President & CEO: Laura Ospina-Knight
Since joining UWPC in 2019, Ospina-Knight has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission. She began as Campaign Manager & Senior Associate, later transitioning to Director of Development, and ultimately serving as Vice President. In each role, she has driven expansion, cultivated vital partnerships, and spearheaded transformative initiatives that have directly benefited Pasco County residents. Her leadership has been pivotal in launching key programs such as the Fighting Human Trafficking Program, Homeless Prevention Program, and the COVID-19 relief response, which allocated $2.4 million to support struggling businesses and residents. Most recently, she played a crucial role in developing UWPC’s Hurricane Relief Initiative.
Beyond program development, Ospina-Knight has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fundraising and community engagement, such as introducing the annual Pull for Pasco Clay Shoot. She is a passionate advocate for survivors of human trafficking, working closely with local, state, and federal legislators to influence policy and secure essential resources. She has also strengthened relationships with the Pasco Board of County Commissioners and collaborated with Pasco County Health and Human Services to enhance support for lower income families and homeless populations. Transparency and community involvement remain at the core of her leadership, ensuring that stakeholders are informed about funding allocation and program updates.
Before 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 currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration.
She actively serves on the boards of Leadership Pasco, the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, and Vincent House Pasco. She resides in Trinity with her sweet 2-year-old son & enjoys exploring Pasco cities and parks.
laurak@unitedwaypasco.org
Director of Finance: Rosanna Medrano
With over nine years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Rosanna Medrano has dedicated her career to managing the accounting side of various organizations. Currently, she is a key team member at United Way, where she oversees financial operations, including overhead revenue and expenses, federal and local grant management, and United Way-raised funding toward community partners. She ensures accurate reporting and financial management.
Prior to joining United Way, Rosanna worked at a nonprofit organization in New York City focused on senior services, where her primary responsibilities included grant management and financial oversight. Her extensive experience in handling grants has equipped her with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of nonprofit funding mechanisms.
Rosanna holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Berkeley College, where she developed a strong foundation in financial management and organizational skills. Passionate about making a positive impact, Rosanna is committed to supporting the financial health and sustainability of United Way of Pasco County. She is passionate about her family, cooking, and F.R.I.E.N.D.s! She will be getting married this Spring.
RosannaM@unitedwaypasco.org
Fighting Human Trafficking Program Manager: Benjamin Ortberg
Benjamin Ortberg has a long history of helping those affected by domestic violence and human trafficking. He began his professional career in military service in the Army and Airforce. Then during his 15 years in law enforcement, he was often the first point of contact for survivors. After these careers, Ben worked as a Victim Advocate, where he accompanied survivors to court hearings, assisted them through the legal process, and provided critical resources and support.
In 2021, Ben joined United Way to develop and operate the Fighting Human Trafficking Program. Initially estimated to assist 12 survivors over three years, the program has grown significantly, serving over 300 survivors with emergency hotel stays, transitional housing, and comprehensive support services. Benjamin helped acquire millions of dollars in funding for this cause. He manages functions such as housing placement and maintenance, casework with the clients, and human trafficking data analysis with doctorate students from University of South Florida’s TIP Lab.
Ben holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He is a Nationally Credentialed Advanced Level Advocate with the Comprehensive Victim Intervention Specialist designation through the National Advocate Credentialing Program. Ben is a member of the Mel Greene Institute to Combat Human Trafficking and the Tampa Bay Safe Alliance. He enjoys the outdoors, spending time with his puppies, and representing the veteran community.
bortberg@unitedwaypasco.org
Community Impact & Allocations Manager: Diana Claussen
Diana Claussen brings over 20 years of public service experience to her role as Community Impact and Allocations Manager at United Way of Pasco County. A recipient of the FTIA State of Florida Award for community service, Diana is passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless, focusing on human services, homelessness, public safety, and animal advocacy. Diana has a strong background in Emergency Services and Operations. She served in the Texas Department of State Health Services during pandemic outbreaks and as a Community Affairs Specialist for the Dallas Police Department. She also volunteered as a Community Emergency Response Team member, assisting FEMA after disasters.
In Florida, Diana led the Pinellas County Mobile Medical Unit during COVID-19 and recently directed United Way of Pasco County's Disaster Relief Program for the 2024 hurricanes. She currently manages the VITA program, offering free tax preparation for residents.
Outside of work, Diana volunteers at her local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and Animal Services, and teaches personal self-defense as a certified instructor. Her extensive training includes FEMA, HSEEP, NIMS, ICS, and Shelter and Volunteer Management certifications.
dianac@unitedwaypasco.org
Executive Assistant: Kimberly Kirk
Formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kimberly Kirk has worked in the education and administration field for over twenty-five years, as well as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry in Kalamazoo, MI. Upon moving to Georgia, Kimberly changed her profession to the field of education and administration, beginning at Emory University in the Human Resources Department as an Administrative Assistant in Atlanta, GA. She then served as the Campus Operations Coordinator at The University of Phoenix in Alpharetta, GA.
After a brief retirement of relocating to Tampa, FL, Miss Kim began serving as the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO of United Way of Pasco. Miss Kim handles communication correspondence to the nonprofit and president; coordinates events and meetings for the office; controls the distribution of health and human service information to the public; and distributes resources in times of disaster.
Miss Kim enjoys spending time with her grown-children and grand-babies spread throughout every corner of the USA, and she enjoys exploring fashion!
She can currently be reached at executiveassistant@unitedwaypasco.org.
Victim Advocate: Lynzie Thompson
Lynzie Thompson is the new Victim Advocate for United Way's Fighting Human Trafficking Program. Born and raised in Pasco County, Lynzie brings four years of experience in crisis intervention and victim services within the non-profit sector. She graduated with her Bachelor in Psychology from University of Central Florida. Credentialed through the National Advocate Credentialing Program, she is certified in working with victims of sex crimes and human trafficking, and has specialized training to support vulnerable populations, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with disabilities.
Lynzie is dedicated to providing empowerment-based advocacy, safety planning, supportive counseling, and crisis intervention for program participants. She coordinates participant transportation, emergency accommodations, and community resource referrals, while maintaining meticulous records for statistical reporting.
Lynzie is passionate about her husky and the dog community of Tampa, and is excited to be married to her long-time girlfriend at the end of 2025!
lynziet@unitedwaypasco.org
Assistant Campaign Director: Marissa Kurt
At United Way, Marissa Kurt, M.A. Communication Public Relations, grows relationships with 50+ businesses in the community to maximize giving and provide informative presentations. She is passionate about gathering the community for in-person initiatives such as fundraising events, advocacy events, community service- having implemented the first Thanksgiving and Christmas Meal Drives, Annual Toy Drive, and partnerships with high school United Way clubs. Additionally, she creates marketing materials to drive positive change, writes grants and written correspondences such as letters from the President, press releases, and news pitches.
Originally from Pinellas County, FL, Marissa brings five years of full-time nonprofit experience to her role as Assistant Campaign Director. In Philadelphia, she played a pivotal role at the Uncommon Individual Foundation, mentoring entrepreneurs in the marketing for their start-ups, producing video series, designing an internship program, and coordinating events. Marissa also has corporate experience helping computer scientists land jobs at Fortune 500 companies, and maintain their visas. She worked in college at the Vatican's communications department in Rome and with an international diplomacy club in Tokyo, Japan.
Marissa adores the outdoors and traveling to different countries.
marissak@unitedwaypasco.org