.png)
3rd Annual United for Impact, a Non-Profit Conference
Save the date! We're returning to Beachside Church on October 1, 2026 for our 3rd Annual United for Impact, a Non-Profit Conference. Last year, we welcomed more than 200 passionate attendees and continued to grow both our reach and our impact. We look forward to bringing the non-profit community back together to learn, connect, and collaborate.
What is United for Impact?
United for Impact, a Non-Profit Conference presented by United Fidelity Bank, is a one-day conference dedicated to supporting, inspiring, and strengthening the non-profit sector across the Emerald Coast.
Through practical workshops and meaningful conversations, United for Impact focuses on topics that help non-profits grow and sustain their work, including leadership development, fundraising strategies, marketing and communications, and long-term community impact. Participants leave with actionable tools, new connections, and a stronger sense of collaboration across the non-profit community.
.png)
Byron V. Garrett, Chief Executive Officer, Genesys Works
Byron V. Garrett is Chief Executive Officer of Genesys Works, leading the national nonprofit in advancing pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities.
A dynamic executive with cross-sector influence, he has built a distinguished record spanning nonprofit leadership, government service, media, and corporate strategy.
Prior to Genesys Works, Garrett served as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at United Way Worldwide, where he led global revenue diversification, expanded public-sector partnerships, and oversaw the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). His executive leadership portfolio also includes serving as President & CEO of the National Job Corps Association, CEO of the National PTA, and Chairman of the National Family Engagement Alliance.
Earlier in his career, he was appointed as the first Chief of Staff for the Office of Public Affairs at Customs and Border Protection and contributed to national youth policy initiatives, including ConnectED under the Obama Administration and Helping America's Youth Initiative under the Bush Administration.
He is the author of 9 books including the bestseller, The ABC's of Life, and curator of a classroom library for Scholastic.
Corey A Dobridnia, Public Information Officer, Walton County Sheriff's Office
Corey Dobridnia has served as the Public Information Officer at the Walton County Sheriff's Office for over a decade. During that time, Dobridnia has held numerous press conferences across various cases, grown its social media presence exponentially, and served as the agency's chief storyteller.
In her former career, Dobridnia served as the weekend anchor for WMBB News13 in Panama City and worked as a one-man-band reporter covering Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City, and worked the Bay County crime beat, among other assignments.
Dobridnia graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication, and went on to receive a Master of Science in Communication from Florida State University. While at Embry-Riddle, Dobridnia was a collegiate athlete who played volleyball for the Eagles and was recognized with first-team all-conference honors.
Dobridnia was awarded the Public Information Officer of the Year by both the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officers Association and the Florida Association of Public Information Officers in 2017. In 2022, Dobridnia was named the Non-Profit/Government Communicator of the Year by the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of Florida Public Relations.
She currently serves as the Vice Chair for the Florida Fire Chiefs Association PIO Section and has been part of the instructor cadre for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Leadership Academy for the last seven years, as well as the Florida Sheriff's Association Commanders Academy, Women's Leadership Academy, and Florida Fire Chiefs Emergency Services Leadership Institute.
Thomas Greek, CEO, Thomas Greek Coaching
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.
Jenna Sheffield, Vice President, Academic Affairs, Northwest Florida State College
Dr. Jenna Pack Sheffield is an accomplished academic leader with over 9 years of experience in various higher education leadership roles and over 14 years of experience teaching professional and technical writing as a faculty member in higher education settings. Currently serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northwest Florida State College, Dr. Sheffield oversees all instruction at the college, as well as institutional research. Sheffield has published extensively in reputable scholarly journals on topics spanning from digital media and writing program administration to composition pedagogy and theory.
Sheffield previously worked as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Salem College in Winston Salem, NC. Dr. Sheffield specializes in innovative curriculum design, teacher training, data analysis, program assessment, and accreditation.
Kari Painter, Territory Business Development Representative, Quality Roofing Solutions
Kari Painter is driving growth for Quality Roofing Solutions in the Okaloosa & Walton Counties as their Business Development Representative. She lived in Oklahoma for many years, where she raised her 4 children who are all grown and left her empty nest. So she moved to sunny Florida for the Emerald Coast's white sandy beaches and blue water! She is NaNa KK to 8 grands and loves to visit them in Oklahoma often, however, she has found that Fort Walton Beach is now HOME! As an active member and Ambassador of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber, Kari served on the Board of Directors for 3 years, Chaired the Business Success Group one year and spent 2 years as Chair of the Ambassadors. In 2023, Kari received the coveted "Volunteer of the Year" Award as well! She has been an active member of the Building Industry Association and is currently serving as Chair of the Women In Construction. Kari recently joined the Walton Area Chamber & Destin Chamber and has been accepted as an Ambassador for their events and ribbon-cuttings.
You will see Kari frequently at many other community events throughout the area as well! She loves to connect business professionals to help build their business and started the Quality Networking Group at her local FWB office as a referral based business group that meets twice a month. Kari loves to serve others and volunteers for many local non-profits. She loves God, loves her family and friends and lives by the Golden Rule!
Kennita Williams, Territory Business Development Representative, Quality Roofing Solutions
Kari Painter is driving growth for Quality Roofing Solutions in the Okaloosa & Walton Counties as their Business Development Representative. She lived in Oklahoma for many years, where she raised her 4 children who are all grown and left her empty nest. So she moved to sunny Florida for the Emerald Coast's white sandy beaches and blue water! She is NaNa KK to 8 grands and loves to visit them in Oklahoma often, however, she has found that Fort Walton Beach is now HOME! As an active member and Ambassador of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber, Kari served on the Board of Directors for 3 years, Chaired the Business Success Group one year and spent 2 years as Chair of the Ambassadors. In 2023, Kari received the coveted "Volunteer of the Year" Award as well! She has been an active member of the Building Industry Association and is currently serving as Chair of the Women In Construction. Kari recently joined the Walton Area Chamber & Destin Chamber and has been accepted as an Ambassador for their events and ribbon-cuttings.
You will see Kari frequently at many other community events throughout the area as well! She loves to connect business professionals to help build their business and started the Quality Networking Group at her local FWB office as a referral based business group that meets twice a month. Kari loves to serve others and volunteers for many local non-profits. She loves God, loves her family and friends and lives by the Golden Rule!
Sara Greco, Founder & CEO, Lead Into It, LLC
Sara Greco is a leadership coach and founder of Lead Into It, LLC, where she helps emerging and experienced leaders grow with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose. Drawing on her experience as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, her time in corporate work culture, and her background in strategic communications, she equips leaders with practical tools to communicate effectively, navigate change, and lead with intention. Sara is also the host of the Lead Into It podcast, featuring honest conversations and actionable leadership insights.
Sponsor this event
Your generous investment supports the professional growth of more than 170 local non-profit leaders and helps strengthen dozens of organizations making a difference in our community. By sponsoring this event, you’re fueling learning, connection, and long-term impact... right here at home.
You won’t find a better return on investment. Ready to commit? Want to learn more? Contact us at development@united-way.org.
Thank you to our 3rd Annual United for Impact: A Non-Profit Conference Sponsors
