JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Penny Zuber has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the City of Jacksonville’s Kids Hope Alliance, effective Monday, according to a news release from the City.
Zuber is taking over the position following the tenure of Dr. Dana Kriznar, who served as interim CEO during the leadership transition.
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Kids Hope Alliance is the city agency responsible for overseeing youth programs and services in Jacksonville.
Zuber spent 42 years at the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, where she most recently served as executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer.
In those roles, Zuber oversaw 13 branches, a public charter school, an overnight camp, and more than 40 program sites and services reaching more than 200,000 people annually.
Kids Hope Alliance Board Chair Marsha Oliver detailed the selection following the agency’s national search process.
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“After a comprehensive national search, the Board is confident that Penny is the right leader for this moment,” Oliver said in the news release. “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 discussed her focus on community collaboration across Duval County.
“The most meaningful work happens when communities come together on behalf of children,” Zuber said in the release. “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.”
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Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan voiced support for the incoming leadership.
“Penny has spent her career strengthening Jacksonville’s families and communities and her commitment to young people is unmatched,” Deegan said. “I’m excited to see the impact of Kids Hope Alliance deepen and this vital organization continue to thrive under her leadership.”
Zuber holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of North Florida and completed executive presence and influence coursework at the Wharton School. Her local civic involvement includes serving as a founding board member of Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida, secretary of the Riverfront Parks Conservancy Board, mentor with the UNF Community Alliance for Student Success and president-elect of the Jacksonville Women’s Network.
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