After a decade of service as the President & CEO of Heart of Florida United Way, Robert H. (Bob) Brown has announced his plans to retire. Heart of Florida United Way is Central Florida’s most comprehensive health and human services charity and the largest provider of funds to the region’s most critical health and human service programs. It operates critical community services like the 2-1-1 Information & Assistance Helpline. The search for Brown’s replacement will commence immediately, led by volunteers comprising the CEO Search Committee.

“For 10 years, Bob has lived and breathed this organization, and we are going to miss him dearly,” said Ed Timberlake, chairman of the Central Florida Board at Seaside National Bank & Trust and longtime Heart of Florida United Way board member. “We certainly have some big shoes to fill, and we’re looking forward to seeing who the search team brings to the table.”

With more than 45 years as a nonprofit administrator, Brown led Heart of Florida United Way’s conversion to the Investing in Results philosophy, which encourages competitive grant funding for specific community issues focused on prevention. Under Brown’s leadership, the nonprofit serves more than 600,000 people annually in the areas of education, income, health and basic needs, making it one of the top United Ways in the nation. Brown will stay on board until a replacement is hired, likely in the fall.

Interested parties may reach out to Newland Executive Search’s CEO, Robert Newland, or senior vice president and managing director Jim Taylor by calling 407-771-4141, or confidentially emailing CEOHFUW@cpi-florida.com.