Office Staff

MARIAGUADALUPE “MARIA” VILCHEZ

Student Assistant
Office: 352-392-1311
mvilchez-po@mail.ufl.edu

Mariaguadalupe “Maria” Vilchez is our stellar Student Assistant and has been with our office for two years. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Natural Resource Conservation and is in her fourth year. Her interests are centered in the Everglades, specifically targeting restoration efforts through an interdisciplinary approach focused on policy, invasive species management, coastal fisheries ecology, and herpetology. During her time at the University of Florida, she has worked on various projects, including research focused on the diet composition of the Burmese python in the Everglades, influences of hydrological restoration on mammal communities in the Picayune Strand State Forest, and using citizen science data to inform freshwater fisheries in Fellsmere Reservoir. After graduation, she would like to pursue a graduate program working within her respective interests and attend law school to bridge the gap between policymakers, stakeholders, and scientists.

MATTIE WILLIAMS

Executive Housekeeper
Office: 352-294-3889
mattiewilliams@ufl.edu

Mattie Williams is the Executive Housekeeper for the John and Mary Lou Dasburg House, the official residence of the University of Florida President. She oversees the cleaning and maintenance needs, welcomes visitors, and assists with functions at the house. Mattie has worked with the Office of the President and Facilities Services team for 18 years. During this time, Mattie has been the recipient of two Division 2 Superior Accomplishment Awards.

AARON HOOVER

Director of Executive Communications
Office: 352-392-1311
ahoover@ufl.edu

Aaron Hoover works closely with UF’s president on all aspects of presidential communication, including speeches, videos, correspondence, social media, columns and op-eds. He also manages special projects, assists cabinet members with communications and partners with colleagues across UF in strategic communications leadership. His speeches have won 12 national Cicero Awards since 2011, including, most recently, the 2022 Cicero for dedication/groundbreaking speeches and the 2020 Cicero for commencement speeches. He joined the president's office in 2011 following a career as a science writer and daily newspaper reporter.

LENNY KENNEDY

Logistics Specialist
Office: 352-392-1311
PO-Logistics@ad.ufl.edu

Lenny Kennedy is the logistics assistant for our office.  She manages and compiles, procures and organizes material for the President's speaking and meeting engagements.  She is also responsible for various correspondence requiring the President’s signature, filing and records retention.  She works directly with on and off campus offices on a daily basis. Lenny joined the President’s Office in November 2016 after 15 years of service as Program Assistant to the Center for Governmental Responsibility at the UF Levin College of Law.

MELISSA ORTH

Director, Presidential Athletics 

Associate Secretary to the University of Florida Board of Trustees
Office: 352-392-1311
maorth@ufl.edu

Melissa Orth is responsible for Presidential Athletics. She oversees all aspects of the football President’s Suite as well as tickets and special events for other Gator sports. Melissa serves as the Associate Secretary to the University of Florida Board of Trustees. Serving the Board since 2016, she works directly with the Board and UF leadership identifying and managing board operations, strategy, and long-range planning. Melissa has more than 22 years of service with UF and extensive experience in administration, government relations, events and advocacy.

STEPHANIE MCBRIDE

Director of Commencements
Provost’s Office Staff
Office: 352-392-5277
stephmcbride@aa.ufl.edu

As Director of Commencements, Ms. Stephanie McBride is responsible to plan and coordinate the university-level commencement ceremonies at the end of each semester. In addition to commencement responsibilities, Stephanie also provides support and assistance for other culminating ceremonies for areas such as the Innovation Academy and ROTC. Prior to joining the team in the Provost Office, Stephanie served in the College of Public Health & Health Professions as the Conference & Event Planner for three years.

MARIAGUADALUPE “MARIA” VILCHEZ

Student Assistant
Office: 352-392-1311
mvilchez-po@mail.ufl.edu

Mariaguadalupe “Maria” Vilchez is our stellar Student Assistant and has been with our office for two years. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Natural Resource Conservation and is in her fourth year. Her interests are centered in the Everglades, specifically targeting restoration efforts through an interdisciplinary approach focused on policy, invasive species management, coastal fisheries ecology, and herpetology. During her time at the University of Florida, she has worked on various projects, including research focused on the diet composition of the Burmese python in the Everglades, influences of hydrological restoration on mammal communities in the Picayune Strand State Forest, and using citizen science data to inform freshwater fisheries in Fellsmere Reservoir. After graduation, she would like to pursue a graduate program working within her respective interests and attend law school to bridge the gap between policymakers, stakeholders, and scientists.

MATTIE WILLIAMS

Executive Housekeeper
Office: 352-294-3889
mattiewilliams@ufl.edu

Mattie Williams is the Executive Housekeeper for the John and Mary Lou Dasburg House, the official residence of the University of Florida President. She oversees the cleaning and maintenance needs, welcomes visitors, and assists with functions at the house. Mattie has worked with the Office of the President and Facilities Services team for 18 years. During this time, Mattie has been the recipient of two Division 2 Superior Accomplishment Awards.