JACKSONVILLE, Florida, September 17, 2026 — Penny Zuber will become Chief Executive Officer of the Kids Hope Alliance effective September 21, 2026. She brings more than four decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families.
"Zuber most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, concluding a distinguished 42-year career. She provided strategic, financial, and operational leadership for one of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations, overseeing 13 branches, a public charter school, an overnight camp, more than 40 program sites, and services reaching more than 200,000 individuals annually. Her career has been marked by success aligning strategy, funding, partnerships, and accountability systems to expand youth development initiatives, strengthen organizational sustainability, and drive measurable community impact.
A collaborative leader, Zuber has worked closely with elected officials, boards, community organizations, schools, healthcare systems, foundations, and business leaders to expand opportunities for children and families. Her community involvement includes service as a founding board member of Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida, Secretary of the Riverfront Parks Conservancy Board, mentor with the University of North Florida Community Alliance for Student Success, and President-Elect of the Jacksonville Women’s Network. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance, cum laude, from the University of North Florida and completed Executive Presence and Influence coursework at the Wharton School.
Kids Hope Alliance Board Chair Marsha Oliver said, “After a comprehensive national search, the Board is confident that Penny is the right leader for this moment. Her deep local knowledge, longstanding partnerships, and lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families uniquely position her to advance the mission of Kids Hope Alliance. We are thrilled to welcome her into this role.”
Zuber said, “The most meaningful work happens when communities come together on behalf of children. I am honored to join Kids Hope Alliance as its Chief Executive Officer and build upon its important mission. I look forward to working with dedicated partners across Duval County to ensure our investments create opportunities, strengthen families, and improve outcomes for the young people we serve.”
Mayor Donna Deegan said, “Penny has spent her career strengthening Jacksonville’s families and communities, and her commitment to young people is unmatched. I’m excited to see the impact of Kids Hope Alliance deepen and this vital organization continue to thrive under her leadership.”
The Kids Hope Alliance Board of Directors, staff, and Mayor Deegan extend their gratitude to Dr. Dana Kriznar for her dedicated service as interim CEO during this transition period. For more information about Jacksonville’s ongoing initiatives for children, youth and families, please visit kidshopealliance.org.
About the City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving more than one million residents. City of Jacksonville leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19-member City Council led by President Nick Howland. To learn more, visit jacksonville.gov.
###