Seretha S. Tinsley has been often taken the road less traveled in her career and professional journey. In 1971 she became the first African American female to graduate from Ky. Wesleyan College. In the early eighties, Seretha became one of the first black female General Managers in radio. In 2008 she became the first African American President of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. A trailblazer, Seretha was and remains a top achiever. An entrepreneur, civic leader, mother, and wife, Seetha’s commitment to excellence has always been her calling card.
Desiring to become a Missionary at an early age, Seretha traveled to Africa to study and while there, she realized she could be more effective by becoming an educator in the US where she could have a greater impact on empowering young lives with knowledge. Seretha humbly uses her God-given gifts in service in all that she endeavors.
Tinsley Co-Founded Chain of Lakes Achievers, Inc., an achievement center devoted to empowering youth through Mentoring, Leadership and Life Skills training where she serves as Executive Director. She is the National 1st Vice President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. and a charter member of the Polk County, FL chapter.
Seretha’s community service and progressive leadership has earned her numerous honors, recognitions and media coverage. She is the recipient of two Honorary Doctorate Degrees; Doctorate of Humanities from Kentucky Wesleyan College and Doctorate of Business Administrations from Webber International University.
A Servant Leader, Tinsley serves on numerous boards; Florida Polytechnic University, ICABA, Public Education Partnership, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. just to name a few. She maintains her passion for teaching by incorporating it into every walk of her life. She is a phenomenal businesswoman; and takes pride in assisting others in reaching their ‘phenomenal potential’. Her commitment to service is accredited to the biblical principle: “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Tinsley is the CFO and equity partner of several family businesses, PenGeo, Inc. (KFC), Tinsley Family Concessions, Inc. (airport Concessions in Miami, FL, Tampa, FL and Louisville, KY).
She is blessed with a loving family, wonderful friends, a successful business, and the capacity to serve in impactful ways. She has been married to her husband, George, for 47 years, and they have two children – Penni and George II. She proudly serves as a trustee at First Missionary Baptist Church.