In an area defined by both opulence and opportunity, Danita DeHaney serves as a connector, turning bold ideas into measurable progress. As President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Danita is more than a non-profit executive she is a catalyst for real change. “I provide strategic leadership and vision to strengthen our communities through philanthropy and collaborative solutions. I lead all aspects of the Foundation’s operations, driving impactful philanthropy to address the most pressing needs across Palm Beach and Martin Counties.”

Before joining the Community Foundation, Danita was Vice President for Institutional Advancement and CEO of the FAU Foundation at Florida Atlantic University. While there, she helped usher in a new chapter for the university, breaking fundraising records and launching its first major comprehensive campaign in 20 years. Prior to that, Danita held a senior leadership role at the University of Florida, where she led national volunteer efforts in support of a $3 billion campaign, one of the largest in higher education at the time. She’s also held numerous senior-level positions at the University of Maryland.

Despite all her accolades and achievements, Danita would remind her younger self to trust the journey and find meaning in every twist and turn. “Embrace the learning process, especially during uncertain or challenging periods. Early in your career, stay open to new experiences and actively seek diverse perspectives— these will shape your ability to lead with both empathy and vision. Focus on building genuine connections and stay grounded in your mission to create meaningful impact. True leadership means serving others and driving positive change in your community, organization, and society. Success comes from persistence and adaptability. View setbacks as opportunities for growth, and remember that meaningful change takes time and sustained effort.”

That wisdom comes with time, but behind every great leader is someone who influenced them, and Danita is no exception. “A pivotal mentor fundamentally shaped my leadership approach by challenging me to think beyond my comfort zone while encouraging me to lead with vision, authenticity, and courage. Through their guidance, I learned the critical importance of deep listening, embracing diverse perspectives, and making decisions rooted inintegrity and purpose. My mentor’s example taught me to reframe setbacks as growth opportunities and to approach leadership as a responsibility to empower others. Their influence continues to inspire my commitment to excellence and my dedication to fostering collaborative, learning-focused cultures in every aspect of my work. The most lasting lesson was understanding that effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating conditions where others can contribute their best thinking and achieve collective success.”

Danita leads with that belief every day, encouraging her team to think boldly, work collectively, and succeed together. “My leadership approach is characterized by the transformational leadership style. I focus on inspiring and empowering others by articulating compelling visions, fostering innovation, and encouraging continuous professional growth. I prioritize building trust through open communication, creating environments where team members feel valued and motivated to achieve their highest potential. By emphasizing shared goals and continuous improvement, I work to drive meaningful change not only within our organization but throughout the broader community we serve.”

To better understand the region’s economic drivers, early in her tenure, Danita joined the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “I was new to West Palm Beach and recognized the importance of deeply understanding our local business ecosystem. Joining the Economic Council was a strategic decision to immerse myself in the business community and learn firsthand how the Council advocates for Palm Beach County’s economic vitality. I wanted to understand the Council’s pivotal role in supporting economic growth, fostering crosssector collaboration, and shaping policies that impact our region’s future.”

She says her involvement with the Council enhances the Foundation’s ability to help communities thrive.“The  Council provides access to a diverse network of business and civic leaders, fostering collaboration that strengthens our collective impact across sectors. The Council’s recognized leadership in shaping public policy ensures that the non-profit perspective is represented in critical economic discussions. This is particularly valuable given the Council’s advocacy work on qualityof-life issues, including education, workforce preparedness, and economic development, all of which directly impact non-profits and the communities we serve.”

However, none of this progress is sustainable if the very people who teach our children, care for our health, and support local businesses can’t afford to live in the communities they serve. “Palm Beach County’s long-term economic strength is fundamentally tied to addressing our workforce housing shortage. The affordability crisis affects not only residents but also creates significant challenges for local employers who struggle to attract and retain talent when housing costs far exceed wages.” She says we must prioritize policies and investments that expand workforce housing access through multiple channels. “We need to leverage local bonds and public-private partnerships. We need toutilize proven tools, such as Affordable Housing Trust Funds, which create jobs while attracting businesses. We should extend affordability requirements on new developments to protect and grow affordable housing inventory fordecades. Workforce housing is not just a social issue, it’s an economic necessity for stability and long-term prosperity.”

To achieve that and for Palm Beach County to remain competitive, she says, attainable housing solutions must be embedded into every conversation about economic development. “Our county faces a critical shortage of over 150,000 affordable and workforce housing units, with the gap most severe for workers earning less than 60% of the area median income. By prioritizing workforce housing through coordinated policy, investment, and development strategies, we can address both resident needs and business requirements simultaneously, creating a foundation for sustainable economic growth that benefits all stakeholders.”