On October 1, United Way of Indian River County convened local business, nonprofit, and civic leaders at the annual Community Leaders’ Breakfast, sponsored by Seacoast Bank. The morning celebrated community partnership, leadership, resilience, and recognized individuals and organizations whose volunteerism and philanthropy strengthen Indian River County.
Mahal Lacy, AVP and Banking Center Manager at Seacoast Bank, opened the program. Following an invocation by Pastor Biz Gainey of Pillar Community Church, Dr. Katie Nall, United Way Board Chair, introduced keynote speaker Marcus T. Coleman Jr., Vice President, Community Resilience Strategy at United Way Worldwide. Coleman is a nationally recognized leader in disaster preparedness and public-private partnerships and spoke about the importance of local collaboration and the role of infrastructure in community resilience.
United Way CEO Meredith Egan provided an organizational update and highlighted the networked response to Hurricane Milton, noting that strong local collaboration enabled United Way to raise over $2 million in relief in partnership with the Indian River Community Foundation, stand up a Multi-Agency Resource Center, and serve nearly 2,000 residents in the immediate aftermath.
“When disaster strikes, you see the best of Indian River County – people, businesses, and agencies coming together as one community,” said Meredith Egan. “That’s what this breakfast celebrates: the power of connection.”
Following the keynote, the program turned to celebrating outstanding community champions with the presentation of the Richardson Spirit of Indian River County Awards, named for United Way’s founding board chair Dan K. Richardson. Award recipients included:
- Workplace Partner: Rossway Swan Tierney Barry & Oliver – recognized for 23 years of support, outstanding workplace giving, and more than 250 pro bono hours provided to United Way’s Access to Justice initiative.
- Funded Partner: The Salvation Army of Indian River County – recognized for its disaster response and ongoing community services.
- Community Business: Chef Michael Glatz, Coffee House 1420 – honored for hosting community conversations (Cup O’ Joe with the CEO) and for rapid local fundraising and support.
Special honors included the Special Recognition Award to Nicole Colon for sustained volunteer leadership and workforce advocacy, and the Ralph T. King Award – United Way’s highest honor was presented to Jeff Schlitt for two decades of transformational service and leadership.
As the 2025-2026 campaign begins, United Way of Indian River County is calling on neighbors, businesses, and partners to unite around a shared mission – building a community where everyone can thrive. Through events like Day of Caring, Citizens’ Review Panels, and Powered by Purpose, United Way invites everyone to turn compassion into action and help create lasting change close to home.
For more information about how you can get involved or to make a donation, please visit UnitedWayIRC.org or call the United Way Center at (772) 567-8900.
About United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.
