Immediate Past-President's Message

Dear Members of the Florida Association of Private Investigators,

Leadership is not about titles, it’s about impact. Over the past 3 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside incredible individuals who are dedicated to this organization’s mission. Though my term has ended, my commitment to our cause remains unwavering. Thank you for allowing me to serve.

For that end, in March of this year, we held our annual litigation conference. This event provided members and participants with a deeper appreciation for the investigative process at its finest. We proudly supported CEUs from North Carolina, South Carolina, Minnesota, Tennessee, and the Florida Bar Association, which helped facilitate CLEs and CEUs for continuing education.

Our speakers were extraordinary, purposeful, relevant, and incredibly generous in giving their time to help elevate our profession. The networking opportunities were invaluable, strengthening our connections and fostering collaboration within the industry.

I have served as President of FAPI for two years and was later asked to return in an interim capacity. I did so without hesitation because FAPI is more than just an organization, it is a family. And with that said, let me introduce you to my FAPI family:

• Larry Gould, First Vice President—He is a retired FBI agent and friend. We worked together on the Terrorist Task Force in NYC when I was a Detective out of Major Case Squad. His experience and leadership are invaluable.
• Reggie Montgomery, Second Vice President – Retired NJ Police officer and a relentless professional, deeply networked across numerous agencies. His dedication to improving and uplifting our industry through relationships with INTELLENET and other organizations is remarkable.
• Ollie Phipps, Third Vice President – A true outside-the-box thinker who constantly offers his insights and resources to those in need.
• Jeff Lang, Treasurer – Ever-vigilant in ensuring we maintain financial stability while maximizing our resources. His oversight keeps us on track.
• Bobbie Prichard, Secretary – A tenacious investigator and an invaluable asset to our team.

I must also recognize two individuals who have been instrumental in shaping FAPI:

• Harvey Morse, Founder—One of the hardest-working advocates for our industry, he always prioritizes what is best for the profession, never personal gain.
• Ari Morse, Co-Founder – A wealth of knowledge on everything from conference logistics to legislative connections in Tallahassee that help us create a better environment for private investigators.

This is my FAPI family, along with all our members—and I am incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to serve alongside them.

Although my role as interim president is coming to an end, I will continue serving on the executive board as Immediate Past President. I am also excited to take on new projects, including launching a newsletter within the next few months. This newsletter will keep our members informed of the latest industry laws, best practices for advertising, and current events affecting our profession.

Serving in this leadership role has been both challenging and rewarding. This is not my first time leading a professional organization—I previously served as President of the Society of Professional Investigators and in local Government in Staten Island, NY. However, FAPI has been a uniquely fulfilling experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its success.

I step down with confidence, knowing that Carrie Kerskie will be taking the helm as Madam President. She is a person of great character and an expert in identity theft, fraud, and cyber threats. Organized, tech-savvy, and approachable, she is the right leader to guide FAPI forward.

Though my term has ended, my commitment to this organization and its success remains unwavering.

Fraternally,
John Gaspar