Board of Directors

Michael David Herrera earned a BA from St. John Fisher College (Rochester, NY) and is a consultant with more than 25 years of organizational and philanthropic experience in the NGO sector.  Michael is a strategic bilingual executive with an ability to teach effective initiatives that improve performance, growth, and organizational engagement.  He is a genuine influencer who thrives on tough challenges and translates visions and strategies into actionable, value-added measurable goals.

Lake Sumter State College: Associate Vice President Institutional Advancement / Executive Director Foundation

Dr. Byrd witnessed the impact of United Way for more than 15 years in North Carolina. She worked with NC State University and had a partnership through the 4-H Youth Development program to assist with youth programs in disadvantages areas. She also has been part of the employee campaigns. Dr. Byrd wants to contribute to the work that United Way performs in both Lake and Sumter Counties. There are many deserving organizations that make a difference in the lives of so many in need. She is always amazed when she hears of the projects United Way serves. It is amazing the difference made with limited funds. She wants to be part of making a difference.

Emily Madak is a Customer Service Manager at Publix Super Market. She is also volunteer coordinator for Publix District 5 where she leads the organization of aid to the Special Olympics and local organizations suggested through United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties (UWLS).

Emily is a recipient of the Mr. George Community Service Award which recognized her as an outstanding member in the community through her volunteer efforts and giving. She personally volunteered over 250 hours and organized hundreds of Publix volunteers whom volunteered over 1700 hours as a group.

Emily has also personally given financial support to UWLS over her thirteen years with Publix. She began working closely with UWLS through volunteer efforts since 2015. Through those efforts, she has formed relationships with several of the organizations in our area. Emily led the 2017 UWLS campaign for Publix, attended and helped organize the “Seeing is Believing” tour, learning more of how the money is used and some of the parties that receive funding.

Emily is also a member of Life Church Assembly of God where she is currently serving as a choir member, praise team singer, and working with youth through music coaching.

Gary Search is a long-time fan of education. In fact, he is well more than a fan having served in Education for 20 plus years, having developed numerous courses for professionals in education, and having planned educational conferences. He has also served in public office for more than ten years and comes to our United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties as a long-time resident of the Villages.

Gary has shared his expertise with and now serves on our Educational Programs Advisory Board and has been an active supporter of our Stronger Families Program. Dedicated to service, Gary is consistently seeking ways in which to serve, support, share his time, and collaboratively build ways to create even more resources in his community.

Ken Gates is retired from the energy industry, having worked for a public utility (Pepco) for 32 years and for a consulting firm for 5 years. Ken resides in The Villages FL, and Wilmington DE with his wife Theresa. Ken has been involved with United Way throughout his career. He served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Cecil County in Maryland. He served on various committees and as President of that United Way.

I have worked for Publix for over 15+ years and have supported United Way through Publix for the last 14 years. I am also the mother to two wonderful boys & a dedicated military wife. I look forward to serving on the board & supporting my community!

A Lake County native, B.E. has been employed with LifeStream Behavioral Center since 1996, and currently hold the position of Director of Development, which includes grant development and management, coordination of special events, community outreach, cultivating donors, and serving as a government liaison. I also manage LifeStream’s housing and homeless services continuum. His background includes developing and implementing youth prevention/early intervention programs, academic programs, and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs for local government. B.E. has a successful history of securing and managing grants and contracts from local, state, federal, corporate, public and private funding sources. He currently serve on several state, local, and nonprofit boards.