Celebrating United Way of Pasco County’s Longest Standing Board Member for 25 Years: Joe Marina
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Pasco County
727-845-3030 | unitedwaypasco.org
Pasco County, FL – August 27, 2025– United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) proudly honors Joe Marina, Bayonet Point District Manager of Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), for an incredible 25 years of dedicated service on the UWPC Board of Directors. Joe, the longest serving board member in the organization’s history, will be stepping down this summer in conjunction with his retirement after 47 years of dedicated service at WREC.
Joe Marina’s impact on UWPC has been both profound and enduring. Over his 25-year tenure, he has helped guide the organization through pivotal challenges and milestones- including the expansion of new community need focus areas, multiple economic recessions, sinkhole damage, the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes that have deeply affected our region, and record-breaking campaign milestones.
Joe has faithfully served on UWPC’s Governance Committee, Allocations Committee, and Finance Committee in recent years, providing strong fiscal oversight and contributing to the organization’s consistent clean audits and top Charity Navigator ratings. His financial leadership has been instrumental in maintaining transparency and accountability to our donors and the broader community. Previously, Joe served as Campaign Chair, CEO Recruitment Committee Member, and Board Chair, leading the board with integrity and vision.
His expertise also supported the launch of high-impact programs, such as delivering hundreds of thousands of meals and vital resources during the pandemic, and coordinating disaster response efforts that allowed UWPC to quickly pivot and meet the urgent needs of families affected by natural disasters with financial aid, supplies, and critical services.
Beyond his leadership within UWPC, Joe’s professional background at WREC brought remarkable philanthropic support not only to United Way of Pasco, but to numerous nonprofits across the region. Driven by Joe’s passion for serving humanity, Withlacoochee emerged as a leading corporate sponsor, serving as Title Sponsor for dozens of annual fundraising events— including UWPC’s own Pull for Pasco Clay Shoot, which directly benefits hundreds of survivors of human trafficking. Thanks to Joe’s ongoing advocacy and the culture of WREC’s Leadership, Withlacoochee’s contributions to UWPC grew from $49,294 in 2020 to $71,096 in 2025, making the Cooperative the second largest corporate sponsor for United Way of Pasco County.
Newly elected Board Chair, Kevin Shibley reflected on Joe’s legacy, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Joe Marina for his 25 years of extraordinary service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to lifting up the citizens of Pasco County. I always appreciate the pragmatic optimism that Joe brings to the table and his genuine interest in advancing the causes supported by the United Way of Pasco County. Joe’s dedication has not only shaped the direction of the United Way but has also touched countless lives through the agencies the United Way supports. We are profoundly thankful for his vision, generosity, and the legacy I am sure he will continue to build.”
Mike Aitken, Immediate Past Board Chair elaborated, “We are so very grateful for the immeasurable contributions Joe has made during his 25-year tenure as a United Way of Pasco County board member. His community investments stretch far beyond the boardroom, as Joe has been a consistent advocate for several of our partner agencies. He has generously devoted himself to serving those in need across Pasco. Joe is a selfless and humble leader who always provided valuable insight into the responsibilities of representing our organization and safeguarding the resources entrusted to us by our supporters. Although we will miss serving alongside Joe, we remain committed to upholding the principles he instilled in all of us. Joe, on behalf of our fellow board members, best wishes for a wonderful retirement!”
Laura Ospina-Knight, President and CEO of UWPC, added, “My connection to Joe on our board is one of reliable and loyal friendship. He has always been a calm, steady presence- one to lend an ear and offer open-hearted, constructive feedback whenever I or others need it. Joe’s commitment to our mission and to the Pasco County community has been absolutely steadfast. He is not only one of the most generous leaders I’ve had the privilege to work with, but also a true pillar of Pasco County. Thank you, Joe, for 25 remarkable years of service. Your legacy will continue to inspire and shape United Way of Pasco for generations to come!”
Media Contact:
Marissa Kurt
727-249-8850
United Way of Pasco County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to improve lives for children, families, and individuals in all of Pasco County. We work with over 50 partner agencies to assist our neighbors in their darkest hours and to find sustainable solutions to major issues in our community.