Movers and Shakers: New CEO Named for United Way Suncoast

TAMPA BAY – After a lengthy executive search, the United Way Suncoast Board has named Suzanne McCormick to lead the organization as President and CEO beginning September 2014.

McCormick comes to Suncoast following a successful 13-year career with United Way of Greater Portland in Maine, where she currently leads that organization as President and CEO. In addition to a well-rounded career within United Way, Suzanne has extensive experience in the human services field. She has served as CEO for both the People's Regional Opportunity Program and American Red Cross of Southern Maine. Her entire career is built on a foundation of serving others, beginning with a serving in Thailand through the Peace Corps following college.

McCormick shared, "I have come to realize that I have a deep personal commitment to helping improve people’s lives. I am excited to bring that passion to the growing and vibrant Suncoast community, which offers me a wonderful opportunity to build on my commitment and help make an even larger positive impact."

Gary Sasso, president and CEO of Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, and past chair of the United Way Suncoast Board, chaired the Executive Search Committee which was convened this spring. "During our search process we were fortunate to have many outstanding candidates, but Suzanne's extensive leadership experience and keen understanding of how to work with community partners to make an impact on large issues was most impressive,” said Sasso.

“McCormick’s passion and experience are a perfect complement to our strategic plan to break the cycle of poverty through educational and financial stability programs,” shared William W. Merrill, III, Shareholder, Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A. and Chair of the United Way Suncoast Board of Directors. “She has a proven record facilitating change and building relationships that will continue the tradition of outstanding community work the United Way Suncoast leads across the region.”

McCormick graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Political Science. She and her family will relocate to the greater Tampa Bay area.

Diana Baker, current President and CEO of United Way Suncoast announced her retirement plans in January 2014 after 35 years with United Way. She will continue as CEO until McCormick takes the helm in September and then be available to support McCormick through the transition in a consulting capacity.

About United Way Suncoast

United Way Suncoast staff, volunteers and trusted community partners serve DeSoto, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties by developing, enhancing and implementing services and programs to help create a stronger, more vibrant community. United Way Suncoast is changing the community’s story by helping to break the cycle of generational poverty through educational programs that give children the skills to succeed and help adults achieve long-term financial stability, as well as provide support services to those who need it most. For more information, visit www.unitedwaysuncoast.org or call 941.366.2686. To find Suncoast-area volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteersuncoast.org.