YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
at the Historic St. Petersburg Coliseum
7:30AM - 9AM; Doors open at 7AM
with Speakers Erin Gruwell & Suzanne McCormick
and Opening Remarks from City of St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch
Event Registration
Register to attend or sponsor this event using the form below.
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Keynote Speakers
Suzanne McCormick
Suzanne McCormick is the first woman to lead YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the Y — a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Collectively, the nation's YMCAs engage more than 17.4 million members — including 6.4 million of whom are under the age of 18 — annually.
Suzanne became President and CEO of Y-USA in September 2021. A nonprofit executive with 31 years of leadership experience at the national and local levels, she previously served for three years as U.S. President for United Way Worldwide, responsible for helping the 1,100 United Ways across the U.S. build more resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities. She also was a member of the UWW global management team and executive sponsor of United Way's Women United Global Leadership Council.
Suzanne spent five years as President and CEO of United Way Suncoast in Tampa, Florida, where she led a strategic plan to break the cycle of generational poverty, drove fundraising growth and increased community impact. During her tenure, she was Chair of the United Way of Florida, one of the largest United Way state associations. She also served as Chair of the United Way Network Partnership Group, which focused on developing and activating powerful philanthropy initiatives, and the National Professional Council, which advised the CEO of United Way Worldwide on strategic initiatives.
Suzanne's 13 years at United Way of Greater Portland in Maine included four as President and CEO. She also was CEO for both the American Red Cross of Southern Maine and the People's Regional Opportunity Program in Maine.
Forbes named Suzanne to its 50 Over 50 List in the Impact category in 2023. The NonProfit Times recognized Suzanne in the Power & Influence Top 50, its annual celebration of the nonprofit sector's top executives and strategists, in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. She serves on the boards of directors of Independent Sector and the National Fitness Foundation.
She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Duke University and is an alumna of the Peace Corps.
Event History
Since 2001, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has hosted an annual prayer breakfast with the goal of creating an opportunity for all community members to gather and reflect on important issues, challenges and commonalities. This unique event provides a venue for the community to share a meal and develop stronger, more unified relationships.
Past Keynote Speakers
2003 Chuck Colson
2004 Jim Towey
2005 Truett Cathy
2006 Alistair Begg
2007 Chip Ingram
2008 Mark Merrill
2009 Dr. Michael Youssef
2010 Edward Flom
2011 Lorraine Yaslowitz
2012 Bob & Pam Tebow
2013 Gigi Graham
2015 Nicole C. Mullen
2016 Lucille O'Neal
2017 Edie Lutnick
2018 Dr. Rick Rigsby
2019 Sonia Manzano
2020 Dr. Rick Rigsby
2022 Rowdy Gaines
2023 Allison Massari
2024 Glenda Hatchett
2025 John O'Leary
Chester James Award Winners
2001 Paula Lamb
2002 Rex Almquist
2003 Elder Clarence Welch
2004 Andrew H. Hines, Jr.
2005 William R. Hough
2006 Stan Brandimore
2007 Virginia B. Irving
2008 Emmanuel Stewart
2009 Rick Baker
2010 David & Theresa McEachern
2011 J. Howard Hinesley
2012 David J. Fischer
2014 Robert L. Ulrich
2015 Deacon Lionel Roberts
2016 Robert P. Byelick
2017 Mary Brandes
2018 Joseph H. Lang
2019 Dr. James P. Gills & Mrs. Heather Gills
2020 Reverend Alfonso Woods
2022 Mary Gardiner Evertz
2023 Dick Crippen
2024 Susan Mittermayr
2025 Lisa Vickers
Interested in sponsoring this event? Please complete and return the sponsorship form below. For questions, contact Suzanne Delaney, CFRE, CFRM, Chief Advancement Officer, at 727.895.9622 x2244 or [email protected].
Please note that a copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free within the state (1-800-435-7352). Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Please refer to registration #CH2079. A professional solicitor has not been retained and the organization receives 100% of your contribution.