Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay proudly recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication to mentorship have created a lasting impact across our community. At our 2026 Hall of Fame Celebration on May 13, we will honor four remarkable leaders whose work embodies the power of guidance, generosity, and commitment to helping others thrive.
This year’s honorees represent decades of service across industries including community leadership, athletics, philanthropy, and public service. Through their actions, they demonstrate what it means to invest in others and build stronger communities. Please join us in celebrating our 2026 Hall of Fame honorees:
- Ross Anderson
- Susan Harmeling
- Bill Nipper
- Ida Walker
Together, their stories remind us that mentorship can take many forms, but the impact always lasts a lifetime.
Honoring Ross Anderson
For Ross Anderson, mentorship is more than a role, it is a calling that has shaped both his life and the lives of countless young people across Tampa Bay. An educator with Hillsborough County Public Schools for more than 20 years, Ross has dedicated his career to guiding and supporting students, always looking for ways to create opportunity and connection. That commitment extends deeply into his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, where he has served as a three-time Big Brother, consistently showing up for youth and modeling what it means to be a steady, positive presence.
Recognizing the need for mentorship among young men in local schools, Ross founded Men of Vision, Inc. in 2006 at Sligh Middle School. Built on the belief that “Action & Vision can change the World,” the organization has mentored more than 2,000 young men over the past 18 years through tutoring, leadership development, and service. Known affectionately as “POPS,” Ross has become a trusted mentor, leader, and father figure to many.
Beyond his direct mentorship, Ross continues to champion education at a broader level through his work with the superintendent’s office, helping lead graduation initiatives and ensuring more students reach this critical milestone. His involvement as a member of a Divine Nine fraternity further reflects his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and uplifting his community.
Through Big Brothers Big Sisters and beyond, Ross Anderson has built a legacy defined by consistency, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every young person he serves.
Honoring Susan Harmeling
Few individuals have shaped the running community in Tampa Bay quite like Susan Harmeling. As Race Director of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic, Susan has spent more than 30 years guiding one of the region’s most beloved athletic traditions. What began as a small local race has grown into one of the largest running events in the region, welcoming thousands of participants each year and creating a lasting impact far beyond race day.
Susan’s leadership extends well beyond organizing events. She has cultivated a vibrant, inclusive running community that encourages people of all ages and abilities to participate. Through youth running programs, volunteer engagement, and a deep commitment to community connection, she has built an experience that inspires wellness, perseverance, and camaraderie.
That same spirit of community has made a meaningful difference for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Through a more than decade-long partnership with the Gasparilla Distance Classic, Susan has helped raise nearly $400,000 to support life-changing mentoring relationships. While not a Big herself, Susan has been a true champion of the mission, using her platform to invest in the success and future of local youth.
As she prepares for her well-earned retirement, Susan’s legacy is one of leadership, generosity, and lasting community impact. Her passion and vision have strengthened Tampa Bay in countless ways, and her support of Big Brothers Big Sisters will continue to be felt for years to come.
Honoring Bill Nipper
For Bill Nipper, mentorship is deeply personal. Bill’s journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay began in 2001 when he joined the organization’s Board of Directors. His leadership and dedication quickly grew, serving as Board Chair and helping guide the organization’s impact across the region.
Not long after, Bill and his wife Mary took their commitment a step further by becoming a Big Couple, mentoring two Littles, Edward and Kiara. Through their mentorship, they formed a genuine family bond. Whether it was teaching Edward how to grill with confidence or helping Kiara develop sewing skills and other life lessons, Bill and Mary nurtured independence, creativity, and self-belief in both of their Littles.
Beyond his direct mentorship, Bill’s impact spans decades. During his career at JPMorgan Chase, a corporate partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than 30 years, he championed the organization’s mission from both a professional and personal perspective. As an alumni Big Brother, past Board Chair, dedicated donor, and match activity host at events like the Gasparilla Children’s Parade, Bill has consistently found meaningful ways to show up for the organization and the youth it serves.
Alongside Mary, who is also an alum Big, Bill’s legacy is one of enduring commitment, leadership, and generosity. His story reflects the many ways one person can make a lasting difference, not just through a single role, but through a lifetime of service to others.
Honoring Ida Walker
Service has been the foundation of Ida Walker’s extraordinary career. As Senior Executive Aide for the Tampa Police Department, Ida has dedicated more than four decades to strengthening her community through leadership, advocacy, and mentorship. Her work has touched countless lives, both within law enforcement and throughout the broader Tampa Bay community.
Ida’s connection to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay reflects that same lifelong commitment to service. As an alum Big, she has personally stepped into the role of mentor, offering guidance and support to a young person who needed it most. She also played an instrumental role in launching the Chief’s Challenge for Bowl for Kids’ Sake more than 20 years ago, helping build a lasting partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters and the law enforcement community.
Beyond her work with BBBS, Ida has supported numerous youth initiatives and civic efforts, including her involvement in the Fearless Four Historical Monument and as co-chair of Tampa’s Soulwalk, both of which celebrate the city’s rich history and culture.
Throughout her 43-year career, Ida has received many honors, including the Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award, Employee of the Year, and the Unsung Hero Award. Yet those who know her best understand that her greatest impact lies in the way she consistently uplifts others and brings people together.
Through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication, Ida Walker represents the very best of community partnership and service.
Join Us in Celebrating
The Hall of Fame Celebration is an opportunity for our community to come together in recognition of individuals who have dedicated their time, talent, and leadership to making a difference.
On May 13, 2026, we invite supporters, partners, and friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay to join us as we celebrate these extraordinary honorees and the lasting impact of mentorship in our region.
Their stories remind us that when one person chooses to mentor, encourage, and lead, the ripple effect can transform countless lives.
