This unique leadership development program equips emerging and established professionals with the knowledge, confidence, and connections to serve effectively on non-profit and public sector boards or committees.
Over the course of six interactive workshops, participants learn directly from respected community leaders and subject-matter experts who demystify what it means to serve as a Board Member. Topics include fundraising, strategic planning, financial oversight, communications, and governance best practices.
By graduation, participants are ready to make a meaningful impact in the boardroom - and in our community. United Way Emerald Coast proudly connects graduates with non-profit organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties that are seeking strong, engaged, and prepared board members.
Ideal Candidate
ProjectLEAD is designed for established professionals and emerging community leaders who:
- Are eager to take on a volunteer role with a local non-profit organization
- Demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and civic responsibility
- Can commit to attending all 6 workshops, required for board certification and recommendation
Program Overview
Participants attend six workshops that blend education, discussion, and real-world application. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony and networking event, where graduates meet representatives of non-profit organizations actively seeking new board or committee members.
See the full schedule, workshops, and locations here.
How to Apply
If selected for the program, a modest tuition fee of $250 is required to help cover the cost of materials. Invoices will be sent upon acceptance, with payment due at least one week prior to the first workshop.
United Way Emerald Coast is committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier for anyone interested in learning about board service. Applicants are encouraged to seek financial support from their employer, either partially or in full. A limited number of scholarships are available. Scholarship requests are considered independently from the applications.
For more information, please contact Kelly Jasen at 850.812.3382 or kelly@united-way.org
Applications for Class III are open and accepted through November 25, 2025 at 5pm CST.
View our Class II Graduation Booklet here!
Alyssa Riley, Carr, Riggs & Ingram - Audit Manager
Ashley Saba, Florida Blue - Market Development Manager
Bethe Manning, Junior League of the Emerald Coast - President-Elect
Brenda Robinson, Northwest Florida State College - Coordinator Community Development and Leadership Okaloosa
Briley Kennedy, United Way Emerald Coast - Former Development Manager
Brittnee Orr, Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners - Housing Program Manager
Bron Ringstad, Eglin Federal Credit Union - VP Branch Operations
Damien Patrick McNeil, Special Olympics Florida - Regional Director
Deborah Lawson, United Way Emerald Coast - Director of Development
Donna Williamson, Florida Blue- Mid-Market Account Executive
Emmy Epperson, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton - Business Services Program Manager
Emily Criddle, Community Bank of MS - Assistant Vice President
Emily Tash Pickens, Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Okaloosa County - Community Health Improvement Planning Branch Director
Erik Martin Abreu Sr., Step One Automotive Group - General Manager
Jamie Pasour, United States Air Force - Retired
Jordan Davis, City of Crestview - Permitting Specialist
Joshua R. Grace, Crestview Police Department - Lieutenant
Kameko McGuire, New Hope Mental Health and Wellness - CEO/Nurse Practitioner
Kelsey Segalini, The Honor Foundation - Eglin Director of People
Lynn Fehr, MidSouth Bank - Manager
Mariah M. Reynolds, Homelessness and Housing Alliance of Okaloosa & Walton Counties - Coordinated Entry Specialist
Marlayna Goosby, Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music - Founder
Matt Paul McKenna, United States Air Force - Combat Control Functional Manager
Megan Serafin, Children in Crisis, Inc. Florida - Community Engagement Manager
Melissa Garza, Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® - Government Affairs Director
Lee Bolton, Florida Power & Light - Senior Customer Advisor
Robbie Truax, ONE Family Property Services - Property Manager
Sean Devlin, Sean Devlin Home + Design - Owner
Teddie Yellow Bear-Baskin, Eglin Federal Credit Union - Financial Education Specialist
Carrie Brewer, Tidwell Homes - Operation Manager
Chelsea Hermon, United States Air Force - Operations Manager
CJ Davis, 1ShotCreations - Co-Owner
Clay Rikard, CCB Community Bank - Commercial Lender
D. Rose Baldwin, The First Bank - Vice President Consumer Lender
Dakota Scott, Children in Crisis - Volunteer and Event Coordinator
Dana Lee Kane, Community Bank - Assistant Vice President
Danica LaFaire, Fish Window Cleaning - Investor
Denise Creech, Elite Signings and Events Owner, Remote Notary & Wedding Officiant Services
Dustin T. Cosson, Walton County Sheriff's Office - Bureau Chief Criminal Investigations
Ella Payne, Realty ONE Group Emerald Coast - Agent
Erika Vasquez, Community Aid Organization Inc - President
Joshua Bugby, Children in Crisis - Development Director
Laura Triana, Community Aid Organization Inc - Vice President
Mady Scott, CAN Community Health - Practice Administrator
Nicole Malley, Frances Roy Agency - Digital Media Specialist
Rebecca Picnic, Community Bank of MS - Teller & CSR
Regina Y Samy, Hampton Inn and Suites & Home2 Suites by Hilton - Dual General Manager
Sherry Jones, One Hopeful Place - Community & Public Relations Director
Sierra Marie Elliott, 1st Special Operations Wing - Sexual Assault & Harassment Specialist
Stefanie Fontaine, Bridgeway Center - Director of Growth & Development & CCBHC Project Director
Susan Sharpe, EXIT Realty Anchor South - Broker
VaTema Ivy, Air Force Enlisted Village - Director of Marketing and Community Relations
Wendy Stevens, United Fidelity Bank - Business Development Officer
Thank you to our Project LEAD sponsors and in-kind supporters:
Best Gurl Inc | Carr, Riggs & Ingram | Civetta Solutions | NextHome Cornerstone Realty | LEADERSHIPTEN | City of Crestview | TB Speaks | Parker Gene Creative | Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce | Destin Chamber of Commerce | Emerald Coast Vibe | Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | Home2 Suites by Hilton | Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce | Walton Area Chamber of Commerce | Publix | Dee & Bo Photography