Lexi Burnett

Emotional Support Manager

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

Ileana Kniss

Chief Development and Marketing Officer

(863) 648-1500, ext. 238

Ileana Kniss was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and moved to Lakeland, FL when she was 7. As a longtime resident, Ileana is a graduate of Lakeland High School. She went on to earn a BA in Communications from the University of Central Florida. Ileana has more than 15 years’ experience in fundraising/development and community relations working at established organizations such as the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, GiveWell Community Foundation, Lakeland Regional Foundation, Polk State College Foundation and Peace River Center.

Ileana is a past-president of the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland and the Polk County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class XXX; and a graduate of Polk Vision’s Leadership Polk Class VII.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, time outdoors and giving back to the community. Ileana enjoys being a boy mom to two boys 16 and 13, and is married to her high school sweetheart, Gregg.

Beth Hill

Senior Director of Workplace Campaigns

Sydney Lawhorn

Resource Development Coordinator

Jordan LeVine

Resource Development Manager

Liz Lind

Highlands County Manager

Andrea Oliver-Clarke

Manager of Philanthropy

Alan Veith

Retiree Giving Specialist

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 Nevada and Florida.

Rod is a member of the Polk Sheriff’s Advisory Council and is Co-Chair of the Polk Vision Food Security Council and has been a nonprofit volunteer and board member and chair for many organizations. He and his wife Jeanette enjoy hiking, kayaking, pickleball, and cycling and both recently completed the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon.

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

Makenna Hansel

Success By 6 Coordinator

Monica Holley-Workman

Visitation Coordinator

Amber Johnson

Early Childhood Education Coordinator

June May

Director of Community Resources

Jessica Pease

Community Impact Manager

Amanda Red

Community Wellness Monitor and Reporter

Ann Marie Russell

Lead Community Wellness Navigator

Eileen Scheffel

Community Wellness Navigator

Amber Qureshi

Success By 6 Program Manager

Beth Yale

Community Impact Assistant

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

John Rounds

Chief Financial Officer

(863) 648-1500, ext. 267

John, a Winter Haven native, graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accounting major) and a Master of Business Administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant, as well as a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Florida Government Finance Officers Association.

John has over ten years’ experience working with not-for-profit and related organizations. Before joining UWCF, he worked at Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and as an auditor serving numerous not-for-profit organizations.

Chris Hafer

Staff Accountant

John Hardesty

Director of Finance

Jill Martin

Outgoing Chief Financial Officer

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

Stay Connected

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: United Way of Central Florida, 5605 US HWY 98 South, Lakeland, FL, 33812, http://www.uwcf.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Get Involved

About Us
Our Work
Give
Advocate
Volunteer
Find Help