ABOUT
PATHWAYS FOR CHANGE
Pathways for Change is a Faith Based Non-Profit Organization focused on Changing Lives, Reducing Crime, and Building Futures. Founded in 2005, Pathways for Change moved from providing daily programming to leading the Homelessness Reduction Task Force of NWF. With 200 members on 6 subcommittees, much is being done through the Task Force through collaboration to increase services for those experiencing homelessness.
Here at Pathways for Change, we see the value in everyone. We want to be a catalyst for positive change, and since our beginning, we’ve been driven by the same ideas we initially founded our Nonprofit Organization upon: support, empowerment and progress.
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. Pathways for Change emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
The Face of Our Organization
CONNIE REEVES BOOKMAN, LCSW
Founder and CEO of Pathways for Change and Homeless Reduction Task Force of Northwest Florida
Connie Reeves Bookman is a nationally respected social work and community leadership professional whose career spans more than three decades of service in healthcare, behavioral health, housing stability, justice reform, and homelessness reduction, with a demonstrated record of building cross-sector systems that improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals, families, and communities across Northwest Florida. Connie began her career in the late 1980s as the first social worker at Baptist Health Care’s Gulf Breeze Hospital. She quickly distinguished herself within the Baptist Health Care system and, in 1999, was appointed Executive Director of the Christian Counseling Center. In 2005, she merged the mission of the Center and founded Pathways For Change, a court-ordered, faith-based addictions treatment program serving individuals incarcerated in the Escambia County Jail.
In 2012, Pathways For Change expanded its reach by opening The Family Center, strategically located among three area public housing communities. The Center broke barriers associated with poverty and delivered transformative, wraparound services to families in need. In 2014, Pathways For Change further expanded services by opening a clinical residential treatment program for homeless women veterans.
In 2020, in response to evolving community needs, Pathways For Change pivoted from daily direct programming to launch the Homelessness Reduction Task Force of Northwest Florida, a multi-year, cross-sector initiative engaging more than 220 members across seven subcommittees to align systems, strengthen collaboration, and drive measurable reductions in homelessness.
In 2026, Pathways For Change continues to make a significant community impact as Connie leads the local Continuum of Care Leadership Council and helps coordinate Sequential Intercept Mapping initiatives that identify gaps and streamline services for individuals with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system. Through this work, she strengthens cross-system collaboration and advances effective reentry pathways while continuing to serve on and collaborate with multiple nonprofit boards and community initiatives.
View Connie Full Portfolio
Meet the Team
Our dedicated team is united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Each member brings unique experience, passion, and expertise that strengthen our mission and drive our work forward. Together, we strive to create lasting impact through collaboration, compassion, and a deep belief in the power of positive change.
President
Jarrod Dawson, CFP, MBA
Jarrod Dawson is a Financial Advisor with Raymond James, in the firm’s Pensacola branch office. He provides a comprehensive approach to wealth management, portfolio management, retirement planning and estate planning to individuals, families and business owners. Prior to beginning his career in financial services, he worked in accounting, grant management and the nonprofit space. He received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from University of West Florida. Originally from Pensacola, Florida, he is active in the community as a volunteer for organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Gulf Breeze Rotary, Pathways for Change, The WSRE Foundation and The UWF Alumni Association. He enjoys running, golfing and playing guitar and piano. Jarrod and his wife, Kate, reside in the East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola.
Vice-President
Maggie McKean
Maggie McKean is a Vice President of Health Policy at Thorn Run Partners in Washington, DC, where she works with a range of clients to navigate the federal health care policy landscape and advance advocacy initiatives that improve quality of life. She first became involved with Pathways for Change in 2021, when she interned with the organization during the launch of its work with Pensacola's Homeless Reduction Task Force. Inspired by the impact of that work, she later joined the board of directors and now serves as Vice President. Though she is now based in DC, Maggie proudly calls Pensacola home and remains committed to supporting Pathways' mission to change lives and build stronger futures in the community. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Tulane University
Secretary
Michelle Olliff, Esq.
Michelle Olliff is an assistant general counsel at Navy Federal Credit Union. Prior to working in-house, Michelle was an attorney at Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon practicing real estate law for roughly five years. A proud double Gator, Michelle attended undergraduate school and law school at the University of Florida. Michelle has been on the board of directors for Pathways for Change since 2022 and currently serves as Secretary. When she’s not at work or supporting Pathways, you can find Michelle chasing after her toddler with her husband and two dogs.
Treasurer
EDUARDO LARA
As a Communications Director with a background in psychology and strategic communication, Eduardo drives impactful civic engagement initiatives through thoughtful event logistics, strategic partnerships and community-focused content. Eduardo oversees a range of communications and operational efforts for a nonprofit dedicated to increasing civic participation, from orchestrating events with high-profile speakers and managing CivicCon’s volunteers to crafting multi-channel promotional strategies across email, social media and media outlets.
His earlier career in mental health and social work has equipped him with a unique understanding of community needs and the ability to connect on a human level. Eduardo is passionate about fostering informed, engaged communities and leveraging communication to create lasting change.
Chief Financial Officer
Christian Garabedian
Short bio coming soon . . .
Director
Jan Butts
Eva “Jan” Butts, MBA, is the retired Director of University of West Florida Foundation, Inc., Pensacola, Florida. Her expertise is in accounting, non-profit organizations, compliance, and documentation specialist. Formerly she served as an entrepreneur and business consultant in South Carolina and as Director of Accounting with INVESCO Capital Management, Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Butts earned her degrees with high honors from Georgia Institute of Technology and Kennesaw State University. She also holds certificates in Technical Writing and as a Paralegal.