Laura Ospina-Knight Named President & CEO of United Way of Pasco County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Pasco County
727-845-3030 | unitedwaypasco.org
Laura Ospina-Knight Named President & CEO of United Way of Pasco County
Land O’ Lakes, FL - January 23, 2025 - United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) proudly announces that Laura Ospina-Knight will assume the role of President & CEO effective February 3, 2025. This transition follows the retirement of current President & CEO Charles W. Anderson, who is stepping down after six years of transformative leadership to spend more time with his grandchildren.
Since joining UWPC in 2019, Ospina-Knight has been a driving force in the organization’s growth and success. Starting as Campaign Manager & Senior Associate, then advancing to Director of Development, and ultimately serving as Vice President, she has played a pivotal role in expanding community impact, forging key partnerships, and leading groundbreaking initiatives that have enriched the lives of Pasco County residents. Her tenure has been marked by the development of critical programs, including the agency’s Fighting Human Trafficking Program, Homeless Prevention Program, and the COVID-19 relief response, which allocated $2.4 million to struggling businesses and residents. Most recently, she has played a key role in launching the organization’s expansive Hurricane Relief Initiative.
Ospina-Knight’s leadership extends beyond program development. Her expertise in fundraising and event planning introduced the annual Pull for Pasco Clay Shoot which has significantly increased community engagement and financial support for the organization’s mission. She has also championed numerous in-person volunteering initiatives, connecting businesses and schools with meaningful opportunities to serve their community.
A cornerstone of Ospina-Knight's work has been her deep engagement with local, state, and federal legislatures in advocating for survivors of human trafficking during formal meetings in Pasco, Tallahassee, and Washington DC. Furthermore, she has grown the organization’s relationship with the Pasco Board of County Commissioners. Her collaboration with Pasco County Health and Human Services has facilitated vital resources and funding for veterans' wellbeing and homeless populations. Her commitment to transparency ensures Pasco residents and stakeholders remain well-informed about the allocation of funding to partner agencies and program updates.
UWPC Board Chair and District Manager of Publix Supermarkets, Mike Aitken, shared, "The United Way of Pasco County Board of Directors is comprised of leaders who are dedicated to being good stewards with the resources provided by our community. These leaders have worked closely with Chuck to grow the organization, and we wish him the best as he begins his next chapter in life. The Board is very grateful for Chuck's leadership, including the guidance he has provided our new CEO, Laura. Laura has been an instrumental member of the UWPC team for many years, and she is absolutely the right leader to advance our mission for years to come. Laura is committed to lifting others through our partnerships, and she works tirelessly to address the community's most pressing needs. Laura's vision for our future will have lasting positive outcomes. She will continue to build strong relationships with community and government leaders, and support our agency partners. We are very proud of Laura and very grateful for her commitment to Pasco!"
Prior to her tenure at UWPC, Ospina-Knight served as Marketing Coordinator for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, and as Assistant Director of Marketing and Business Development for Simon Property Group. She holds degrees in Marketing and Operations Management from Florida Gulf Coast University and is actively completing her Master of Business Administration. She is involved in community organizations and serves on the boards of Leadership Pasco, the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, and Vincent House Pasco.
Reflecting on the leadership transition, outgoing President & CEO Charles W. Anderson expressed his confidence in Ospina-Knight’s ability to guide the organization forward, “Laura’s passion, dedication, and strategic vision have been instrumental in the growth and success of United Way of Pasco County. I have had the privilege of working alongside her since our time together at Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, where she excelled as a fundraising champion. When we both transitioned to United Way of Pasco County, Laura quickly developed a deep understanding of the United Way mission. Her unwavering commitment to serve our community makes her the perfect leader to take the organization to new heights.”
Anderson leaves behind a legacy of excellence, most especially seen through his institution of the strong and unique Fighting Human Trafficking Program. After he encouraged the Board to make human trafficking and domestic violence key focus areas for UWPC, this program became a beacon of light for hundreds of survivors, giving them wrap-around services and housing. This year alone, UWPC allocated $70,000 from the Community Impact Grant specifically to support programming for human trafficking and domestic violence.
The Board of Directors and staff of UWPC extend their heartfelt gratitude to Charles W. Anderson for his outstanding service and warmly welcome Laura Ospina-Knight as the new leader of the organization. They look forward to her continued impact and innovative vision for the future.
For more information, please contact Marissa Kurt: 727-359-8850 marissak@unitedwaypasco.org
United Way of Pasco County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to improve lives for children, families, and individuals in all of Pasco County. We work with over 50 partner agencies to assist our neighbors in their darkest hours and to find sustainable solutions to major issues in our community.