St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold has been appointed to the United Way of Florida Board of Governors, bringing a history of local involvement to the statewide organization. Having already carved out a space for herself within the St. Johns community through various roles with United Way, Arnold sees her new position as a means to broaden her impact throughout the state. As she told St. Johns County, “having grown up volunteering with United Way, working as an employee for United Way of St. Johns County, and now this ‘full circle’ moment of serving on the Board of Governors, I am so grateful to be afforded this pathway to make a difference throughout the state of Florida.”
Arnold joins the board that oversees an expansive network serving all of Florida's 67 counties. With more than $100 million raised annually in the state, the United Way of Florida (UWOF) is deeply integrated into community essentials such as disaster preparedness and response, and coordinating efforts like the ALICE Report, which deals with financial hardship metrics. Growing up, dedicated to United Way's mission, Arnold's addition to the board was welcomed by the President of the United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties, Carl F. Cricco III. Cricco emphasized her long-term commitment, "Sarah’s passion for building stronger communities will be a great asset in advancing United Way’s mission across Florida."
President and CEO of the United Way of Florida, Melissa Nelson, underscored the significance of Arnold's committed approach. Nelson remarked on the depth of conviction Arnold brings to her endeavors, “The heart that Sarah Arnold brings to the work of United Way is palpable.” More than just words, Arnold's tenure is expected to be marked by her hands-on experience and nuanced understanding, assets that have already proven valuable in her previous engagements with United Way at the local level.
In the context of Arnold's new role, her work in St. Johns County presages the kind of influence she might wield on a larger scale. With a track record of significant local investments, to the tune of over $10.3 million funneled into critical community needs, her experience is tailored to the United Way's broader mission. More than just crunching numbers, her work has tangibly delivered, with Arnold and her team at the United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties having empowered over 140,000 people with essential resources. According to Carl F. Cricco III, announcing her partnership, "Commissioner Arnold’s ongoing leadership and dedication amplify our shared impact, ensuring a healthier, more resilient region where every individual can thrive."
