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Florida Trade Chris Pello

Chris Pello

CEO/Founder

Professional Description

Chris is currently the CEO and Founder of Livingstone Schools, Inc. a non -profit, private school organization with four locations. Livingstone Academy has a campus in Seffner, Brandon, Riverview and Valrico. Livingstone Academy, founded in 2003 is now the largest private school for students with special needs in HillsboroughCounty serving over 400 students with 80 employees. Chris is also the CEO/Founder of Florida Trade Academy.

Experience/Qualifications

Chris has over 30 years of leadership experience in the field of education and Christian Ministry. Chris has served as a CEO, principal, athletic director, teacher, and coach. Chris has also served as pastor at two local churches and a board member for numerous non-profit organizations.

Community Service

For over 25 years, Chris has been actively involved in volunteering in the Brandon community. Chris was a volunteer football and basketball coach for Tampa Bay Christian School, Bell Shoals Academy, LLT Academy, Riverview High School, The YMCA, Brandon Bulls AAU and the Brandon Steelers where he also served as a board member. Chris also has served on the board of many non- profit organizations such as I am Hope cafe, serving the needs of the Brandon area homeless population.

Chris is also a graduate of Leadership Brandon 2015 and was the chairman for Leadership Brandon class of 2018. Chris also serves as the Chairman of the Board for High 5 Inc, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to impact the lives of our community daily. Chris just recently joined the statewide, Gardiner Education Advisory Council, it’s focus is to advocate for scholarship funding for students with special needs.

Awards

Chris has received many professional awards for his school and personally. Voted best private school in 2011, small business of the year semifinalist in 2012, and was a finalist in 2013. Awarded Small Business of the year in 2014 and in 2022. He also was voted a non- profit of the year finalist in 2014. Chris has also received many coaching awards. He was voted 4 time all star coach and 2 time coach of the year.

Interests

Chris enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoys playing golf, playing basketball and running. Chris is also very interested in impacting the lives of others and living a life of significance.