John Marmish, United Way of Citrus County executive director, has been elected to serve on the United Way of Florida Board of Governors.

The board of governors is made up of representatives of six to eight chief professional officers from local United Ways throughout the state of Florida and nine to 12 volunteers nominated by local board presidents and their chief professional officers. The board of governors is responsible for setting policy for control and conduct of the affairs and property of the United Way of Florida Inc.

The mission of the United Way of Florida Inc. is to help Florida's Local United Way organizations present a united front regarding issues of statewide significance in the area of human services, to be their vehicle in identifying and pursuing statewide public policy issues, to generally assist them and provide activities and programs which will enhance their abilities to fulfill their missions and to facilitate use of the resources of the United Way of America.

Ted Granger, United Way of Florida Inc. president, said "Mr. Marmish's election to the board of governors is significant. In the short time that he has been a chief professional officer in United Way, he has clearly demonstrated his leadership and his ability to grasp the complex issues facing health and human services within the state. We look forward to Mr. Marmish's insight and representation of small United Ways on the United Way of Florida board of governors."

Marmish's term is for three years.

Willis chosen for United Way Board

Denise R. Willis, coordinator of Vocational, Adult and Community Education for Citrus County Schools, has been elected to the United Way Board of Directors. Willis will join 23 board members with the fiduciary responsibility to lead the United Way and ensure its continued commitment to helping the community.

"Mrs. Willis brings a wealth of community experience and leadership to the board. We are pleased to have her input as a representative of the school system, and as an active community leader," said John Marmish, United Way executive director.

"It is exciting to be a part of United Way, because what we do for others, is a reflection of ourselves and our community. To impact the quality of our community for the future, we should do what we can today," Willis said.

Marie Straight joins United Way Board

Marie Straight, SunTrust Bank senior vice president and area manager for Citrus/Sumter County, has been elected to the United Way of Citrus County Board of Directors. She will serve with 23 other community, government and business leaders to plan the United Way's campaign growth and the development of community impact.

"Mrs. Straight brings to the Board her strong financial expertise, previous United Way Board experience, and her board experience at one of our agencies, the Boys & Girls Clubs. We are very pleased to have Mrs. Straight's commitment," said John Marmish, United Way executive direction.

"I'm looking forward to working in partnership with the professional staff and the other Board Directors in promoting a greater understanding between the community and the United Way," Straight said.

Rubin re-elected to United Way Board

Arthur Rubin, a management consultant, has been elected to the United Way Board.

He will serve with 23 community, business and government leaders.

"Mr. Rubin has previously served for many years on the United Way Board as allocations chairperson, and was elected as president of the board for several years during the late 1990s. We look forward to his leadership and his previous experience as the United Way campaign grows for the health and human services in Citrus County," said John Marmish, executive director of United Way.

"I am proud to once again be serving on the United Way Board," Rubin said. "With the growth in Citrus County comes an increased need for services from the many local agencies our United Way helps to fund and support. I look forward to working with our staff, volunteers and fellow board members to ensure that these community needs are met, now and in the future."