Rock star execs make up 2014 United Way board

The newly announced 2014 board members for the United Way Suncoast is a starry compilation of executives from Tampa to Sarasota.

The United Way Suncoast, which announced its 2014 board April 16, covers DeSoto, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. The organization focuses on early literacy, youth success and financial stability for area residents and families, according to a release. Board members for the 2014 term come from all four counties. The chair is Sarasota attorney Bill Merrill, a shareholder at Icard Merrill. Mark Fernandez, senior vice president and chief sales officer with the Tampa Bay Rays is vice chair, and Gary Sasso, president and CEO of Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, is immediate past chair.

Other board members include:
• Robert Dutkowsky, CEO at Tech Data Corp., who is secretary of the United Way Suncoast board;
• Daniel Vigne, vice president and senior wealth strategist for Northern Trust, who is the treasurer and finance chair;
• Bob Bechtel, regional director of the Lakeland region for Publix Super Markets Inc.
• Brian Deming, director of school programs at Family First;
• Rae Dowling, external affairs manager at FP&L
• Kimberly Hopper, Sarasota/Bradenton city president for Regions Bank;
• Robert Lane, managing shareholder at Kerkering, Barberio & Co;
• Michael Lewis, senior vice president of energy delivery at Duke Energy;
• Stephen Mason, president and CEO of BayCare Health System;
• Gwen Mitchell, audit partner at Deloitte;
• Peter Norden, vice president and general manager of Clear Channel Radio;
• David Pizzo, West Florida market president for Florida Blue;
• Paul Reilly, CEO of Raymond James Financial;
• Stuart Rogel, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership;
• David Walker, retired Procter & Gamble executive.