The leadership transition marks one year since United Way announced its new strategic plan

Jacksonville, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2026) — United Way of Northeast Florida has named Sabeen Perwaiz chair of its board of directors as the organization marks one year since announcing its “Strategy 2030″ plan focused on community-driven solutions that address root causes of financial instability. Perwaiz began her two-year term Sept. 1 and will preside over her first board meeting as chair this week. Perwaiz, president and CEO of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, succeeds former Florida Blue executive Darnell Smith, who served as board chair since 2024 and as a member of the board since 2019. As the new chair, Perwaiz will work alongside United Way leadership, board members and community partners to advance the organization’s strategic priorities and strengthen its work across Northeast Florida.

“It’s an exciting time to serve as chair of United Way of Northeast Florida’s board of directors,” said Perwaiz. “As we mark one year of our strategic plan, United Way has a clear vision for the future and a strong foundation to build on. I look forward to working alongside the rest of the board, staff and community partners to advance this work, strengthen our community and create more opportunities for families across Northeast Florida.”

This leadership transition comes as United Way marks one year since introducing its new strategic plan, which aims to increase upward mobility, access to essential services and community well-being for all. Specific goals the organization plans to achieve by 2030 include:

• Increase successful United Way 211, 988 Florida Lifeline and Mission United resource referrals by 50% as well as close the loop on referrals to know which callers received the support they needed and follow up with those who didn’t
• 5,000 more young adults employed in jobs earning a wage that enables them to survive and thrive
• 450 senior-owned homes repaired and made more energy efficient

United Way’s strategic plan goals are primarily focused on families living below the ALICE Threshold. According to the most recent ALICE Report, nearly 40% of households in Northeast Florida fall below this Threshold and struggle to make ends meet. Approximately 11% of these households live in poverty, and 29% of households are defined as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

ALICE families earn above the Federal Poverty Level but less than the basic cost of living for their community. They are families typically working one or more low-wage jobs with little or no savings and are often overlooked and undercounted by traditional poverty measures. ALICE data also reveals nearly 50% of senior households and more than 65% of young adult households live below the ALICE Threshold in our region.

Since United Way’s new strategic plan was introduced a year ago, the organization has realigned its grantmaking process to its new impact areas; expanded its home repair program to New Town and Robinson’s Addition; laid the foundation for a new workforce development program at a Duval County Public Schools high school; increased opportunities for connecting families to emergency financial assistance through United Way 211; and invested in critical technological infrastructure for a closed-loop model for its 988 Florida Lifeline and 211 information and referral services. 988 helps address growing mental health needs by providing immediate crisis support; 211 connects callers to essential resources through personalized community navigation, including information, referrals and guidance on accessing services such as food, housing, transportation, utilities and other critical supports.

To build on this progress over the next year, United Way expects to complete approximately 80 home repair projects for local seniors, including in four expansion neighborhoods, and continue to build upon workforce development programming for local youth and young adults. Additionally, United Way’s 211 and 988 call centers will continue to strengthen its partner network to improve the system of care. So far, this work has increased successful 211 referrals by 105%. Additionally, United Way has become a lead provider of the 988 Florida Lifeline with a local call answer rate of 81%, with the remaining 19% answered by the national back-up line.

“We’re grateful for Sabeen’s leadership as we enter the next chapter of our work,” said Melanie Patz, United Way’s president and CEO. “She brings a deep commitment to our community and a strong belief in what’s possible when we unite around a shared vision. Over the past year, our strategic plan has motivated and challenged us, and we’ve already seen meaningful progress. With Sabeen’s leadership, we’re well positioned to build on that exciting momentum.”

In addition to Perwaiz, United Way’s board of directors includes:

• Dr. Christopher Bernier, Duval County Public Schools
• Will Clancy, City Year (Atlantic Circle Co-Chair)
• Joe Davidson, Federal Reserve Bank of America
• Jerry Delgado, KPMG
• Jan Hanak, Regency Centers
• John Hidalgo, JP Morgan Chase
• Michael Huskey, Haskell
• Rudy F. Jamison Jr., Ed.D., City of Jacksonville
• Conrad Jennings, CSX (Atlantic Circle Co-Chair)
• Patty Keenan, Miller Electric Company
• Sara Ley, First Coast Impact Advisors
• Greg Montana, Pinnacle Financial Partners
• Ned Peverley, Vestcom
• Brian D. Pieninck, GuideWell
• Eustachius Roberts, Thrivent
• Lior Spring, community volunteer
• Aundra Wallace, JAXUSA Partnership
• Matt Zuino, Baptist Health
• Delores Barr Weaver, Emeritus

For more information on United Way’s strategic plan, visit unitedwaynefl.org/our-work. To get involved with United Way, visit unitedwaynefl.org/get-involved. You can also invest in United Way’s critical work in the community by making a charitable donation of any size on its website (unitedwaynefl.org/give) or by contacting Vice President of Philanthropy Éres McKee at eresm@nulluwnefl.org.

For those in need of immediate mental health crisis support, dial or text 9-8-8 or start a chat at 988lifeline.org. For those seeking other available community resources, dial 2-1-1 or text “hello” to 211904. Additional information on these services and more can be found at unitedwaynefl.org.

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