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Inspiring Leaders, Transforming Communities
Meet the people who LIVE UNITED for Central Florida. Heart of Florida United Way’s team of passionate, dedicated leaders are committed to creating lasting change in Central Florida.
meet the Heart of florida united way
Leadership team
Jeff Hayward
President and CEO
Since December 2016, Jeff Hayward has served as President and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way – Central Florida’s most essential charity dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome life’s challenges by providing the support they need to meet basic needs, achieve financial stability, and reach education goals — lighting the way to a strong foundation for resilience, dignity, and a brighter future across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
Jeff Hayward
President and CEO
Since December 2016, Jeff Hayward has served as President and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way – Central Florida’s most essential charity dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome life’s challenges by providing the support they need to meet basic needs, achieve financial stability, and reach education goals — lighting the way to a strong foundation for resilience, dignity, and a brighter future across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
Jeff began his career in public service as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lynn, MA, before being elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He later served as New England Vice President for a national healthcare company and as Chief of External Affairs at United Way of Massachusetts Bay.
Under his leadership, Heart of Florida United Way has expanded cross-sector partnerships that address financial stability, education, health, and access to essential services. The organization works closely with nonprofit agencies, businesses, government leaders, and volunteers to advance collaborative solutions that improve lives throughout Central Florida.
Jeff currently serves on the boards of the Orlando Economic Partnership and CareerSource Central Florida. A graduate of Saint Anselm College, he was an Annie E. Casey Foundation Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.
Graciela Noriega Jacoby
Chief Operating Officer
Graciela was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida and moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!), where she received both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration with a certificate in Urban and Regional Planning.
Graciela Noriega Jacoby
Chief Operating Officer
Graciela was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida and moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!), where she received both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration with a certificate in Urban and Regional Planning.
She began her public service career as a Team Leader for the National Civilian Community Corps in Washington, D.C. with AmeriCorps. Graciela earned the All AmeriCorps Award, presented to her by President Bill Clinton and the late Coretta Scott King, for a foreign pen pal and cultural education program she launched in one of the outlying communities within Orange County.
Graciela’s career then led her to serve as an Aide to Orange County Commissioner Teresa Jacobs for eight years. In 2011, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs took office and Graciela became the Mayor’s Chief of Staff.
She continues to be engaged with the Central Florida community through leadership positions with several local community organizations including serving as a Board Member of Visit Orlando, City Year Orlando, Prospera, Co-Chair of Orange County Sustainability Committee, and many others.
Adrienne Evans
Chief Financial Officer
Adrienne brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience across nonprofit, community development, and complex multi-entity organizations. Most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer at ContraVest Development Partners, where she led strategic financial planning and capital structuring for a portfolio exceeding $500 million in multifamily real estate.
Adrienne Evans
Cheif Financial Officer
Adrienne brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience across nonprofit, community development, and complex multi-entity organizations. Most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer at ContraVest Development Partners, where she led strategic financial planning and capital structuring for a portfolio exceeding $500 million in multifamily real estate.
Prior to that, Adrienne spent nine years with Lift Orlando, where she served as Vice President of Shared Services. During her time there, she helped guide the organization’s growth from startup to $38 million in net assets while overseeing finance, compliance, risk management, grant management, and people operations.
Adrienne holds a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Central Florida and was recognized as an Orlando Magazine Women of the Year Honoree.
JahKiya Bell, Ed.D.
Senior Advisor to the President and CEO
JahKiya Bell, Ed.D., has dedicated more than 28 years to the nonprofit sector and to the belief that strong organizations are the backbone of thriving communities. Her journey with Heart of Florida United Way began in May 1995 as an INROADS intern, and she has grown alongside the organization ever since, bringing deepening expertise and leadership at every stage.
JahKiya Bell, ed.d.
Senior Advisor to the President and CEO
JahKiya Bell, Ed.D., has dedicated more than 28 years to the nonprofit sector and to the belief that strong organizations are the backbone of thriving communities. Her journey with Heart of Florida United Way began in May 1995 as an INROADS intern, and she has grown alongside the organization ever since, bringing deepening expertise and leadership at every stage.
Today, Dr. Bell serves as Senior Advisor to the President and CEO, working at the intersection of executive leadership, organizational effectiveness, and long-term strategy. In this role, she partners closely with the President & CEO and senior leadership team to advance institutional priorities, strengthen governance, and ensure that critical initiatives move forward with clarity and purpose.
Dr. Bell’s commitment to the sector extends well beyond Heart of Florida United Way. Since 2010, she has served as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Central Florida’s School of Public Administration in the College of Community Innovation and Education, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in program evaluation, nonprofit leadership, and organizational planning. She has also provided executive coaching and consultation services through the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College, partnering with nonprofit boards and leadership teams to strengthen governance, operations, and long-term sustainability.
Dr. Bell holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida, and a Doctor of Education in Human Services Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Administration and Human Resource Development from Nova Southeastern University. She is a recipient of both the Outstanding Alumni Award from UCF’s School of Public Administration and the Nonprofit Management Alumni Achievement Award.
Carolyn Shermer
Senior Vice President, Technology
Carolyn Shermer is the Senior Vice President of Technology for the Heart of Florida United Way. Shermer provides leadership for the continued enhancement of United Way’s innovative and secure information technology environment, setting the direction and infrastructure required to ensure goal accomplishments and results.
Carolyn Shermer
Senior Vice President, Technology
Carolyn Shermer is the Senior Vice President of Technology for the Heart of Florida United Way. Shermer provides leadership for the continued enhancement of United Way’s innovative and secure information technology environment, setting the direction and infrastructure required to ensure goal accomplishments and results.
Carolyn has more than 20 years in informational technology roles in small business, corporate, and nonprofits. Carolyn also runs her own information technology company, Zen Technology Solutions of Central Florida, LLC.
Carolyn holds an M. S. in Business Administration/Management Information Systems and a B.S. in Computer Engineering/Information Systems Technology from the University of Central Florida.
Jessica Ganson
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
As the SVP of Human Resources, Jessica is instrumental in driving strategic initiatives that foster employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. Jessica oversees our HR operations, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development. Her vision for HR is to align our people strategy with our business goals, ensuring that we not only attract and retain top talent but also empower our employees to thrive and succeed.
With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years in Human Resources and over 20 years in the non-profit industry, Jessica brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Heart of Florida United Way.
Prior to joining HFUW, Jessica held several positions at the YMCA, including Employment Director for the YMCA of Central Florida, HR Coordinator/Office Manager for the YMCA of South Florida, and various HR, marketing, and administrative roles within the YMCA system in Florida.
She is a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds a master’s degree in human resources management from the University of Central Florida.
Jessica Ganson
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
As the SVP of Human Resources, Jessica is instrumental in driving strategic initiatives that foster employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. Jessica oversees our HR operations, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development. Her vision for HR is to align our people strategy with our business goals, ensuring that we not only attract and retain top talent but also empower our employees to thrive and succeed.
With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years in Human Resources and over 20 years in the non-profit industry, Jessica brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Heart of Florida United Way.
Prior to joining HFUW, Jessica held several positions at the YMCA, including Employment Director for the YMCA of Central Florida, HR Coordinator/Office Manager for the YMCA of South Florida, and various HR, marketing, and administrative roles within the YMCA system in Florida.
She is a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds a master’s degree in human resources management from the University of Central Florida.
Kelly Astro
Senior Vice President, Community Impact
As SVP of Community Impact, Kelly leads efforts to develop the strategic direction and community impact initiatives that support Heart of Florida United Way’s mission and create positive changes in people’s lives.
With over 25 years of experience, Kelly is a dedicated leader who excels in program development, teaching, and community engagement.
Prior to joining Heart of Florida United Way, she served as the Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Community Partnership School (CPS) Director serving Evans High School. In this role, she spearheaded the redesign of the CPS model at Evans, impacting more students through on-campus healthcare services, mentoring programs, college and career readiness programming, and a redesigned resource market. Kelly led the school’s recertification as a UCF-Certified Community Partnership School.
Kelly’s passion for education blossomed during her first teaching experience in the Parramore district. After receiving her master’s degree from Drexel University, she developed the Drexel Experience, a first-year course that included a service-learning program for 2,100 first-year students in 110 Philadelphia Public Schools annually.
Returning to her alma mater, the University of Central Florida, she joined the Burnett Honors College (BHC) and redesigned the Honors Symposium, which included the largest Honors College service-learning program in the country, led a robust volunteer program, developed a study abroad program with the New York Mets and oversaw prestigious research initiatives. Her leadership resulted in national recognition and UCF receiving the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award four years in a row.
From 2016 to 2021, Kelly led the Horizon Scholars program at Valencia College, dramatically expanding the program for underprivileged high school students. Under her leadership, the program saw a fivefold increase in enrollment, with all students graduating and nearly all pursuing college degrees.
Throughout her career, Kelly has raised over $4 million for educational programs and garnered numerous awards for her service and leadership, including being recognized as an Orlando Magic “Diversity Game Changer”.
Kelly Astro
Senior Vice President, Community Impact
As SVP of Community Impact, Kelly leads efforts to develop the strategic direction and community impact initiatives that support Heart of Florida United Way’s mission and create positive changes in people’s lives.
With over 25 years of experience, Kelly is a dedicated leader who excels in program development, teaching, and community engagement.
Prior to joining Heart of Florida United Way, she served as the Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Community Partnership School (CPS) Director serving Evans High School. In this role, she spearheaded the redesign of the CPS model at Evans, impacting more students through on-campus healthcare services, mentoring programs, college and career readiness programming, and a redesigned resource market. Kelly led the school’s recertification as a UCF-Certified Community Partnership School.
Kelly’s passion for education blossomed during her first teaching experience in the Parramore district. After receiving her master’s degree from Drexel University, she developed the Drexel Experience, a first-year course that included a service-learning program for 2,100 first-year students in 110 Philadelphia Public Schools annually.
Returning to her alma mater, the University of Central Florida, she joined the Burnett Honors College (BHC) and redesigned the Honors Symposium, which included the largest Honors College service-learning program in the country, led a robust volunteer program, developed a study abroad program with the New York Mets and oversaw prestigious research initiatives. Her leadership resulted in national recognition and UCF receiving the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award four years in a row.
From 2016 to 2021, Kelly led the Horizon Scholars program at Valencia College, dramatically expanding the program for underprivileged high school students. Under her leadership, the program saw a fivefold increase in enrollment, with all students graduating and nearly all pursuing college degrees.
Throughout her career, Kelly has raised over $4 million for educational programs and garnered numerous awards for her service and leadership, including being recognized as an Orlando Magic “Diversity Game Changer”.
MICHAEL KILWEIN
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations
Michael Kilwein is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at Heart of Florida United Way.
He is a strategic, analytical, and innovative marketing and communication executive with more than 20 years of experience driving brand growth and delivering measurable results across a variety of industries including finance, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, and hospitality.
An award-winning leader for world renown brands such as Disney, Planet Hollywood and Emeril Lagasse, Michael has been recognized for training, developing, and mentoring diverse teams resulting in organizational excellence and financial success.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton where he triple-majored in management, public relations and music. During his spare time, Michael enjoys swimming, traveling and playing the piano .
Michael kilwein
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations
Michael Kilwein is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at Heart of Florida United Way.
He is a strategic, analytical, and innovative marketing and communication executive with more than 20 years of experience driving brand growth and delivering measurable results across a variety of industries including finance, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, and hospitality.
An award-winning leader for world renown brands such as Disney, Planet Hollywood and Emeril Lagasse, Michael has been recognized for training, developing, and mentoring diverse teams resulting in organizational excellence and financial success.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton where he triple-majored in management, public relations and music. During his spare time, Michael enjoys swimming, traveling and playing the piano .
PATRICK RATH
Senior Vice President, Development and External Relations
Patrick Rath has served as a non-profit leader the past thirty years for united funds, arts and culture, and health care foundations.
Recognized as a 40-under-40 honoree, Patrick builds development and external relations teams that deepen stakeholder relationships and expand the overall base of support. Driven by organizational mission, he has developed engaging membership and governance structures that leads to greater volunteer participation and donor retention.
Patrick extends his professional service to many area boards including the Central Florida Association of Fundraising Professionals.
PATRICK RATH
Senior Vice President, Development and External Relations
Patrick Rath has served as a non-profit leader the past thirty years for united funds, arts and culture, and health care foundations.
Recognized as a 40-under-40 honoree, Patrick builds development and external relations teams that deepen stakeholder relationships and expand the overall base of support. Driven by organizational mission, he has developed engaging membership and governance structures that leads to greater volunteer participation and donor retention.
Patrick extends his professional service to many area boards including the Central Florida Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Catherine Rea
Vice President, 211 and Crisis Services
Catherine Rea joined Heart of Florida United Way in 2019 and is former CEO of Community Information and Referral Services, provider of statewide 211 and HMIS services in Arizona. Prior to this, Catherine was Director for Livingston County Human Services in Michigan for nearly 10 years, administering over 30 human service programs, in addition to starting regional and statewide 211 programs.
Catherine Rea
Vice President, 211 and Crisis Services
Catherine Rea joined Heart of Florida United Way in 2019 and is former CEO of Community Information and Referral Services, provider of statewide 211 and HMIS services in Arizona. Prior to this, Catherine was Director for Livingston County Human Services in Michigan for nearly 10 years, administering over 30 human service programs, in addition to starting regional and statewide 211 programs.
Catherine is a former Legislative Aide for the Michigan House of Representatives, and currently serves as Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors for the National Inform USA (formally Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS)) and as Chair of the AIRS Public Policy Committee.
Catherine has been a longtime local, state, and national nonprofit advocate, and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degrees in public administration and nonprofit administration.
Heath Wells
Vice President, Community Impact
Most recently serving as the Director of Community Engagement on the Strategic Impact and Community Engagement team, Heath has given over a decade of leadership to HFUW. Known for his thoughtful and strategic leadership style, Heath has been instrumental in leading numerous programs over the course of his career – including Orlando Health Pathways, AmeriCorps, Destination Graduation and more. Prior to his impact at HFUW, Heath spent over 10 years serving in leadership capacities at the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools.
Heath Wells
Vice President, Community Impact
Most recently serving as the Director of Community Engagement on the Strategic Impact and Community Engagement team, Heath has given over a decade of leadership to HFUW. Known for his thoughtful and strategic leadership style, Heath has been instrumental in leading numerous programs over the course of his career – including Orlando Health Pathways, AmeriCorps, Destination Graduation and more. Prior to his impact at HFUW, Heath spent over 10 years serving in leadership capacities at the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools.
Lynnea Crawford
Vice President, Events and Experiences
Lynnea Crawford first joined the team at Heart of Florida United Way in 2016 as the ReadingPals Coordinator and continuing to grow in the organization by way of the Director of Events and Experiences, and into her current role as VP, Events and Experiences.
Lynnea Crawford
Vice President, Events and Experiences
Lynnea Crawford first joined the team at Heart of Florida United Way in 2016 as the ReadingPals Coordinator and continuing to grow in the organization by way of the Director of Events and Experiences, and into her current role as VP, Events and Experiences.
A proud graduate of the University of Central Florida (BS 2011, MNM 2017) she was inspired to pursue a career in nonprofit management and events. Mrs. Crawford gained experience in nonprofit administration, volunteer management and event planning at the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association for nearly six years before joining the HFUW team.
Her passions include the local arts scene, familial bonding through volunteering and supporting local education and youth initiatives.
Board OF DIRECTORS
officers
Board Chair
Naveed Shujaat
Managing Director, Central Florida at Bank of America
Vice Chair
John Pisan
Managing Director, Private Bank at Fifth Third Bank
Secretary
Jim Toscano, Esq.
Shareholder at Lowndes
Treasurer
Stephanie Gardner
Senior Manager, Tax Services at RSM US LLP
board members
Committees
AUDIT AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
Community Impact Committee
COmpensation Committee
Finance Committee
investment Committee
Nominating and Governance Committee