Jacksonville, Fla. (Oct. 2, 2025) – United Way of Northeast Florida is excited to announce its Stein Fellowship Class of 2026. This class features 16 rising leaders from diverse professional, educational and leadership backgrounds. 

Founded in 2007 by philanthropists Linda and the late David Stein, the Stein Fellowship inspires young professionals to commit philanthropically and professionally to our region’s future. This transformative year-long experience strengthens and accelerates Fellows’ leadership through eye-opening programs, hands-on service and multi-generational 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. 

 Members of the Stein Fellowship Class of 2026 are: 

• Austin Belet, Government Affairs Specialist, UF Health St. Johns 
• Bailey Bird, Senior Analyst, Regency Centers 
• Lewan Brunson, Public Policy Coordinator, Blue Zones 
• Brittany Bryant, Relationship Development Manager, United Way of Northeast Florida 
• Brad Clark, Senior Manager – Sales & Marketing, CSX 
• Brian Dawkins, Project Manager I Non-Technical, FIS 
• Petra Estep, Director of Pharmacy, Baptist Health  
• Simone Garvey-Ewan, Communications Specialist, JEA 
• William Hall, North Florida Xfinity Communities Manager, Comcast 
• Kristine Jefferson, Inclusion Program Leader, Johnson & Johnson
• Tajmaus Johnson, Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Jacksonville Public Education Fund
• Ashlea Jones, Director of Membership, Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida
• Krystal Martz, Director of Research, Business Intelligence and Strategic Initiatives, JAXUSA Partnership  
• Niki McCrimon, Annual Fund and Special Events Manager, Feeding Northeast Florida
• Jazmin Miller, Statewide Alumni and Network Strategy, Teach for America 
• Devin Sapp, Senior Talent Management Program Analyst, CSX   

“As David and I intended upon its founding nearly 20 years ago, the Stein Fellowship is an investment in the future of Northeast Florida,” said Linda Stein. “Every year, I’m inspired by the passion, curiosity and drive these young leaders bring. Congratulations to this year’s class—your journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make.” 

Members of the Class of 2026 were selected through a competitive application and interview process. They were chosen from a pool of over 40 applications based on demonstrated commitment to philanthropy, love for Northeast Florida and passion for community progress. Those not chosen for the Fellowship this year are encouraged to apply again next year and join Atlantic Circle, United Way’s young professionals group. 

The 16 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. 

 Sixteen 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. 

• Martha Barrett, Senior Vice President, Bank of America (Retired)
• Bill Buchholz, Senior Vice President, Truist (Retired)
• Debbie Buckland, Area Manager – Client Advisory, Pinnacle Financial Partners
• Carl Bailey, Community Philanthropist and Volunteer
• Christina Bottomley, Vice President, Real Estate and Industrial Development, CSX
• Kareen Dorsett, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Florida Blue Medicare
• Cindy Funkhouser, President and CEO, Sulzbacher
• Coretta Hill, Chief Operating Officer, United Way of Northeast Florida
• Anne Hoverson, Vice President of Digital Transformation and IT Project Management Office, Florida Blue
• Margaret Johnson, Physician, Clinical Educator, Mayo Clinic
• Patty Keenan, Chief Talent Officer, Miller Electric Company
• Farley Kern, Chief Communications Officer, Florida Blue
• Sara Ley, Head of Digital and Tech and Professional Practices, J&J Learn, Johnson & Johnson
• Darnell Smith, North Florida Market President, Florida Blue
• Kelli Tice, Chief Health Improvement Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs, Florida Blue
• Carl Walker, Vice President of Engineering for Communication and Signal System, CSX

“Each year, we are humbled by the talent and purpose each new class of Fellows brings to improving our community,” said Melanie Patz, president and CEO of United Way of Northeast Florida. “This year’s Fellows carry forward the spirit of bold ideas, diverse perspectives and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. We’re proud to support their journey and excited for the impact they will create for years to come.” 

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.