About Us

(Vacant Position)

Ms. Lisa Jones joined Florida Gulf Coast University as Associate General Counsel in 2013, after serving as University Counsel and Secretary to the Board for Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Additionally, Lisa taught Public Sector Employment Law at the Washburn University School of Law. Lisa had previously served as Associate General Counsel for Wichita State University and the Kansas Board of Regents.  

Lisa is a member of the Florida Bar Association and the Kansas Bar Association. She is also a member of the National Association for College and University Attorneys (NACUA) and the Kansas Bar Association Board of Editors.  

Prior to working in the area of higher education, Lisa was the staff attorney to the Shawnee County District Court, and also served as Assistant County Counselor, primarily working as the legal advisor to the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. David Greenbaum joined Florida Gulf Coast University in 2009. He previously served as an Assistant County Attorney for Broward County providing legal counsel to the construction management, facilities maintenance, procurement services, and several social service divisions of Broward County government. Before that, David served on committee staff of the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate providing legal analysis on such issues as public records and meetings, administrative procedure, and agency regulatory activities.

David is a Florida native, having been born and reared in Miami Beach, Florida. He received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and International Affairs in 1986 and his Masters in Public Administration in 1989 from Florida State University. David received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Nova Southeastern University in 1996.

Mr. Tom Rinaldi joined Florida Gulf Coast University as Associate General Counsel in 2023. Prior to FGCU, Tom distinguished himself as a valued attorney at Bond Shoeneck & King, PLLC rising from the level of associate to member. In private practice, Tom primarily focused on general litigation, cybersecurity, and employment matters serving as outside general counsel to a diverse range of clients. Tom has represented institutions of higher education, government agencies, non-profits, private companies, as well as individuals.

Tom received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Millsaps College located in Jackson, Mississippi. Following his undergraduate studies, he demonstrated his passion for education by teaching Biology and coaching soccer before embarking on a legal career. Tom earned his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, where he further honed his legal skills and developed a deep understanding of the law of higher education.

When not practicing law, Tom dedicates his free time to coaching baseball for his three sons. Furthermore, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Naples Little League. Throughout his career, Tom has been an active member of various professional organizations and community initiatives. He has been a member of the Collier County Bar Association, the Florida Bar Association Education Committee, Literacy Volunteers for Collier County, and the Legal Aid Advisory Board.

Mr. Daniel Cruz joined Florida Gulf Coast University as Associate General Counsel in 2023. He previously served as the Advocacy Director for Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS).  At FRLS, Daniel primarily focused on general civil litigation, managing the program’s Hotline Services and Low-Income Tax clinic and supervising the firm’s litigation. Before that, Daniel served as an in-house staff attorney for Coverall North America, Inc.

Daniel received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Florida International University.

Mr. Todd Caraway joined Florida Gulf Coast University in 2006 as a resident director in the Office of Housing and Residence Life. After 7 years in Housing, Todd transitioned to the Office of the General Counsel.

Ms. Lenora Rackley joined the Office of the General Counsel at Florida Gulf Coast University in April 2015 as the Executive Secretary and has since been promoted to Administrative Assistant. She provides support for the Office of the General Counsel as well as the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance. Lenora previously worked at the University of Miami for 10 years as an Administrative Assistant for the Division of Enrollment Management.

Lenora was born and reared in Miami, Florida. She lived in the Midwest for 16 years before returning to her home state of Florida in 2004. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, who is a graduate of FGCU, her son, family, and friends.

Ms. Sandy Zablackas started working at FGCU in 2010, as a Human Resource Assistant. In May 2016, she joined the Office of the General Counsel as Legal Assistant. She provides support for the Office of General Counsel, with an emphasis on assisting with immigration cases and public records requests.

Sandy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and relocated to Florida to attend Florida State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. She currently resides in Fort Myers with her husband, Larry.

Ms. Patrice Knudsen joined the Office of the General Counsel at Florida Gulf Coast University in April 2024 as a Legal Assistant. She previously worked as the Office Manager for a private not-for-profit law firm.

Patrice was born and raised in Long Island, New York, and has been a resident of Florida for many years. She enjoys reading, travel, the theater, the outdoors, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.