Valerie Ellis Lavin

Valerie Ellis Lavin is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant and CEO of sister companies Luminary Global and Luminary Deployment. Luminary Global is a global solution provider specializing in project and event consulting and human capital solutions to government and commercial clients.

In recent years, Valerie has been recognized by a number of organizations for her community efforts – 2019 Community Hero (Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates); 2018 Ybor Heroes Award (Ybor City Chamber of Commerce); 2017 Business Woman of the Year honoree, category finalist and winner of the “Roar” Award (Tampa Bay Business Journal); 2016 Susie Steiner’s Community Impact Award (Hillsborough Community College); 2015 Hero at Work Award (Tampa Bay Business Journal); and the 2014 Army Noncommissioned Officer of the Year (Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce). Valerie serves as Program Director for Women in Defense - Greater Tampa Bay Chapter, a board member for USF’s Center for Veteran and Military Family Transition and Professional Philanthropy Network as well as Transition Committee for Mission United of the United Way, and Vice President of the National Veterans Small Business Coalition.