Board of Directors
John Barkett
John Barkett is a St. Petersburg-based real estate developer and civic leader known for adaptive reuse, urban revitalization, and community building. As founder of Barkett Realty and Managing Partner of Ascension Real Estate Partners as well as President of the MLK Business District, John has transformed neglected spaces into vibrant community hubs while stretching the downtown core in all directions.
John’s passion for adaptive reuse and development is showcased in his work on projects like the revitalization of space under I-375 into a public park (the catalyst for Trails Crossing), true transit oriented development (TOD) along the Pinellas Trail (Mill Creek and LD&D tower sites) and the Historic Uptown and Roser Park/Campbell Park portions of the MLK Business District, where he has successfully redeveloped and curated key areas to enhance St. Petersburg’s urban landscape. He continues to focus on improving the flow and function between St. Petersburg’s districts making them safer and more accessible for all.
Gordon Crozier
Gordon Crozier has over 30 years of executive level real estate experience and is well versed in all phases of real estate development from site evaluation to asset disposition. In addition to real estate development, Gordon has overseen and managed the real estate acquisition, development, build-out and operations of a start-up company in the Charter School industry.
Having been on all sides of real estate transactions, Gordon brings a well-rounded vision and skill set to each real estate opportunity. He is proficient at structuring and negotiating complex real estate transactions, while striving to achieve the simplest, most cost-effective solution for each unique situation.
Jenn Miranda
Jenn Miranda is COO of Barkett Realty and Bay2Gulf Property Management, where she oversees operations, strategic initiatives, and organizational systems across multiple real estate and development entities.
Through Friends of Trails Crossing, she supports efforts focused on connectivity, placemaaking, and the long-term vision for more activated public spaces throughout St. Petersburg.
Tara Hubbard
Tara Lynn Hubbard is a regenerative entrepreneur and fourth-generation Floridian shaping enterprises that reconnect people with nature. Through Wonderfield Farm, Hubbard’s Ferry, and impact projects including the Egmont Key Alliance and The Sunline, she transforms tourism, transit, and community action into living models of regeneration.
Rooted in Gulf Coast legacy and guided by a global vision, she builds systems that cultivate nature connectedness and create conditions for life to flourish.
John Tyler
John Tyler was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and spent his childhood in Treasure Island, Florida. He attended the University of North Florida and majored in economics and finance, before heading to Mercer Law School in Macon, Georgia. John joined the Social Security Administration starting in Atlanta, Georgia, and then transferred to the newly opened office in his hometown of St. Petersburg, where he still works today.
John has served as the secretary for the board of directors of Racing Dog Retirement Project, and he currently sits on the board of directors for the Skyway Casuals, an independent supporters’ group for the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Due to an interest in issues related to pedestrian and bicycle safety, as well as housing affordability and the design of walkable cities, John is an active participant and supporter of Activate St. Pete, which works to advance these issues.
Mark Lawson
J. Mark Lawson is a board member of Friends of Trails Crossing and a St. Petersburg native with more than 20 years of experience in real estate development and public-private partnerships. He is Principal of Banyan Real Estate LLC, a St. Petersburg-based development firm focused on community-centered projects. His family has called St. Petersburg home since the early 1900s, and his commitment to the city runs deep. He is an active member of the Sunline Coalition, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the St. Pete Downtown Partnership, ULI Tampa Bay, and REIC Tampa Bay.
Mark joined the Trails Crossing board because he sees the Pinellas Trail as a generational civic asset, and activating the corridor beneath I-275 is exactly the kind of place-based investment that strengthens a city for the long term.
Veatrice Farrell
Veatrice Farrell is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University. She has been active on several community organization boards and is engaged professionally in projects that expand capacity for nonprofit organizations and increase digital literacy. She has received several awards for her community engagement.
Christian Arnold
As Executive Director of the Grand Central District, Chris is committed to supporting community engagement, placemaking, and the development of Trails Crossing as a resource for residents and visitors. He is particularly invested in the project’s potential to activate and reconnect the underutilized space beneath the highway that bisects the district, creating new opportunities for community gathering, recreation, and neighborhood connection.
Chris brings experience in nonprofit leadership, relationship building, and organizational development, along with a passion for strengthening connections between people and place.
Emily Heise
Marketing
Asia Lieberman
Grant Intern