Meet The Team
Founder & CEO
Jill Bolander Cohen
Founder and CEO of the Lifeboat Project, a central Florida 501(c)3 nonprofit which increases awareness and provides wraparound services to victims and survivors of Human Trafficking such as trauma counseling, housing, personal development and educational resources. Jill was Vice-President of her family’s Coffee Service which has served central Florida for over 45 years. Her passion and previous career are that of a professional Jazz singer and worship leader. Jill was educated at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina and Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Florida. She and her husband, Gary, reside in Apopka, Florida.
Director of Maintainence
Jonny
Jonny serves as Director of Maintenance at The Lifeboat Project, helping ensure that our homes and facilities remain safe, functional, and welcoming for those we serve. His work supports the stability and care that are essential to survivor-centered, housing-first programs. Jonny brings consistency, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility to his role, contributing to environments where healing and recovery can take place.
Grant Compliance Manager
Eme
Eme serves as Grant Compliance Manager at The Lifeboat Project, helping ensure that programs and funding remain aligned with reporting requirements, ethical standards, and organizational integrity. Her work supports transparency, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of survivor-centered services. Eme approaches her role with care, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to the mission.
Office Administrator
MaryAnne
Mary Anne serves as Office Administrator at The Lifeboat Project, helping keep daily operations organized, efficient, and welcoming. Through her reliable support and thoughtful attention to the needs of the team and community, she plays a key role in ensuring that our work runs smoothly and effectively. Mary Anne approaches her role with warmth and dedication, supporting the mission of long-term, trauma-informed care with calm professionalism.
Public Relations
Kathy Pierson
Kathy has over 38 years of experience in public relations, excels in events, media, and community relations. She’s been active in the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) and PRSA for over 30 years, and has held leadership roles in various local organizations, including The Osceola Chamber, Education Foundation Osceola, and the Rotary Club of Lake Nona. Kathy has also contributed to the Osceola Council on Aging, the St. Cloud Chamber, and Florida Executive Women. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Florida. Kathy lives in Osceola County with her husband, Dave, and enjoys spending time with family, kayaking, and fitness.
Chief Strategy Officer
Ed Gilbert
Ed serves as Chief Strategy Officer at The Lifeboat Project, helping guide the organization’s vision, strategic planning, and long-term growth. In this role, he works to strengthen partnerships, refine operational focus, and support programs that offer lasting, trauma-informed care for survivors. Ed brings thoughtful leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to the mission, ensuring that strategic decisions align with dignity, impact, and sustainability.
Program Director
Kristen
Kristen Jensen serves as Program Director at The Lifeboat Project, helping lead survivor-centered programming, care coordination, and advocacy with respect, empathy, and consistency. Kristen approaches her work with compassion and commitment, helping ensure that each person's path toward stability and healing is supported with dignity.
Senior Case Manager
Nancy
Nancy serves as Senior Case Manager at The Lifeboat Project, bringing compassion, experience, and thoughtful guidance to her work with survivors. In this role, she helps ensure that individualized care plans are implemented with care, respect, and attention to each person’s needs. Nancy approaches her work with empathy and dedication, supporting survivor-centered services that promote safety, stability, and long-term healing.
Social Media & Video Content Creator
Jamie
Jamie Holmes has been an anchor and television news reporter for more than 25-years. He’s covered some of the biggest stories in the nation, from the Pulse massacre, to countless hurricanes, to dangling chads. He now runs Top Story Studios, which focuses on telling the stories that aren’t being told by the mainstream media. The company specializes in corporate and non-profit stories that build brand loyalty and audience compassion.
Community Outreach & International Affairs
Piros Pazaurek
Piros Pazaurek, the Honorary Consul of Hungary in Central Florida, is a driving force behind the Hungarian Hub and the annual Hungarian Summit, both of which she organizes to promote cultural exchange, education, business, and community. Growing up as the daughter of a creative genius, Piros watched her father make headlines with pioneering ideas—a tradition she proudly continues. She is the founder of several impactful initiatives, such as USA Accelerator and HunBizFlo, and serves as Vice President of the Hungarian American Coalition and a notary public in Florida. Since relocating to the U.S. in 2011 with her family, Piros has embraced a life dedicated to community, culture, environmental sustainability, and a passion for sports, always living on the bright side of life.
Get Involved
Our Team
Our team members are committed to empowering survivors and driving meaningful change in the fight against human trafficking.
Advisory Board
Join our Advisory Board and help develop The Lifeboat Project with your knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for making a difference.
Lifeboat Lifesavers
A Lifeboat Lifesaver is a company or organization that donates time, services, or products to support our mission in aiding survivors.
Volunteers
We're seeking dedicated individuals to join our mission to support human trafficking survivors and raise awareness.