Effective July 1, United Way Suncoast will evolve the current positions of Area President to bring even greater local leadership and a sharper focus to their local community impact.
TAMPA, FL – May 28, 2020 – United Way Suncoast has been a catalyst for positive systemic change in the community for nearly 100 years. Achieving long-lasting, impactful change requires leadership as a strategic community partner and convener to non-profits and public/private sectors across the five counties it serves.
United Way Suncoast is creating two new Chief Impact Officer roles. Emery Ivery, currently the Area President of Tampa Bay, will transition to become United Way Suncoast’s Chief Impact Officer (CIO) of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Emery has nearly 30 years of experience working with United Way, including senior-level management positions in Tacoma, Wash., Orlando, Fla., and his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. In March 2006, Emery brought his talents to United Way Suncoast as the Vice President of Community & Partnership Development. Emery holds a master’s degree in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University. Emery is an avid reader and runner who lives in Apollo Beach with his wife, Annette.
“We have a talented team of staff and board members who are dedicated to making a difference in our community. I am proud to be part of this team and look forward to working with our strategic partners to help individuals and families who need us now more than ever”, says Emery Ivery.
Bronwyn Beightol, currently the Area President of Manatee County, will become the CIO for Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties.
Over 12 years ago, Bronwyn began her United Way career at United Way of Manatee County and was part of the leadership team when they merged three years ago with United Way Suncoast. She served as Interim Area President in Sarasota and DeSoto two years ago. Under her tenure she has worked with her team to lead the transformation of United Way’s role in our community, developed a Community Impact agenda, integrated community into United Way’s impact and established several initiatives including ReadingPals, LearningPals, Reading Rooms, and The Big Plan.
The impetus for these changes is the retirement of Sue Wetzel, Area President of Sarasota and DeSoto counties, effective June 30. Sue has been an outstanding leader, driving growth in United Way Suncoast programs and reach. The pending vacancy led to an evaluation and transformation of leadership within the United Way Suncoast structure to better fit the ever-changing needs of the community.
Sue Wetzel will continue to assist with the transition through the month of June. Both Bronwyn and Emery will continue to leverage the skills and capabilities of team members across the organization and both will continue to work closely with our community partners.
Sue relocated to the Sarasota area from New Jersey in 2017 and immediately connected with United Way as a volunteer, spearheading the relaunch of its Women United affinity group and joining the Sarasota Area Board. In 2018, Sue joined the United Way Suncoast staff as Sarasota Area President, transitioning her long-time passion as a donor and volunteer to her professional life here on the Suncoast.
As a community volunteer over the past 30 years, Sue has served numerous Board and committee terms with United Way of Northern New Jersey, Vice Chair of the United Way of Northern New Jersey Design Team, Chairperson of the UWNNJ Women’s Leadership Council and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for The Center for Great Expectations. She is also a graduate of the Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Sarasota Class of 2018.
Sue has been recognized with the 2017 UWNNJ Women in Philanthropy Award, 2007 Boy Scouts of America, 2003 Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN); 1999 and 2000 J&J Health Care Systems Chairman’s Award Recipient; United Way of Somerset County Volunteer Excellence Award; Business and Professional Women, Career Woman of the Year.
“It’s been an honor to serve both Sarasota and DeSoto counties as the United Way Area President for the past couple of years. I’m proud of the work our team has done to invest, support and bring value to the ALICE families in our communities. I am very optimistic about the impact that will continue to be created, both locally and regionally, by United Way in the future.” Sue Wetzel
“The most important part of this is elevating our community impact work. Both Emery and Bronwyn will continue to be visible community leaders, convening strategic partners, remaining connected to our boards, and leading this important high-impact work. This will only enhance our ability to raise awareness of United Way Suncoast’s impact in our communities” says Jessica Muroff – CEO of United Way Suncoast.
About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast fights for the education and financial stability of every person in the community through educational programs that give children the skills to succeed, helping adults achieve long-term financial stability and activating caring individuals through volunteerism. We are proud to serve the people of DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties by operating and funding services and programs to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.
