50 Most Powerful People of 2023: Philanthropy & Community Voices
Meet the most powerful people in the Philanthropy and Community Voices category.
Orlando’s visionary leaders and organizations are united in their commitment to make a transformative impact on the community. Derrick Chubbs leads Second Harvest Food Bank, providing 300,000 meals daily. Jeff Hayward leads Heart of Florida United Way in education, stability, and health initiatives. Catherine Steck McManus advocates for equitable housing policies at Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County. Ed Durkee leads Goodwill Industries in sustainable growth and empowerment initiatives. Runway to Hope, founded by Mark and Josie NeJame, transforms pediatric cancer care, while Pamela Landwirth brings happiness and hope to families with sick children.
1. Derrick Chubbs | President And CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank Of Central Florida
In 2022, Derrick Chubbs assumed the role of President and CEO at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (SHFB). His leadership extends over the notable non-profit organization, with a focus on mitigating hunger and its underlying causes across a diverse expanse of seven counties within Central Florida. The region harbored a distressing estimate of more than half a million individuals, families, and children who grappled with uncertainty regarding their next nourishing meal. Collaboratively, a dedicated workforce of 160 personnel, an assembly of numerous volunteers, and an alliance with over 600 partner agencies diligently orchestrated the provision of around 300,000 meals each day, reaching out to these local compatriots in need.
Before his tenure at SHFB, Chubbs’ notable experience encompassed his role as President and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank, stationed in Austin, Texas. This food bank held the distinction of being the largest hunger relief establishment across Central Texas, tending to the needs of 21 counties.
Preceding his foray into the food bank sector in November 2016, Chubbs had accumulated nearly a decade’s worth of service within the American Red Cross. During this period, he ascended the ranks, donning roles such as National Vice President for Disaster Workforce Readiness, Division Vice President for the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Division (shouldering operational responsibilities spanning nine states), and Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Central Texas.
Before his pivot to the non-profit sector, Chubbs’ professional background spanned over 15 years within the realm of for-profit technology. Throughout this phase of his career, he held influential positions within companies such as IBM, Pervasive Software, and Dell.
He was celebrated as an honoree at Onyx Magazine’s “Men of Honor” event. Additionally, his efforts merited acknowledgment from the Seedling Foundation, the “Integrity Award” from Austin 1st Tee, the “Legend of the Year Award” from the 4ATX Foundation (Austin Soccer Team), The “Austin Hero Award” from CultureMap, and many more.
Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
2. Jeff Hayward | President & CEO, Heart Of Florida United Way
Since December 2016, Jeff Hayward has held the position of President & CEO at Heart of Florida United Way. He boasts more than two decades of experience in the United Way network and the nonprofit sector, bringing a distinct and diverse skill set to his role.
Before joining Central Florida, Hayward made his mark as chief of external affairs at United Way of Massachusetts Bay (Boston), where he oversaw the strategic allocation of nearly $32 million annually toward initiatives and agencies.
Prior to this, as senior vice president of community impact, he shaped United Way’s strategies in areas like healthy childhood development, youth opportunities, and family financial stability. Hayward’s leadership also prompted a pivotal shift in United Way’s community investment approach in 2007, tying funding to tangible outcomes in these priority areas.
His professional journey, merging politics, public and private sectors, equipped him well. A former chief of staff to the Mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts, and a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Hayward later became New England vice president for a publicly traded healthcare company. His involvement in groundbreaking initiatives to reduce homelessness demonstrates his commitment to social impact.
In Central Florida, Hayward’s influence extends as a Board and Executive Committee member of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, a Board member of CareerSource Central Florida, and Secretary/Treasurer of United Way of Florida.
Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
3. Catherine Steck McManus | President & CEO, Habitat For Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County
Catherine Steck McManus serves as an exceptional and award-winning executive, at the helm of Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County. Her dedicated leadership is instrumental in uniting individuals for a common cause – the construction of homes, communities, and the nurturing of hope. With a remarkable track record spanning nearly a quarter-century in Central Florida’s nonprofit sector, McManus leverages her experience as the organization’s president and CEO to drive the mission of providing safe and affordable housing for all.
As a fervent advocate for equitable housing policies, McManus channels her extensive expertise into ensuring that everyone has access to a secure and reasonably priced home. This commitment was acknowledged by Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings in 2019, when he appointed her to the Housing for All Workgroup. A year prior, McManus orchestrated the expansion of the Habitat Greater Orlando affiliate to encompass Osceola County, amplifying the impact of affordable housing initiatives throughout Central Florida.
McManus extends her influence beyond the local sphere by serving on the boards of directors for both Habitat for Humanity Florida and the U.S. Council for Habitat for Humanity International. Furthermore, her dedication was recognized through prestigious accolades such as being named one of the 2022 Women Who Mean Business by the Orlando Business Journal, and one of Central Florida’s Inspired Women Leaders from i4 Business.
Photo Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola
4. Ed Durkee | President, Goodwill Industries Of Central Florida
In the vibrant landscape of Orlando, a name stands out as a catalyst for transformative change – Ed Durkee. As the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Florida (GICF) since the onset of 2020, Durkee’s leadership has propelled the organization into an era of remarkable growth and empowerment.
Under Durkee’s guidance, GICF has achieved unprecedented milestones, signaling his exceptional influence. The organization witnessed a remarkable 26 percent surge in its workforce over the years 2021 and 2022. This expansion was accompanied by a commendable 16 percent elevation in front-line hourly wages during the same period, reaching a staggering 52.6 percent increase since 2019.
Durkee’s visionary outlook extends beyond immediate growth. His commitment to sustainability shines through GICF’s environmentally conscious initiatives. The diversion of an impressive 20.1 million pounds of textiles and material waste from local landfills in 2022 alone underscores his dedication to the community’s well-being. GICF’s projected plan to divert 23 million pounds in 2023 reveals Durkee’s enduring influence on sustainable practices.
What truly distinguishes Durkee’s leadership is his people-centric approach. GICF’s social enterprise model, operating long before the concept gained prominence, exemplifies this commitment. Through innovative programs like Prosperity Planning and Goodwill Scholars, Durkee empowers employees beyond traditional measures.
Photo by Kathy Gdula
5. Mark & Josie Nejame | Co-Founders, Runway To Hope
Founded in 2010 by Mark and Josie NeJame, Runway to Hope embarked on a visionary quest to enhance local children’s hospitals’ oncology programs and sustain Central Florida’s funding. Through Runway to Hope’s strategic investments, resources were optimized, service duplication curbed, and local care elevated.
The NeJames expressed, “Our modest dream has blossomed into a tangible reality. Back in 2010, we envisioned a direct support system for pediatric
cancer-affected families in our community. Our gratitude knows no bounds for each individual contributing to this collective mission. United, we aspire to stride towards a cure for childhood cancer.”
Over the years, Runway to Hope metamorphosed into one of Orlando’s largest children’s charities, channeling $4.3 million into expanding oncology care at three children’s hospitals: Advent Health for Children, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and Nemours Children’s Hospital.
Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
6. Pamela Landwirth | President & CEO, Give Kids The World
Landwirth embodies dedication, inspiring a devoted community of staff, volunteers, and donors who bring the Village’s mission to life. Since joining in 1992 and assuming leadership in 1995, she oversees Village operations and strategic initiatives.
With a 16-year background at Walt Disney World, Landwirth brought valuable resort management, human resource development, and project planning expertise. After Disney, she consulted for Hard Rock Cafe, contributing to human resources, organizational development, and strategic planning.
Under Landwirth’s guidance, Give Kids The World Village has transformed remarkably. It expanded from 32 to 89 acres, with villas growing from 56 to 166. Eleven new venues and attractions, like Julie’s Safari Theatre and Matthew’s Boundless Playground, were added. Volunteer shifts quadrupled from 421 to over 1,600 weekly.
Crucially, family visits grew from 3,949 in 1995 to 7,600 today. Pamela tirelessly strives to bring happiness and hope to these families.
