Indian River Campus

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.”

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.

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.”