At United Way of West Florida, the work behind the scenes is essential to k
eeping our mission moving forward. In this spotlight, we’re highlighting Nathan Yates, IT Coordinator, whose technical expertise and problem-solving help ensure the team stays connected, supported, and ready to serve the community.
Q: Where are you from, and how did you first hear about the United Way?
A: I’m from Lakeland, Florida, and I first heard about United Way through my first job at Publix Super Markets.
Q: What inspired you to join our team?
A: I was inspired to join the team because I already knew about the amazing work United Way of West Florida does. I wanted to be part of something where my work could truly make an impact on others.
Q: What’s a typical day like for you as our IT Coordinator?
A: My day can vary quite a bit. I handle onsite technical issues, support our remote 211 employees with tech problems, and communicate with our external IT partner, Sixwatch, to resolve both immediate and future technical needs.
Q: What’s a project or accomplishment over the past year that you’re especially proud of?
A: I recently built a bi-annual device check-up system. We track all company equipment in a spreadsheet, and I automated a system that sends email reminders for upcoming device check-ups and schedules the next one once it’s completed.
Q: Can you share a favorite moment or memory from your time here so far?
A: My favorite memory was the 2025 annual meeting. It was inspiring to see the impact United Way of West Florida has in the community and to witness the support from local businesses.
Q: How does your work in IT help the rest of the team make an even bigger impact in our community?
A: By minimizing downtime from technical issues, I help ensure staff can stay focused on their work instead of troubleshooting problems, allowing them to better serve the community.
Q: You’re graduating from the University of West Florida soon—congratulations! How has your time at UWF prepared you for your work at United Way?
A: My time at the University of West Florida helped me build the technical knowledge I need, but also taught me to approach problems by breaking them down and looking at the bigger picture instead of rushing to a quick fix.
Q: When you’re not working or studying, how do you like to spend your time?
A: When I am not working or studying, I like to spend my time being active. A few of my hobbies would be going to the beach, surfing, skating, working out, and fishing.
Q: What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that most people at United Way might not know?
A: Something people may not know about me here is that I have 6 siblings.
Q: Can you share your favorite memory from commuting to work?
A: My favorite memory commuting to work on my scooter would be every day it is not raining when I have to leave for work.
Q: After graduation, what’s next for you—and how do you hope to continue creating an impact in your career or community?
A: After graduation, I plan to continue furthering my career and start working at Sixwatch as a Support Technician, and continue to help people resolve those annoying technical issues they run into.