Jessica Muroff
CEO, United Way Suncoast, Tampa
Muroff left a career at Raymond James a decade ago to join the nonprofit sector, later becoming CEO of United Way Suncoast in 2019. Employing 65, the organization serves DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties by focusing on early learning, youth success and financial stability. In 2023, its work impacted the lives of more than half a million people. “Our early learning work boosted the kindergarten readiness of more than 2,000 preschoolers,” Muroff says. “Our financial stability work over the last two years helped more than 6,000 families avoid eviction. Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program brought back more than $10 million to the community in tax returns and earned income tax credits.”
EDUCATION: University of South Florida (BA, MA)
IF I WERE GOVERNOR: First on my list would be universal Pre-K, offered all day for working families. With 80-90% of brain development occurring from birth to 5, investing in our children and boosting their kindergarten readiness is the most important investment we can make in our future. Kindergartners who arrive ready to learn on that first day are more likely to enjoy a range of positive outcomes, from graduating from high school to enjoying greater post-secondary success.
INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Alex Sink — I am in awe of all that she has accomplished, the impact she has made and all that she continues to do. I first met her when I was in College Leadership Florida, and now she serves on my board of directors. She inspires me daily.
READING: A Land Remembered, by Patrick D. Smith. The best historical fiction novel about Florida, one of my favorites.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Be present. This makes all the difference in the quality of our relationships and our effectiveness as leaders. Show up and be in the moment. The key to overcoming worry and uncertainty is to live in ‘day-tight compartments.’ This term was first coined by Sir William Osler when he encountered this life-changing quote from Thomas Carlyle, ‘It is not our goal to see what lies dimly in the distance but to do what clearly lies at hand.’
