Jim & Heather Gills YMCA is getting a facelift! - More Details »
Jim & Heather Gills YMCA is getting a facelift! - More Details »
In 1987, John O'Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live.
This epic story of survival was first showcased in Overwhelming Odds, the book his parents wrote in 2006. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world.
Today, John inspires tens of thousands of people at more than 100 live and virtual events each year. He partners with companies and organizations across fields, such as: sales, healthcare, safety, marketing, finance, faith, education and insurance.
Consistently described as "the best speaker we've ever had," John's tireless schedule is a testament to the power of his message. His emotional storytelling, unexpected humor and authenticity make each presentation unforgettable.
John is a two-time bestselling author of On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life and In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy.
John's award-winning Live Inspired Podcast has more than seven million downloads and enjoys world-class guests such as Brené Brown, Mitch Albom, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Bob Costas.
Amazingly, John's story is taking on a new form: a full-length feature film starring Joel Courtney, John Corbett, and William H. Macy. SOUL ON FIRE will be release in theaters nationwide on October 10, 2025.
Regardless of his professional accomplishments, John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife Beth, their four children and his relationships with friends and family.
Rev. Louis Murphy
Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church
Madeline McCarthy Anderson
YMCA Board Member
Rev. Fr, Jude Nwachukwu
Spiritual Care Supervisor, St. Anthony’s Hospital
Tim Whipple
Executive Director, The Speer Dream Foundation
Pastor Oscar Banks
Palm Lake Christian Church
Rev. J.C. Pritchett II
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida
Reverend Alfonso Woods
Sharing The Glory Ministries
YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is proud to announce Lisa Vickers as the recipient of the 2025 Chester James Award, honoring her dedication to leadership, philanthropy, and faith-driven service in the St. Petersburg community.
For Vickers, a proud Florida native, the heart of her work has always been about people — their growth, their opportunities, and their hope for a better future.
Many know her for her role in helping transform the Home Shopping Network (HSN) from a local startup into a billion-dollar industry alongside her father, Roy Speer. But Vickers’ story didn’t end there. After her tenure at HSN, she devoted her energy to raising two children. Meanwhile, she continued to build new ventures with her husband, Brett. Together, they lead Realty One Sunshine in St. Petersburg, and she founded Savant Sourcing, a staffing company that quickly grew into a multi-million-dollar enterprise.
Even with these remarkable professional achievements, Vickers is most passionate about her work as an active leader in the Speer Dream Foundation, the family’s philanthropic organization. Guided by her Christian faith, she has helped direct support to impactful local, national, and global nonprofit organizations.
Her commitment to the YMCA has been transformative. Through her generosity and leadership, the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy and the Speer YMCA, opened and have become valuable community resources. In addition, her support has fueled many of the YMCA’s philanthropic initiatives and provided critical relief to staff members whose homes and lives were devastated by hurricanes.
“I’ve been blessed with incredible opportunities, but the greatest joy has been using those blessings to give back,” said Vickers. “This community has shaped my journey, and I’m deeply honored to receive an award that reflects a legacy of compassion and bridge-building.”
The Chester James Award is presented annually at the YMCA’s Community Prayer Breakfast and celebrates those who embody the spirit of Reverend Chester James — a man whose life’s work transformed St. Petersburg. Reverend James was an outstanding community activist and human rights leader who dedicated himself to improving the lives of all citizens. Known for his ability to bring people together during times of division, he worked tirelessly to bridge gaps across racial, cultural, and social lines. As a friend to the YMCA and a tireless servant of the community, his legacy continues to inspire future generations to lead with moral courage and unwavering faith.
“Lisa’s leadership and generosity perfectly reflect Reverend James’ legacy,” said David Jezek, President & CEO of YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. “Her unwavering faith, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to service make her an inspiring example for us all.”
Since 2001, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has hosted an annual prayer breakfast with the goal of creating an opportunity for all community members to gather and reflect on important issues, challenges and commonalities. This unique event provides a venue for the community to share a meal and develop stronger, more unified relationships.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Please complete and return the sponsorship form below. For questions, contact Michelle Curtis, Vice President of Philanthropy/Chief Development Officer, at 727.895.9622 x2154 or [email protected].
Please note that a copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free within the state (1-800-435-7352). Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Please refer to registration #CH2079. A professional solicitor has not been retained and the organization receives 100% of your contribution.
Russ & Mary Brandes
Barbara & Bob Byelick
The Mittermayr Family