Leadership

Claudia Kirk Barto – President – Leadership

Claudia has over 25 years of non-profit leadership experience at organizations like the Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Florida Chapter. She has also worked with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Palm Beach Area Chapter, and United Way of Palm Beach County. Claudia grew up in Palm Beach where philanthropy is a way of life. She is the proud daughter of former Florida Governor Claude Kirk.

She is a graduate of the Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2014 and currently an active alum. She is past President of The West Palm Beach Rotary Club, 2018-2020, former chair of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women 2008-2009, served 2000-2012 and serves on the board of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches. Claudia earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Florida State University.

Gina Griffin – Director of Development – Leadership

Gina has over 20 years of non-profit experience at organizations like Kids In Distress, Junior Achievement of South Florida, Caridad Center, and Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County. Gina grew up in Kansas and holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University. She is a graduate of Leadership Delray Beach, Leadership Boynton Beach, and Leadership Palm Beach County '22,. She is a Board member and Ambassador for the Greater Lantana Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Junior League of Boca Raton, Executive Women of the Palm Beaches and Planned Giving Council of Palm Beach County.

Contact Gina if you or your business would like to get involved, or for a "JA 101" to learn about our opportunities!

Katie Thompson – VP of Education – Leadership

Katie Spitzig currently serves as the Vice President of Education at Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English Education and her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership both from Florida Atlantic University.

Katie has 10 years of experience in the field of education, most recently serving as a high school Assistant Principal. During her time in the classroom, Katie taught both middle and high school English and earned the distinction of a High Impact Teacher from the Florida Department of Education. Katie is also a proud member of Leadership Palm Beach County class of 2021.

Katie currently lives in Jupiter, Florida with her husband, Michael, and two stepsons.