Different experiences. Different perspectives. One commitment to our community.
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
There is something special about having everyone around the table.
For the first time since before the pandemic, United Way Charlotte County has a full slate of board members. Last week, we gathered our new and returning members for our annual board retreat, and as I looked around the room, I felt something I have been looking forward to for a long time: momentum.
There is energy that comes from bringing people together who care deeply about their community, especially when they bring different experiences, relationships and perspectives to the same table.
Our 2026–2027 Board of Directors represents an incredible cross-section of Charlotte County—business leaders, educators, nonprofit advocates, public servants and professionals who understand our community from different vantage points.
That diversity matters.
UWCC is not a single-issue organization. Our work focuses on children and families, education, financial stability, workforce development, seniors, disaster recovery and the barriers that can keep a household from getting ahead. We need people who understand those challenges from different vantage points—and who can help us see both needs and possibilities.
And our newest board members bring exactly that.
Holli Livingston brings financial services expertise and a passion for helping families strengthen their financial well-being. Having served on multiple nonprofit boards in Charlotte County, she understands the power of bringing people together around opportunities for children and families.
Odalys Valdes brings more than 30 years of experience across the legal, nonprofit and public sectors. Her previous nonprofit leadership focused on expanding access to healthcare and social services, and she believes strong communities are built through service, partnership and compassion.
Megan Zawacki brings a human resources perspective and a strong connection to the Punta Gorda Airport, an important United Way community partner. Through her work with the Charlotte County Airport Authority, she understands the value of business-community partnerships and hopes to build on that relationship while strengthening volunteer engagement.
Megan Woodring brings business experience, a servant mentality and strong connections through Publix. She hopes to help more people understand United Way’s work and discover ways to become involved.
Wendy Atkinson brings more than 25 years of experience in insurance and business leadership, along with deep relationships throughout Charlotte County. As Vice Chair of the Charlotte County School Board, District 5, she offers an important education and community perspective.
And Kathy Robinson brings experience across the financial, human resources, nonprofit and business sectors, including leadership of boards and local chambers. Perhaps most importantly, she brings a long history with United Way as a dedicated VITA volunteer, giving her firsthand knowledge of how our work helps local families.
But what has struck me most about this group is what they said they want to do.
They talked about listening. Showing up. Building relationships. Connecting people. Bringing in new volunteers. Strengthening partnerships. Helping others understand United Way. Learning from fellow board members. And, making a meaningful difference in Charlotte County.
Those are the qualities that make a board more than a governing body.
A strong board doesn't simply attend meetings and approve budgets. Board members become ambassadors. They ask questions, challenge us to think differently, open doors, make connections, volunteer, advocate and help staff see opportunities we might otherwise miss.
That is why I love bringing our board together in person.
At last week's retreat, new members met those who have been part of the United Way journey for years. Returning members heard fresh perspectives. Conversations moved from introductions to ideas, and from ideas to possibilities.
You could feel the beginning of something taking shape around the table.
We have spent the past several years navigating change, rebuilding and growing. Today, we have a full table—and around it are people with different experiences but a common belief: Charlotte County is better when we work together.
Our mission is to mobilize the power of our community so all can thrive. This board represents that power in action.
Different voices. Different experiences. Different ways of seeing our community.
One shared purpose.
And now, we're ready to get to work.
To learn more about the UWCC Board of Directors, please visit unitedwayccfl.org/2627uwccboard
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.