Shining Star: Carrie Walsh

Transforming Systems with Compassion and Vision

In every community, there are individuals whose leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment spark transformative change. For Charlotte County, one of those individuals is Carrie Walsh, Director of the Charlotte County Human Services Department and a lifelong advocate for equity, dignity, and access.

Carrie’s leadership has long been defined by collaboration and innovation. As the former Executive Director of the United Way of Charlotte County, and now in her pivotal government role, she has consistently championed a coordinated, trauma-informed approach to addressing some of the community’s most complex challenges. Her legacy includes spearheading the development of the Family Services Center—a $20 million, six-acre hub that co-locates more than 20 nonprofits and government programs to provide integrated services under one roof. The model is a national example in client-centered care and multi-agency cooperation.

Carrie’s contributions extend well beyond Charlotte County. She currently serves as President of the Florida Association of County Human Services Administrators (FACHSA), a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Human Services and Education Committee, and the government liaison to the Gulf Coast Partnership, Charlotte County’s Continuum of Care. Through these roles, she ensures that local voices help shape state and national policies that impact families, Veterans, seniors, and vulnerable individuals.

Carrie’s commitment was tested—and proven—during Hurricane Ian. As the storm bore down on Southwest Florida, she led critical response efforts from the Emergency Operations Center, directing her team to operate the county’s emergency call center while ensuring immediate access to food, water, and shelter. Her focus remained on the most vulnerable—seniors, the medically fragile, and families without the means to evacuate. Even as she faced uncertainty about her own home, her priority never wavered: the wellbeing of her community.

Her ability to lead with both strategic insight and human empathy sets Carrie apart. “We need to think of resiliency not just for buildings but for our people,” she reflects. “Social connection, education, and wellness—that’s what makes a community truly resilient.”

Carrie is a graduate of Flagler College and Hodges University, an alum of Leadership Charlotte, the Gulf Coast Leadership Institute, and the Professional Development Academy. She is also a proud recipient of the ZONTA Woman of the Year Award—a testament to the esteem in which she is held by peers and partners alike.

A native Floridian, Carrie finds balance and joy in time spent with her husband Evan and their children. Together, they share their love of music as members of the original folk band Still Friends—a name that fittingly echoes the spirit of connection and authenticity that defines her leadership style.

Carrie Walsh is not only building systems—she’s building trust, opportunity, and hope. Her work reminds us that true community impact begins with compassion, sustained by collaboration, and empowered by vision.

For these reasons and many more, we are honored to recognize Carrie Walsh as this issue’s Shining Star.

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