Melanie D. Patz was named president and chief executive officer of United Way of Northeast Florida in August 2022. A respected community and nonprofit leader, Patz previously served as vice president of community investment and impact at Baptist Health and, prior to that, served as vice president of community impact for United Way. Patz assumed the organization’s top post Sept. 26.
Patz has 27 years of nonprofit management experience, a bachelor’s degree in business management from Samford University and an MBA with a concentration in economics from the University of North Florida. She currently serves on the boards of the System of Care initiative and the Early Learning Coalition of Duval and is a founding board member of 904WARD. She is a graduate of the 2005 Community Coaches program and Class of 2006 Leadership Jacksonville. Patz was also recognized as a 2013 Woman of Influence by the Jacksonville Business Journal, a 2019 Community Health Hero by Agape, a 2020 Woman of Distinction by Gateway Council of Girl Scouts, and a Humanitarian by OneJax in 2020.
“United Way plays a critical role in our community, and its impact throughout its nearly 100-year history is far-reaching,” said Patz. “It’s an honor to take the helm of an organization that has benefitted so many individuals and families in our region and meant so much to me personally. I am excited to lead this team and, together with our partners, we will continue to innovate and work toward our vision of a community of opportunity for everyone in Northeast Florida.”
Patz replaced former United Way President and CEO Michelle Braun, who retired in April.