United Way of Marion County announces new leadership
Natalie McComb [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]
By Jennifer Hunt
The United Way of Marion County (UWMC) is turning a new page in its leadership.
Following the retirement of President and CEO Robert Haight, the organization has announced that Natalie McComb will take the helm as its new interim president and CEO.
UWMC Board Chair Alan Keesee announced in a press release:
“United Way of Marion County conducted a national and local search for our President & CEO position with the retirement of Bob Haight. The organization is thrilled to announce Natalie McComb has accepted the role of Interim President and CEO.”
Haight told the Gazette the search committee reviewed more than 100 applications before the board unanimously selected McComb.
McComb is a familiar face at UWMC, having worked for the organization from January 2016 through December 2019. She first served as campaign director before being promoted to vice president of resource development.
Her interim appointment mirrors Haight’s own path. He began serving as interim president and CEO in August 2022 before assuming the position permanently in March 2023. He recently announced his retirement.
Keesee said:
“Natalie is an accomplished nonprofit leader with a proven track record of building strong community partnerships, driving philanthropic investment, and delivering measurable results. Her previous leadership at United Way, combined with her recent success leading the Reilly Arts Center and Ocala Symphony Orchestra, uniquely positions her to lead this organization into its next chapter.”
“We are excited about the future of United Way of Marion County and know Natalie will lead with the collaboration, innovation, and purpose our community deserves,” Keesee said.
McComb told the Gazette she is excited to work with many of the same people she worked with during her previous tenure at United Way.
“The mission has always held a special place in my heart, and returning to this organization feels like coming home. I’ve seen firsthand the difference its staff and volunteers make in people’s lives, and the chance to contribute to that mission again is something I don’t take lightly. I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and energized by what lies ahead.”
Editor’s Note: Also read about other new changes announced for United Way of Marion.
Support community journalism
The first goal of the Ocala Gazette is to deliver trustworthy local journalism so corruption, misinformation and abuse are not hidden from the public or unchallenged.
