Champions for Children

Welcomes New Officers to the Board of Directors

Board Member Introduction

Champions for Children is pleased to announce the election of new officers representing our Board of Directors. We are excited and grateful for the unique skills and expertise that these dedicated individuals will bring to our mission of building stronger families in Tampa Bay. Please join us in congratulating our new officers, Dianne Jacob, Chair, Dr. Bonnie Saks, Chair-Elect, Dr. Anne Gormly, Secretary, and Willisha Williams, Treasurer! 

photo of Dianne JacobDianne Jacob, Chair

Ms. Jacob is the Senior Vice President and Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC Bank. Ms. Jacob earned her Bachelors degree in Design from the University of Cincinnati. She applies considerable time toward servant leadership, having served on more than 40 Boards of Directors, and has been the recipient of numerous awards for her service. Most recently, Ms. Jacob was recognized by the Tampa Chamber of Commerce as the 2020 recipient of the Dottie Berger McKinnon Woman of Influence Award for her leadership in the community. 

photo of Bonnie SaksDr. Bonnie R. Saks, Chair-Elect

Dr. Saks is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of South Florida. Dr. Saks trained in obstetrics/gynecology and then psychiatry and sex therapy at Yale Medical School where she worked with teen mothers on parenting and family planning. She also worked in the Child Studies Center at Yale on early emotional and cognitive development. Dr. Saks is committed to increasing emotional and educational readiness for young children and hopes to raise awareness in the community and connect every pediatrician’s office to Champions.

photo of Anne GromlyDr. Anne V. Gormly, Secretary

Dr. Gormly served as Dean of the College of Social Sciences, Mathematics, & Education at the University of Tampa from which she retired in 2012. Dr. Gormly holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois and a B.A. in Mathematics from Rhode Island College. She has a long history of community service, having served as a Board Member of the Tampa Bay History Center and as a past Chair of the Board of Directors of Champions for Children. She is also a member of The Athena Society of Tampa.

photo of Willisha WilliamsWillisha Williams, Treasurer

Ms. Williams is the Procurement Compliance Program Manager at Tampa Electric. Ms. Williams earned her Bachelors Degree from the University of Florida in Industrial and Industrials Engineering. She has always maintained a passion for nurturing and guiding children to grow to become the best person they can be. When introduced to Champions several years ago through a volunteer opportunity, the agency quickly became one in which she wanted to offer enduring support.

Champions for Children’s 2022 Board of Directors

  • Dianne Jacob, Chair
  • Dr. Bonnie R. Saks, Chair-Elect
  • Kay Annis Wilson, Immediate Past Chair
  • Willisha Williams, Treasurer
  • Dr. Anne V. Gormly, Secretary
  • Dr. Moira J. Burke
  • Alexis Dion Deveaux, Esq.
  • Keith Fakhoury
  • Lara Roeske Fernandez, Esq.
  • Greg Hargrove
  • Malcolm Harris
  • Dr. Kathleen Heide
  • Hon. Richard A. Nielsen
  • Kristi Irwin-Newberry
  • Selena Majeed
  • Parker Rabow
  • Kimberly E. Renfroe
  • Mark Stoker
  • Marian Winters
  • Laura-Elizabeth Ware
  • Dr. Joan Wagner Zinober