UWCC Welcomes New Board Members
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
When I think of the United Way Charlotte County (UWCC) Board of Directors, I think of a treasure chest overflowing with golden coins. The coins represent the wisdom, experience and investment of every board member.
The relationships built with board members over the years have truly formed me as a person and professional. Each board member is a treasure and sits on the UWCC board with intentionality and for a purpose. I am truly thankful for their commitment to our community and to the mission of UWCC.
Nonprofit boards are varied in composition and involvement. Make no mistake, their role is one of the most important aspects of a successful nonprofit. UWCC board members already lead active and busy lives and yet when they are wearing the UWCC board hat, the best interests of our community and maximizing donor investments and impact --- is their priority.
It is always an exciting time when new board members join our team as we know the mix of community representation and perspective is refreshing and critical. Typically, UWCC board members are selected for their ongoing involvement with us in some manner. This past month two new board members have been added to the mix and we could not be more excited.
First up, let me introduce to you Eve Sweeting, Legislative Manager, Charlotte County Government, a long-time friend of UWCC. Eve shared, “Working in local government for almost a decade has grown my passion for helping the community that I grew up in and am raising a family in. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling and watching my two children grow up while supporting them in their activities. I’m excited to join the UWCC Board because it’s an opportunity to collaborate with others who are committed to strengthening our community and making a difference.”
Eve has been involved with UWCC for many years through our Community Impact Panels. In addition, she has done some public speaking and is a champion for our workplace campaigns, Women United and United at Work. She has a grasp on the needs of this community and has always been willing to understand our work and how it can improve our community. As UWCC is involved in advocating for the needs of Charlotte County through our involvement with United Way Florida, the relationship with Eve will help us to understand more about the comings and goings in Tallahassee. It’s a pleasure to work with her and she will be a treasure to the board.
Next, we welcome Brandi Leclaire, Branch Manager, Crews Bank & Trust who has lived in Florida for only 3 ½ years. Brandi states, “My husband
and I have been married for 11 years and moved here from Rhode Island. We enjoy spending time at the beach with our friends and going on cruises. When not on the water, we can be found enjoying a motorcycle ride and exploring the Sunshine State. Being part of the UWCC board will help me get to know Charlotte County and the needs of my new community. I’m looking forward to engaging with other professionals.”
Brandi has jumped right into volunteering and participating on UWCC committees. She is part of Ageless United and did a lot of work for the Festival of Wreaths and continues to help with the upcoming Ageless United Lunch. You can reach out to her if you are interested in the UWCC Getaway & Give Hope Travel Raffle. It was important that we have someone from Crews Bank on our board. The community involvement from this bank has been unmatched in recent years. There has been someone volunteering and giving back at each of our events from Crews Bank & Trust. Having Brandi and this organization will be a wonderful golden addition on the UWCC board.
I am excited to see what 2025 brings with their guidance. To view the full UWCC Board, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/treasure
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.