Meet Our Board of Directors

 Carlene is a healthcare executive, accountant, and philanthropist whose life and work are deeply rooted in service, education, and community empowerment. Born in Mount Pleasant, Portland, Jamaica, Carlene is the daughter of Crispin McKenzie, former Superintendent of the Parish Council, and Sylviana Chin of Hope Bay.

After completing Sixth Form (Commercial) at Titchfield High School in 1979, Carlene migrated to New York in January 1980, where she began her college studies at Lehman College (CUNY) in the Bronx. Following the passing of her father in 1983, she relocated to Florida in January 1984, continuing her academic journey with a steadfast commitment to excellence. Carlene earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from St. Thomas University in Miami in 1985, followed by a Master’s degree in Accounting in 1995.

Carlene has spent more than 30 years in the healthcare industry, beginning her career in 1987 as a Staff Accountant at Northshore Medical Center in Miami, Florida. Through integrity, discipline, and strong leadership, she advanced to senior executive roles, including Chief Financial Officer at Glades General Hospital in Belle Glade, Florida. She later made history as the first Black female Chief Financial Officer of Tenet Florida Physician Services (Tenet South Florida). Her career includes numerous leadership roles such as Controller, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, where she consistently focused on sustainability, accountability, and service-driven outcomes.

Inspired by her upbringing, her parents’ legacy of public service, and her belief in the transformative power of education, Carlene founded The McKenzie Foundation. Through this work, Carlene seeks to give back to the community that shaped her, investing in the next generation and creating pathways for long-term educational success.

Outside of her professional and philanthropic commitments, Carlene embraces a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She enjoys pickleball, karate (which she practices with her husband), sunrise walks, yoga, and meditation. In addition to being an accomplished accountant, Carlene is a certified Health Coach who believes that healthy minds and bodies are essential to building strong futures—especially for the children the Foundation serves. 

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