Meet the Newest Faces on our Board

By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer  

As United Way Charlotte County works to mobilize the power of our community so all can thrive, strong leadership and partnership remain central to that mission. This year, UWCC is proud to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors — individuals who each bring unique professional expertise, deep local connections, and a shared commitment to strengthening Charlotte County.

Joining the board are Forrest G. Miller, Jennifer Huber, Deanna Heminger, and Sam Alexander — leaders representing the legal, nonprofit, business development, real estate, and healthcare sectors. Together, they reflect the collaboration that drives change across our community. All four are alumni of the Charlotte County Chamber’s Leadership Charlotte program.

Forrest G. Miller, owner of Miller Legacy Legal, PLLC, has dedicated his career to helping families navigate estate planning, probate, and trust administration with compassion and clarity. Raised in a family involved in senior care, Miller understands the importance of protecting families and building stability for future generations. His legal practice has also given him expertise in governance, fiduciary responsibility, and charitable planning that will strengthen UWCC’s long-term impact. Miller graduated from the Charlotte County Chamber’s Leadership Charlotte Class of 2023.  

Jennifer Huber brings extensive experience in community engagement and nonprofit partnership development through her role as Senior Community Relations Specialist with Florida Power & Light. Prior to joining FPL, Huber spent more than a decade with Charlotte County’s tourism department, including serving as Public Relations Manager, where she built relationships across the community. A graduate of Leadership Charlotte 2023 and former board member for United Way of South Sarasota County, she brings governance experience and a passion for mission-driven work.

Deanna Heminger, Sales Representative and Business Development Manager with Suncoast One Title & Closings, is deeply engaged in initiatives focused on housing accessibility, financial stability, and opportunities for local children. A Leadership Charlotte Class of 2025 graduate and former class president, Heminger helped establish the Children’s Enrichment Fund of Charlotte County for their class project and has been actively involved with Women United initiatives. Her experience in fundraising and community engagement will help expand support for local families.

Healthcare leader Sam Alexander joins the board with more than 20 years of experience serving patients and families throughout Charlotte County. As a Clinical Transitions Coordinator with Amedisys Home Health, Alexander has spent his career focused on improving outcomes, strengthening care networks, and supporting community well-being. A longtime Charlotte County resident and Leadership Charlotte Class of 2025 graduate, he brings a strong understanding of local needs and commitment to improving quality of life.

Each of these new board members shares a common belief: thriving communities are built through connection, collaboration, and service. Their combined experience and perspectives will help guide United Way of Charlotte County as it continues investing in programs and partnerships that support youth opportunity, financial security, community resiliency, and health.

At the same time, UWCC extends heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Board Chair Kristin Cardona for her steady leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to our community. Board leadership at UWCC is far more than governance — it helps guide the direction of an organization that brings together partners, donors, volunteers, and nonprofits to meet some of our community’s greatest challenges. Kristin’s leadership helped strengthen collaboration, deepen trust, and position UWCC for continued growth and impact. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart she has invested in this mission.

UWCC is also honored to welcome Marcia Cullinan as incoming Board Chair. As our community continues navigating both opportunities and challenges, strong volunteer leadership remains essential to ensuring UWCC responds thoughtfully, strategically, and compassionately to local needs. Together with our Board of Directors, Marcia will help lead efforts that support families, strengthen resiliency, and create pathways for every person in Charlotte County to thrive. We are grateful for the leaders who step forward to serve and for the lasting impact their commitment makes possible.

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.