Chapter Officers
Welcome to the IIBA® Tampa Bay website!
The Business Analyst (BA) role in today's organizations is becoming increasingly important. Some might describe this role as the "bridge" between the IT organization and Business units, commanding fluency in both languages. Business units rely on a BA to translate business goals and objectives into requirements, and IT staff rely on a BA to translate technical concepts and components into business language. As the BA role gains prominence, the ongoing growth of Business Analysis practitioners is key.

President & Vice President (VP) Professional Development
Thea Soehen - CSPO

Vice President (VP) Finance
Rich Layman - M.S.
Rich is a seasoned IT professional with a proven track record in Systems Analysis, Business Process Improvement, and Project Management. With over a decade of experience, he has successfully led initiatives that have driven significant cost savings, increased efficiency, and fostered a culture of innovation.
Armed with a Master's degree in Management Information Systems, Richard brings a strategic mindset to his role as Vice President of Finance at the IIBA of Tampa Bay FL. His expertise in data analysis, automation, and team development has empowered organizations to make informed decisions and achieve their goals.
As a dedicated member of the IIBA community, Richard is committed to sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and building a sustainable financial foundation for the organization.
He has been a member of IIBA since 2023

Vice President (VP) Communications, Marketing & Membership
Clifford Gray - MCSE, MCSA, MCP
💥 20+ years of experience supporting the development, implementation, and administration of cutting-edge technology solutions critical to business operations with a focus on data activities. Specializing as a liaison between technical and non-technical teams to effectively communicate complex concepts, ideas and requirements.

Vice President (VP) Digital Media & Emerging Technologies
Alicia Funderburk - M.A., PROSCI, LPM, RTE, POPM, CSSGB, CAF, CAL
Alicia Funderburk is an accomplished award-winning 40 Under 40 Professional with over 17 years of experience successfully leading, managing, and delivering Technology, Engineering, and Creative change initiatives across a range of industries including Professional Sports, Healthcare/Medical Devices, Entertainment, Broadcast Media, Creative Services, and Education.
Drawing from her distinctive professional background, she successfully uses her diverse skillset & professional industry experience to foster growth within teams, create comprehensive training programs, cultivate a collaborative team environment, enhance communication, & bridge the gap between technology, innovation, & creativity to propel businesses towards their strategic objectives & revenue targets.
She holds numerous professional certifications, has earned a Business Analysis Certificate from Duke University & has earned the Learning Experience Design Certificate from Louisiana State University.
Alicia has received numerous awards & honors for her unwavering dedication & commitment to giving back to the community. She actively volunteers and serves on the Board of Directors with organizations in Florida, North Carolina, & serves as an alumni mentor at LSU.
She has been a member of IIBA since 2018.

Vice President (VP) Technology
Esther Folorunso - MBA, CBAP
Esther Oluwabusayo Folorunso, MBA, CBAP, is an experienced and certified business analyst currently working as a Business Analyst in the US Higher Education Industry. She previously worked as a Semi Senior- business analyst in Andersen Nigeria serving clients in both the Public and Private Sectors with different growth levels (Start-ups, Growing, Maturing, and Declining) and in diverse industries (Financial Technology, Healthcare, Technology, Banking/Finance, Engineering, Oil and Gas, Retail, Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Advertising)
She holds a bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship/Business Management from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, and an MBA in Management Information Systems from Fort Hays State University, Kansas, USA.
She presently serves on the Board of the IIBA Tampa Bay Florida Chapter, is a speaker on everything business analysis and Change, and has authored articles published in BA Times, Business Day, ThisDay, The News Guru, Guardian Newspapers, The Nigerian Tribune, and the Punch Newspaper.

Director, Emerging Professionals
Kennedy C. Davis - ECBA
Kennedy is a solutions-driven business support specialist with over 3 years of experience in client-facing roles across the technology, insurance, and HR industries. Throughout their career, they have been recognized for their ability to navigate complex challenges, streamline business processes, and foster strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. While at The Jacobson Group, Kennedy played a key role in driving $45.9M in department revenue in 2023 by connecting clients with top-tier talent and providing insights that shaped hiring strategies.
With a knack for identifying client needs and delivering tailored solutions, Kennedy has built a reputation for excellence in recruitment, process improvement, and market analysis. They have a passion for efficiency, innovation, and creating a positive client experience, and their expertise spans business process oversight, talent sourcing, and cross-functional collaboration. As they continue to grow in their career, Kennedy is eager to take on more strategic roles that allow them to combine their business acumen and analytical skills to create even greater impact.
With a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Florida and an Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA), Kennedy is well-equipped to transition into a more analytical capacity, focusing on efficiency, problem resolution, and driving long-term success for organizations."

Board Member at Large
Hari Prasad Josyula - PMP, CSPO, PSPO, SAFe POPM

Board Member at Large
China Thomas - MBA, PMP, PMI-ACP, PAL, PSM, PSPO, SSYB
