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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
As President & CEO of Heart of Florida United Way since December 2016, Jeff brings a unique background in politics, public and private sector leadership.
He served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lynn, MA, for five years, and later served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives before becoming the New England Vice President for Development and Marketing for a national, publicly traded healthcare company.
Prior to arriving in Central Florida, Jeff served as Chief of External Affairs at United Way of Massachusetts Bay (Boston) where he oversaw annual strategic investments, marketing and communications, volunteer engagement, grants department, and their public policy strategy.
With more than 20 years of experience in the United Way network, he lends his non-profit expertise to Central Florida by serving on the Board and Executive Committee of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, Board Secretary of the CareerSource Central Florida, Secretary/Treasurer of United Way of Florida, and as a Board Member of the Orlando Economic Partnership.
Jeff is an alumnus of St. Anselm College and was a Casey Foundation/United Way of America Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Jeff and his wife, Anne-Marie, have three children, Nathaniel, Victoria, and Abigail.
Jeff Hayward
President and CEO
As President & CEO of Heart of Florida United Way since December 2016, Jeff brings a unique background in politics, public and private sector leadership.
He served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lynn, MA, for five years, and later served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives before becoming the New England Vice President for Development and Marketing for a national, publicly traded healthcare company.
Prior to arriving in Central Florida, Jeff served as Chief of External Affairs at United Way of Massachusetts Bay (Boston) where he oversaw annual strategic investments, marketing and communications, volunteer engagement, grants department, and their public policy strategy.
With more than 20 years of experience in the United Way network, he lends his non-profit expertise to Central Florida by serving on the Board and Executive Committee of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, Board Secretary of the CareerSource Central Florida, Secretary/Treasurer of United Way of Florida, and as a Board Member of the Orlando Economic Partnership.
Jeff is an alumnus of St. Anselm College and was a Casey Foundation/United Way of America Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Jeff and his wife, Anne-Marie, have three children, Nathaniel, Victoria, and Abigail.
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.
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.
Jill Grevi
Chief Financial Officer
An accounting graduate of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Jill began her career in the commercial real estate and insurance industries. Guided by her passion for helping others, she joined United Way as Finance Director in 1991. After three years of working with the agency, she returned to Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW).
Jill Grevi
Chief Financial Officer
An accounting graduate of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Jill began her career in the commercial real estate and insurance industries. Guided by her passion for helping others, she joined United Way as Finance Director in 1991. After three years of working with the agency, she returned to Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW).
As a highly respected member of the executive team, Jill Grevi is responsible for the fiscal oversight of approximately $26.1 million in total resources managed each year by the organization.
Her responsibilities include guiding United Way’s financial planning strategies, developing and implementing new policies, ensuring compliance with United Way Worldwide membership standards, and managing administrative operations. As an advisor to the United Way Board of Directors, she also reports on new business ventures, banking and investment strategies and budget matters.
Jonathon Adler
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Jonathon serves as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Heart of Florida United Way. He leads all aspects of the Human Resource function and serves as the executive champion for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Committee.
Jonathon Adler
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Jonathon serves as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Heart of Florida United Way. He leads all aspects of the Human Resource function and serves as the executive champion for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Committee.
A native Central Floridian, Jonathon has had the privilege of working for notable mission driven organizations that put an intentional focus on the people experience. Prior to joining HFUW, Jonathon led HR strategy for the launch of the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park, served as Chief People Officer for WUCF PBS, in addition to roles at both Health First and Orlando Health.
Jonathon serves on the Board of Directors for United Arts of Central Florida, the Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Management (GOSHRM), the Human Resources Advisory Committee for the YMCA of Central Florida, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council for the Greater Orlando Organizational Development Network (GOOD) and is a Founding Member of the National HR Experts Council.
Jonathon earned both his Executive Master and Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, is a proud graduate of Leadership Orlando (LO103) and holds multiple professional certifications, including a Senior Certified Professional certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. In 2022, Jonathon was named as one of the Top 100 HR Executives in the nation by the OnCon Icon Award Association.
Ashley Blasewitz
Senior Vice President, Donor and Volunteer Experiences
Ashley Blasewitz leads the strategic direction of the Marketing and Communications department and the Volunteer Resource Center at Heart of Florida United Way. She joined Heart of Florida United Way’s leadership team from Costa Communications Group in Winter Park, Florida, where she was a Senior Account Executive for nearly five years.
Ashley Blasewitz
Senior Vice President, Donor and Volunteer Experiences
Ashley Blasewitz leads the strategic direction of the Marketing and Communications department and the Volunteer Resource Center at Heart of Florida United Way. She joined Heart of Florida United Way’s leadership team from Costa Communications Group in Winter Park, Florida, where she was a Senior Account Executive for nearly five years.
In this previous role, Ashley managed high-profile clients’ communications needs in a variety of industries, including education, nonprofits, banking, real estate, and senior living. Her duties included overseeing communication strategy, handling media relations, developing community relation campaigns, writing press materials, coordinating events, and facilitating the production of marketing materials. Ashley brings expertise in public relations, marketing, social media, community relations, branding, and integrated communications.
An active member of Public Relations Society of America, Ashley is certified as an Accredited Public Relations professional. Her work has been recognized by Florida Public Relations Association through Awards of Distinction, the Judge’s Award, an Image Award, a Grand Image Award, and was named an honoree of Orlando Business Journal’s 2023 40 Under 40 Awards.
She earned both her bachelor’s degree in public relations and master’s in integrated marketing communications from Florida State University.
A native of Central Florida, she currently lives in Orange County with her husband, Brian, and their three children.
Ray Larsen
Senior Vice President, Strategic Impact and Community Engagement
Ray Larsen leads Heart of Florida United Way’s efforts to develop the strategic directions and initiatives that support our mission and create positive changes in people’s lives by providing leadership and vision to address root causes of community issues and the community.
Raymond L. Larsen
Senior Vice President, Strategic Impact and Community Engagement
Ray Larsen leads Heart of Florida United Way’s efforts to develop the strategic directions and initiatives that support our mission and create positive changes in people’s lives by providing leadership and vision to address root causes of community issues and the community.
Ray received his master’s degree at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. He has worked in the nonprofit sector in Central Florida for his entire career.
Ray was co-author of the “Central Florida Regional Indicators Report: Legacy 2000;” and the “Central Florida Children and Youth Report.” He has published numerous articles including: “The Opportunity for Quality Child Care,” “A Strength-Based Approach to School Readiness,” and “Incubated in Terror: The effects of Abuse and Neglect on Child Brain Development.”
Ray has been recognized for his efforts in the community — proudly receiving the Lawton Chiles State Child Advocacy Award; the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce Unsung Hero Award and the March of Dimes National Distinguished Volunteer Service Award.
Ray is married to Mary Larsen and is the father of three sons.
Carolyn Shermer
Senior Vice President, Information Technology
Carolyn Shermer is the Senior Vice President 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, Information Technology
Carolyn Shermer is the Senior Vice President 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.
JahKiya Bell, Ed.D.
Vice President, Strategic Impact
JahKiya Bell is a stalwart supporter of the nonprofit sector and a firm believer in nonprofits’ role in supporting and lifting the community. She began her work in the nonprofit sector as an INROADS intern with the Heart of Florida United Way in May 1995 and joined the team as a staff member in 1998. JahKiya currently serves as the Vice President of Strategic Impact for Heart of Florida United Way, a role that allows her to work with the senior leadership team to develop long-term strategies in the areas of community impact, investment planning, outcome measurement, innovation, and public education.
JahKiya Bell, ed.d.
Vice President, Strategic Impact
JahKiya Bell is a stalwart supporter of the nonprofit sector and a firm believer in nonprofits’ role in supporting and lifting the community. She began her work in the nonprofit sector as an INROADS intern with the Heart of Florida United Way in May 1995 and joined the team as a staff member in 1998. JahKiya currently serves as the Vice President of Strategic Impact for Heart of Florida United Way, a role that allows her to work with the senior leadership team to develop long-term strategies in the areas of community impact, investment planning, outcome measurement, innovation, and public education.
Her support of nonprofit organizations also extends to her work to provide consultation and coaching services in governance, administration, operations, program management, and fundraising through the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. She has also been an adjunct instructor for the University of Central Florida’s School of Public Administration in the College of Community Innovation and Education since 2010, incorporating real-world scenarios and experiential learning in the classroom and/or online to enhance knowledge and apply theories related to nonprofit management for current and future nonprofit leaders.
JahKiya earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida and a Doctor of Education in Human Services Administration from Nova Southeastern University.
Lynnea Crawford
Vice President, Donor and Volunteer 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 the Volunteer Resource Center, and into her current role as VP, Donor and Volunteer Experiences.
Lynnea Crawford
Vice President, Donor and Volunteer 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 the Volunteer Resource Center, and into her current role as VP, Donor and Volunteer 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.
Susan Makowski
Vice President, Resource Development
Susan has over 20 years in both the non-profit and public sector. Prior to joining HFUW, she served as the Grants Manager for United Against Poverty Orlando and also served on their advisory board, before joining as staff. Prior to United Against Poverty, Susan served for seven years as the Chief Aide to Orange County Commissioner, Jennifer Thompson, helping constituents navigate the complexities of local government. Susan is extremely active in her local community, serving as an Adjunct Professor for the Valencia College Lake Nona campus, the board of the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce, and she currently serves on the board of Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge and the Lake Nona YMCA.
Susan Makowski
Vice President, Resource Development
Susan has over 20 years in both the non-profit and public sector. Prior to joining HFUW, she served as the Grants Manager for United Against Poverty Orlando and also served on their advisory board, before joining as staff. Prior to United Against Poverty, Susan served for seven years as the Chief Aide to Orange County Commissioner, Jennifer Thompson, helping constituents navigate the complexities of local government. Susan is extremely active in her local community, serving as an Adjunct Professor for the Valencia College Lake Nona campus, the board of the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce, and she currently serves on the board of Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge and the Lake Nona YMCA.
Susan holds an MBA, and in her spare time, you can find her on the coast boating, paddle boarding or spending time in the water.
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.
Parker Smith
Vice President, Resource Development
Before arriving to Central Florida in 2021, Parker Smith began his career serving as a legislative aide and working on political campaigns in his hometown of Cleveland, Cincinnati and throughout Ohio, including campaigns for U.S. Senate and county-wide office. After successfully managing a race for the Ohio House of Representatives, Parker transitioned to the non-profit sector where he served as an integral member of the Advancement and Community Engagement office at The Children’s Home of Cincinnati, a United Way Agency Partner.
Parker Smith
Vice President, Resource Development
Before arriving to Central Florida in 2021, Parker Smith began his career serving as a legislative aide and working on political campaigns in his hometown of Cleveland, Cincinnati and throughout Ohio, including campaigns for U.S. Senate and county-wide office. After successfully managing a race for the Ohio House of Representatives, Parker transitioned to the non-profit sector where he served as an integral member of the Advancement and Community Engagement office at The Children’s Home of Cincinnati, a United Way Agency Partner.
Most recently, Parker served as a Major Gift Officer for Nemours Children’s Health, where he worked with supporters of Nemours Children’s across the country to identify programmatic philanthropic opportunities.
Parker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Public Administration from Ohio University. He resides in Orlando with his fiancé, Tyler and their 7-year-old rescue dog, Elio.
Children’s Home of Cincinnati, a United Way Agency Partner.
Board OF DIRECTORS
officers
Board Chair
Tracey Powell
Vice President of Pricing, Revenue Management, Deployment & Itinerary Planning for Disney’s Signature Experiences
Board Vice Chair
Hope Newsome, eSQ.
Managing Partner at Meris Law, PLLC
Treasurer
Stephanie Gardner
Senior Manager, Tax Services at RSM US LLP
Secretary
Jim Toscano, Esq.
Shareholder at Lowndes
board members
Committees
AUDIT AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
Community Investment Committee
COmpensation Committee
Finance Committee
investment Committee