United Way Suncoast welcomes Mike McCollum as its new Chief Philanthropy Officer.
In this role, McCollum will oversee the Resource Development division, which includes the Corporate Philanthropy, Individual Philanthropy and Philanthropic Engagement (Volunteer) departments. McCollum also will be part of United Way Suncoast’s executive team and report directly to Chief Executive Officer Jessica Muroff.
United Way Suncoast will also amplify the role of Ernest Hooper, who now becomes the organization’s Chief Communications Officer. Hooper has handled various marketing and communications efforts for United Way Suncoast since March 2021 and will continue to guide that work in this expanded role.
Excited To Add New Leader
McCollum joins United Way Suncoast from the Hillsborough Education Foundation, where he served as Chief Advancement Officer for six years. In that role, Michael earned praise for successfully soliciting and stewarding high-dollar funders and donors while maintaining key strategic partnerships with major entities.
“We’re excited to add Mike to the team,” Muroff said. “I’ve long admired his work with HEF, one of our strategic community partners, and I know he’s the right person to extend our successful philanthropic efforts. Mike is ready to help us ignite 2024 as our centennial year and steer us into greater success as we move into our second century of service.
“As for Ernest, he’s played a key role in helping us prepare for our Centennial Celebration, and his communication skills and network of connections has proven invaluable for the organization.”
Familiar with United Way
Before his role at the education foundation, McCollum was Executive Director II at Bob Gilbertson Central City YMCA/Downtown Wellness Center from 2015-2017 and before that, as the Executive Director at Sulphur Springs YMCA from 2012-2014. He worked closely with United Way Suncoast team members during his tenure in Sulphur Springs.
“United Way Suncoast’s mission inspires me,” McCollum said. “We were an ALICE Family for a considerable amount of time growing up, but we had support from caring people and organizations like United Way Suncoast along the way. Therefore, I’ve dedicated my entire professional career to this work, and I’m honored to continue that journey with United Way Suncoast.”
Michael is also an active civic leader, currently serving as secretary on the Leadership Tampa Bay Board. A graduate of the University of South