Administrative
Christina Criser Jackson
President & CEO
(863) 648-1500, ext. 246 | christina.criser@uwcf.org
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 strengthing 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. She and her husband, Eric, are expecting their first child in 2020.
Jan Askey
Executive Assistant
United Way of Central Florida
Nelly Figueroa
Receptionist
United Way of Central Florida
Mandi Mitchell
Human Resources Coordinator
United Way of Central Florida
Resource Development
Ansley Woods
Vice President of Resource Development
(863) 648-1500, ext. 284 | ansley.woods@uwcf.org
Ansley Woods started with United Way of Central Florida in 2015 and currently acts as Vice President of Resource Development. She has a bachelor’s degree in christian education from Huntingdon College and a master’s degree in Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Ansley and her husband, Dustin, live in Highlands County and have the joy of serving at Grace Bible Church where Dustin pastors. Ansley loves people and is thankful to be a part of the UWCF team that is committed to creating lasting change in our community.
Christy Apisa
Resource Development Manager
United Way of Central Florida
Danielle Baker
Director of Philanthropy
United Way of Central Florida
Emily Cox
Resource Development Manager
United Way of Central Florida
Jess Garcia
Resource Development Manager
United Way of Central Florida
Sarah Beth Rodgers
Highlands County Coordinator
United Way of Central Florida
Deanne Shanklin
Resource Development Administrative Assistant
United Way of Central Florida
Dale Stills
Senior Director of Resource Development
United Way of Central Florida
Becky Troutman
Director of Major Gifts
United Way of Central Florida
Community Impact
Penny Borgia
Chief Operating Officer
(863) 648-1500, ext. 275 | penny.borgia@uwcf.org
Penny came to UWCF as the Director of Success By 6 in 2003 and later served as VP of Community Impact before becoming COO in 2006. Penny works with community partners to coordinate the study of community needs and facilitates initiatives to improve our community. Penny serves on a variety of advisory committees including the Steering Team for Polk’s first Community Partnership School.
Penny graduated from Florida State University and completed graduate coursework at UNF and the Gesell Institute. After teaching pre-k through 5th grade, she served for twenty years as the CEO & President of an award winning intergenerational preschool and adult day care program. She and her husband have three children. Her seven grandchildren are the joy of her life.
Pam Armstrong
Master Teacher
United Way of Central Florida
Amber Duncan
Family Fundamentals Master Teacher and Parent Lending Library Program Manager
United Way of Central Florida
Amber Johnson
Master Teacher
United Way of Central Florida
Scott Lonsberry
Community Project Manager & Analyst
United Way of Central Florida
Jodi Miller
Director of Success By 6
United Way of Central Florida
Sylvia Palmer
ReadingPals Manager
United Way of Central Florida
Coleen Pizzuti
Family Fundamentals Program Manager
United Way of Central Florida
Amber Qureshi
Success By 6 Administrative Assistant
United Way of Central Florida
Stephen Chase Robinson
Family Fundamentals Nighttime Desk Clerk
United Way of Central Florida
Jonda Schapeler
Family Fundamentals Administrative Assistant
United Way of Central Florida
Jessica Vecchio
Director of Community Resources
United Way of Central Florida
Marketing
Katherine Fitzwater
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
(863) 648-1500, ext. 243 | katherine.fitzwater@uwcf.org
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.
Keely Coulter
Director of IT
United Way of Central Florida
Lance Ferguson
Communications Coordinator
United Way of Central Florida
Justin Pugh
Marketing Coordinator
United Way of Central Florida
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.
John Hardesty
Director of Finance
United Way of Central Florida
Kaitlyn Marcum
Donor Services
United Way of Central Florida
Matt Minich
Staff Accountant
United Way of Central Florida
Jackie Ouzts
Donor Services
United Way of Central Florida
Amanda Red
Donor Services
United Way of Central Florida
