Gina Messenger

Elected: November, 2016
Term Ends: November, 2024
Email: messengerg@manateeschools.net

District 1 Map
Freedom Elementary
Haile Middle
Harvey Elementary
Mills Elementary
Williams Elementary
Witt Elementary
Buffalo Creek Middle
Parrish Community High

Gina is a Manatee County native. She grew up in Northwest Bradenton and graduated from Manatee High School in 2005. Many members of Gina’s family, including her grandmother, father and mother, served as public service role models. An early experience volunteering at Jessie P. Miller as a high school student influenced Gina’s decision to become a teacher.

Gina attended the University of Central Florida where she received many awards, including The President’s List. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2009 and went on to teach in Marion and Orange Counties. While teaching in Orange County, Gina was rated a “highly effective” teacher. Her experience teaching in rural and inner-city environments helped shape her focus on the importance of Title I (high poverty) and early childhood education.

In 2012, Gina married her college sweetheart, Matt. In 2015, they bought a house in Parrish and welcomed a beautiful little girl, Olivia. In 2018, they welcomed a second beautiful little girl, Mia.

Cindy Spray

Elected: November, 2022
Term Ends:  November, 2026
Email: sprayc5@manateeschools.net

District 2 Map

Ballard Elementary
Blackburn Elementary
Johnson K-8

Lincoln Memorial Middle
Manatee Elementary
Oneco Elementary
Palm View K-8
Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary
Samoset Elementary
Southeast High
Tillman Elementary  

Cindy attended Indiana University where she began studying Psychology. While working at a local nonprofit she was promoted to Assistant Bookkeeper. Seizing the opportunity, and with new endeavors on the horizon, she changed her educational goals to study accounting at Indiana Business College. While working with manual ledgers in all accounting areas, the need to integrate technology into the business was quickly decided. Cindy was an instrumental part of the team for researching hardware and software programs that were later purchased. While running a dual bookkeeping system for close to a year, all accounting systems were transferred. She also served as a liaison with the implementation of the employee 401K program. 

Cindy later began her career with PepsiCo working at one of Frito Lay’s largest producing plants. She gained skills in various departments that included, Logistical Maintenance, Building & Grounds Maintenance and Manufacturing Maintenance. During her time in manufacturing, she took on special projects and became instrumental in maintaining the plant’s entire conveyor belting system inventory. Cindy also volunteered to participate in the high school’s mentorship programs. She scheduled students to work alongside senior mechanics and engineering technicians so they could experience the work life environment to consider potential careers in logistical or manufacturing fields.

Cindy enjoyed playing team tennis with friends and became the head coach for the Rossville High School for Varsity and Jr Varsity tennis teams. She also served the as director at the community’s annual tennis tournament. Cindy was a mentor with the local library and taught English to the Hispanic community. She also participated in other reading programs with children. 

When an opportunity to be near family became available within PepsiCo, Cindy was able to transfer to Bradenton in 2008. She worked as a bookkeeper at the Tropicana Federal Credit Union. She later retired after a twenty-year career with PepsiCo.

Cindy is the author of an Amazon best-selling book, “Crying Without Tears.” Through her book, she has been invited to speak at events throughout Florida advocating against child abuse and to promote the need for foster parents. Cindy networks with local foster care programs that serve Manatee County and the SW region of Florida. She volunteers for veterans and children services as well as F.E.L.T. She is a NASCAR fan and designs gift baskets for charity auctions in her spare time. She is a mother and grandmother and enjoys working on home projects with her husband of twenty-nine years, David. She is an active member of West Bradenton Baptist Church and other community organizations.

Mary Foreman

Elected: November, 2020
Term Ends: November, 2024
Email: foremanm@manateeschools.net

District 3 Map
Anna Maria Elementary
King Middle
Manatee High
Miller Elementary
Moody Elementary
Palma Sola Elementary
Palmetto Elementary
Palmetto High
Prine Elementary
Sea Breeze Elementary
Stewart Elementary
Sugg Middle

Mary and her family have lived in Bradenton since 2001. Mary received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Florida Atlantic University and worked as a CPA until her retirement in 2019. She and her husband, Gary, have been married for 45 years. Their two children, John (graduated Manatee High School 2005) and Kate (graduated Bradenton Christian School 2001), have both gone on to earn advanced degrees.

Mary has been a member of the Manatee County School District’s Audit Committee since its inception in 2013 and was its recent Chairperson. Accordingly, Mary has deep familiarity with the District’s budget and operations. She is uniquely positioned to make sure that money for education is used for the greatest benefit of the students.

Mary has volunteered countless hours reviewing the work of the District’s auditors and making recommendations to the School Board based on the audit reports. She has worked to ensure accountability. In addition to active involvement in her children’s education, Mary was a member of the Manatee County High School SAC for 2001 through 2005 and served as its Treasurer for 3 years.

Chad Choate III

Appointed: August 6, 2021
Elected: November, 2022
Term Ends: November, 2026
Email: choatew2@manateeschools.net

District 4 Map
Abel Elementary
Bayshore Elementary
Bayshore High
Daughtrey Elementary
Kinnan Elementary
Lee Middle 

Chad is a financial advisor on Downtown Bradenton's Riverwalk with Edward Jones. He is a lifelong Manatee County resident and graduated from Manatee High School in 2003. He then earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Florida in 2007. He began teaching and coaching in Manatee County at Braden River High School and then Manatee High School before joining Edward Jones in 2017.

Chad's family has a rich history in Manatee County's School District. His grandfather was in the district 35+ years as a teacher, coach, Dean and Principal of Manatee High School. His grandmother taught as well, along with his aunt and wife. His wife Ashley is still a teacher for FLVS and both of their children attend Manatee County schools.

He currently serves on City of Bradenton's Merit Board, Kiwanis of Bradenton's Membership Committee, Leadership Manatee Alumni Association Board, Manatee County Aging Network Board (MCAN), his church's (Trinity United Methodist) Trustees council, is a member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and has previously served as a leader in Young Life, and volunteer coach with Manatee Wildcats.

Richard Tatem

Elected:  November, 2022
Term Ends:  November, 2026
Email: tatemr@manateeschools.net
Cell Phone: 719-433-3286

District 5 Map
Bashaw Elementary
Braden River Elementary
Braden River High
Braden River Middle
Gullett Elementary
Jain Middle
Lakewood Ranch High
McNeal Elementary
Myakka City Elementary
Nolan Middle
Tara Elementary
Willis Elementary

Richard Tatem is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with 30 years of experience on both active duty and in the reserves as a leader, educator, facilitator, and aviator. Now a professional facilitator, coach, and educator, Richard specializes in helping individuals and organizations become better versions of themselves–because better people and better organizations perform better, both in and out of the work environment. His work focuses on helping people to enhance their commitment to personal improvement.

During his last military assignment, Richard was the senior facilitator and developer for the Enhancing Human Capital Seminar at the Air Force Profession of Arms Center of Excellence. He taught and facilitated for many years in both the government and civilian arenas. Senior leaders routinely request Richard by name for their leadership development programs because audiences rate him as “one of the most memorable briefers I’ve ever had!” and say he “changed my perspective and probably my life!”

Richard has led and worked with diverse organizations at the operational and strategic levels. He has managed a resource portfolio worth $410 million and led projects ranging from standing up new organizations to implementing national, inter-agency level security strategies.

A highly experienced public speaker, Richard has done hundreds of workshops, speeches, and even a radio show, in front of audiences ranging from ten to a thousand people or more. With a wide-ranging and international education in the humanities, psychology, and neurobiology, Richard brings an insightful and culturally rich perspective to his audiences. He has lived and worked overseas in multiple countries and cultures, was a university assistant professor, speaks French fluently, and has even been an airline pilot. Richard is currently pursuing a PhD in the humanities. In his spare time, Richard likes to “stand in a river waving a stick” (fly fishing) and he hosts a local patriotic radio show as well as a podcast.

On August 23rd, 2022, Richard was elected to the Manatee County, FL, school board, and he took his oath of office on November 22, 2022. He will serve a four-year term.