Board of Directors
The United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, Inc., is a registered non-profit organization providing financial, volunteer, and professional resources to effectively and efficiently meet needs in Lake and Sumter Counties, most commonly in the areas of Economic Mobility, Education, and Health. In many ways, the United Way exists because of our generous volunteers and their efforts. Each member of our Board of Directors is a volunteer and often a donor. Professionals, leaders, influencers, givers, and supporters are all accurate words to describe each of our Board Members and as you will see below, they come from multiple avenues, industries, and rich backgrounds.
If you have a heart for giving, a talent for finance, a volunteer spirit, or wish simply to leave a legacy that makes a difference, you may be our ideal new Board Member candidate. We are honored by your interest. We are also grateful to our new and long-serving Board Members who’s information you will see below. It is because of their efforts that we continue to be better and better.
To learn more about applying for Board Membership, contact our Board Chair.
Meet Our Executive Committee Members
Mila Ernest, Chair
CEO and Managing Partner, AmplifiHER, LLC
An accomplished career, corporate executive, Mila has served as a successful people & culture visionary, pivotal advisor to C-suite executives and organization change integrator for over 20 years.
A transformational leader and high-impact change agent, Mila is skilled in identifying and analyzing complex structures, systems and process inefficiencies. She not only recognizes talent competency gaps, she’s a proven provider of development solutions. Her sought-after capabilities include helping companies optimize their value proposition, level up performance, and improve productivity through business strategic planning, engagement, and leadership development initiatives.
When she’s not using her superpowers at work, Mila enjoys traveling to experience new cultures, cuisine, and concerts with her husband and daughter.
Mila is a graduate of the University of Florida, Nova Southeastern University, and will graduate with her doctorate in business administration from Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business & Entrepreneurship in 2025.
Amanda Hansen, Vice Chair
VP Banking Center Manager, Seacoast Bank
Amanda began her career at Central Florida Educators Credit Union, now known as Additional Financial in 1983 as a full-time teller. Amanda worked her way up to branch management before joining Seacoast Bank in 2021. Since then, Amanda has had the opportunity to create a strong presence in the South Lake Business community, as she is a Board of Director for the South Lake Chamber, as well as an ambassador for the past 6 years. Amanda is also a member of the South Lake Business Leaders and a graduate of Leadership Lake County, class of 2023.
Amanda is a Florida Native and has three children and four granddaughters all residing in the Central Florida. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family swimming, boating, and gardening.
Lisa LaBoo, Vice Chair
CEO, Prosperity Investment Services, Inc.
Lisa LaBoo is the CEO of Prosperity Investment Services, Inc., which provices financial services.
She holds an MBA from Florida A&M University and has earned a long list of financial and benefits advising certifications.
Lisa is active in her community and is also involved as a philanthropist, charter member of New Covenant Baptist Church, YMCA board member, the Chair of the FAMU Foundation and more.
Lisa and her spouse Christopher have three children, Christopher II, Alexus, and Jonas — all MBA graduates of Florida A&M University. On the weekends, Lisa and Christopher enjoy spending time with family and friends. They enjoy traveling, working out, and spending time outdoors.
Carly Mullins, Secretary
Vice President, Consumer Loan Fulfillment, Suncoast Credit Union
Carly has worked for Suncoast Credit Union for over 15 years, where she has served in her current role, Director of Service Center Operations, since April 2022.
Carly has a bachelor’s degree from St. Petersburg College in management and organizational leadership. She has many years of experience providing financial literacy training.
She currently resides in Bushnell with her husband and daughter, where they regularly look for ways to give back to their community. Carly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travelling, and participating in outdoor activities.
Bernadette Sweeney, Treasurer
Audit Principal, Withum
Bernadette is a seasoned public accounting professional with international experience. A native of Ireland, she holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Queen’s University Belfast and is a Chartered Accountant. After relocating to Florida in 2013, Bernadette has continued her public accounting career and currently serves as an Audit Principal at Withum. She is a licensed CPA in Florida and New York and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the AICPA, FICPA, NYSSCPA, and the Chartered Accountants Worldwide Network USA.
Jim Murphy
President & CEO, United Way Lake & Sumter
For more than 20 years, Jim Murphy has led mission-driven organizations through moments that define them—periods of growth, transition, and system-level change across housing, healthcare, finance, and education.
He’s helped launch health centers from concept to essential community resources, developed affordable housing for first-time homeownership, and strengthened educational environments.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties and continue the impact the organization has on the communities and people they serve”, says Jim.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Gustavo Henriquez
Career Services Manager, CareerSource Central Florida
Gustavo has been a dedicated leader at CareerSource Central Florida since 2013. He serves as a Career Services Manager, supporting more than 3,000 career-seekers annually.
Gustavo’s dedication and commitment to community service are evident in his various leadership roles throughout Lake and Sumter County. He actively serves on several community boards including the Early Learning Coalition of Lake County, Lake Technical College, Lake County Schools and Sumter County Schools Career & Technical Education Advisory, Sumter County Schools Career & Technical Education advisory boards and more.
Before joining CareerSource, Gustavo had more than 10 years of leadership experience in the retail industry.
When he is not working, he serves at his local church as a deacon and Bible-study teacher for college- and career-aged people. He is also a local high school girls’ basketball coach for more than a decade.
Gustavo is Palm Beach Atlantic University alumnus and holds a Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification. He is a proud husband and father of three.
Lyndsi Johnson
VP, Commercial Loan Officer at First National Bank of Mount Dora
Sherese McGriff
President & CEO, Montgomery Sisters Construction
Sherese is the CEO and President of Montgomery Sisters Construction, bringing over two decades of leadership expertise to the table. She’s a master at creating dynamic, customer-focused corporate environments.
With a background spanning policy development, business management, storm damage restoration, and construction project management, Sherese’s skills are diverse and impactful. Her expertise in emergency management and public safety further equips her to excel in our mission.
Sherese is not only a licensed General Contractor and FEMA-certified Emergency Manager but also a certified SHRM Human Resources Manager. Her passion for United Way’s mission is personal, as she’s witnessed firsthand the positive impact of our programs. She’s dedicated to ensuring those programs continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Danielle North
Customer Service Manager, Publix
Danielle North has called Sumter County home since moving there with her family in the early 1990s. From her youth through her 19-year career with Publix, Danielle has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service. She has worked with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, and March of Dimes and has coordinated numerous store campaigns for The United Way.
Most recently, Danielle has embraced a leadership role with the Girl Scouts of America, where she helped establish a new multi-level troop in the Wildwood area after identifying a local need. Her dedication to fostering community involvement and supporting others continues to make a meaningful impact in Sumter County.
Darryl Owens
Associate Vice President of Communications and Engagement, Beacon College
Darryl E. Owens is the associate vice president of communications and engagement at Beacon College.
He is the creator, executive producer, and host of “A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity,” a monthly PBS TV show (airing in Central Florida on WUCF-TV), which celebrates and empowers families rearing children with learning differences, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences as they navigate the neurodivergent journey.
He is the founder and director of the Beacon Salon Speaker Series, the college’s free annual monthly community outreach speaker program.
Prior to that, Owens worked for 25 years as a general assignment reporter, lifestyle writer, and later local and state columnist and editorial board member at The Orlando Sentinel.
During his journalism career, Owens stood side-by-side with neurosurgeons chronicling every cut of their scalpels during two brain surgeries, covered the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, interviewed Hall of Fame athletes, civil rights icons, flew in police chase helicopters, and grilled dissembling politicians.
He also discussed issues impacting Central Florida and the state on the titular radio segment, “Darryl Owens Perspectives” on Orlando NPR-affiliate WMFE-FM, and was a regular voice on the station’s Friday news roundup on its “Intersection” program.
During his Sentinel stint, he won a handful of awards including First Place, Commentary and Criticism, in the 2012 Sunshine State Awards and First Place, News Commentary in the 2010 National Association of Black Journalists “Salute to Excellence Awards.
As a public relations practitioner, Owens has earned many public relations, communications, and media awards including three Telly Awards, three Anthem Awards, a PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Orlando Radiance Award, Grand Image and Image awards from the Florida Public Relations Association, and gold awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in journalism at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Owens is an ordained deacon and in May celebrates 34 years of marriage to his wife, Sherri. The couple has two adult children, Kelli Pierre-Louis and Brian Owens, and one grandchild, Marli Jade Pierre-Louis.
Dr. Mary Woolridge, Chair, Community Impact & Allocations Committee
Founder and Principal AI Executive Strategist, AI Strategy Leadership
Mary J. Woolridge, Ph.D., MBA, CSM, SAFe is a visionary executive strategist, enterprise learning leader, and organizational transformation advisor with deep expertise in leadership development, workforce enablement, agile transformation, education, technology adoption, and responsible AI strategy.
As Founder and Principal AI Executive Strategist of AI Strategy Leadership, Dr. Woolridge advises CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professional practices on how to turn artificial intelligence into strategic advantage while protecting people, strengthening operations, and reducing risk. Her work focuses on safe and practical AI adoption, executive readiness, operational use cases, staff impact, compliance awareness, and responsible decision-making frameworks. She helps leaders identify where AI can create measurable value and where it should not be used.
Dr. Woolridge holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Florida, an MBA in Information Technology from Western Governors University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida, and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Florida State University. She is also a Certified Scrum Master, SAFe-trained leader, Distinguished Toastmaster, and experienced facilitator.
As a board member, Dr. Woolridge brings strategic insight, ethical judgment, governance- minded leadership, and a strong commitment to helping organizations navigate change, strengthen people systems, and prepare responsibly for the future of work.
Rachel Wilkinson, Chair, Sumter Long-Term Recovery Group
Emergency Management Coordinator / The Villages Public Safety Department
Rachel Wilkinson serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for The Villages Public Safety Department in Florida, bringing more than 20 years of experience in public safety, emergency management, and Fire/EMS administration. In her role, she supports community preparedness, disaster resilience, emergency planning, and collaborative partnerships that help strengthen the communities she serves. Rachel is passionate about building connections among public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security from Liberty University and is a graduate of the FEMA National Emergency Management Basic and Advanced Academies. She has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education to stay current in the evolving field of emergency management. Prior to joining The Villages Public Safety Department, Rachel served in emergency management roles with Sumter County, Florida, and Lake County, Indiana, supporting emergency operations, disaster recovery, mitigation, and community preparedness programs.
Rachel is a Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) Certified Florida Associate Emergency Manager (FAEM) and an active member of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and FEPA. She is dedicated to fostering community resilience through collaboration, education, and service to others.