We’re excited to introduce Katherine Fitzwater as VISTE’s new President!
Katherine brings nearly a decade of nonprofit leadership experience, a passion for community service, and a strong record of building meaningful partnerships throughout Central Florida.
Before joining VISTE, Katherine spent seven years as Director of Public Relations at United Way of Central Florida. In this role, she led strategic communications, community engagement, volunteer initiatives, fundraising support, and events that increased awareness of and support for the organization’s mission. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about connecting people with causes that create lasting community impact through meaningful storytelling and strategic partnerships.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Katherine is also an active community leader throughout Polk County. She currently serves as Immediate Past President of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and on the boards of LkldNow and the Polk County Gator Club. She has also held leadership and volunteer roles with Lakeland Vision, Explorations V Children’s Museum, the Polk Museum of Art, and EMERGE Lakeland. Katherine is a graduate of both Leadership Lakeland and Leadership Polk and contributes to The Association of Junior Leagues International’s Clarity Project Bylaws Review Committee.
As she begins this new chapter with VISTE, Katherine is excited to build on the organization’s incredible legacy by strengthening community partnerships, expanding connections throughout Polk County, and inspiring even more people to become part of VISTE’s mission.
Welcome, Katherine!