Youth Haven appoints Katie Schweikhardt as director of development

Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, is pleased to announce Katie Schweikhardt has been named the nonprofit’s director of development. In this role, Schweikhardt will lead strategic fundraising efforts focused on the organization’s mission of providing home, hope and healing for children and teens experiencing abuse, neglect and homelessness throughout Southwest Florida.

“We are pleased to welcome Katie to our talented, compassionate team,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “Her expertise and dedication to creating meaningful change will play an essential role in achieving our vision.”

A Naples native and accomplished fundraising professional, Schweikhardt brings more than 20 years of experience in law and nonprofit development to Youth Haven. She most recently served as the director of development at Florida Gulf Coast University and has held previous leadership positions with the AVOW Foundation, United Way, Meals of Hope, United Arts Council of Collier County and Harry Chapin Food Bank. Prior to working in nonprofits, Schweikhardt spent more than a decade as an attorney with The Schweikhardt Law Firm, a family-owned law firm in Naples.

Schweikhardt has successfully led a variety of campaigns, facilitated donor engagement and fostered community partnerships across the region. She holds a juris doctorate from the University of Florida College of Law, as well as a certified fundraising executive certification. Schweikhardt previously served as President of AFP Collier-Lee, was a member of the Leadership Collier Class of 2014 and was named one of Gulfshore Life’s 2018 Women of the Year.

“I am thrilled to join Youth Haven and use my nonprofit experience and personal passion to support the organization’s mission of creating a place for children and teens in need to heal, grow and thrive,” said Schweikhardt. “I look forward to collaborating with community leaders and building partnerships to ensure that youth in our community have a safe, comforting place to call home. Together, we can provide normalcy and lifechanging opportunities as they enter a new chapter in their lives.”