Brian Haas Concludes Term as Board Chair + UWCF Elects New Officers & Directors
Brian Haas Concludes Term as Board Chair for United Way of Central Florida
During the June 18 board meeting, United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) celebrated the conclusion of State Attorney Brian Haas’s impactful year as Board Chair. With a strong sense of accomplishment and gratitude, Haas passed the torch to incoming Chair Jonathan Crain, ushering in a new chapter of leadership and community service.
A Year of Impact and Inspiration
Under Haas’s leadership, UWCF continued to raise awareness about the challenges faced by ALICE families—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—who represent the hardworking backbone of our community. These are the individuals we encounter every day at the store, during school pickup, and at work. By supporting ALICE families, UWCF strengthens the entire community.
In the past year alone, United Way served nearly 187,000 individuals through 78 agencies and 168 programs across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. This remarkable reach underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to creating lasting change.
Welcoming New Leadership
As part of the annual transition, the board confirmed its 2025 Slate of Officers and Executive Committee:
- Chair: Jonathan Crain
- Chair Elect: Superintendent Fred Heid
- Vice-Chair: Nick Plott
- Treasurer: Fran McAskill
- Secretary: Brittany Sale
- Resource Development Chair: Lauren Saunders Feaster
- Community Impact Cabinet Chair: Brian Donnelly
- Community Investment Team Committee Chair: Virginia Kalil
- Highlands County Chair: Brian Norris
- Governance and Board Development Committee Chair: Rick Garcia
- Immediate Past Chair: State Attorney Brian Haas, 10th Judicial Circuit (Polk, Highlands, & Hardee Counties)
Honoring Service and Welcoming New Faces
The board also recognized the contributions of eight retiring members:
- Tip Fowler
- Lauren Giordano
- Joe Gleason
- Sam Killebrew
- Scott Sjoblom
- Michael Tamney
- Tax Collector Joe Tedder (Polk County)
- Ali Wright
New board members include:
- Kristin Aiken
- Virginia Kalil
- Tineshia Morris
- Supervisor of Elections Melony Bell (Polk County)
- Kristy Goff
- Dawn Willis
- Fran McAskill
The board continues to be strengthened by a diverse group of community leaders, including:
- Mayor Omar Arroyo (Haines City)
- Jenny Baker
- Commissioner Bill Braswell (Polk County)
- Dr. Naomi Boyer
- Sheriff Vent Crawford (Hardee County)
- Commissioner Don Elwell (Highlands County)
- Ian Floyd
- Tom Garthwaite
- Dana Hurley
- Kim Long
- Erica Lupercio
- Larry Mitchell
- Paul Noris
- Callie Neslund
- Dr. Andy Oguntola
- Ana Wood Rogers
- Emily Spath
Looking Ahead
As Brian Haas steps into his new role as Immediate Past Chair, his legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire. With a strong foundation and a passionate team, United Way of Central Florida is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Thank you to each community leader who gives their time to serve on the United Way of Central Florida board.
