United for Impact, a Non-Profit Conference

The United for Impact, a Non-Profit Conference Agenda can be found here.

Tim Bolduc, Chief Executive Officer, Adams Sanitation & Founder of TBSpeaks
Morning Keynote Session: Better Than I Found It: The Greater Purpose of Leadership

Bio: Mr. Bolduc is a long-time resident of Okaloosa County and a devoted public servant.  From 2019 to 2025 Tim served his community as the first City Manager for the City of Crestview and has now returned to the private sector as CEO of a regional sanitation company.  Additionally, he is the Treasurer of the Hope City Community Church, the AETC Civic Leader for the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Honorary Commander of the 919th Special Operations Wing, Legislative Chair for the Northwest Florida League of Cities and serves on the CCB Community Bank Advisory Board.  He is a past board member for United Way of the Emerald Coast and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. 

In 2007, Mr. Bolduc graduated from Troy University with honors receiving a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a focus in Public Administration and a minor in Business.  Tim is also a Florida State Certified Public Manager.  Prior to his time in public service, he was a small business owner. Tim was a licensed contractor who owned and operated a full-service construction company for over a decade, as well as several other small businesses. Tim is the founder of TBSpeaks, a leadership consulting agency and co-author of A Solution-Focused Culture.  

Mr. Bolduc spends his time outside the office with his wife of 27 years, Kimberly, two daughters, granddaughter Addie and grandson Parker.  When he is not enjoying family time, you can find Tim pouring into the lives of others through church, volunteerism, and storytelling.

Johnny Crowder, Founder & CEO of Cope Notes
Lunch Keynote Session: The Surprising Productivity of Self-Care: Using Mindfulness to Combat Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Bio: Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx Talks speaker, touring musician, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in nearly 100 countries around the world. Armed with a decade of clinical treatment, a psychology degree from the University of Central Florida, and 10+ years of peer support and public advocacy experience through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Johnny’s youthful vigor for mental health has impacted millions of lives across the globe. Since his first keynote in 2011, Johnny's refreshingly candid perspective has attracted praise from hundreds of outlets, including Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and even CNN World. Whether leading corporate wellness trainings or touring with his Billboard-charting heavy metal band, Prison, his infectious positivity and firsthand experience with multiple diagnoses uniquely equip him to provide realistic insight and inspiration amidst the pains of hardship with care, levity, and unconventional wit.

Carly Barnes, Executive Director at Caring & Sharing of South Walton
Moderator for Afternoon Keynote Panel: Taking Fundraising Events to the Next Level: Strategies for Impact, Engagement & Sustainability. Sponsored by FPL.

Bio coming soon!
 

Jessica Proffitt Bracken, President of Proffitt PR
Afternoon Keynote Panel: Taking Fundraising Events to the Next Level: Strategies for Impact, Engagement & Sustainability.

Bio coming soon!

Karah Fridley-Young, President of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
Afternoon Keynote Panel: Taking Fundraising Events to the Next Level: Strategies for Impact, Engagement & Sustainability. 

Bio coming soon!

Jennifer Steele, President & CEO of Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton
Afternoon Keynote Panel: Taking Fundraising Events to the Next Level: Strategies for Impact, Engagement & Sustainability. 

Jennifer has built a 25-year career in the Arts industry as a non-profit executive and fundraiser, festival producer, Arts advocate, professional theatre founder and manager, actor, singer, and creator of events and programs that have received international acclaim.

Under her leadership since 2008, the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County has created and scaled programs and events that serve and impact the community, including the Underwater Museum of Art, Foster Gallery, Beyond Bars Prison Songwriting Program, Arts education outreach, Art for All funding program, and the 30A Songwriters Festival, which she co-founded. Jennifer has built meaningful cross-sector collaborations and partnerships to expand audience reach, and she has steered the CAA through nearly two decades of growth, transforming it into one of the leading Arts organizations in Northwest Florida.

Jennifer was the 2023 recipient of the Pinnacle Award, which celebrates outstanding women making contributions in NW Florida, and the 2016 Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award, which recognizes excellence in travel/tourism marketing, promotion, and contributions to Walton County. Jennifer is a member of the Walton County Tourist Development Council and a former co-chair of Americans for the Arts’ Private Sector Network Council.

In 2001, she co-founded the Seaside Repertory Theatre, the area’s first professional theatre company, and served as its Managing Director for seven years while also performing in plays and musicals, including in the title role of Always, Patsy Cline. After a ten-year hiatus, Jennifer revisited the stage in 2019 to play Haley in a sold-out run of the one-woman show Bad Dates at Emerald Coast Theatre Company.

Ali Weil, Owner of Weilhouse Creative
Afternoon Keynote Panel: Taking Fundraising Events to the Next Level: Strategies for Impact, Engagement & Sustainability. 

Bio: Ali Weil proudly calls the 30A area home since 2011, where she lives with her husband, their daughter Isabel, and their Golden Retriever, Molly. Deeply rooted in the Emerald Coast community, Ali has dedicated her time and talents to serving on several local boards and organizations. She currently serves on the Seaside School Board and the Sacred Heart Foundation Development Board, and has also contributed her leadership to the Rosemary Beach Foundation, The Tree House Episcopal Montessori School, Christ the King Episcopal Church, and the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. 

As the founder of WeilHouse Creative, Ali partners with nonprofits to advance their missions through strategic marketing, public relations, event management, fundraising initiatives, and capital campaign development. Ali holds an undergraduate degree in Finance and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance. When she’s not working with clients or volunteering in the community, Ali enjoys traveling with her family, supporting her daughter’s theater endeavors, and spending time on the water boating with her family along the beautiful Emerald Coast. 

Aerial Payne, Marketing Magician & Owner, Maranta Copy Co.
Breakout Session: Mini Campaigns That Move Donors

Bio: I am the founder of Maranta Copy Co., a Florida Panhandle based digital marketing agency helping nonprofits, small businesses, and professionals amplify their impact through storytelling, social media, and digital strategy. A Leadership Dothan graduate (Class 40), and graduate of the most recent Walton County Leadership Class, I have taught consistently at organizations such as Central Panhandle, Forgotten Coast, and Emerald Coast Associations of Realtors, as well as city economic development programs.

My workshops are known for their hands-on, practical approach. I focus on equipping participants not only with knowledge but with customized templates, walkthroughs, and immediately applicable tools. From "Branding Yourself Within a Brand" to "Content Pillars for Consistency"and "Mastering Reels and Short-Form Video," I create interactive experiences that empower participants to leave confident and capable.

Clients and attendees regularly describe my teaching style as engaging, clear, and approachable. My firm holds a 4.9 star average rating on platforms like Google and Clutch, with reviews highlighting timeliness, reliability, and an authentic, people-first approach.

I have been invited to speak for entrepreneurial education programs including the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, and I recently earned praise from the Florida Association of City Clerks Summer Conference where my sessions were noted as the most requested return presentations in the organizer's tenure.

At United for Impact, I plan to bring the same level of energy and actionable insight to nonprofit leaders, helping them harness modern marketing tools to deepen donor connections, increase volunteer engagement, and tell their stories with impact.

Angie Smith, Software Test Engineer, Bit-Wizards
Breakout Session: Smart Workflows: Automating the Mundane to Focus on the Mission

Bio: Angie is a solution-focused IT professional with experience spanning system administration, network engineering, and software quality assurance. She has led major infrastructure projects as a Lead Engineer at BitWizards and now serves as a Test Engineer at TalkingParents, ensuring high standards of software performance and reliability.

Her career began in local government, where she combined technical expertise with creativity, managing IT systems while producing digital content. Over the years, she has also supported small businesses and nonprofits, helping them strengthen their technology foundations and streamline operations.

Angie is passionate about making technology work for people, not the other way around. With a mindset rooted in problem-solving and continuous learning, she enjoys sharing practical strategies that help teams save time, reduce complexity, and focus on what truly matters: their mission.

Bobby Parker, Founder, Parker Gene Creative
Breakout Session (Panel Discussion): From Headlines to Heartstrings: Getting Media Coverage That Moves the Mission

Bio: Bobby is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Parker Gene Creative, a boutique public relations agency dedicated to creatively and strategically amplifying nonprofits and small businesses in the community. Since launching in 2022, he has led award-winning campaigns across the Southeast, earning Parker Gene Creative the title of Pensacola's Favorite PR/Advertising Agency in 2024 and 2025 by FACES Pensacola.

Before founding his firm, Bobby served as VP of Marketing for Corcoran Reverie, where he led high-impact campaigns across Northwest Florida and Tennessee. His work has been honored with multiple accolades, including FPRA's Golden Image Awards, United Way's Volunteer of the Year, and the Distinguished Alumni Rising Star award from Northwest Florida State College.

Named one of Business Elite's 40 Under 40, Bobby is a passionate advocate for the arts, community engagement, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. He serves on numerous nonprofit boards and brings a creative, strategic approach to everything he does. A true Northwest Florida local, he's fueled by creativity, connection, and his love of the arts, small business and nonprofit community, and quality time with friends, family, and Frenchie Louie Augustus.

Cali Hlavac, Owner & Marketing Strategist, Sassy Tangerine Creative
Panel Discussion: From Headlines to Heartstrings: Getting Media Coverage That Moves the Mission

Bio: Cali Hlavac is a seasoned Entrepreneur and Digital Marketing Specialist boasting over a decade of expertise working with businesses and clientele spanning various industries. Her focus is primarily social media management and content creation, where she excels in conceptualizing and executing campaigns and telling brand stories. Cali got her entrepreneurial start at age 22, owning a DJ and video production company in Lincoln, NE.  Through the power of building relationships and networking, she experienced massive growth in just a few years and became leading company in her region. With a background in photography and video production, she has years of experience both behind and in front of the camera.  Cali was the host of South Walton Fishing Adventures TV show for 2 seasons, airing on Sportsman’s Channel & World Fishing Network.  

Cali was honored to be awarded 40 Under 40 in 2023, voted Woman of the Year in the Social Media space 4 years running, and recently won Best of the Emerald Coast AND Best In Destin for her Digital Marketing skills. Cali is also the visionary behind To Do in Destin, a brand and online community for locals and tourists in our Destin, Florida area.  She promotes local businesses and everything our community has to offer off of the beach. She has cultivated a large audience who loves the Emerald Coast and is always on the hunt for the newest local business, event or festival.   

Catherine Morgan, President, Inspire Bridges Consulting
Breakout Session: Impactful Strategic Planning

Bio: Catherine Morgan is an organizational leadership and business strategy consultant and the founder of Inspire Bridges Consulting. Catherine has over 20 years of experience as a business executive with strengths in leading business strategies that align with corporate vision and driving marketing plans that meet business development goals. In addition to being a certified Personalysis practitioner, Catherine specializes in managing, developing, and strengthening organizations, teams, and individuals.

She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Brand Development at IMG College and was responsible for the oversight of multiple divisions within the company including Apparel and Non-Apparel Licensing, Retail Development, Brand Marketing, International Licensing and NCAA & Bowl Properties. She served on IMG College's Senior Management and Executive Leadership teams.

Prior to her position at IMG, Catherine served in a key role in Coca Cola's Global Sports and Entertainment division and was responsible for codifying experiential marketing and partnership strategies to build these global capabilities for the company. Catherine also spent nearly a decade at Russell Athletic/Spalding, where she worked in various capacities throughout the organization including sports marketing, brand management, customer marketing, sponsorship management, media relations and advertising.

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native began her sports career on the agency side of the business during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Over the past twenty-five years she has worked with a variety of brands such as Coca-Cola, NCAA, Major League Baseball, College Football Playoff, NBA, WNBA, National Football League, Major League Soccer, Nike and Under Armour. Before relocating from Atlanta to Santa Rosa Beach, Catherine was recognized for her leadership and community involvement and named one of Atlanta's Top 40 Under 40 Leaders.

Catherine currently serves on the board for Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with many other organizations in her community. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Louisiana State University. She also obtained an Executive Education Certificate in Strategic Marketing from Emory University.

Corey A Dobridnia, Public Information Officer, Walton County Sheriff's Office
Breakout Session: BRAND POWER: Discovering your organization’s POWER through Building Brand Equity and Loyalty.

Bio: An award-winning Public Information Officer, Corey Dobridnia is currently employed at the Walton County Sheriff's Office. She's also serving her second year on the board for the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of Florida Public Relations Association as the Communications Chair. In a past life, Dobridnia worked as the weekend anchor for WMBB, an ABC Affiliate out of Panama City, covering Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City, and more.

Dobridnia graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor's degree in communication and earned a master's degree from Florida State University, Panama City in corporate and public communication. ERAU was also where she lettered in women's volleyball.

In 2017, Dobridnia was dually named Public Information Officer of the Year by the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officers Association and the Florida Association of Public Information Officers. In 2018, Dobridnia received the PIO Deployment Team Mobilization Award after deploying to help public agencies following Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael. In 2020, the Walton County Sheriff's Office was a finalist for Government Social Media's Golden Post Awards for Best Instagram Presence.

Jared Williams, Web Design and Content Marketer, Get the Coast
Panel Discussion: From Headlines to Heartstrings: Getting Media Coverage That Moves the Mission

Bio: In 2017 Jared launched Get The Coast as a fresh take on local news. Born and raised in southern Okaloosa County, Jared felt like the news coverage we were getting wasn't a great reflection of the area he grew up in. So he started his own.The all-digital news outlet focuses on Okaloosa County, bringing hyper-local news to readers who have moved away from traditional newspapers. Get the Coast now has a highly engaged monthly audience of 138,000, making it the most-read, FREE, local news outlet. Get The Coast has become a reputable, trusted source of information for local residents and visitors to our area. Since its inception, Get The Coast has evolved from covering weekly events and non-profits to breaking important local news and doing investigative journalism on issues that matter to residents in Okaloosa County. Get the Coast is where locals start the day. 

Jonathan Watson, Lead Pastor, Beachside Church
Breakout Session: Building a Strong Volunteer Culture

Bio: My name is Jonathan Watson. I have been working in churches since I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2010. I earned a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2021. I'm a dad of two daughters, I love road cycling, and good coffee. Go Dawgs!

Kyle Merritt, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Health Council
Breakout Session: Using Community-Level Data for Grant Writing and Performance Metrics

Bio: Kyle Merritt serves as Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Health Council, where he has dedicated his career to advancing public health and education across Northwest Florida. With more than a decade of experience, Kyle brings proven expertise in project development, grant management, coalition building, community engagement, marketing, emergency response, and health education.

Kyle’s academic foundation in Public Relations and Mass Communications has been central to his success. His career highlights include receiving national recognition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for authoring ESF-8 County Emergency Operations Plans, which became the national template. He also organized the largest mass screening event in Florida’s history, partnered with Jones Soda Company on multiple North American marketing campaigns, and collaborated with Northwest Florida governments to design and implement regional beach water safety campaigns.

A skilled manager of large-scale federal grants, Kyle is known for his ability to bring organizations and communities together to improve health outcomes. His dedication to helping others succeed continues to fuel his commitment to expanding access to care, strengthening health education, and improving public health across the region.

Laura Hussey, Morning Show Co Host, WEAR-TV
Panel Discussion: From Headlines to Heartstrings: Getting Media Coverage That Moves the Mission

Bio: Laura Hussey is working her dream job in a community she loves. As morning anchor on WEAR News, she brings together a wealth of experiences from almost 30 years in broadcasting. She’s reported from the field during hurricanes, manhunts, military training exercises, and Presidential visits. She tells the stories of ordinary people facing their defining moments, with honesty and compassion. 

Laura came to TV news after nine years in video production and a dozen years in Country radio, where she did everything from setting up tents to serving as program director. With a father in advertising and a husband in publishing (and her stint selling ads for Cox Media), she’s experienced the media world from many perspectives. 
 

Lori Leath Smith, Publisher/Executive Editor, Life Media Group
Panel Discussion: From Headlines to Heartstrings: Getting Media Coverage That Moves the Mission

Bio: Lori Leath Smith is a Publisher/Executive Editor for Life Media Group where she manages several publications’ information and articles on local news, events, non-profit organizations, sports, businesses and feature profiles as well as the business’ social media, website, event sponsorships and press. The Life Media family of seven community publications (Destin Life, Bay Life, FWB Life, Sowal Life, PCB Life) spans from Fort Walton Beach to Panama City Beach and north of the Bay. Each printed edition is direct-mailed and distributed to roughly 12,000 households and businesses in each community with a readership impact of 30,000 in each area. 

Prior to Life Media, she was Director of Public Relations and Marketing for Seaside Community Development Corp. where she led the destination’s public and media relations, social media, communications and marketing strategies. During her tenure, Smith garnered prestigious Seaside press and designations such as the following: One of Trip Advisor’s “15 Rising Vacation Rental Destinations for 2016,” PBS’s “10 Towns that Changed America,” Travel Channel’s “2015 Best Family Beach,” “Best Beach on Earth” for families by Travel + Leisure magazine and included in USA Today's "Top 10 Best Beach Towns in Florida,” and earned publicity in media outlets such as Garden & Gun, Southern Living (50th Anniversary), Coastal Living, USA Today, and Travel & Leisure. She successfully led the establishment of Seaside’s social media, promoted the launch of a new Seaside wine brand, and established a digital and physical Seaside Visitor’s Bureau. 

Upon graduation from Auburn University in Public Relations, Speech Communications, Journalism and Broadcasting, Smith began her publishing career as a writer/editor for Southern Living/Southern Progress, a division of Time, Inc., in Birmingham, Ala. Her varied career includes multi-media work in publishing, marketing, advertising, public relations, economic development, sales, events, writing, graphic design, editorial direction and art direction for companies and clients in several industries, nationally and internationally, such as Anderson News syndicate, EBSCO Media, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Florida’s Great Northwest Economic Development. Smith helped produce the 1996 Olympics program, Warren Buffet’s book by Andy Kilpatrick and several national sports championship books. Smith has received Ad Fed Addy Awards for both Sandestin and Alabama magazines.  
 

Michael Williamson, President and CEO, United Way of Southeast Louisiana
Breakout Session: The Power of Partnership: Moving at the Speed of Need

Bio: Michael Williamson is responsible for leading philanthropic and impact efforts as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA), building stronger, more equitable communities in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. For his work, Biz New Orleans recognized Williamson as one of 2020’s Executives of the Year.

Before taking over as CEO in 2013, he joined UWSELA as COO in 2009 from his position as Vice President of Field Leadership at United Way of America (UWA), where he provided overall management of UWA’s $28 million Hurricane Response and Recovery Fund developed in Hurricane Katrina’s wake.

Williamson is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has over three decades of executive-level nonprofit management experience, 30 of those years served in the United Way system.

Ryan Mims, Chief Health Strategist, Florida Department of Health in Walton County
Breakout Session: Using Community-Level Data for Grant Writing and Performance Metrics

Bio: During my career, I have been able to develop a diverse resume of knowledge, skills, and abilities that are required to be an effective and impactful public health professional. From leading quality improvement projects to working with partners on root causes of community issues that impact health, my experience makes me a strong developing leader not only in my field, but in my community. In 2021, I was awarded one of United Way Emerald Coast's 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders due to my continuous dedication to helping the public, tackling issues like community design, affordable housing, health and early childhood literacy, disaster preparedness, economic instability, and food insecurity in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based interventions that continuously improve policies, systems, or environments to ensure health is an obtainable goal for everyone.

Thomas Greek, CEO, Thomas Greek Coaching
Breakout Session: Handle Hard Better

Bio: With over 25 years of leadership experience, Thomas strives to motivate others to show up as their best selves at work and in life.

Thomas has served as an executive in varying roles for more than two decades. He directed Learning & Development at Navy Federal Credit Union, a Fortune 100 Best Place to Work and the world's largest institution of its kind. Throughout his career, he has designed and headed award-winning talent programs and has expertise in strategic planning, succession planning, and in developing C-Suite and other Senior Leaders. He is committed to his community and volunteers on several non-profit boards.

Thomas is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. He studied Philosophy at George Mason University. Thomas has successfully helped hundreds of leaders achieve their goals by co-creating meaningful and sustainable changes in their lives.

Kelly Jasen, President & CEO, United Way Emerald Coast
Master of Ceremonies: United for Impact, a Non-profit Conference

Kelly Jasen joined United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) in November 2019, becoming the first female President & CEO of the non-profit organization. She oversees day-to-day operations and leads the dynamic team committed to creating lasting change in Okaloosa and Walton counties. 

With over a dozen years in the nonprofit sector, Kelly previously served as Director of Development at another United Way, where she led fundraising and managed key donor and corporate relationships. Her extensive background also includes advocacy and support for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and homeless children.

A true champion for her community, Kelly is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. She is actively involved with several Boards of Directors, including The Rotary Club of Destin, United Way of Florida, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. She serves as Honorary Commander of the 96th Test Wing Mission Support Group at Eglin Air Force Base. Additionally, she is involved with UWEC's Women United and is a proud graduate of Mentoring Emerald Coast, Destin Forward, Leadership Okaloosa, and Leadership Pensacola. She has been recognized as the 2025 Woman of the Year - Non-Profit Director by Scarlett Magazine, a 40 Under 40 Honoree by United Way, the Emerging Leader of the Year by the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce and was a Rising Star by Inweekly Magazine.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from University of Central Florida. When she's not leading UWEC, you can find her spoiling her mini australian shepherds (Laila and Linus), hitting the road for adventures, or immersed in true crime podcasts.

She is honored to lead our local United Way and strives to bring innovative and energetic leadership to the organization.