Speaker Preference Form

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Bobby Parker

E-mail (for internal use): bobby@parkergenecreative.com

Phone (for internal use): 8507971987

Workplace/Organization: Parker Gene Creative

Job Title: Founder

Bio: 

Bobby is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Parker Gene Creative, a boutique public relations agency dedicated to creatively and strategically amplifying nonprofits and small businesses in the community. Since launching in 2022, he has led award-winning campaigns across the Southeast, earning Parker Gene Creative the title of Pensacola's Favorite PR/Advertising Agency in 2024 and 2025 by FACES Pensacola.

Before founding his firm, Bobby served as VP of Marketing for Corcoran Reverie, where he led high-impact campaigns across Northwest Florida and Tennessee. His work has been honored with multiple accolades, including FPRA's Golden Image Awards, United Way's Volunteer of the Year, and the Distinguished Alumni Rising Star award from Northwest Florida State College.

Named one of Business Elite's 40 Under 40, Bobby is a passionate advocate for the arts, community engagement, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. He serves on numerous nonprofit boards and brings a creative, strategic approach to everything he does. A true Northwest Florida local, he's fueled by creativity, connection, and his love of the arts, small business and nonprofit community, and quality time with friends, family, and Frenchie Louie Augustus.

Session Title: 

From Headlines to Heartstrings: Getting Media Coverage That Moves the Mission

Session Description: 

Nonprofits are doing meaningful work every day-but too often, their stories, fundraisers, and community events don't make the news. This interactive, town hall-style session brings local media professionals face-to-face with nonprofit leaders, offering a rare opportunity to ask candid questions, share challenges, and learn how to get the media spotlight to shine where it matters most.

The session will cover what makes a story or event stand out, how to capture media attention even with zero budget, and how to navigate coverage when you're competing with breaking news and larger organizations. From annual galas and awareness campaigns to emergency fundraisers and advocacy efforts, we'll explore how to turn your mission into media moments.
 

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Room C.

Your presentation time is 11:00-11:45am.

Please arrive no later than 10:30am. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

Please also provide us with the following information from each of your panelists:

Name, workplace/organization, job title, headshot, and bio. 

You are encouraged to share the Speaker Resource Center with each of them to help them prepare, but they do not need to individually complete a Speaker Preference Form. Speaker Resource Center | United Way Emerald Coast

 

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Aerial Payne

E-mail (for internal use): aerial@marantacopyco.com

Phone (for internal use): 8508328297

Workplace/Organization: Maranta Copy Co. LLC

Job Title: Marketing Magician and Company Owner

Bio: 

I am the founder of Maranta Copy Co., a Florida Panhandle based digital marketing agency helping nonprofits, small businesses, and professionals amplify their impact through storytelling, social media, and digital strategy. A Leadership Dothan graduate (Class 40), and graduate of the most recent Walton County Leadership Class, I have taught consistently at organizations such as Central Panhandle, Forgotten Coast, and Emerald Coast Associations of Realtors, as well as city economic development programs.

My workshops are known for their hands-on, practical approach. I focus on equipping participants not only with knowledge but with customized templates, walkthroughs, and immediately applicable tools. From "Branding Yourself Within a Brand" to "Content Pillars for Consistency" and "Mastering Reels and Short-Form Video," I create interactive experiences that empower participants to leave confident and capable.

Clients and attendees regularly describe my teaching style as engaging, clear, and approachable. My firm holds a 4.9 star average rating on platforms like Google and Clutch, with reviews highlighting timeliness, reliability, and an authentic, people-first approach.

I have been invited to speak for entrepreneurial education programs including the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, and I recently earned praise from the Florida Association of City Clerks Summer Conference where my sessions were noted as the most requested return presentations in the organizer's tenure.

At United for Impact, I plan to bring the same level of energy and actionable insight to nonprofit leaders, helping them harness modern marketing tools to deepen donor connections, increase volunteer engagement, and tell their stories with impact.

Session Title: 

Mini Campaigns That Move Donors

Session Description: 

A practical workshop on creating small, manageable fundraising or awareness campaigns that spark big engagement without overwhelming staff or budgets.

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Room C.

Your presentation time is 9:45-10:30am.

Please arrive no later than 9:15am. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

 

 

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Angie Smith

E-mail (for internal use): angie.smith@bit-wizards.com

Phone (for internal use): 850-585-2133

Workplace/Organization: Bit-Wizards

Job Title: Software Test Engineer

Bio: 

Angie is a solution-focused IT professional with experience spanning system administration, network engineering, and software quality assurance. She has led major infrastructure projects as a Lead Engineer at BitWizards and now serves as a Test Engineer at TalkingParents, ensuring high standards of software performance and reliability.

Her career began in local government, where she combined technical expertise with creativity, managing IT systems while producing digital content. Over the years, she has also supported small businesses and nonprofits, helping them strengthen their technology foundations and streamline operations.

Angie is passionate about making technology work for people, not the other way around. With a mindset rooted in problem-solving and continuous learning, she enjoys sharing practical strategies that help teams save time, reduce complexity, and focus on what truly matters: their mission.

Session Title: 

Smart Workflows: Automating the Mundane to Focus on the Mission

Session Description: 

Nonprofit professionals wear many hats, and too often their time is consumed by repetitive administrative work such as managing emails, updating donor lists, or taking meeting notes. This leaves less energy for the mission itself. This session will introduce practical ways to streamline everyday tasks using accessible, no-code tools. Attendees will see real-world examples of smart workflows in action, discover how small automations can create significant time savings, and leave with actionable steps they can implement right away.

Key Learning Objectives:

Identify common repetitive tasks in nonprofit work that can be automated to save time and reduce errors.

Explore affordable, no-code tools for email handling, intake handling, and meeting documentation.

Develop a simple framework to pilot automation within their own organization and build momentum for larger process improvements.

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Room C.

Your presentation time is 12:00-12:45pm.

Please arrive no later than 11:30am. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

 

 

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Catherine Morgan

E-mail (for internal use): cmorgan@inspirebridges.com

Phone (for internal use): 7703175298

Workplace/Organization: Inspire Bridges Consulting

Job Title: President

Bio: 

Catherine Morgan is an organizational leadership and business strategy consultant and the founder of Inspire Bridges Consulting. Catherine has over 20 years of experience as a business executive with strengths in leading business strategies that align with corporate vision and driving marketing plans that meet business development goals. In addition to being a certified Personalysis practitioner, Catherine specializes in managing, developing, and strengthening organizations, teams, and individuals.

She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Brand Development at IMG College and was responsible for the oversight of multiple divisions within the company including Apparel and Non-Apparel Licensing, Retail Development, Brand Marketing, International Licensing and NCAA & Bowl Properties. She served on IMG College's Senior Management and Executive Leadership teams. 

Prior to her position at IMG, Catherine served in a key role in Coca Cola's Global Sports and Entertainment division and was responsible for codifying experiential marketing and partnership strategies to build these global capabilities for the company. Catherine also spent nearly a decade at Russell Athletic/Spalding, where she worked in various capacities throughout the organization including sports marketing, brand management, customer marketing, sponsorship management, media relations and advertising. 

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native began her sports career on the agency side of the business during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Over the past twenty-five years she has worked with a variety of brands such as Coca-Cola, NCAA, Major League Baseball, College Football Playoff, NBA, WNBA, National Football League, Major League Soccer, Nike and Under Armour. Before relocating from Atlanta to Santa Rosa Beach, Catherine was recognized for her leadership and community involvement and named one of Atlanta's Top 40 Under 40 Leaders.

Catherine currently serves on the board for Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with many other organizations in her community. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Louisiana State University. She also obtained an Executive Education Certificate in Strategic Marketing from Emory University. 

Session Title: 

Impactful Strategic Planning

Session Description: 

(not yet received)

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Room A.

Your presentation time is 9:45-10:30am.

Please arrive no later than 9:15am. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

 

 

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Corey A Dobridnia

E-mail (for internal use): cdobridnia@waltonso.org

Phone (for internal use): 8508550299

Workplace/Organization: Walton County Sheriff's Office

Job Title: Public Information Officer

Bio: 

An award-winning Public Information Officer, Corey Dobridnia is currently employed at the Walton County Sheriff's Office. She's also serving her second year on the board for the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of Florida Public Relations Association as the Communications Chair. In a past life, Dobridnia worked as the weekend anchor for WMBB, an ABC Affiliate out of Panama City, covering Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City, and more.

Dobridnia graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor's degree in communication and earned a master's degree from Florida State University, Panama City in corporate and public communication. ERAU was also where she lettered in women's volleyball. 

In 2017, Dobridnia was dually named Public Information Officer of the Year by the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officers Association and the Florida Association of Public Information Officers. In 2018, Dobridnia received the PIO Deployment Team Mobilization Award after deploying to help public agencies following Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael. In 2020, the Walton County Sheriff's Office was a finalist for Government Social Media's Golden Post Awards for Best Instagram Presence.

Session Title: 

(not received yet)

Session Description: 

Public pressure is being put on corporations to reveal a stake in their communities now more than ever. Your customers and constituents of your organization want accountability from their public servants, companies they frequent, and those in higher-level positions. 

Corey Dobridnia of the Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida, will speak about the importance of promoting your brand before crises hit - and why it's critical now more than ever.

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Room B.

Your presentation time is 9:45-10:30am.

Please arrive no later than 9:15am. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

 

 

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Jonathan Watson

E-mail (for internal use): jonathan.watson@beachsidecc.org

Phone (for internal use): 404-402-1711

Workplace/Organization: Beachside Church

Job Title: Lead Pastor

Bio: 

My name is Jonathan Watson. I have been working in churches since I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2010. I earned a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2021. I'm a dad of two daughters, I love road cycling, and good coffee. Go Dawgs!

Session Title: 

How to Never Need Another Volunteer

Session Description: 

Volunteer Engagement is a huge part of what we do. In our session will talk about how to recruit the right kind of volunteer, how to train them so they support the mission, and how to celebrate them so they stick around. 

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Room A.

Your presentation time is 12:00-12:45pm.

Please arrive no later than 11:30am. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

 

 

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Michael Williamson

E-mail (for internal use): michaelw@unitedwaysela.org

Phone (for internal use): 504.957.9768

Workplace/Organization: United Way of Southeast Louisiana

Job Title: President & Chief Executive Officer

Bio: 

At the intersection of need and desire to give sits Michael Williamson’s passion for helping others.  

As President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Williamson is responsible for leading philanthropic and impact efforts to build stronger, more equitable communities in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes.  

Before taking over as CEO in 2013, he joined UWSELA as COO in 2009 from his position as Vice President of Field Leadership at United Way of America (UWA), where he provided overall management and leadership to UWA’s $28 million Hurricane Response and Recovery Fund developed in Hurricane Katrina’s wake. Under Williamson’s direction, UWSELA’s response to struggling communities has highlighted his unparalleled ability to lead world-class fundraising and impact at scale. 

Williamson’s leadership enables UWSELA to respond to new and emerging needs in real time and in the most compelling ways. He led the development of UWSELA’s Blueprint for Prosperity, its holistic plan to eradicate poverty through innovative and systemic solutions, and the organization’s current transition to a Modern United Way, strengthening UWSELA’s commitment to equity and a market-driven approach to the issues most directly affecting lives in Southeast Louisiana. 

Williamson’s most significant successes have come in response to disaster – major hurricanes, the BP Oil Spill, historic flooding, and COVID-19. UWSELA’s COVID-19 efforts generated $16+ million in local support through crisis grants, volunteerism, advocacy, and partner funding. In response, Williamson welcomed UWSELA’s newest Million Dollar Roundtable member through MacKenzie Scott’s $10M gift, the largest ever in UWSELA’s 95-year history. 

His leadership in 2020 highlighted UWSELA’s ability to mobilize resources and activate with agility to drive impact. For his work, Biz New Orleans recognized Williamson as one of 2020’s Executives of the Year.  

In the wake of Hurricane Ida in 2021, he led UWSELA's robust response, raising over $5.3 million for immediate and long-term recovery efforts. Introducing an innovative pop-up relief model, the organization served over 8,400 families across 21 events and 7 parishes, giving out nearly $2 million in critical aid to the hardest-hit communities. Additionally, Williamson provided guidance over the organization's distribution of $300,000 in immediate financial assistance through UWSELA's new gift card distributions, offering recipients direct funds to address urgent needs such as gas, prescriptions, food, and household essentials.  

Under his leadership, UWSELA introduced and expanded its Prosperity Center model, a one-stop hub for financial capability programs and resources. Now operating in four locations across Southeast Louisiana, the Prosperity Centers serve as vital access points for individuals and families working to reduce debt, build credit, secure housing, and achieve long-term financial security. 

In early 2025, when tragedy struck Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day, Williamson once again led with urgency and compassion. He oversaw the launch of the United for New Orleans Relief Fund and ensured UWSELA provided the first fully-vetted financial assistance to victims’ families and survivors, made possible by generous donors and rapid collaboration with community partners.  

Williamson has over three decades of executive-level nonprofit management experience, 30 of those years served in the United Way system, including 16 years at UWSELA. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and served as President of United Way of Aiken County and Resource Development Director/Executive Director of Aiken Technical College Foundation in South Carolina. 

He is the proud husband to Kim and father to sons Chance and Tucker and enjoys family time on the water.  

Memberships  

  • United Way Worldwide Network Advisory Committee, Disaster Resilience Committee, and Communications Subcommittee Member 

  • United Way Key Cities Member 

  • Louisiana Workforce and Social Services Reform Task Force (LA WASS) Member 

  • City of New Orleans Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary Commission Member 

  • GNO, Inc. Board of Directors Advisor Member 

  • Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Member 

  • NOLA Coalition Steering Committee Member 

  • Metropolitan Crime Commission Board of Directors Member 

  • Tulane Weatherhead School of Public Health Community Advisory Board Member 

  • Early Childhood Policy Institute Fellow 

  • Goodwill Technical College Advisory Committee Member 

  • Governor Edwards’ Resilient Louisiana Commission’s Economic & Community Development Subcommittee Member 

SHORT BIO: 

Michael Williamson is responsible for leading philanthropic and impact efforts as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA), building stronger, more equitable communities in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. For his work, Biz New Orleans recognized Williamson as one of 2020’s Executives of the Year

Before taking over as CEO in 2013, he joined UWSELA as COO in 2009 from his position as Vice President of Field Leadership at United Way of America (UWA), where he provided overall management of UWA’s $28 million Hurricane Response and Recovery Fund developed in Hurricane Katrina’s wake.  

Williamson is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has over three decades of executive-level nonprofit management experience, 30 of those years served in the United Way system.  

Session Title: 

(tentative - Partnering for Impact)

Session Description: 

(tentative - Learn how to strengthen relationships with nonprofits, community leaders, and local government, while leveraging community conversations to advance your organization’s strategies and create meaningful impact.)

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Room B.

Your presentation time is 11:00-11:45am.

Please arrive no later than 10:30am. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

 

 

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Ryan Mims

E-mail (for internal use): ryan.mims@flhealth.gov

Phone (for internal use): 8507683292

Workplace/Organization: Florida Department of Health in Walton County

Job Title: Chief Health Strategist

Bio: 

During my career, I have been able to develop a diverse resume of knowledge, skills, and abilities that are required to be an effective and impactful public health professional. From leading quality improvement projects to working with partners on root causes of community issues that impact health, my experience makes me a strong developing leader not only in my field but in my community. In 2021, I was awarded one of the 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders on the Emerald Coast due to my continuous dedication to helping the public, tackling issues like community design, affordable housing, health and early childhood literacy, disaster preparedness, economic instability, and food insecurity in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based interventions that continuously improve policies, systems, or environments to ensure health is an obtainable goal for everyone.

Session Title: 

Using Community-Level Data for Grant Writing and Performance Metrics

Session Description: 

By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
-Identify sources of secondary data that can assist in grant writing and performance metrics and evaluation. 
-Know how they can use the data for grant writing and to develop performance metrics through examples from Northwest Florida Health Council. 

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Room A.

Your presentation time is 11:00-11:45am.

Please arrive no later than 10:30am. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

Please also provide us with the following information from your co-presenter:

Name, workplace/organization, job title, headshot, and bio. 

You are encouraged to share the Speaker Resource Center with each of them to help them prepare, but they do not need to individually complete a Speaker Preference Form. Speaker Resource Center | United Way Emerald Coast

 

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Thomas Greek

E-mail (for internal use): thomas@thomasgreekcoaching.com

Phone (for internal use): 850-287-8879

Workplace/Organization: Thomas Greek Coaching

Job Title: CEO

Bio: 

With over 25 years of leadership experience, Thomas strives to motivate others to show up as their best selves at work and in life.

Thomas has served as an executive in varying roles for more than two decades. He directed Learning & Development at Navy Federal Credit Union, a Fortune 100 Best Place to Work and the world's largest institution of its kind. Throughout his career, he has designed and headed award-winning talent programs and has expertise in strategic planning, succession planning, and in developing C-Suite and other Senior Leaders. He is committed to his community and volunteers on several non-profit boards. 

Thomas is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. He studied Philosophy at George Mason University. Thomas has successfully helped hundreds of leaders achieve their goals by co-creating meaningful and sustainable changes in their lives.

Session Title: 

Handle Hard Better

Session Description: 

Challenges are an unavoidable part of our fast-paced world. 

The "Handle Hard Better" workshop equips you with knowledge and tools to not just survive, but truly thrive when facing adversity. This interactive session delves into the biology of stress, demystifying how your system responds to pressure. 

Embrace the power of a coaching approach to navigate life's toughest moments. I'll introduce you to transformative coaching skills that enable you to shift your perspective, identify limiting beliefs, and intentionally choose mindsets that fuel your well-being and success. 

Leave this workshop with the ability to apply coaching principles to your daily life, allowing you to "handle hard better" professionally and personally.
 

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Room B.

Your presentation time is 12:00-12:45pm.

Please arrive no later than 11:30am. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

 

 

These are the details you provided on your speaker application. Please review thoroughly - these details will be used in our marketing materials. 

Name: Carly Barnes

E-mail (for internal use): carly@caringandsharingsowal.org

Phone (for internal use): 772-341-2460

Workplace/Organization: Caring & Sharing of South Walton

Job Title: Executive Director

Bio: 

(not yet received)

Session Title: 

Taking Fundraising Events to the Next Level: Strategies for Impact, Engagement & Sustainability

Session Description: 

Nonprofit events do more than raise money—they build relationships, elevate brand awareness, and create lasting memories for donors and guests. But how do you take an event from “successful” to “exceptional” without burning out your staff or losing sight of your mission? Join five dynamic nonprofit leaders and event professionals as they share real-world strategies for creating meaningful fundraising experiences that keep sponsors engaged, guests coming back, and staff energized for all that follows. From crafting unique event details to building sponsor partnerships, maximizing marketing impact, and managing post-event recovery, this panel will offer practical tips, creative ideas, and lessons learned to help your organization elevate its events while staying sustainable.

 

Presentation Details:

Your presentation will be in Main Auditorium.

Your presentation time is 3:30-4:30pm.

Please arrive no later than 3:00pm. You are encouraged to leave some time for Q & A.

Please also provide us with the following information from each of your panelists:

Name, workplace/organization, job title, headshot, and bio. 

You are encouraged to share the Speaker Resource Center with each of them to help them prepare, but they do not need to individually complete a Speaker Preference Form. Speaker Resource Center | United Way Emerald Coast

 

 

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