Community Foundation of North Central Florida welcomes new board members, honors retiring leaders

Left to right: Ray McKnight, Virginia Grant, Marlo Walpole, Kevin Spellicy, Jeanna Mastrodicasa

Press release from Community Foundation of North Central Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Community Foundation of North Central Florida proudly announces the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing valuable expertise and a passion for serving the community. At the same time, the Foundation expresses its deepest gratitude to five retiring board members—Past Chairs Eric Godet and Michael Potapow and Board Members Kay Ayers, Dr. Paul Broadie, and Linda Kallman—for their exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission.

Joining the Board are:

  • Virginia Grant, a mental health counselor with extensive nonprofit experience and a passion for fostering diversity and equity, who has served on numerous boards and committees to drive positive social change.
  • Dr. Jeanna Mastrodicasa, Director of Institutional Assessment at the University of Florida and former Gainesville City Commissioner, who has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through her work with local nonprofits and leadership as Chair of the Women’s Giving Circle.
  • Ray McKnight, a retired Sales Leader and Securities Principal with Allstate Insurance, who brings decades of business and community leadership experience, including his service with 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, Inc., and Gainesville Church of God by Faith.
  • Kevin Spellicy, President and Principal Engineer at Campbell Spellicy Engineering, whose community involvement includes serving as Board Chair for Grace Marketplace and volunteering with local nonprofits to support underserved populations.
  • Marlo Walpole, a retired biotechnology executive and founding member of AxoGen, who brings her expertise in product development and regulatory strategy, alongside a deep dedication to education and mentorship in the local community.

These outstanding individuals join the Community Foundation at an exciting time of growth and continued focus on philanthropy and impact. Their diverse perspectives and professional accomplishments will strengthen the Foundation’s ability to address the region’s most pressing needs.

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