Christina Pepin

Executive Director Pepin Family Foundation

Christina Pepin, known professionally as Tina Pepin, serves as the Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation, leading philanthropic initiatives across Tampa Bay, Florida. As a third-generation philanthropist, she continues a family tradition grounded in service, responsibility, and community partnership. Her work centers on public safety, healthcare, education, and mental health, with a focus on sustainable programs that strengthen local communities and support first responders.

Tina remains guided by the example of her grandfather, who was allowed to attend college by a family he served. That experience shaped his lifelong dedication to giving to givers and investing in people who help others. Tina is committed to preserving the values established by both her father and grandfather, ensuring that their mission of service continues to benefit future generations.

Throughout the years, the Foundation and its family have supported a wide range of charitable organizations. These include the Chief of Police Foundation, Tampa Police Department, the Suncoast PBA, Hands Across the Bay, Arise Alliance, Vincent Jackson Foundation, Hook A Hero, Operation Restore, and many more. Each partnership reflects an intentional effort to support organizations that address meaningful needs in the Tampa Bay region.

The Pepin Academies

Founded in 1999, The Pepin Academies is a nonprofit, tuition-free public charter school that educates students in grades 3 through 12 and offers a transitional job training program for 18- to 22-year-old students. Tina Pepin has supported the continued growth of a model that now serves more than 1,200 students and over 850 graduates. Campuses operate in Hillsborough County in Tampa and Riverview, as well as in New Port Richey, serving Pasco County. Qualified students receive therapy at no cost, including services from social workers, mental health counselors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, sensory integration specialists, and speech language professionals.

She served on the board of Pepin Academies for nearly three years and values the individualized learning structure that supports academic progress and personal development. Students are encouraged to build confidence, gain practical skills, and prepare for future educational and employment opportunities within a supportive environment.

Tina also supports the Foundation’s role in fostering community connection through Pepin’s Hospitality Centre. The venue provides space for culture and cuisine while welcoming nonprofit groups, civic leaders, and residents to gather and collaborate to strengthen local relationships.

Pepin Heart Institute

As part of the Pepin Family Foundation’s longstanding commitment to healthcare advancement, Christina Pepin actively supports the Pepin Heart Institute. Established in 1986 by Tom and Arthur Pepin, the Institute works to eradicate heart disease through research and patient-centered care. Her involvement includes championing initiatives that improve cardiac outcomes and broaden access to advanced treatment options.

This work reflects a broader dedication to healthcare innovation and collaboration. By supporting research, medical education, and patient services, the Foundation contributes to measurable improvements in heart health within the community.

Public Safety a Priority

Currently, Tina focuses on public safety initiatives that prioritize mental health and resiliency. Through the Foundation, she supports first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other frontline professionals, who encounter traumatic events while serving their communities.

She believes it is essential to provide resources for those who protect others. Tina Pepin helped establish a program with the University of South Florida during a nursing crisis in Tampa to support young nursing professionals entering the field. The Foundation partners with the Tampa Police Department to enhance officer wellness, resiliency programs, and mental health services. It also supports Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association President Jonathan Vazquez and General Counsel and Executive Director Sasha Lohn, Esq., in launching a first-of-its-kind law enforcement mental health college certificate program that allows active and retired officers to earn college credits and an applied mental health certificate.

The Foundation delivers these programs alongside additional investments in healthcare and education, all designed to create practical, lasting impact across Tampa Bay.

Recognized for Her Dedication, Her Work

Tina Pepin is recognized for encouraging collaboration among organizations and for ensuring that community-serving institutions have the resources necessary to succeed. Her leadership builds upon her family’s longstanding contributions, including the establishment of Pepin Academies and the Pepin Heart Institute.

She has supported initiatives such as the USF Pepin Family Summer Nursing Pathway Program and the expansion of mental health services for first responders. Her board involvement includes AdventHealth Tampa, Leadership Tampa Bay, the Suncoast Alliance for First Responders, and the Mental Health Advisory Committee.

In January 2026, Tina Pepin received recognition for her support of Rise Tampa, the official Foundation for the Tampa Police Department. Additional honors include the Tampa Police Department Chiefs' Appreciation Award, Able Trust Champion of Opportunity, and Suncoast PBA Civilian of the Year.

Education

Tina graduated from Belmont University Jack C. Massey College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration BBA in 2021. She participated in the Winterline Global Education program, gaining experience in entrepreneurship and business through engagement with global hubs and startups in the United States and Asia. She presented a new business venture to a panel of entrepreneurs at MIT in Boston. She studied management and international business with students at the Prashad School in Mumbai, India, while visiting startup businesses in India, Singapore, and Cambodia.

Christina Pepin continues to dedicate her professional efforts to strengthening public safety, advancing healthcare initiatives, expanding educational opportunities, and supporting community well-being. Through steady leadership and consistent service, she remains focused on creating meaningful partnerships that benefit Tampa Bay now and in the years ahead.