United Way Miami Named David Zambrana Board Chair

The local nonprofit organization appointed a veteran healthcare executive to lead its board of directors.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration showing intersecting white marble volumes and a single golden anchor, representing organizational oversight and community structure.
United Way Miami has appointed David Zambrana, president and CEO of Jackson Health System, as its new board of directors chair for the 2026-28 term. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust local nonprofit boards to effectively address the most pressing needs in your community?

United Way Miami has appointed David Zambrana as its new board of directors chair for the 2026-28 term. He takes over the leadership role from Frank Gonzalez, who previously held the position.

Why it matters

The board chair role is critical for United Way Miami because the position provides necessary governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic direction for the organization. This leadership ensures the continued management of community investments and advocacy initiatives.

David Zambrana brings over 30 years of healthcare experience to the role, having started his career as a bedside nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The organization generates more than $100 million in annual community impact.

The players

David Zambrana

He is the president and CEO of Jackson Health System who previously served as the chair-elect of the United Way Miami board.

Frank Gonzalez

He is the outgoing board chair who is being succeeded by David Zambrana.

United Way Miami

This nonprofit organization manages community investments and provides advocacy in the Miami-Dade County region.

Jackson Health System

This is a major public healthcare provider in Miami-Dade County led by David Zambrana.

The details

As the president and CEO of Jackson Health System, Zambrana will guide the board as it oversees a broad portfolio of services, including volunteer engagement and cross-sector partnerships. The organization also appointed its 2026-27 Executive Committee to support these operational objectives.

Timeline

  1. David Zambrana will serve as board chair for the 2026-28 term.

  2. The new Executive Committee will serve during the 2026-27 term.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition reflects a broader trend of leveraging local corporate executives to oversee the United Way Miami community investment model. The shift aims to maintain stability in a competitive regional nonprofit sector that relies heavily on cross-sector partnerships.

The change in board leadership may shift the focus of direct services and local advocacy programs supported by the organization. Residents in Miami-Dade County may see updates to volunteer engagement strategies as the new board chair implements his long-term strategic direction.

The takeaway

Selecting an experienced CEO to lead board operations demonstrates a commitment to applying professional management principles to nonprofit social services. Such leadership transitions are key for maintaining institutional momentum in large-scale community impact organizations.

Further reading

For more information on organizational leadership, visit the People section.

More information

Find additional details on board governance and local initiatives on the United Way Miami website.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Miami's Community News.

Live Poll

Do you trust local nonprofit boards to effectively address the most pressing needs in your community?