Kate Bauer-Jones has been named the new President / CEO of United Way of the Florida Keys. Bauer-Jones replaces Margie Smith, who resigned in December to join her husband’s investment management firm in Islamorada. The new United Way President has an extensive history in nonprofits, having worked in leadership roles with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collier County and YMCA of the Palms in Collier and Lee Counties. Most recently, she served on the education team with United Way Suncoast in Tampa. 

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, she worked as a teacher of primarily special needs children both in Florida and in a high risk public school in the South Bronx. She received a Master’s in Education, Management and Innovation from Western Governor’s University, and is currently working towards a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of South Florida. 

Bauer-Jones said she is “honored to have been given the opportunity to take on a leadership role in such a strong organization as United Way of the Florida Keys.” She said her work at United Way will “focus deeply on the needs of the Keys’ most vulnerable citizens, particularly children and those who are hungry.”  She praised her predecessor, Margie Smith, for doing “such remarkable work growing United Way’s impact and presence throughout the Keys,” and said she believes United Way “is uniquely poised to bring together the resources of the community, including the creativity and partnership of many businesses, individuals and organizations.” 

Leah Maki, United Way Board Chair, said the agency is “thrilled to have found someone as talented and personable as Kate to lead United Way to the next level in the Keys. She has a lot of great ideas for growing our donor base and increasing our impact on the Keys community, and we’re very excited to have her on board.” 

Bauer-Jones and her wife Beth will reside in Key West.  Her first day at United Way will be January 26, 2015.