St. Augustine, FL (September 8, 2022) – Mark D. LeMaire has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of St. Johns County, serving St. Johns and Putnam counties.

“I am pleased to announce the selection of Mark LeMaire as United Way-SJC CEO”, said Board Chair Joe Pickens. “Mark’s extensive nonprofit experience combined with his familiarity with both St. Johns and Putnam counties make him the ideal person to lead our organization. When you have a perfect fit, you don’t just think it, you feel it too. That was the unanimous sentiment of the search committee.”

LeMaire joined the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida in 2013. During his time there, he directed a $5M annual donor portfolio based on international relief, housing, education and environment, designed and implemented an annual competitive grant process exclusively for Putnam County and managed St. Johns County donor and grant investments.

Among many other achievements, while serving at United Way, LeMaire led the organization’s planned giving effort, secured new planned giving commitments, stewarded the organization’s annual community investments and volunteer center, built a neighborhood focused funding initiative, oversaw $6M annual budget and developed and implemented an online grant application process.

LeMaire has a M.A. degree in Sociology from the University of South Florida, a B.A. degree from Southeastern University and over 20 years of nonprofit experience. He is a licensed foster parent for the State of Florida and a 2020 graduate of Leadership St. Johns.

“I am honored and thrilled to join this United Way team. In St. Johns and Putnam counties, United Way plays a unique and vital role in improving our communities. I look forward to working with our board, staff, generous donors and community partners to advance the vision of greater health, education and financial stability for all our neighbors”, said Mark LeMaire.

LeMaire will replace former United Way-SJC President/CEO, Melissa Nelson, who assumed the role of President/CEO for United Way of Florida in June 2022.

Upon Nelson’s resignation, a search committee was formed immediately at the direction of the United Way-SJC Board of Directors. The search committee, led by co-chairs, Rev. Bobby Crum, Anastasia Church and Beverly Slough, St. Johns County District Schools Board Member, District I, was thorough and extensive. Other members of the search committee include Joe Pickens, President, St. Johns River State College, Kelly Green, Peace Love Home, and Nancy Dering Mock, Owner, Nancy Dering Mock Consulting.

“After a nationwide search, we are thrilled to hire Mark LeMaire as our new President and CEO. The search committee and board were unanimous in his selection. We are excited for Mark to bring his leadership and expertise to United Way for the benefit of our community,” said Bobby Crum, search committee co-chair.

Lemaire will join the organization on October 3, 2022. A transition team has been put in place as well to ensure a smooth transition.