Anna M. Kesic, President/CEO, IMPOWER

Ms. Kesic has over 35 years of experience leading, managing, and working within a wide range of social service and behavioral health programs for large, multi-program non-profit and public sector entities delivering bottom-line results, efficient systems, and strong community relations. As President/CEO of IMPOWER, a Central-Florida-based mental health, substance abuse, and child well-being organization, Ms. Kesic has expanded the agency’s services, implementing telehealth statewide. Through this innovative service model, IMPOWER is leading the way in Florida utilizing telehealth for psychiatric, mental health, and child well-being/welfare services, with more than 1.4 million service sessions provided via this method as of July 2024. Under her tenure, IMPOWER has expanded its services to better address the young adult homelessness crisis in Central Florida. She has ensured the agency’s financial stability during tumultuous economic times; led the agency through a merger to include Substance Use services; enhanced visibility and involvement in the Central Florida community and the state; improved quality assurance programs; and greatly expanded IMPOWER’s funding sources and relationships.

Ms. Kesic earned a BA in Psychology, Sociology, and Religious Studies from Eckerd College and an MS in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

Isabel Velasquez, Chief Financial Officer

Mrs. Velasquez has over 25 years of experience in financial and quality management of non-profit organizations with extensive knowledge of child welfare, residential, behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and grant programs. She is responsible for all aspects of IMPOWER’s financial management including finance, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, purchasing, information technology, and facility management. She has an extensive knowledge of clinical services and tasks including residential, outpatient, and therapeutic programs with which she can bridge the gap between finance and operations.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Velasquez has demonstrated a strong ability to drive financial strategy, optimize financial performance, and ensure an organization’s long-term financial health. She has been instrumental in leading the implementation of robust financial systems and processes that enhance efficiency and support an organization’s growth objectives. Mrs. Velasquez’s dedication to financial excellence and strategic vision, and her efforts to mitigate financial risks to the agency and stabilize financial diversity for continued agency growth have made her an invaluable asset to IMPOWER, Inc.

Mrs. Velasquez holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida.

Marcie Dearth, Chief Operating Officer

Mrs. Dearth is a seasoned executive with 25+ years of experience in the social services industry and has a proven ability to lead and manage complex projects and successful teams. She began her career at the State Attorney’s Office 9^th Judicial Circuit working with victims of violent crime and aiding at-risk children as a Guardian Ad Litem. Her passion for creating change and improving communities led her to fundraising, program development, and leadership. Mrs. Dearth joined IMPOWER in 2012 as VP of Development to establish the agency’s development and marketing efforts. Her strategic direction guided the agency’s rebranding, developed quality outcome metrics, and increased philanthropic support by more than 200% in the first 36 months. Mrs. Dearth has served IMPOWER in many varied roles since then, but her commitment to strong business practices and quality client services has always remained paramount. As VP of External Relations & Residential Programs, her efforts helped establish nationally recognized programs and increase organizational visibility and effectiveness. Now as Chief Operating Officer, Dearth’s innovative and collaborative approach has helped to streamline processes, improve infrastructure, and achieve key milestones resulting in expanded funding and improved staff and customer satisfaction.

Ms. Dearth studied at the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies and a Master of Arts in Public Administration.

Mary Cortez, Director of Development

Ms. Cortez has over 19 years of experience in education and child welfare, including more than a decade in leadership positions dedicated to program development. She has notably founded a contracted school site for at-risk youth and youth in foster care, led the development of a shelter for unaccompanied youth from the border, and established a food and shelter help line in Volusia County for youth and families. Her extensive background includes expertise in community engagement, donor relations, and building strategic business partnerships. Ms. Cortez is also well-versed in emotional intelligence, having received specialized training and presented at state-level conferences. Her approach to donor relations emphasizes personalized engagement and cultivating long-term relationships to support the organization’s goals. At IMPOWER, Ms. Cortez leads fundraising, marketing, and development efforts, focusing on advancing the agency’s mission, enhancing donor engagement, and strengthening connections with supporters and volunteers.

Ms. Cortez earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Stetson University.