The United Way of Florida’s Board of Governors has selected St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold to represent Northeast Florida on the board.
The statewide network includes 28 local United Ways serving all of Florida’s 67 counties, according to a release. Arnold’s service on the board began Aug. 15.
She was nominated and selected by the state organization’s board of directors, according to Melissa Nelson, president and CEO of United Way of Florida.
Arnold is immediate past chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners.
“The heart that Sarah Arnold brings to the work of United Way is palpable,” Nelson said in the release. “But it isn’t just her passion; it is the commitment and insights she brings to serve Florida residents who struggle financially or when responding to challenges in life.”
“I am humbled by the extraordinary opportunity to represent Northeast Florida, specifically, St. Johns County,” Arnold said in a statement. “Having grown up volunteering with United Way, working as an employee for United Way of St. Johns County, and now this ‘full circle’ moment of serving on the Board of Governors, I am so grateful to be afforded this pathway to make a difference throughout the state of Florida.”
United Way in Florida raises more than $100 million annually, provides public policy and advocacy leadership, and plays a key role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Since 2020, it has invested more than $10.3 million in critical community needs, refunded over $5 million through free tax preparation with its VITA program, and helped more than 140,000 people access life-changing resources, according to the release.