E x E C U T I V E D I r E C T O r’ S M E S S A g E J o h n F. K y n e s – H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
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The slogan often used to describe the charitable work carried out by Tampa’ s Metropolitan Ministries is: # InspireHope.
The inspirational phrase is the guiding principle for the charity, which serves the less fortunate in Tampa Bay, and is often seen emblazoned on T-shirts worn by Metro employees and volunteers.
As president and CEO, Tim Marks has led Metropolitan Ministries since 2006.
For his visionary leadership and service, the HCBA honored Marks with its 2025 Liberty Bell Award at the HCBA’ s annual Law Day Luncheon, held at the downtown Hilton in May.
In 1964, the American Bar Association formally endorsed the Liberty Bell Award for use by Bar associations across the nation to enhance their Law Day celebrations.
Since then, the HCBA has presented the prestigious Liberty Bell Award each year, recognizing a non-lawyer
citizen whose outstanding community service has helped strengthen the American justice system.
Past award winners come from all walks of life and include: gen. norman Schwarzkopf; Betty Castor; rev. Leon Lowry; Tony Dungy; george Steinbrenner; and Jeff and Penny Vinik.
During his tenure, Marks has led Metropolitan Ministries, which was founded in 1972, through significant growth and transformation.
Under Marks’ s leadership, Metro has evolved from a struggling shelter into now what is a multifaceted organization dedicated to caring for Tampa Bay’ s homeless population and those at risk of becoming homeless.
After nearly two decades of service, Marks has announced his retirement by the end of 2025.
Bill Schifino, a partner with the gunster law firm, and a former HCBA and Florida Bar president, introduced Marks at the luncheon. continuedonpage11
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