United Way Suncoast CEO Assumes New Role with Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Jesscia Muroff, who has elevated United Way Suncoast to new heights in her role as United Way Suncoast CEO over the last six years, will leave the organization in January to become president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
Despite a global pandemic, multiple hurricanes and ongoing community economic challenges, Muroff exits United Way Suncoast having strengthened the organization strategically, financially, and operationally since taking the helm in Nov. 2019. She says leading United Way Suncoast has been one of the greatest honors of her life.
“This decision comes with deep reflection and gratitude for the incredible journey I’ve shared with our stakeholders,” Muroff said. “The partnerships, collaboration, and commitment of our donors, corporate partners, and community leaders have strengthened this organization and deepened its impact in ways that make me profoundly proud.
“United Way Suncoast’s talented leadership team, dedicated Board, and strong financial foundation will ensure continued progress on the goals we’ve built together.”
To understand Muroff’s impact, look no further than the innovation and community care found in some of its latest programs. Last week, United Way Suncoast launched Bridging The Gap, an initiative that will pour a total of $350,000 into 24 different nonprofit partners to help address the challenges brought on by the federal government shutdown and the loss of SNAP benefits.
Later this week, United Way Suncoast will roll out Go United, a groundbreaking digital portal that provides a new way for individual donors and volunteers to regularly connect with how they’re supporting the community through the organization.
Both programs reflect how Muroff has proven to be a beacon for philanthropic innovation in United Way Suncoast’s five-county service area and across the state. Since 2019, she’s prioritized the nonprofit’s community impact through modernized grantmaking, collaborative initiatives and programmatic partnerships guided by data. She’s also stewarded $51 million in fiscal assets, including a notable unsolicited donation of $20 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2019.
At the same time, she’s played a pivotal role in reorganizing the United Way Suncoast staff and reinvigorating its culture. In 2025, employee satisfaction rose to a record high thanks to a focus on the organization’s Suncoast Code & Values, and an emphasis on work-life balance, growth opportunities, and community impact.
This will be the fourth nonprofit Muroff leads as CEO, and she’s generated game-changing success at every stop – growing into a changemaker that Florida Trend has recognized as one of the state’s 500 most influential leaders for three consecutive years.
Given her achievements, it comes as no surprise that the Community Foundation of Sarasota welcomes her leadership. The 45-year-old organization serves a four-county region – Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties – and has grown from $191 million in assets in 2010 to more than $600 million today.
“Our Board of Directors is thrilled for Jessica to bring her exceptional background and expertise to this role at the Community Foundation,” said Paul Hudson, Community Foundation Board Chair who has also served as interim CEO since longtime CEO Roxie Jerde retired in June. “As a seasoned CEO and strategic decision-maker who understands our generational approach to community investments, Jessica will build on our successes, carrying forward our mission of achieving impact through philanthropy.”
Muroff brings familiarity with the foundation to her new role because the organization has partnered with United Way Suncoast on a variety of initiatives in recent years. She’s looking forward to enhancing the foundation’s many strengths.
“The culture of compassion, integrity, and quality within the Foundation is unmistakable,” Muroff said, “and the community’s commitment to a brighter future is deeply inspiring.”
Meanwhile, United Way Suncoast is poised to extend its 101 years of philanthropy and continue moving into its second century of service. Its seasoned executive team will rely on a new Thriving United Way Suncoast Framework, a comprehensive strategic vision, to chart a path for future success.
“United Way Suncoast is in a strong position for this transition,” said United Way Suncoast board chair Sara Nichols. “Our organization has the leadership, strategy, and stability to continue advancing our mission without pause. The board and I have complete confidence in our team and the path ahead.”
United Way Suncoast will immediately begin a national search for a new chief executive officer. Muroff will remain with UWS through the beginning of next year before joining the Community Foundation of Sarasota County on Jan. 20.
About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. Our focus on Educational Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency creates an interconnected path that empowers individuals with the Freedom to Rise and the ability to create the life they envision for themselves, their families, and their communities. Founded in 1924, we enter our second century of service with a decided focus on uniting the region to generate support for hard-working families that stand one unexpected expense away from crisis. We proudly serve Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties. We elevate early learning, we energize middle school and high school students, and we empower families and community members. We enhance the community by addressing emerging needs such as natural disasters, and we expand the capacity of our nonprofits. Along the way, we lead, convene, and collaborate with corporate supporters, individual donors, nonprofit partners, and valued volunteers because we know that – United We Rise, United We Win.
