HLA’s Senior Leadership
Cynthia Kazawitch
Chief Administrative Officer
Cindy is originally from Chicago and relocated to sunny Florida 25 years ago. Prior to joining HLA in 2017, she worked for a non-profit, human service agency for over 18 years where she wore many hats such as data, accreditation, grants and applications, etc. Earning her Bachelor of Science in Management from Hodges University and her Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University, Cindy is passionate about education as well as professional development. When she is not working, Cindy loves to have cooking lessons virtually with her daughter and granddaughter, gardening, swimming, sunsets on the beach, and being an adopted mom to numerous neighborhood cats.
Victoria Sailer
Senior Director of Finance
Vicky is a non-practicing attorney who passed both the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Bar. She has bachelor’s degrees from Bryn Mawr College and Western Governors University as well as a paralegal certificate from Boston University. Most of her career has been in the non-profit world providing accounting and administrative support at agencies specializing in domestic violence prevention, neighborhood associations and programs for the developmentally disabled prior to joining the HLA. In her free time, Vicky collects pop culture trivia from movies and television, writes science fiction and reads.
Cheri Holzbacher
Director of Quality & Performance Improvement
Cheri joined HLA in July 2024, bringing over a decade of expertise in advocacy, program evaluation, community development, grants management, and nonprofit leadership. With a master’s degree in social work focused on community organization from the University of Michigan, Cheri has a robust background in supporting diverse populations. Before joining HLA, Cheri led a team managing over $40M in behavioral health services for children and families and co-authored a $1.5 billion proposal to Florida's DCF for the largest Managing Entity in the state. Cheri’s lived experiences with housing instability drive her commitment to creating inclusive communities. She co-founded CHANGER, an organization advocating for housing rights led by those with firsthand experience. Cheri has held advisory roles with organizations including the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and the NASW Georgia Chapter. Outside of work, Cheri enjoys time with her spouse, their large lapdog, and exploring new hobbies.
Alex Strieder
Director of Program Services
Alex Strieder is the Director of Program Services. Her background includes public and affordable housing management, compliance, procurement, community development, and advocacy. She is a Certified Housing Quality Standards Inspector and a Certified Public Housing Manager. She has volunteered at a variety of social service organizations to serve specific needs of the community. Alex holds a B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. Outside of work, Alex enjoys traveling, participating in her local Toastmasters Club, and spending time with her friends and family, including her two cats.
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Sezen Boylan
Coordinated Entry Senior Manager
Sezen - who joined the HLA in February 2023 - is originally from New Jersey. Sezen graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she developed a passion for policy and change, even conducting a year-long research study entitled Familial Rejection in the LGBTQ Juvenile Community: A glance at Homelessness, Trauma, and Prostitution. In 2017, Sezen followed this passion to Pinellas County, serving our community while working for local nonprofits, assisting individuals and families towards self sufficiency. Outside of work, Sezen focuses on creating memories with her husband, 3 boys, and dog - a 100 lbs. golden retriever who acts like a 10 lbs. lap dog. She also enjoys cooking, photography, playing sports, and crafting. At her core, Sezen believes that leading change must come with compassion, empathy, and understanding.
Victoria Kelly
Senior Manager of Organizational Advancement & Strategy
Victoria Kelly joined the HLA as a Housing Navigator in March of 2021, later serving as the agency’s Special Initiatives Manager and Manager of Organizational Advancement. Victoria has proudly represented the HLA on the Pinellas County Healthcare for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board since 2021, and she was elected to serve as the Vice Chair of this board in June 2024. Though originally from Scotland, Victoria moved to St. Petersburg in 1996. A graduate of Florida International University and an experienced real estate and hospitality professional, Victoria is driven by a passion for activism and a love of people. In her free time, Victoria enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her rescue pup, Hamilton.
Imani Smith
Manager of HMIS & System Administration
Imani joined the HLA as a Diversion Specialist in June of 2021 and moved to the HMIS team in May 2022. After graduating from Bard College in 2016, Imani worked in consumer and commercial banking as a Relationship Assistant. Imani then transitioned into the nonprofit sector by providing career readiness advice to future graduates as an Interview Specialist. With a strong passion for serving others, Imani is a member of several community organizations in the Tampa Bay area that dedicate their time to various community projects and volunteering. Imani is also pursuing her certification in Nonprofit Management at The University of Tampa with hopes of pursuing her MBA in the future. Imani enjoys spending time with family, friends, and dog, Milo. She also enjoys the beach, reading, and trying new restaurants.
