2026 SMPS Tampa Bay - Education Panel

 
A half day symposium exploring the funding, policies, and learning trends shaping Florida's K-12 and higher education facilities.

Join education leaders, planners, designers, and AEC professionals for a half-day symposium exploring the forces shaping the future of K–12 and higher education facilities in Florida. Through moderated panel discussions featuring institutional leaders and industry experts, attendees will gain insights into the funding, policy, and planning considerations driving campus development across the state.
Discussion topics will include the future of education funding in Florida, the impact of evolving education policy and governance on facility planning, and how changing learning models—including STEM/STEAM education, career and technical training, workforce development, and student well-being—are influencing the design of next-generation learning environments.
Designed for AEC professionals, institutional leaders, and industry stakeholders, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange perspectives, and explore strategies for creating resilient, future-ready educational spaces.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Laura Hine
Executive Director
Educating Florida's Future

In her capacity as a Pinellas County School Board Member, Laura has served on a range of boards and committees, such as the Pinellas County Health & Human Services Leadership Board and the District Safety & Security Committee, and has presented at national education conferences. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA), as co-chair of the FSBA Legislative Committee and on the District Technology Referendum Committee. 

MODERATOR

Anna Corman
Chief Program Officer 
Hillsborough Education Foundation

Anna is a passionate non-profit leader with 14+ years of experience supporting youth and community development initiatives on a local and global level. She earned her B.A. in International Affairs from the University of South Florida and went on to join the Peace Corps where she served in Kyrgyzstan for 2 years as a teacher and facilitator. Anna holds an M.S. in Global Technology & Development from Arizona State University. She is an alumni of Leadership Florida’s Education Class 8 and a graduate of Leadership Tampa’s Class of ’23. 

PANELISTS

Lauren Otero
General Manager, Construction
Hillsborough County Public Schools

Lauren Otero began her career as a Business Education teacher at Gaither High School and over the next 17 years served in various administrative roles at Gaither, Leto High School and Plant High School.  Loving the operational side of education, Lauren pursued a position in project management within HCPS's Operations Division and was fortunate to join the team in the fall of 2021.  Serving as a Project Administrator for three years, Lauren was honored to be promoted to serve as the General Manager of Construction for HCPS in 2024.  Lauren shares the most rewarding part of working in the Operations Division and completing projects around the county is knowing you played a small part in bettering someone's learning/working environment by enhancing their educational experience. 

Scott Livernois
Manager Facilities Design
Pinellas County Schools

Scott serves as Manager of Design for Pinellas County Schools, where he has been a member of the District's Facilities team for the past 11 years. In his role, he oversees the planning, budgeting, design, and construction of capital improvement projects, working closely with the School Board, architects, engineers, and construction professionals to deliver modern, safe, and engaging learning environments for students and educators. Prior to joining Pinellas County Schools, Scott earned a Bachelor of Architecture and led the design and delivery of educational projects throughout the Tampa Bay region, bringing valuable private-sector experience to his work in public education. His collaborative approach and deep understanding of educational facility planning have helped shape learning spaces that support the district’s evolving needs.

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