Katie Hammers serves as the Tri-County Disaster Recovery Coordinator for United Way, supporting long-term recovery efforts for disaster survivors in Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties. A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, she discovered her passion for disaster recovery while responding to Hurricane Ian on Pine Island, where she excelled at coordinating unmet needs across local, state, and federal partners. After relocating to North Central Florida, she played a key role in mobilizing volunteers and donations following Hurricane Idalia and helped establish the Tri-County Disaster Recovery Group. Her experience also includes serving as the Disaster Housing Coordinator at the Florida Division of Emergency Management, contributing to state-level response and recovery efforts. Deeply committed to community service, she finds purpose in walking alongside survivors through their toughest days. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring Florida’s great outdoors.
Why I do this work: As a native Floridian, I’ve seen firsthand how natural disasters can upend lives in an instant. Helping others navigate recovery and find hope in the aftermath has become a meaningful calling—and I love seeing real, positive change happen at the local level where it matters most. I am honored to get to serve my community as a member of the United Way family.