as President of the Nurmi Isles HOA, I am currently serving on the Board of VoteWater, and the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Sustainability Advisory Board. My goal for Residents for Resilience is to gather reasonable ideas and solutions from top specialists in Eco-Marine resiliency, and share this information with our residents and city leaders. We plan to send reminders, suggestions and request to take action on these important timely issues before small problems become a large crisis.
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Through social media and by publishing this website which includes a message page to send in your thoughts, questions and concerns, I hope you’ll join our Resident for Resilience team.
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Let your voices to be heard!
Suzee Bailey
Founder Residents for Resilience
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Vice President
Tricia Halliday
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Originally from NY, is a graduate of Columbia University , now a Florida native for over 42 years, 35 of which have been in Ft. Lauderdale.
Raised 4 children who loved water sports and, especially, fishing off their dock in the canal after school. It was quite an education for them learning about all the different types of animals (including manatees) that lived right outside their back door! Unfortunately, over the years, as the canal waters have been polluted, the majority of the fish have disappeared.
Tricia feels we need to become better caretakers of our waterways and environment. She would love to see her grandchildren have the same fishing experiences their parent’s enjoyed.
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"It doesn’t take much and with your voice, you can help!”
Courtney Ortiz
Secretary
Residential Real Estate Agent with Fidelity Real Estate LLC Professional Photographer
Pat Roth
Treasurer
Originally from Los Angeles, Pat Roth has lived in Fort Lauderdale since 1990 and is deeply concerned about the need for stronger, more proactive environmental protections in our city. He values the role Residents for Resilience plays in raising awareness among both public officials and the community about practical, science-based solutions.
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Pat’s primary strength is business development, with a proven ability to identify opportunities, set clear goals, and build sustainable organizations. Over a 20+ year professional career based in Miami, he served as Executive Director of both the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida and the Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA). Under his leadership, each organization was transformed — growing membership, visibility, and long-term financial stability.
At FIBA, Pat helped build a $500,000
reserve fund, supported the endowment of a professorship at FIU, and developed one of the largest anti–money laundering conferences in the United States, drawing nearly 2,000 attendees annually. He also played a key role in restructuring major international banking conferences, creating successful, revenue-generating models that remain in use today.
Since retiring, Pat has stayed actively engaged in environmental issues affecting South Florida, including flooding and climate resilience. He is eager to give back and help protect Fort Lauderdale for both current and future generations.
R4R BOARD MEMBERS
Captain Zachary Routman
Captain Zach Routman was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, then later attended the University of Florida where he graduated with a degree in Biology. Upon graduating Zach worked as a fisheries biologist with the FWC for a couple years. Zach then decided to pursue becoming a fishing Captain. In 2017 he received his captains license and has been guiding the inshore waterways since then. Zach has been passionate about preserving the waterways he grew up in, and has seen the decline in the fishery that makes the Venice of America so unique. Zach is motivated to plant mangroves in the downtown Fort Lauderdale area in order to improve vistas, provide crucial habitat and ecosystems for a variety of species, mitigate flooding, and sequester carbon.
​Julia Poliadis
Julia is a certified Green Realtor specializing in luxury residential real estate at One Sotheby's International Realty for over a decade. Her dedication to promoting sustainable living and protecting the environment is evident in her work ethic. Julia understands the importance of preserving Miami's waterfront real estate and preventing pollution of the bay and ocean and surrounding habitats.
Julia collaborates with local organizations such as Fertile Earth Foundation and VolunteerCleanup.org, and serves as the Chair of the City of Hollywood Sustainability Advisory Committee. She values relationships with those dedicated to environmental health and preserving our local natural resources.
Large scale commercial composting is something she is very passionate about and supports Fertile Earth Worm Farm in their efforts in using the circular economy by diverting waste from our landfills. Julia has diverted over 20,000 lbs of her personal food waste in the last few years that has been turned back into healthy rich soil. Julia's genuine care for the people is evident in the strong relationships she builds with her clients and community.
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Patrick Ferguson, Esq.
Senior Organizing Representative
Sierra Club
Patrick Ferguson has been The Organizing Representative for Sierra Club’s Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign Since June of 2016. Patrick is an attorney who
received his law degree from Nova Southeastern University School of Law in 2015 and his undergraduate degree in Political Science from The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. in 2012.
Prior to joining the Sierra Club Patrick was engaged in private general practice and localactivism for numerous environmental and progressive causes in the Broward Countyarea where he lives today in the greater Fort. Lauderdale area
Michael Schneider
Kelly Fischer is the founder behind DEPTH THEORY, the specialized marketing studio dedicated to building the fluidity of wellness-focused brands.
She advocates for a deeper and more meaningful approach to both the business world and life itself. A portion of her revenue from every client is directed toward supporting ocean conservation efforts.
Kelly's multifaceted approach extends beyond the business realm to champion causes that safeguard the environment and ensure a sustainable future for all.
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Michael recently retired after 20 years as administrator of Take Shape Plastic Surgery and Take Shape Surgery Center. He has managed commercial and residential rentals most of his life.
He is originally from Minnesota graduating from St. John's University and has studied more than once in France and lived in Boston for five years. He is an enthusiast regarding European architecture, art and design. He has served on the Outshine Film Festival and Nurmi Isles Neighborhood Association Boards for many years.
He is an older parent to his delightful nine year old daughter with his Ritz chef spouse Oscar.
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Kelly Fischer
Daniela Pia Trezza Esq.​
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Daniela is delighted to accept a position on the Board of Residents For
Resilience (R4R), a foundation whose mission she supports and whose growth and influence she has been eagerly following for some time now. As a mother, attorney, surfer, and avowed conservationist, she hopes to be an asset to this group and to contribute in a meaningful way to its success.
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Regarding her new Board membership, Daniela states: “Never has there been a more urgent time to serve this worthy cause and to set a good example of stewardship, sustainability, and conservation.
" I’m excited to be a part of Team R4R and honored to pay tribute to its vision and to its continuing commitment to South Florida’s fragile ecology.”
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EXPERT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Dr. Keith Van de Riet
Associate Professor of Architecture The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design
Founder of Mangrove Reef Walls which create habitat, dissipate wave energy, and enhance the appearance of constructed shorelines. The panels mimic form and function of red mangrove tree roots and oyster reefs that occur naturally in the State of Florida.
Made from marine-friendly concrete, they create habitat niches for juvenile crabs, snails, fish, and others to escape predators. Shore birds perch and hunt on top of the panels, while larger predator fish utilize space below the panels to ambush prey. Reef Walls aim to replicate natural tidal shorelines where conventional living shorelines are not possible.
Dr. Schonna Manning
Assistant Professor -FIU
Biological Sciences,
Institute of Environment
Research interests: Phycology, Harmful Algae, Molecular Biology, Metagenomics, Metabolomics
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Assistant Professor
Dr. Schonna R. Manning is a phycologist working at the intersection of molecular biology and analytical chemistry whose research examines the dynamics of harmful algal blooms and proliferations.
She is also interested in the immense potential of algae in biotechnology for carbon capture, remediation, and the synthesis of diverse bioproducts. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Manning oversees the Omics Facility for the Institute of Environment, an FIU preeminent program.
She is committed to the advancement of algal sciences and works closely with colleagues across the globe in academia, local and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Dr. Manning serves on numerous editorial boards and contributes to the international scientific community through her service to the Phycological Society of America and the Algae Biomass Organization, including the development of educational curricula for The Algae Foundation.
Brian Shaw - Senior Vice President of Strategic Sales at Floodproofing.com
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Brian Shaw is a leader in innovative flood mitigation solutions. Brian has held the title of Certified Floodplain Manager since 2009 and his expertise centers on deploying advanced floodproofing techniques to ensure the resilience and integrity of structures against flood risks.
Under his strategic direction, the company has pioneered numerous initiatives that have substantially advanced the safety and efficiency of flood mitigation projects across various sectors.
Brian's leadership and understanding of floodplain management have been instrumental in guiding the company's growth and upholding its commitment to excellence in safeguarding communities and businesses from the impacts of flooding.
Dr. Esber Andiroglu, University of MiamiPh.D., P.E.,
LEED AP
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Dr. Andiroglu has BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Civil / Architectural Engineering. He is a Professor of Practice with primary appointment in Dept. of Civil & Architectural Engineering and secondary appointments in the Dept. of Chemical, Environmental & Materials Engineering and at School of Architecture. He serves as the Director of the graduate degree programs in Construction Management at CoE and SoA.
He is a registered Professional Engineer and a LEED AP accredited educator who has extensive industry experience in evaluation, design, operation and performance analysis of systems in the built environments. His education focus is centered around courses in Environmental Building Systems and Sustainable Construction.
As the Director of the Sustainability and Resilience Adaptation Laboratory (SUREAL), Dr. Andiroglu leads team of PhD, MS and UG students engaged in multiple research projects with focus on development of engineered solutions related to smart water-energy infrastructures in response to climate change challenges in urban community settings.
Zack Farr
Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Biotech Applied Research
Zack Farr is a multi-generational citrus farmer with deep roots in the agricultural community of Central Florida. Since 2020, Zack has been at the forefront of the sustainability industry. His dedication to environmental solutions and sustainable practices has led him to build multiple companies that focus on providing innovative and eco-friendly applications, particularly in the fields of industrial hemp and biochar production.
Additionally, biochar's capabilities to filter water and remove impurities make it a valuable tool in improving water quality for projects like the Himmarshee Canal. Zack is currently the Chief Operations Officer for Biotech Applied Research, a non profit organization focusing on developing projects to solve world wide sustainability challenges. He also sits on the board of Directors for Florida Airport Management, an organization that sponsors and develops rural airports in disadvantaged communities.
Zack's vision for a circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are reused, aligns with his broader goal of creating a resilient and environmentally responsible agricultural sector. His innovative approach to biochar production and sustainable farming practices continues to make a significant impact in Florida and beyond.
Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos
University of Miami College of Engineering - Seahive
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Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at the University of Miami’s College of Engineering.
He is an expert in structural morphology, which investigates the relationship between structures, as well as their form, function, material and forces. He focuses on lightweight structures, such as tensegrity systems, as well as coastal applications, including ecofriendly solutions for shoreline protection.
Residents for Resilience collaborates with, learns from, advocates alongside, and highlights the work of a diverse network of universities, government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, scientists, and community organizations. The organizations featured represent collaborations, educational partners, innovators, and friends whose work aligns with our mission of protecting and restoring South Florida's waterways.
