Nonprofits, at the helm: St. Johns United Way CEO departing, Baptist Health gets new CFO
Melissa Nelson, CEO and president of United Way of St. Johns County since 2014, has been named the new leader of the state United Way network.
The Tallahassee-based network represents 28 United Ways on legislative and administrative issues, training and disaster preparation, response and recovery issues, among other things.
'We conducted a comprehensive search for a leader who can take the United Way of Florida to new heights and found the skill set we need in Melissa Nelson," said Jeff Hayward, network board chairman.
"Melissa possesses the interpersonal skills, business acumen and Florida legislative advocacy experience that make her the perfect choice to lead the organization," he said.
Nelson's appointment is one of several recent leadership changes and additions at area nonprofits.
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She begins her new job July 18. The St. Johns United Way board of directors has launched a search for her successor.
The board has not announced an interim CEO, but Jenny Harvey, director of community impact, and Rebecca Crum, director of finance, will likely take on the role jointly, Nelson said.
The St. Johns organization funds nonprofits in St. Johns and as of 2019 Putnam County. During Nelson's tenure, annual fundraising increased from $1.1 million in 2015 to $2.4 million in 2021. The organization was recently picked by the St. Johns County Commission to distribute $7.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act Funds in St. Johns and earlier administered $1.2 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding for Putnam County.
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"This is a bittersweet moment," said Kelly Green, chairwoman of the St. Johns United Way's board of directors. "During Melissa’s time with us, we annually exceeded fundraising goals, initiated new programs and responded to two hurricanes and a pandemic. She has earned the trust and support of our community."
Nelson said her new position will give her "the best of both worlds" through her continuing support of the St. Johns mission and an expanded statewide focus.
"When I joined United Way, I committed to building relationships within our community, but underestimated the depth, strength and breadth of these connections," she said. "Thank you to all that allowed me to be part of what we have built together.”
Baptist Health
Baptist Health has named Keith Tickell as senior vice president and chief financial officer.
He joined the Jacksonville hospital system in 2015 as senior vice president for strategic assets and real estate and has been interim chief financial officer since January.
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Tickell will play a vital role in Baptist Health's future growth as he leads all aspects of finance, including financial planning, reporting and tax and treasury functions, as well as real estate, design and construction, according to the company.
"Keith Tickell brings to the CFO role a robust set of skillsets and a unique perspective," said Michael Mayo, president and chief executive officer.
Prior to joining Baptist Health, Tickell has served as chief financial officer for Flagler Development, a subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries; The North Highland Co., which provides management and technology consulting services throughout the U.S.; Sabal Corp., an owner, developer and manager of a mixed-use commercial development park in Tampa; and Nordic Refrigerated Services in Atlanta.
Baptist Health Foundation
Martha Baker, a philanthropist and community volunteer, has been named chairwoman of the Baptist Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Baptist Health.
She also serves on the boards of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, WJCT, Renewing Dignity and the Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. She is a co-founder of the Beaches Community Fund and a founding member of the Women’s Giving Alliance.
Leadership Jacksonville
Michael Howland has been named 2022-23 president of Leadership Jacksonville, which helps build leaders in Northeast Florida.
Howland is president and CEO of Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center.
Send your nonprofit news to bcravey@jacksonville.com.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Leadership changes under way at Northeast Florida nonprofits
