Each year, in our Thankful issue, we pause to celebrate the dedicated nonprofit leaders who work tirelessly to uplift our community. These visionaries are behind the impactful programs that touch countless lives, and their efforts embody the spirit of giving back.
Jamie Merrill
Jamie Merrill is the current President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, leading one of the largest Boys & Girls Club organizations in the nation, serving more than 12,000 youth across six counties. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to nurturing children from underserved communities, providing academic support, and offering positive role models during non-school hours. Before joining BGCCF, Jamie spent 17 years in senior living and healthcare, where she excelled in operational leadership. Merrill has served on several local and national boards and was awarded the 2022 McKnight’s Woman of Distinction.
Lui Damiani
Lui Damiani is the Executive Director of the Victim Service Center of Central Florida, the region's certified rape crisis center. Lui attended UCF and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration in 1994. He served as Chief Aide to former District 3 Commissioner Mary I. Johnson, and was recognized with the county’s highest service honor, The Chairman’s Award. In 2010, Lui served the community as Orange County Commissioner. Throughout his career, Lui has served in various roles leading with passion and honesty, developing a solid reputation of integrity among his peers. Today, under his leadership as Executive Director of the Victim Service Center the organization serves Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, providing crucial services such as crisis intervention, therapy, and advocacy for victims of sexual assault, violent crime, and trauma. Damiani has championed initiatives like Denim Day, which raises awareness about sexual violence.
John Rivers
John Rivers, founder of the 4R Foundation and 4Roots Farm Project, is transforming the way Central Florida approaches food and agriculture. After a successful career in healthcare, Rivers turned his passion for barbecue into a community mission. He’s most known for his entrepreneurial success as a restaurateur, the founder of 4 Rivers Barbeque. After building a barbecue empire, Rivers turned his attention to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agriculture while educating the next generation about the importance of healthy food systems. The 40-acre campus is in development with plans to be fully operational by 2026. The nonprofit aims to create lasting impact with sustainable food systems while also supporting local farmers. Rivers’ philanthropic work is rooted in his belief that real change starts with community action, making him a visionary in both entrepreneurship and social impact.
Karen Revels
Karen Revels is the President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Florida, where she leads efforts to empower young people to achieve success through work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Recently, Revels has been recognized for expanding Junior Achievement's reach through collaborations with key organizations like AdventHealth, launching initiatives such as career readiness programs in healthcare. Under her leadership JA also expanded its programs including innovative initiatives like JA Finance Park and JA BizTown, which teach students critical life skills. Karen's dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders is evident in her commitment to shaping educational experiences that inspire Central Florida’s youth to dream big and achieve their goals.