Shaffer to lead United Way’s board for two years

MIAMI (July 18, 2022) – United Way Miami’s trustees have elected Penny Shaffer, former Florida Blue market President for South Florida, to serve as board chair for the next two years. Shaffer succeeds Robert E. Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder System, Inc., who concludes his three-year term as chair. Beginning July 2022, Shaffer will spearhead the board comprised of business and community leaders who are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of United Way Miami.

“As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, our community needs us now more than ever,” says Shaffer. “United Way Miami has always held a special place in my heart and I am honored to serve as Board Chair for an organization that is such a pivotal force in our community,” continued Shaffer.

Shaffer has been a supporter of United Way Miami for over forty years. She has also been directly involved with the organization in many capacities throughout the years – including as a corporate partner while with Florida Blue, has served on several committees and led the organization’s corporate campaign. In addition to United Way, Shaffer has been an active community leader and volunteer, serving on the boards of more than a dozen area community, civic and professional organizations and acting as an advocate for issues of healthcare and civic engagement.

Shaffer worked at Florida Blue for over fifteen years as Market President of South Florida where she was responsible for the company’s business operations in an eight-county region. Prior to joining Florida Blue in 2006, she served as Vice President of Global Services for the Americas region at AT&T and held various executive positions in sales, service, quality management and global operations. Shaffer also continues to work as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami Herbert Business School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Frostburg University and an International Executive MBA from Fordham University; she also holds a Ph.D. in international business administration from Kennedy-Western University.

United Way Miami also announces new Board of Directors for 2022-23. Members include:

• Doug Bartel, Florida Blue
• Naftali Holtz, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
• Mayi de la Vega, One Sotheby’s
• Jeff Lozama, CMS International
• David Zambrana, Jackson Health System
• Brandon Gilliland, University of Miami
• Marshall Martin, Amerant Bank
• Jennifer Grant

About United Way Miami
United Way Miami is a driving force in the community, successfully responding to emerging needs and transforming people’s lives. Since 1924, we have worked together with our network of donors, volunteers, and partners, to generate and amplify resources, and advocate for policies that improve the quality of life for all. We leverage our unique role as convener, strategic funder, service provider, awareness builder, and influencer so that everyone in Miami-Dade has access to quality education and the opportunity to lead healthy and financially secure lives — the building blocks of a thriving community.