Jacksonville, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2024) – United Way of Northeast Florida announced today its Stein Fellowship Class of 2025. This class features 15 rising leaders from diverse professional, educational and leadership backgrounds.
Founded in 2007 by philanthropists Linda and the late David Stein, the Stein Fellowship is a unique yearlong immersive leadership and mentorship experience for young professionals ages 21 to 40 living in Northeast Florida. The Fellowship develops high-performing leaders who show a commitment to philanthropy, improving our community and growing professionally through mentorship. The Fellowship is designed to build leadership capacity, hone core professional development competencies and create strong relationships with a network of peers and mentors.

The Stein Fellowship Class of 2025 includes:

• Allyssa Petersen, Manager, Grid Research, JEA
• Benjamin Cummins, Development Coordinator, Nassau County Council on Aging
• Catherine Kendall, Associate Account Executive, Dobility, Inc.
• Christopher Toms, Coordinator, Events and NextUp JAX, JAX Chamber
• Claire Ross, Program Manager of Talent Development and Recruiting, Miller Electric Company
• Deanna Ellison, Chief Operating Officer, MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation
• Gabrielle Williams, Director, Student Inclusion, Jacksonville University
• Holden Scyster, Chief Information Officer, READ USA
• Dr. Kendra Cash, Corporate/Enterprise Strategist, JEA
• Kiara Ampuero-Cerdan, Assistant Supervisor, Mayo Clinic
• LaMiriam Johnson, Leadership Development Solutions Specialist, JEA
• Margaux Burton, Customer Experience Specialist, JEA
• Mayanna Perez, Consultant Product Design and New Market Solutions, Florida Blue
• Sheronda Holzendorf, Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager Supervisor, Quality Life
Center
• Tori Foster, Director, JAXUSA Partnership

“I am thrilled with this year’s class and excited to see the Fellows grow in their passion for serving others,” said Linda Stein. “When David and I founded the Stein Fellowship, it was with the hope of building a multi-generational program of leadership and mentorship. In partnership with United Way, our Fellowship continues to make a difference in Northeast Florida and improve the lives of others. David would be so happy to hear the news of our next class, and I know he will be guiding us as this impactful year unfolds.”

Members of the Class of 2025 were selected based on demonstrated commitment to philanthropy, love for Northeast Florida and passion for community progress. The 15 selected Fellows will learn from an established community leader and philanthropist – their United Way Tocqueville Society mentor – as well as positively shape the life of a student by serving as a youth mentor. Stein Fellows also participate in professional development, personal growth, networking and social engagements.

Fifteen Tocqueville Society members, listed below, will serve as the Fellows’ mentors. United Way’s Tocqueville Society consists of the region’s top philanthropists who give more than $10,000 annually to United Way.

• Arthur Adams, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, CSX
• Bill Buchholz, Senior Vice President, Truist (Retired)
• Carl Bailey, Community Philanthropist and Volunteer
• Carrie Ann Crozier, Vice President Intermodal Operations, CSX
• Christina Bottomley, Vice President, Real Estate and Industrial Development, CSX
• Dale Johnston, Managing Director and Global CIO, PGIM Real Estate
• Gary Eppinger, Cybersecurity Executive, CSX
• Jim Towler, Senior Director of Development, Baptist Health Foundation
• Dr. Margaret Johnson, Physician, Clinical Educator, Mayo Clinic
• Mike Herman, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Regency Centers
• Ned Peverley, Vice President and General Manager, Vestcom
• Judge Robin Lanigan, State of Florida
• Sara Ley, Head of Digital and Tech and Professional Practices, J&J Learn, Johnson & Johnson
• Sheela Murthy, President, CEO and Founder, Murthy Law Firm
• Susan Towler, Executive Director, Florida Blue Foundation

“United Way believes civic leadership development is a critical strategy for the long-term stability and continued success of Northeast Florida and the communities within,” said Melanie Patz, president and CEO of United Way of Northeast Florida. “We will miss David this year, and we are so grateful for Linda
and the Fellowship alumni who are carrying forth his legacy of working hard and giving back.”

To request an interview with United Way leadership, Fellowship members or alumni, and/or a Tocqueville Society mentor, contact Sarah Henderson, United Way’s vice president of marketing and communications, at 904-300-8366 or sarahh@nulluwnefl.org. To learn more about the Stein Fellowship, visit unitedwaynefl.org/stein-fellowship.

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About United Way of Northeast Florida
Founded 100 years ago in 1924, United Way of Northeast Florida has earned a reputation as a respected and efficient philanthropic organization. United Way envisions a community of opportunity where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential. The organization’s mission is to solve Northeast Florida’s toughest challenges by connecting people, resources and ideas. United Way
focuses on improving economic mobility in the following impact areas: basic needs, financial well-being and racial equity. The nonprofit organization’s long tradition of addressing the human-service needs in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties is made possible through the commitment
of thousands of volunteers, donors and community partners. To learn more, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow United Way of Northeast Florida on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.