
Board of Directors

John Pedicone
John serves as the President of GFS, since its pre-launch in 2018. John is the founder and developer of MathBee and has been the chief officer of the program since 2011.
John has been a Computer Engineer for Synopsys, Inc. for the past 23 years in the consulting services division. His main expertise is in the design of computer chips for advanced technologies including ultrasound, cell phones, the internet, and computer graphics. John has held both technical and leadership roles in the industry at Synopsys and also at General Electric and Lockheed Martin. He has extensive volunteer and organizational experience as a math tutor, a founder of the Math Bee and the Robotics program over the past 9 years. His passion for math drew him to found MathBee in order to create excitement for math among ALL students. With the goal to enhance math skills and student’s confidence, while at the same time providing opportunity for talented students to gain district wide recognition for their accomplishments.
Lawrence Johnson
Lawrence serves as GFS board member and Robotics area lead since November 2019.
Lawrence currently work for Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a Procurement Quality Engineer. JPL is the leading U.S. center for robotic exploration of the solar system and has 19 spacecraft and 10 major instruments carrying out planetary, Earth science, and space- based astronomy missions. With his career experience Lawrence brings current robotic technology to the GFS organization.
Lawrence is passionate about the opportunity GFS provides to youth, to get hands-on experience in developing programs and building robots. In addition, he appreciates the potential in GFS to help students work in teams which is an important soft skill to possess for children as they progress through school and in their careers. Lawrence is committed to giving back to the community and to reach more children and attempt to influence them to consider a career path in the STEAM fields
Fred White
Fred serves as GFS board member, and HR area lead since March 2019.
Fred brings with him over forty years of executive work experience in a corporate environment. He had recently retired as Senior Director and Ombudsperson at Universal Orlando Resort. Fred Held numerous leadership positions specializing in Human Resources and Developed and designed strategic programs that supported and promoted a high performing and inclusive workforce. His extensive work experience, leadership and prior community service involvements provides tremendous positive contribution to GFS and added value both as a collaborator and as a role model.
Fred is committed to supporting under-resourced youth especially in providing opportunities to enhance their STEM related skills and knowledge. He sees the great opportunity in GFS to reach kids that may have no other avenue to enhance their knowledge of STEAM programs.
Renée Schneider
Renee has served as a board member of Go Full Steam since April 2020. Renée is the founder and developer of ArtWorks-Orlando and has been the chief officer and instructor of ArtWorks since 2003. Renée is a proud member of the Go Full Steam Founder’s Circle
Renee spent six years as a public-school teacher before leaving teaching to attend Virginia Commonwealth University and pursue a degree in Communication Arts and Design. Upon completion Renée was hired by the Walt Disney Company and spent over ten years working first as an Art Director then as a Design Manager. As Design Manager she hired, supervised and art directed a staff of ten designers and managed a million-dollar design budget. Renée and her team completed projects for the Disney Parks and Resorts, and Disney Cruise Line.
Since leaving Disney Renée has used her artistic talents and teaching skills to help children who are hurting, launching ArtWorks-Orlando in 2003. Since 2003 ArtWorks has brought the healing power of the arts to over 1,500 disadvantaged children. Renée also currently serves on the board for the Winter Garden Art Association and initiated, developed and leads their community outreach for disadvantaged children. Renée’s work has been recognized by a Jefferson Award for Outstanding Community Service, a Women of Distinction Award and a $23,000 grant from Dr. Phillips Charities
