The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has named Lisa Vickers the recipient of its 2025 Chester James Award, recognizing her leadership, philanthropy and faith-driven service.
A Florida native, Vickers helped grow the Home Shopping Network from a startup into a billion-dollar business, alongside her father, Roy Speer. She later co-founded Realty One Sunshine, in St. Petersburg, with her husband, Brett, and launched Savant Sourcing, a staffing company that became a multi-million-dollar enterprise.
Through the Speer Dream Foundation, the family’s philanthropic organization, Vickers has supported local, national and global nonprofits. Her contributions to the YMCA include funding the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy and the Speer YMCA, as well as relief for staff impacted by hurricanes.
“I’ve been blessed with incredible opportunities, but the greatest joy has been using those blessings to give back,” Vickers said.
The Chester James Award, presented annually at the YMCA’s Community Prayer Breakfast, honors individuals who embody the spirit of the late Rev. Chester James, a community activist and human rights leader in St. Petersburg.
Vickers will be recognized Sept. 25, at the Historic St. Petersburg Coliseum.
