Valerie began her career in real estate and banking, specializing in land development and rezoning. She has also been involved as a community and political leader in Florida and held appointments from three Florida Governors, including chairing the South Florida Water Management District and serving as a Commissioner of Transportation for the State of Florida.
She has chaired and served on many state and national environmental sustainability commissions. She is the Chair of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, which supports charitable programs that improve the physical, emotional, and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County, via the Naples Winter Wine Festival and other means.
