United Way launches Executive Search
OCALA, Fla. (Feb. 6th, 2026) — The United Way of Marion County has launched a search for its next president and CEO after accepting the retirement of Robert “Bob” Haight, effective July 15, 2026. Dr. James Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida and immediate past board chair for UWMC, will chair the executive search committee tasked with replacing Haight, who has served as president and CEO since 2023. Haight joined UWMC in 2021 as vice president of resource development after a long career with the United Way network in locations in Orlando and across the Midwest.
“The future is bright for the United Way of Marion County and the community we serve,” Haight said, adding that he and his wife, Sue, a United Way ReadingPals volunteer, intend to stay in Ocala and continue serving as community volunteers. He credits the team of staff and volunteers for the organization’s achievements in impactful programs, including ReadingPals, which improves early literacy, and Strong Families, which addresses generational poverty, as well as Community Partnership Schools at College Park Elementary School and East Marion Elementary School, which provide resources to improve academic success.
“We appreciate Bob’s service and the fundraising success and continued growth he championed during his tenure,” Henningsen said. “The United Way of Marion County is preparing to host its second Children’s Charity Classic in partnership with HITS on Feb. 20, and the agency’s next leader will manage an organization with strong strategic frameworks for community partnerships and financial stability.”
Alan Keesee, UWMC board chair and CEO of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, noted the role of the UWMC president and CEO as a collaborative leader who builds a team to care for our community.
“At the United Way of Marion County, a team of staff and committed volunteers work together to mobilize local resources in action to help our neighbors,” Keesee said. “Our next president and CEO will lead the way in connecting people to resources to support a healthy community and opportunities for our youth and families to thrive.”
Candidates may submit letters of interest and resumes through March 16, 2026, to hr@uwmc.org or by mail to United Way of Marion County, Inc., Executive Search Committee, 1401 NE 2nd Street, Ocala, FL, 34470.
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