ST. LUCIE COUNTY - The Board of Directors for the United Way of St. Lucie County is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Parrish as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective April 1, 2020. Jessica will replace Karen Knapp who is retiring after 20 years in this role at the end of March.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen to lead the organization during this time of transition. Karen has made countless contributions to United Way’s success and visibility. I am grateful for her leadership and wish her all the very best in retirement," said Jessica.
Jessica has more than 10 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector which includes three years at the United Way of St. Lucie County as the Director of Collaborative Impact. Her outstanding success in this role and the dynamic leadership style that she brings positions the United Way and its dedicated team of talented professionals to successfully meet the opportunities ahead.
“It has been my pleasure to work alongside the talented and dedicated professionals here at United Way of St. Lucie County,” said Jessica. “I am honored to have been chosen by the Board of Directors to lead this organization into our next chapter of service to St. Lucie County.”
Board Vice-Chair and St. Lucie County Property Appraiser Michelle Franklin led the selection process that began this fall with 67 applicants. There was a community-based group that helped to narrow down the list and the Board is grateful for their service and assistance with this important decision. The Board would also like to thank the public that came out to the community meet and greet on January 9th at the Havert L. Fenn Center. The Board recognizes that the new CEO must be community-focused and inclusive and the selection process was structured with this in mind.
The United Way of St. Lucie County is excited to begin this next chapter under Jessica’s leadership and looks forward to continuing our longstanding relationships and building new ones.
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About United Way of St. Lucie County
United Way of St. Lucie County encourages people to LIVE UNITED by giving to the annual campaign, spreading the word about the positive impact United Way is making in our community and volunteering to make our community a better place for us all. We support numerous programs that enhance the lives of people in St. Lucie County. For more information on how you can LIVE UNITED and help create a brighter future for those in need in our community, please call 772-464-5300, like us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @UnitedWaySLC or visit our website www.unitedwayslc.org.
