Dan Pugh is a Senior Partner at Residential Building Supply, a medium-size building supply company specializing in providing high-end millwork to the residential home building community. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida. Dan is always interested in volunteering his time to worthwhile non-profit endeavors, and United Against Poverty has provided an excellent opportunity to give back to a community that has been his home for life. When not working, Dan is an avid golfer who enjoys spending time with family and friends on the golf course.

“I feel that the best thing we can do to help someone improve their life circumstances is to give them a sense of accomplishment and dignity. United Against Poverty does that hundreds of times a day, something I take great pride in being a part of.”

Linda Rusciano is a retired Chief Financial Officer of Farm Credit of Florida, a private agricultural financial institution. Her 32 years of service at Farm Credit included management of the accounting staff and all financial reporting of a $1.4 billion dollar portfolio. Her other responsibilities included management of the technology department, capital assets, and operations in twelve branch offices serving 36 counties across the state. Linda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Rollins College. She is a second-generation Floridian, born and raised in the Orlando area.

Linda and her husband, Michael, moved to Vero Beach in 2009. Linda joined the Indian River County Advisory Board in 2013 and serves on the Gala Committee and Corporate Finance Committee. She is also a member of the Inner Wheel Club of Haines City and Impact 100 – Indian River County.

Don Drinkard was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from Auburn University. After serving in Korea as an officer in the U.S. Army, he completed an MBA from the University of Alabama. He then began a career in the oil and gas industry, spanning 27 years, during which he managed drilling, production and construction projects in Louisiana, Texas, Alaska, and California in the U.S, and overseas in the Republic of Yemen, Colombia, Malaysia and Africa. Since retiring to Vero Beach, Florida in 2004, Don has enjoyed precious time with his wife, three children and five grandchildren. He enjoys First United Methodist of Vero Beach where he is involved in education and outreach. He supports United Against Poverty and serves on the Board of Directors. He also enjoys golf, art and reading.

“It is indeed a genuine privilege to be associated with an organization served by a caring, compassionate staff who help our clients and their families find their true selves and achieve their potential by reaching for the stars.”

Amy moved from NY to Vero Beach, with her husband Don Reeser, in 2008. She joined the IRC Community Board in 2013 and has been a long-term working member of UP IRC’s Development Committee and Gala Committee. She has also served on the regional and corporate boards of the Hibiscus Children’s Center and on the executive committee and board of the Youth Sailing Foundation.

Prior to early retirement, Amy was the Executive Director of the Westchester County Bar Association and Bar Foundation in Westchester County, NY. She was responsible for the overall management of the association and its foundation. Amy oversaw and controlled all day to day operations ~ the accounting and budget, all programs and services, communications and cooperative relations among the WCBA, the judiciary, the legal and business communities as well as the public.

“I appreciate UP’s holistic “Hand-UP” approach which addresses the root causes of poverty rather than temporarily treating its symptoms. UP provides the tools, programs and consistent support that have allowed clients and their families to move toward self-sufficiency and financial security. I am pleased and proud to work with the amazing staff, volunteers and board members who play a part in UP”s measurable success.”

Luis M. Martinez holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Sacred Heart, Puerto Rico, and an MBA in Management from Ana G. Mendez University, Orlando. He is also a certified diversity professional through the DiversityFIRST™ program, equipping him to develop and implement diversity and inclusion strategies for organizational success.

Luis began his career as Marketing Coordinator at El Nuevo Día newspaper, where he spearheaded initiatives to boost sales, customer loyalty, and brand awareness. Later, he spent five years at Ana G. Mendez University (AGMU) as Director of Marketing & Recruitment, implementing innovative strategies to enhance community engagement and diversify student enrollment. He was subsequently promoted to Director of Communications, Public Relations, and Publications for AGMU’s Florida campuses.

In 2012, Mayor Buddy Dyer appointed Luis as Orlando’s Director of Multicultural Affairs, making him the highest-ranking Hispanic employee in city government. In this role, Luis launched and led the Office of Multicultural Affairs, fostering relationships with diverse communities and promoting inclusion through outreach initiatives, events, and bilingual communications.

As the city’s Hispanic Liaison and Spokesperson, Luis develops culturally sensitive messaging, manages Spanish media relations, and translates key city communications to increase Hispanic community participation in programs and services. Additionally, he supports local minority and women-owned businesses, connects international organizations to city resources, and oversees Orlando’s Sister Cities program, strengthening global ties.

Other accomplishments include Celebrating our Difference with Signature Events, Florida Cup, Mayors Meeting with Muslim Leaders, Hurricane Maria, M/WBE Hispanic Outreach, COVID 19 efforts and many more.

Luis is a dedicated public servant and community leader, known for his exceptional credentials, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Orlando’s diverse community. Serving under Mayor Buddy Dyer has been an honor he embraces wholeheartedly, assisting residents, visitors, and businesses from all walks of life. Even in challenging times, Luis remains steadfast in his duties, earning the respect of Central Florida’s multicultural community through his dedication to public service and the mayor’s vision.