Who We Are
Brandon Holland: Chapter Founder/ President
Brandon Holland began his journey to help find a cure for Alzheimer's Disease in Washington DC in 2009. His relationship building along with fundraising for this horrible disease has become a true passion in his life. Brandon moved to Minneapolis, MN in 2012 playing a key role in founding the first Rival Alz. organization in the Twin Cities. Since its inception, Rival Alz. has raised over one million dollars for Alzheimer's research in MN. After leaving the cold of MN for the sunshine of Tampa, Florida, Brandon has continued his efforts in the fight against Alzheimer's.
With the help of his amazing team, the inaugural Memory Mixer Tampa was a success in 2017. A true partnership at the grassroots level along with local, state and federal awareness is Brandon's ultimate goal to help end Alzheimer's for good.
Eric Whited: Chief Operating Officer
Eric Whited met Brandon soon after moving to Tampa, from Ohio. After learning of the charity work Brandon did in Minneapolis, Eric was quick to volunteer his help on whatever Brandon decided to work on. When he learned that Brandon was organizing a local chapter for a Alzheimer's charity, Eric hopped on board. Eric's grandfather passed away years ago, after struggling dementia. Part of his inspiration and drive comes from the effect he saw brain degenerative diseases have on an individual and their loved ones.
Eric is a full-time student at USF, studying political science. Eric and Brandon teamed up to host the 2017 inaugural Memory Mixer Tampa and are pushing for continued success. Eric's goals within the organization are to help put together the strongest team and best event possible in an effort to raise as much funds and awareness to bring an end to Alzheimer's and other brain degenerative diseases.
Lauren Gray: Corporate Outreach Liaison
Lauren Gray is a native Floridian, born and raised in St. Petersburg. She attended college on the East coast at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Lauren has a four-year-old son, Jackson, who is as big of an animal lover as his mom. They have two cats (Napoleon & Kawazii), a bearded dragon (Puff the Lizard Dragon), and zebra finches. Over the past five years, Lauren has worked with some of the top fundraisers in the Tampa Bay area, raising money for organizations such as The Florida Aquarium and Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Currently, she is the Database Manager for Step Up For Students, a local non-profit that raises funds to help underprivileged families get the best education possible at the school of their choice.
Atim Muhammad: Marketing Director
Atim Muhammad is a graduating senior at the University of South Florida MUMA college of business. He finds joy in dedicating his efforts and utilizing what he has learned throughout his life and college career to serve communities in various capacities. Whether it is teaching young teens the beauty and complexity of finance and entrepreneurship with Junior Achievement, or assisting Brandon Holland with his efforts to combat Alzheimer with Memory Mixer. He is honored to have an opportunity to make a difference.