DeDe Grundel is a native to Florida and has been professionally and personally involved in non-profit service for 30 years.

Ms. Grundel has served as the Executive Director of Friends of Joshua House Foundation since February 2005, and is credited as a cofounder of Kids Charity of Tampa Bay and A Kid’s Place.  All of these charitable organizations make a profound impact on the quality of life for children that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.  

Ms. Grundel is a philanthropist and is avidly involved in volunteer work, community development and civic service; she is a member of Leadership Tampa Alumni, LAMPLighter’s, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for A Kid’s Place, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Gulf Coast Region Board, and on the board of directors and is a past president of Leadership Tampa Bay.  

Ms. Grundel is a graduate of Leadership Tampa 2002 and Leadership Tampa Bay 2006, is a charter member of North Tampa Civitan and Town N Country Optimist; she is a past member of Kiwanis-Plant City and the MacDonald Training Center’s Business Advisory Council.  She is an active member and past board member/officer of the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon, one of Tampa Bay’s most highly recognized volunteer organizations.  

Ms. Grundel was recognized as Community Leader of the Year 2012, Business Buddies, (Professional Philanthropy Network); Legacy and Founder’s Award 2011, Kids Charity of Tampa Bay; UWTB Speaker of the Year, 1999 – 2003 United Way of Tampa Bay; UWTB Community Partner of the Year, 2002, 2003, United Way of Tampa Bay, and will be recognized as an honoree by The Centre Club and Executive Women’s Council for the 2014 Breakfast of Champions.

A graduate of Hillsborough Community College, Tampa Florida, and Tusculumn College, Greeneville, Tennessee, BA, Fine Arts and Secondary Education;  USF BSA Behavioral Analyst, 1985.