Governing Board at
Optima Academy Online

Chris Hudson is a recognized political professional with a multitude of accomplishments and extensive experience. His comprehensive background includes everything from campaign management to grassroots organizing and nonprofit work, in addition to policy analysis and preparation of legislation while working at both state and federal legislative offices.

He currently serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for Americans for Prosperity and has been with AFP for 8 years in various roles. Chris spent the three years prior to AFP directing government relations for Strategic Advocacy, a public affairs firm, as well as the Foundation for Government Accountability, a non-partisan free market think tank. In 2010, Chris served as the Central Florida Field Director for the House majority’s campaign effort, directing more than 20 legislative campaigns along the I-4 Corridor.

Chris was a legislative assistant for Florida State Senator Lee Constantine, and prepared policy analysis and draft legislation for the senator’s office on many important issues, including public safety, education, energy, and transportation.

Chris attended Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations. He lives in Naples, Florida with his wife and two daughters, and is an avid paintball player.

Mr. Hudson is Vice President of Government Affairs for Americans for Prosperity. He is a native of Naples Florida. He attended Salve Regina University for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He is a proud husband and father.

Throughout his career, Glenton “Glen” Gilzean Jr. has been recognized as a courageous leader and advocate for disadvantaged youth and families.

At the age of 26, Glen created an educational nonprofit organization with the mission of ensuring that disadvantaged youth had a safe and nurturing destination after completing the school day. Over three years, Educate Today blossomed into a multimillion-dollar organization, serving hundreds of youth across the state of Florida.

In 2012, Glen moved onto his next challenge and brought his advocacy skills to Florida’s largest educational non-profit organization, Step up for Students, where he served as Vice President of Advocacy and Community Affairs. Along with his team, Glen worked tirelessly in Tallahassee to ensure that families had the right to choose the education path that met their needs, guaranteeing the best development for their children.

In 2019, Glen was named one of Central Florida’s CEOs of the year by the Orlando Business Journal; recognition of his work as the President and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League (CFUL). Upon accepting his current role at the CFUL, Glen immediately led the rebirth of the organization. Saddled with $1.2 million of debt, in under two years, the CFUL became debt-free and re-established its place as a community leader.

Glen has received six gubernatorial appointments throughout his career: In 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Glen to the Re-Open Florida Task Force to ensure the urban community was properly represented in Florida’s recovery plan for the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, Governor DeSantis appointed Glen to the Florida Census Complete Count Committee (2020) and the Florida Commission on Ethics (2019). Previously, Governor Rick Scott appointed Glen to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (2016), the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Board of Trustees (2013) and to the Pinellas County School Board (2012).

In January 2022, Glen was elected as Vice Chairman for the Florida Commission on Ethics. Additionally, Glen is a fellow of the James Madison Institute (JMI) and is a member of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) leadership network.

Glenton “Glen” Gilzean Jr. holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida and a Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of South Florida’s Center of Entrepreneurship.

Cary Mitchell was born in Louisville, KY and currently lives in Naples, Florida. She has been a realtor and a special needs education teacher her whole professional career. She graduated
from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education for Learning Disabilities and Emotionally
Handicapped. Cary has taught for fourteen years and during that time founded a Charter Montessori school, ages three to six in New York. She was the PTA president for three years at
Laurel Oak Elementary and on the Advisory Board in Naples. Cary volunteered in helping to open a safe house for young trafficked victims with Path2Freedom for four years in Naples.
She was also on the Gala committee during that time to raise money for the organization. She has a great passion for mentoring children and upholding Christian values. Cary is currently a
member of Children’s Health Defense and enjoys researching a number of current topics of interest in search of the truth.