December 11, 2024
United Way of Lake and Sumter Director Jessica Davis Leaving, Keith Barsuhn to Serve as Interim
By Cindy Peterson
United Way of Lake and Sumter Director Jessica Davis Leaving, Keith Barsuhn to Serve as Interim
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties (UWLS) announced today that Jessica Davis, President & CEO, will be leaving the organization, effective December 31, 2024.
“Jessica’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental to UWLS’s success,” said Michael Herrera, Board Chair of UWLS. “We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Interim Resource Development Director Keith Barsuhn will serve as Interim CEO beginning January 6, 2025, while the organization conducts a search for a permanent replacement.
“Keith Barsuhn is a proven leader with a deep understanding of United Way and its mission,” Herrera added. “We are confident in his ability to guide the organization through this transition.”
Barsuhn’s career spans more than 39 years, primarily as a Resource Development VP and President/CEO within the larger United Way network. Over the past four years he has served as Interim CEO or Development VP for other United Ways and received his certification from the Interim Executive’s Academy which has been recognized as one of the premier Interim executive training programs, run by the Third Sector Company. He has a proven track record of success in fundraising, marketing, and community leadership. A Villages resident, Barsuhn is excited to serve the Lake & Sumter Community.
“I’m honored to serve in this role for the Lake & Sumter Community that I now call home. My goal is to ensure this United Way continues to thrive and increase its capacity in leveraging support to individuals and families in need,” said Barsuhn.
UWLS remains committed to serving the community and ensuring a seamless transition. Updates on the CEO search will be shared as they become available.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
