United Way Suncoast board members bring a variety of talents into their bi-monthly meetings: seasoned wisdom, expert guidance, helpful questions, and supportive insight.
But they never bring a rubber stamp.
“United Way Suncoast benefits from the leadership and commitment from amazing board members, board members who have served in several capacities from the board to committees, taskforces, and more,” said United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff. “They have given their time, talents and treasure in the best ways possible.”
The integral role played by the board includes serving as an advocate for United Way Suncoast by providing strategic leadership to the organization, overseeing United Way Suncoast’s financial operations, and keeping its fingers on the pulse on the broad impact of UWS’s work.
Nichols Takes Over As Chair
A diverse mix of professionals from across the organization’s five-county region, the board recently went through some changes by installing a new chair and adding new members at its annual meeting in December.
Sara Nichols, the chief financial officer for AppSpace, shifts into the role of chair.
“What I love about United Way is that they can really show the results and speak to the results,” Nichols said in a Mission Monday Moment recorded in 2024. “I’m a results-driven person so that’s what makes me feel good, that my energy is translating into true value for the community.”
Camp To Continue To Serve
Nichols, who has served on the board since 2019, takes over for James Camp, who completed his term as chair at the end of the year. While at the helm, Camp, the managing director for Eagle Asset Management, gave a stirring speech about how a phlebotomist once trained by United Way Suncoast shared how much her new job had changed her life. For a long-time donor and supporter, the encounter proved to be a full-circle moment as he witnessed the direct impact of his support. Camp, who has served on the board since 2021, will move into the past immediate chair role.
“James’ insights and commitment to our work are inspiring,” Jessica said. “We couldn’t have had a better board chair to lead us through the challenges of 2024. I am equally as excited about the leadership of Sara Nichols. Sara has been a longtime board member, leader of our Tocqueville cabinet and Women United. She brings a wealth of professional expertise that will help United Way Suncoast continue its second century of service with strength.”
Four others round out the United Way Suncoast executive committee: Vice Chair Chad Loar, PNC Regional President; Secretary Lori Baggett, PODS Chief Legal Officer; Treasurer Traci Larsen, Regions Bank Florida Regional Credit Executive.
Four New Board Members Join
United Way Suncoast also installed four new board members at its annual board meeting in December: Renee Baker, CEO and founder of the RBI Group; Serenity Village CEO Gary Hartfield; Florida Blue West Florida Market President Phillip Lee; Fifth Third Bank Vice President and Retail Executive Jessica Tressler.
The board additions come with four board members rolling off: Raymond James Senior Vice President Bruce Body; Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Public Policy Director Michelle Grimsley; former Hillsborough School Board Member Candy Olson and Fifth Third Bank Senior Vice President Mike Smith. Muroff said UWS will miss the contributions of all four, but it’s “see you later,” not “goodbye.”
“This is why we launched Alumni United to keep our board members connected beyond their board service to UWS,” Muroff said. “Each one of them brought their unique skill set to enhance the work of United Way. Bruce Body was always there for us when it came to understanding community needs in Manatee County and his long history of supporting operational transitions of the organization over his decades of service to UWS.
“Candy was always someone we could count on for advancing our public policy issues, most importantly championing our education efforts, and helping us expertly navigate the most effective strategies to this end. Michelle was also a supportive voice in our public policy efforts, especially in Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto Counties. Finally, Mike Smith’s commitment to our Financial Security efforts was so valued and appreciated. As you can see, board members can find a place for their passions and UWS, we are a better place because of them.”
