Lisa Vickers Honored with the 2025 Chester James Award for Community Leadership

ST. PETERSBURG | August 11, 2025 — YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is proud to announce Lisa Vickers as the recipient of the 2025 Chester James Award, honoring her dedication to leadership, philanthropy, and faith-driven service in the St. Petersburg community. 

For Vickers, a proud Florida native, the heart of her work has always been about people — their growth, their opportunities, and their hope for a better future. 

Many know her for her role in helping transform the Home Shopping Network (HSN) from a local startup into a billion-dollar industry alongside her father, Roy Speer. But Vickers’ story didn’t end there. After her tenure at HSN, she devoted her energy to raising two children. Meanwhile, she continued to build new ventures with her husband, Brett. Together, they lead Realty One Sunshine in St. Petersburg, and she founded Savant Sourcing, a staffing company that quickly grew into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. 

Even with these remarkable professional achievements, Vickers is most passionate about her work as an active leader in the Speer Dream Foundation, the family’s philanthropic organization. Guided by her Christian faith, she has helped direct support to impactful local, national, and global nonprofit organizations.

Her commitment to the YMCA has been transformative. Through her generosity and leadership, the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy and the Speer YMCA, opened and have become valuable community resources. In addition, her support has fueled many of the YMCA’s philanthropic initiatives and provided critical relief to staff members whose homes and lives were devastated by hurricanes. 

“I’ve been blessed with incredible opportunities, but the greatest joy has been using those blessings to give back,” said Vickers. “This community has shaped my journey, and I’m deeply honored to receive an award that reflects a legacy of compassion and bridge-building.” 

The Chester James Award is presented annually at the YMCA’s Community Prayer Breakfast and celebrates those who embody the spirit of Reverend Chester James — a man whose life’s work transformed St. Petersburg. Reverend James was an outstanding community activist and human rights leader who dedicated himself to improving the lives of all citizens. Known for his ability to bring people together during times of division, he worked tirelessly to bridge gaps across racial, cultural, and social lines. As a friend to the YMCA and a tireless servant of the community, his legacy continues to inspire future generations to lead with moral courage and unwavering faith. 

“Lisa’s leadership and generosity perfectly reflect Reverend James’ legacy,” said David Jezek, President & CEO of YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. “Her unwavering faith, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to service make her an inspiring example for us all.”  

The award will be presented to Vickers at the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg’s annual Community Prayer Breakfast September 25, 2025, at the Historic St. Petersburg Coliseum. Learn more at stpeteymca.org/prayerbreakfast.