United Way Staff

Administrative

Christina Criser Jackson

President & CEO

(863) 648-1500, ext. 246

Christina, a graduate of the University of Florida, has dedicated her life to nonprofit work. With a master’s degree in family, youth and community sciences, Christina is passionate about improving lives and strengthening our community. Starting her career at United Way Worldwide, Christina has served our Central Florida community for over a decade.

She is a member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Florida Caucus. Christina is also a graduate of the UWW Advanced Leadership Program.

Jes Garcia

Director of Executive Operations

Mandi Mitchell

Human Resources Coordinator

Peyton Wallace

Reception

Resource Development

Stacy Walsh

Vice President of Resource Development

(863) 648-1500, ext. 238

Stacy, a lifelong resident of Central Florida, has spent the past two decades working in nonprofit development and marketing. She is a graduate of Florida Southern College and knew early on that she wanted to dedicate her life to community initiatives and outreach.

Stacy has a passion for helping others and cultivating relationships in the community. She has served on several local boards including the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, PACE Center for Girls, and SPCA Florida. She is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland (Class XXXIV) and Leadership Polk (Class XIII). In her spare time, Stacy enjoys traveling, photography, cheering on the Denver Broncos and spending time with her husband Ryan.

Emily Cox

Senior Director of Philanthropy

Makenna Hansel

Administrative Assistant

Beth Hill

Manager of Corporate Philanthropy

Andrea Oliver-Clarke

Manager of Philanthropy

Deanne Shanklin

Highlands County Manager

Dale Stills

Senior Director of Resource Development

Marcus Wright, Jr.

Resource Development Manager

Community Impact

Rod Crowley

Chief Operating Officer

(863) 648-1500, ext. 275

Rod Crowley has degrees from Washington State University (Bachelor of Science); University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Master of Education); and Southeastern University (Doctor of Education). Rod was a highly successful educator in Washington state, followed by an equally successful career in warehousing and transportation management in both Nevada and Florida.

He is also an avid runner and triathlete and has been a nonprofit volunteer and board member and chair for many organizations. Above all, Rod’s true passion is his wife, Jeanette, and family in Florida and Washington state.

Christy Apisa

Community Impact Manager

Pam Armstrong

Master Teacher

Carolyn Burnett

ReadingPals Program Manager

Gretchen Ceranic

Director of Success By 6

Ashley Clark

Master Teacher

Lori Dawson

Community Wellness Quality Assurance Auditor

Nelly Figueroa

Community Wellness Navigator

Jill Gellibert

Community Wellness Navigator

Joy Getsee

Community Wellness Navigator

Monica Holley-Workman

Visitation Coordinator

Amber Johnson

Early Childhood Education Coordinator

Scott Lonsberry

Community Project Manager & Analyst

June May

Director of Community Resources

Jessica Pease

Community Impact Assistant

Ann Marie Russell

Lead Community Wellness Navigator

Amber Qureshi

Success By 6 Program Manager

Marketing

Katherine Fitzwater

Vice President of Marketing & Communications

(863) 648-1500, ext. 243

Katherine may have been born in Gainesville, but she is a Lakelander through and through. She has a bachelor’s degree in advertising from University of Florida and has worked in public relations and marketing since 2013 before joining the UWCF team in June 2019.

Katherine, a recipient of six American Advertising Federation of Polk County awards, has been a proud United Way supporter for years and is an active member of the Young Leaders Society. She is also a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class XXXIV and serves on the board of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.

Lance Ferguson

Communications Coordinator

Jordan Weiland

Marketing Content Strategist

Finance

Jill Martin

Chief Financial Officer

(863) 648-1500, ext. 256 | jill.martin@uwcf.org

Lakeland native Jill Martin has served as UWCF’s CFO since 1997. Jill graduated from Florida Southern College with a BS in Business Administration and post graduate degree in Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant, as well as a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Before coming to UWCF, Jill worked at the Polk County Tax Collector’s office as the Finance Director. Jill is happily married to her husband, Leo, and has one daughter, Megan.

Chris Hafer

Staff Accountant

John Hardesty

Director of Finance

Brandy Mister

Accounting Associate

Cheryl Pierstorff

Accounting Associate

Xochitl Rodarte

Accounting Associate

Our Mission

To inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.

Our Vision

To unite our community and empower everyone to achieve their full potential.

Contact Us

BY MAIL
PO Box 1357,
Highland City, FL 33846

BY PHONE
863.648.1500

VISIT US
5605 US Highway 98 S.
Lakeland, FL 33812

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