Honoring Bob Haight

Bob and Sue Haight pose for a photo during the Retirement Celebration for Bob Haight at the Hilton Ocala in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Haight, the President and CEO of the United Way of Marion County, is retiring. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.

The United Way of Marion County has long served as one of the anchor agencies that helps provide a better quality of life for people in our area. Leading such an organization can be no easy task and requires diligence and dedication.

In March of this year, UWMC announced that President/CEO Bob Haight would be retiring effective July 15. On June 23, a retirement celebration was hosted in his honor at Hilton Ocala.

Haight joined UWMC in 2021 as vice president of resource development after a career with United Way in Orlando and across the Midwest. He was named interim president in August of 2022 and has served as president and CEO since March of 2023.

“We appreciate Bob’s service and the fundraising success and continued growth he championed during his tenure,” immediate past board president James Henningsen said in the release announcing Haight’s retirement and the search for a new president.

In a recent email exchange, Haight, who also has served with United Way organizations in Ohio, Illinois and Michigan, as well as in Orlando, spoke about some of the challenges he encountered in his leadership position.

“Staying true to the mission and purpose of the United Way of Marion County, founded 65 years ago, while making the organization relevant to current community needs, such as the Marion County ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained) population and youth development for a lifetime of success,” he stated.

When asked about his major accomplishments, Haight offered:

• Expansion of Community Partnership Schools; College Park Elementary and East Marion
• Domestic violence and sexual assault services quality improvements collaboration
• The Children’s Charity Classic started in 2024 in partnership with HITS and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital; Niki Tripodi’s vision for a legacy fundraising and awareness event for children
• Women United relaunches after COVID; funds supported CASA Marion and Strong Families
• Strong Families 20^th class celebration, addressing generational poverty with sustainable funding
• A new strategic community impact framework that will launch on July 1
• Launching 2.4 Million Meals Campaign, with Second Harvest Food Bank
• Launching Nourish Now Campaign, with Marion Seniors Service, needs gap in accessing healthy food
• Marion County Public Schools ReadingPals and Thrive Tutoring; student grade level reading improvements
• Long Term Recovery Group Partnership with Marion County Emergency Management and Florida Department of Health, Marion County

Haight also wrote about “working with great community volunteers as board chairs, annual giving chairs, Community Impact Vision Council chairs, Alexis Tocqueville chairs and members, and donors.”

“It has been an honor to work with Publix Super Markets Associates and Charities, Signature Brands, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, South State Bank, the city of Ocala, Marion County Community Services and many others.  The volunteer leadership of the United Way is in great care with Kristy Rowland, ARK Hospitality, board chair elect, and Kourtney Corcoran, Signature Brands, serving as Annual Giving chair. Special recognition to Greg Harrell, Dr. James Henningsen and Alan Keesee, who served as board chairs during my tenure,” Haight said.

As for his plans for the future, Haight offered, “My wife, Sue, and I plan to live in Marion County, travel and spend time with our grandchildren.  Sue, a former teacher, enjoys volunteering with ReadingPals. I will find a hobby besides golf and explore volunteer and consulting opportunities.”

To learn more about the organization, go to uwmc.org

Retirement Celebration for Bob Haight

10 photos