Community Impact

Emerging Leaders

Professionals 20 to 40 years of age

There is a clear desire for younger professionals to become more actively involved in the civic life of Brevard. With a strategic focus on increasing civic involvement in the community, United Way of Brevard’s Emerging Leader Initiative encourages up-and-coming leaders to give their time, talent and treasure through United Way in order to meet needs in the community. This group of young professionals takes an active role in effecting positive change through volunteer efforts, networking and development opportunities and personal giving.

Current Activities include:
• Leadership Development - "Breakfast with Leaders"
• Education and Advocacy - Board training and placement
• Community Service - Volunteer opportunities every other month

The following Emerging Leaders are recognized for their leadership gifts:

Silver Circle
Frank and Jennifer Barger
Erik and Trizia Eavenson
Chris and Michelle Fox
Betty Gillander
Susan McGrath

Bronze Circle
Richard Reifsnyder

Crystal Circle
Eric Hostetler
James Lambright, Jr.
Nicole and William Meyers
Nicole Pease
One Anonymous Giver

Chairman’s Club
Mindy Baker
Justin and Alison Bogart
Melissa Harper Clapp
David Domske
Coleen A. Dorman
Michael Gordon
Michael Haig
Michele M. Hriciso
Stephen A. Jeffress
Bonnie Klein
Grady Marshall
Alecia McCoy
Ryan McGill
Jack and Michele Murrell
Robert E. Musser, Jr.
Caron Partridge
Blayne Silva
Tara Gerace and Chris Steele
Mr. and Mrs. Dwain Stilson
Joy Suttles
Christine M. Tindell-Dawson
Cinda Yandell
The Wilkersons
Two Anonymous Givers

Who are Emerging Leaders?

• Individuals between the ages of 20 and 40

• Individuals who want to get involved in the community but have no conduit to achieving this goal

• A group of individuals who are underrepresented in the civic, cultural, health and human service and professional associations of the community

• Individuals who are climbing the ladder within the structure of his or her workplace or career

Goals for the Initiative:

• To develop relationships with younger professionals in Brevard County and increase their knowledge of United Way not only as a fundraising organization, but a community innovator.

• To educate these individuals about the needs in the community and how they can be a part of the solution, effecting positive change.

• To provide opportunities for these individuals to become involved in the community through United Way initiatives, both existing and specially created.

• To contribute to the personal and professional development of these individuals through volunteerism, networking and mentoring activities.
• To encourage charitable giving to United Way in order to meet needs in the community.

Committee Members

Joy Suttles - Chair
Alison Bogart - Immediate Past Chair
Becky Deppe
Michele Murrell

Special thanks to Veronica DeBoisbriand of V Designs for creating the fabulous Emerging Leaders Logo!

Upcoming Event

May 28 – Board Training
6pm to 8:30pm

Joe’s Club
4676 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne

A basic course on non-profit board membership and responsibilities – preparing Emerging Leaders for placement on member agency and other non-profit boards. Training will include presentations from the following community leaders: Michele Goodwin, Vice President, Ron Jon Surf Shop; Kendall Moore, Attorney; and Chris Stagman, Executive Director for Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Dinner will be provided.
Seating is limited to 12
RSVP by 5/26/09

June 6 – Volunteer – Meals on Wheels
9:30am to 12pm

Meet at Brevard Community Kitchen
425 Rosa L. Jones Blvd., Cocoa

Join us as we deliver meals to homebound senior citizens in the central part of the county. Meals on Wheels deliveries are always a humbling and rewarding experience!

RSVP by 6/5/09

July 29 – Breakfast with Leaders – George Mikitarian, President/CEO
Parrish Medical Center

8am to 9:30am
Parrish Medical Center Healthcare Center at Port St. John
5005 Port St. John Parkway

George Mikitarian has led Parrish Medical Center since 2001, during which time the Hospital has flourished into one of the premier healing hospitals in the country, earning numerous local and national awards. Join us as we learn how he has accomplished so much!

Seating is limited to 25
RSVP by 7/27