United Way celebrates past year

On August 15, United Way of West Florida celebrated its successes from the 2022-23 season and rallied attendees to join the organization to be agents of change in the coming year.

“Our Annual Meeting is a time when we say thank you to the individuals, businesses and agencies that help us achieve our mission in the community,” said United Way of West Florida President and CEO Laura Gilliam. “This year we thanked our board for its support and welcomed new board members. And, of course, a highlight is our community awards.  We welcome the opportunity to celebrate the transformational work that is being done in our community.”

2023-24 Board Officers and Board

• Chair – Todd Phillips, Navy Federal Credit Union
• Vice-chair – Brian Wyer, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce
• Secretary – Tony Kisner, Florida Blue
• Treasurer – Clare Hanszel, Warren Averett/Tom Della Flora, Baptist Health Care

Individuals joining the board this year are:

• Johnny Fayard, Synovus Bank
• Jeff Fletcher, Lakeview Center
• Heather Hyde, Jacobs
• Muriel Merritt, Publix, Pace Store
• Denise Myrick, City of Pensacola
• Jen Mostert, Saltmarsh, Cleaveland and Gund
• Jeremy Ruffin, Ruff Path

Awards

The nonprofit hands out five awards annually, honoring those who demonstrate a spirit of community service and a commitment to helping others.  This year’s winners are:

• Rayell Irish Award (Outstanding Social Worker)
• Kelly Murry, Health and Hope Clinic
• Partner Agency of the Year
• ReadyKids!
• Distinguished Business Partner
• Navy Federal Credit Union
• United Way Service Award
• Brian Wyer, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce
• Distinguished Community Service Award
• Jennifer Grove, Baptist Health Care

Top Campaigns

United Way also recognized its Top 5 Campaigns. These workplace campaigns donated the most money in the past year, through employee and corporate contributions.

1. Publix
2. Florida Power & Light
3. Ascend Performance Materials
4. Navy Federal Credit Union
5. Regions Bank

Susan Amburg, Director of Development, introduced this year’s ambassadors and spoke to the importance of raising funds to support United Way’s mission and work.  “United Way of West Florida had $4 million of impact in the community this year by leveraging the support given to us by so many generous individuals and companies. We are so grateful and honored by their generosity.”

Become an agent of change! Learn more uwwf.org.