JWB Adds Chief Public Awareness Officer

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County’s (JWB) Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak recently announced the promotion of Rebecca Gross Tieder from Director of Public Policy to the new role of Chief Public Awareness Officer (CPAO), effective October 1. 

As Chief Public Awareness Officer at JWB, she will advocate for children and families through education, legislative action, and authentic relationship-building.

In this role, Ms. Tieder will also serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for shaping and leading JWB’s public awareness, outreach, and education strategies, increasing JWB’s visibility, building public support, and mobilizing action.

“Becca is a passionate changemaker whose career has been defined by a deep commitment to improving lives. She brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience in advocacy and public affairs,” Mikurak said at the time of the announcement. “This promotion puts her in a position to have even greater strategic impact.”

Ms. Tieder’s influence spans both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She founded two organizations recognized globally for their work in combating sexual assault, earning accolades such as a Telly Award and keynote invitations—including the prestigious “Conference on Ethics in America” at West Point. Her expertise has reached more than 500 universities and been featured on major media outlets including FOX, ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, NPR, and in publications like Self, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan.

A dynamic speaker and educator, Ms. Tieder has inspired more than 2 million people through lectures, TEDx Youth talks, and her role in the documentary “You Are the One.” She has also advised senior White House officials and brought her wit and insight to the nationally syndicated politainment podcast “Dishonorable Mention.”

Ms. Tieder brings unwavering optimism and creative spirit to this new role, seeing challenges as opportunities and thriving on bringing diverse perspectives together to build stronger, more connected communities.

JWB in an independent special taxing district that has been committed to making children a priority for 80 years. The organization invests in programs, services, and initiatives so children are ready to learn, succeed, and thrive in homes, schools, and neighborhoods that are healthy and safe.