The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce (STCOC) recently hosted its Non-Profit Leadership Panel at the Centre Club, an event that brought together some of the Tampa Bay area’s most impactful leaders in the nonprofit sector. Sponsored in part by Elevate Inc., the luncheon featured dynamic discussions about nonprofit innovation, leadership, and community impact. Among the esteemed speakers was Freddy Williams, the President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast.
Freddy Williams: A Champion for Youth Development
Freddy Williams, a Florida native and Boys & Girls Clubs alumnus, has dedicated his career to empowering youth and transforming communities. As President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, Freddy leads services for more than 3,000 young people daily across 42 Club locations in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. Under his leadership, the organization has become one of the fastest-growing Boys & Girls Clubs affiliates in the nation.
Freddy’s approach to leadership is rooted in a profound commitment to education, equity, and innovation. His early career included roles as a political strategist and program consultant for United Way, collaborating with Harvard University’s Family Research Project on high school graduation and family engagement initiatives. Freddy holds an MBA with specializations in Finance and Accounting from Florida International University, along with advanced certifications in Non-Profit Leadership and Fundraising Management.
In addition to his transformative work at Boys & Girls Clubs, Freddy’s influence extends to national and regional boards, including serving as Chair of the National Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Professional Association. His recent inclusion in the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 underscores his impact as a trailblazer in youth development and nonprofit innovation.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
During the panel, Freddy shared insights into the challenges and rewards of nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and strategic vision in driving meaningful change. His stories highlighted the critical role Boys & Girls Clubs play in providing a safe, supportive environment where young people can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Freddy’s message resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the need for strong leadership and community partnerships in addressing systemic challenges facing today’s youth.
Celebrating Nonprofit Excellence
The panel also featured other prominent nonprofit leaders, including:
- Patty O’Leary, CEO of Children’s Cancer Center, whose strategic vision has transformed the organization into a powerhouse of support for children and families.
- Thomas Mantz, CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, who has led the food bank to provide over 95 million meals annually through innovative programs.
Together, these leaders showcased the diverse ways nonprofits are shaping the future of Tampa Bay.
Elevate Inc.: Supporting Nonprofit Innovation
Elevate Inc. was proud to sponsor this inspiring event, reflecting its commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the Tampa Bay community. Events like the Non-Profit Leadership Panel spotlight the incredible work being done by organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and their leaders, who continue to make a profound impact on the region.
