Melanie Patz returned to United Way in September 2022 as President and CEO. United Way connects people, resources and ideas to create a community of opportunity for all people by in three key areas: basic needs, financial wellbeing, and racial equity. During Melanie’s previous service with United Way, she led the development of initiatives designed to improve student achievement through access to high-quality early learning and student and family supports during the difficult transition of middle school. In addition, Melanie led the initial transition of Full Service Schools from hub-based to school-located therapists.

Melanie served as Vice President of Community Investment and Impact at Baptist Health, September 2014 – August 2022. During Melanie’s tenure at Baptist Health, she spearheaded the implementation of a school health center in Ribault High School, brought the health care clinics caring for un- and under-insured Duval County residents together resulting in the creation of JaxCareConnect, and led the effort to initiate Blue Zones Jacksonville. Recently, Melanie worked with Baptist’s social responsibility board and team of nine professionals to develop a strategic plan to significantly address health priorities including infant mortality and mental health over the next four years.

Melanie has 27 years of nonprofit management experience, a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Samford University, and an MBA with a concentration in Economics from the University of North Florida.

Melanie serves on the Boards of the System of Care Initiative and the Early Learning Coalition of Duval, and she is a founding Board member of 904WARD. She is a graduate of the 2005 Community Coaches program and Class of 2006 Leadership Jacksonville. Melanie was recognized as a 2013 Woman of Influence by the Jacksonville Business Journal, a 2019 Community Health Hero by Agape, a 2020 Woman of Distinction by Gateway Council of Girl Scouts, and a Humanitarian by OneJax in 2020.

Melanie enjoys running, reading, and sleeping. She and her husband, Jason, live in Avondale.