Executive Committee
President
Karen Wortman, CP, FRP
WhiteBird, PLLC
Karen Wortman is a Certified and Florida Registered Paralegal with over 10 years of experience in estate planning, guardianship, and probate/trust administration and litigation. She became a member of the Paralegal Association of Florida in 2014 and moved into the Secretary position of the Brevard Chapter in 2015. After serving two years as Secretary, she became President of the Brevard Chapter, and she served in that capacity until 2020. After taking a break from board positions for a few years to attend to her family and career obligations, Karen returned to serve as First Vice President of the Paralegal Association of Florida in 2025 and is currently serving as President for 2026. In her spare time, Karen enjoys writing, playing pickleball, attending live music shows, and visiting craft breweries around the state.
1st Vice President
Kristina Schiraldi, MBA, ACP, FRP
Kristina M. Schiraldi, MBA, ACP, FRP is an accomplished legal professional with more than 20 years of in-house experience supporting national and global companies in Florida across complex, high-growth industries. In December 2024, she joined Merrimac Ventures, a leading real estate investment and development firm, as its inaugural Manager of Legal Affairs, where she oversees legal operations and provides strategic support across corporate, transactional, and real estate matters.
Kristina holds an MBA with a specialization in International Business from Florida Atlantic University and is a Florida Registered Paralegal through The Florida Bar. She is also an Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) in Discovery, Contract Management/Administration, and Real Estate Principles—credentials earned through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). A dedicated member of NALA since earning her certification in 2007, Kristina was appointed to NALA’s Continuing Education Council in August 2024.
Since 2016, Kristina has been an active leader within the Paralegal Association of Florida (PAF), serving in multiple board roles at both the chapter and state levels, including Vice President, President, and NALA Liaison. Her long-standing commitment to the profession reflects her passion for lifelong learning, mentorship, and elevating the standards of paralegal practice. She continues to give back as a volunteer mentor in the Broward College Paralegal Mentor/Mentee and Paralegal Eagle Programs.
Outside of her professional work, Kristina enjoys running. After completing six full marathons, she now focuses on half marathons—finding them a more balanced and manageable way to stay active while pursuing her many professional and volunteer commitments.
2nd Vice President
Jodee Buck, ACP, FCP, FRP
Publix Corporation
Jodee L. Buck is an advanced certified paralegal with more than 25 years of legal experience primarily in the fields of Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Corporate, and Government law. She currently works at Weiss Law out of Boca Raton, Florida. Jodee received her AA degree from Keiser University in 2004 and completed her paralegal certification with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). In 2023, Jodee was honored with NALA's Affiliate Award. Keiser University featured Jodee in a testimonial commercial for their institution. In 2006 Jodee completed the requirements to become a Florida Certified Paralegal as well as a Florida Registered Paralegal and in 2020 took the NALA exam to become an Advanced Certified Paralegal in Real Estate. She was the President of the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc., and remains a member of the Treasure Coast Chapter. She has devoted many years supporting the United Way and March of Dimes. Jodee has been with her husband since 1997, and they have a beautiful daughter and reside in Vero Beach, Florida. She also has a Boston Terrier, a Blue Tick Coon Hound, a black cat, 3 snakes (small ones), and a squirrel. Jodee’s hobbies include taking care of the zoo at home, dancing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
