Board of Directors

100% Volunteer Run

The Giovanni Vitrano Foundation is entirely volunteer-run, with every board member donating their time and expertise without compensation. This commitment ensures that over 95% of your contributions go directly toward funding scholarships for deserving student-athletes, rather than unnecessary administrative costs. Our board members are united by their dedication to honoring Gio’s memory and their belief in supporting the next generation of scholar-athletes.

Ron Vitrano, Gio’s Dad

Giovanni Vitrano Foundation President

As Gio’s proud father, Ron cherished every moment on the soccer sidelines, witnessing his son’s passion and determination on the field. It was during these games that Ron cultivated deep connections with coaches, players, and the larger Tallahassee soccer community. Through tragedy, he’s channeled his heartbreak into a resolute mission: to keep Gio’s spirited legacy alive by elevating the lives of others in the community.

With multiple Emmy awards under his belt, Ron brings more than just personal commitment to the board. As an Associate Producer for ESPN, he showcases his experience and connections in the sports industry to further our foundation’s goals. His rich history in the industry and his unparalleled dedication to the cause make him an invaluable leader in our mission.

Emilee Copeland, Gio’s Sister

Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Associate Director

As Gio’s older sister, Emilee shared countless memories from the soccer sidelines, cheering him on with all her heart. Their bond, defined by mutual support and love, now propels Emilee’s dedication to the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation. With a pivotal role in the scholarship selection process and a dynamic hand in steering foundation events, Emilee ensures that each endeavor resonates with Gio’s spirit and the foundation’s mission.

Her professional journey as a Catering Sales Manager at Cracker Barrel for over six years has fine-tuned her organizational and management skills, which she seamlessly channels into the foundation’s operations. Outside of her foundation and work responsibilities, Emilee cherishes life’s beautiful moments with her husband, Ben, and their daughters, Ellie & Madison.

Mike Fahmie

Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Vice President

Mike’s connection with the Vitrano family runs deep, from watching young Gio grow into an exceptional young man to co-hosting the ‘Ron Vitrano Show’ on ESPN Radio in Tallahassee alongside Ron. Their friendship was cemented when Ron served as best man at Mike’s wedding, creating a brotherhood built on shared experiences and unwavering support through life’s triumphs and challenges.

As Vice President, Mike spearheads the foundation’s comprehensive operations, encompassing technology infrastructure and scholarship administration, as well as event coordination and strategic partnerships. His expertise as a Business Analyst at AtkinsRéalis, where he leads global requirements gathering across 14 sectors, complements his Emmy Award-winning experience as an Associate Producer at ESPN, bringing both analytical precision and creative vision to the foundation’s mission.

Mike’s leadership was instrumental in the foundation’s launch, organizing a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $25,000 in its first week. His systematic approach to building scalable digital infrastructure—from scholarship application systems to donor management platforms—has enabled the foundation to award over $37,000 in scholarships since 2022. Through his dedication to operational excellence and commitment to honoring Gio’s memory, Mike ensures the foundation creates lasting opportunities for student-athletes while preserving the legacy of Ron’s beloved son.

Tom Block

Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Associate Director

Tom’s illustrious career in the world of broadcasting has always been underpinned by an innate passion for championing the aspirations of student-athletes. Known notably for his roles as the FSU Football Sideline Reporter and play-by-play commentator, Tom’s voice has resonated with countless sports enthusiasts. But beyond the microphone, he’s been instrumental in transforming aspirations into realities. As the Campaign Manager for FSU’s ‘Raise the Torch’, he spearheaded an ambitious fundraising campaign that sought to uplift the university’s legacy and offer unparalleled opportunities to its students.

Now, as he joins the Giovanni Vitrano Board of Directors, Tom channels his vast experience in fundraising to amplify the foundation’s mission. By strategizing new avenues for generating resources and nurturing partnerships, Tom is deeply committed to ensuring that deserving student-athletes in the Tallahassee area are presented with the college opportunities they earnestly seek.

Ben Copeland

Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Associate Director

As Gio’s brother-in-law, Ben brings both personal dedication and technical expertise to the foundation’s mission. His deep connection to the family, combined with his professional background as Technical Director at Restoration Place Tallahassee, makes him a valuable asset in executing the foundation’s mission.

Ben plays a crucial role in the technical and operational aspects of signature events, including the annual Gio Cup tournament and Scholarship Awards Dinner. His efforts help to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. His skills in audio, video, lighting, and network systems contribute to the production quality of all foundation events.

Beyond event support, Ben plays a key role in the scholarship selection process, bringing a thoughtful perspective to evaluating applications. His commitment to excellence and understanding of Gio’s values help ensure that every foundation initiative honors his memory while creating meaningful opportunities for deserving student-athletes in the Tallahassee community.

Married to Emilee, Ben is the proud father of Ellie and Madison, and his dedication to the foundation reflects his commitment to creating a better future for young people in the community.