Wheels of Success

06/11/2026

Wheels of Success Names Danna Bramlett CEO as Founder Susan Jacobs Retires After 23 Years

TAMPA, FL, June 2026 — Wheels of Success announced today the retirement of Founder and Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacobs and the appointment of Danna Bramlett as the organization's next CEO. Jacobs will continue supporting the organization during a planned transition period to ensure a seamless leadership handoff.

After experiencing firsthand how the loss of reliable transportation can threaten employment and financial stability, Susan Jacobs founded Wheels of Success in 2003 with a simple but powerful belief: transportation should never be the reason someone cannot work, care for their family, or build a better future. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Tampa Bay's most impactful nonprofits, helping more than 2,000 families maintain employment and independence by providing 1,360+ vehicles, automotive repairs, licensing assistance, insurance support, and other transportation-related services.

"Twenty-three years ago, Wheels of Success began with a desire to fill a need that I had experienced first-hand, having left a domestic violence situation without a car. Realizing there were no transportation solutions locally to address the issue, I later started Wheels with two cars donated by a towing company.” said Jacobs. "I am incredibly proud of what our staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and recipients have accomplished together. While retirement is bittersweet, I know the organization is well-positioned for its next chapter, and I have complete confidence in Danna's leadership."

Following a national search that attracted more than 200 candidates, the Wheels of Success Board of Directors selected Bramlett to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.

"Danna stood out for her proven leadership, strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and ability to build meaningful partnerships that strengthen mission-driven organizations," said Dr. Virnitia Dixon, Chair of the Wheels of Success Board of Directors. "As we considered the future of Wheels of Success, we sought a leader who could honor Susan's legacy while positioning the organization for continued growth. Danna's experience and passion for community impact made her the clear choice."

Bramlett most recently served as Chief Development Officer for the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, where she helped drive organizational growth, expand strategic partnerships, and secure transformational investments that advanced conservation efforts across the state.

“I have long admired the life-changing work of Wheels of Success and the vision Susan brought to this organization,” said Bramlett. “What this community has built over the last two plus decades has transformed thousands of lives. I am honored to lead the next chapter and excited to work alongside our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners to build on that extraordinary foundation.”

Bramlett believes the organization's greatest opportunity lies in strengthening community partnerships and expanding awareness of transportation insecurity as a critical barrier to economic mobility. Under her leadership, Wheels of Success will continue its commitment to helping working families achieve stability and independence while positioning the organization to serve even more families across the Tampa Bay region.

Media Contact:
Jackie Callaway
Wheels of Success
(813) 610 8241
[email protected]

About Wheels of Success

Wheels of Success is a Tampa Bay nonprofit dedicated to removing transportation barriers so individuals and families can remain employed, achieve economic stability, and sustain their independence. Through vehicle assistance, automotive repairs, licensing support, and community partnerships, Wheels of Success helps working families access the reliable transportation they need to thrive. Since 2003, the organization has helped more than 2,000 families across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties create pathways to opportunity one vehicle at a time. Because sometimes the Key to Success is Simply… a Key. Learn more or get involved by visiting

Upcoming Event - May 14Centre Club‘s Helping Hands Happy Hour Event Details Build-A-CarGive Someone the Keys to Success Get Started Car Care ClassRegular Maintenance Keeps the Wheels Turning Click Here Car Care Class - Under the HoodRegular Maintenance Keeps the Wheels Moving Click Here  Vehicl...

06/09/2026

We couldn't be happier for Tasha!

She is one of two women this past week who received a vehicle through our Road to Independence program, which helps survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking overcome one of the biggest barriers to rebuilding their lives—reliable transportation.

06/08/2026

Congratulations to Kathy, who received assistance through our Road to Independence program, which helps domestic violence and human trafficking survivors.

06/04/2026

Leslieann Gets Her Title!
In 2024 Leslieann was facing one of the most difficult times in her life.
The rising cost of living had become overwhelming. Despite working in healthcare, she fell behind on bills and eventually lost her vehicle. An uncle generously loaned her a car, but it was only a temporary solution.
Then a chance encounter changed everything. Leslieann's sister met our CEO
while shopping at Home Goods. That led to Leslieann's employer, referring her to Wheels. Soon after, Leslieann received a "new to her" 2015 Chevy Cruze thanks to who funded the repair. That vehicle became much more than transportation. It provided reliable access to work, reduced daily stress, and gave Leslieann and her two children the freedom to enjoy family outings many of us take for granted.
This week, Leslieann reached an awesome milestone—she successfully completed our program and received the title to her vehicle!
"It was a huge game changer for me and my children," Leslieann says. "The Wheels program is awesome. I'm so thankful to have found out about Wheels and to have been chosen as a recipient."

06/03/2026

From tragedy to hope.

05/26/2026

A great night at the Women For Good group quarterly Gather and Grant!
They brought together passionate female leaders from several nonprofits making a difference in our community.
Everyone is a winner. We are grateful for the $1,000 donation which will buy tires for two families.

05/19/2026

A heartfelt thank you to McBreen & Nowak, P.A. for continuing to support Wheels of Success in a big way.
One of the most impactful ways they give back is through sponsoring our Build A Car program, which funds the major repairs needed to turn donated vehicles into reliable transportation for working families.
Last Thursday at the Helping Hands Fundraiser, we proudly presented the latest vehicle funded through their support. Eric and Dan were both there to help unveil the car to our recipient, Nina, making the moment even more special.
Because of partners like McBreen & Nowak, families like Nina’s are given more than just a vehicle — they are given opportunity and stability.
Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us change lives one car at a time.

05/18/2026

One of the biggest wins from our Happy Hour wasn’t just the money raised through ticket sales, raffles, and auction — it was the opportunity to share the growing need for reliable vehicle donations from our community. Because of conversations that happened during the event, new doors opened for hardworking families in need of transportation.
One guest generously offered to donate a vehicle. And will be hosting an event to help raise the funds needed to repair that donated vehicle and get it road-ready for a recipient. also offered to donate a repaired vehicle in November to go to a veteran. Another stepped up to help with future repairs.
And another guest donated a future full auto detailing service for our recipient this evening. And all of the gas cards won through the raffle were generously given to our recipient that evening.
Every connection made, every donation offered, and every person who learns about our mission brings us one step closer to changing someone’s life through transportation.
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and shared our mission. You are helping turn generosity into opportunity.

05/18/2026

What an incredible night at the Centre Club Helping Hands Happy Hour!
We are grateful for the volunteers who helped make this event such a huge success. Wheels of Success simply could not do what we do without people willing to give their time, talents, and hearts to help families in need of reliable transportation.
A special thank you to for creating our gas card raffle wheel which added to the fun, and to Tarryn Edison from and Joanne Weiland for helping with check-in, raffle sales, and the silent auction table. Your hard work helped keep the evening running smoothly from start to finish.
Thank you to Kerry Connors for taking pictures. We also want to recognize Centre Club Philanthropy Board Chair, whose passion and dedication helped make this event possible.
And heartfelt thanks to for always showing up and offering to help with any unmet need.

05/14/2026

Tonight’s the night!

Join us as we present vehicle #1360 to a single mom who has been biking SEVEN miles each way to work to provide for her family. Tonight, that journey changes. See firsthand how your support puts families on the road to independence.
Tickets are just $25 and include a drink + hors d’oeuvres. You can also bid on auction items and win gas cards.

Skip the line and grab your tickets now using the link below!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you tonight!

Wheels of Success programs help people get behind the wheel so they can stay employed and continue on the road to success.