Christina Pepin

Christina Pepin, professionally known as Tina Pepin, serves as the Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation and represents a third-generation legacy of philanthropy in Tampa Bay, Florida. Her leadership centers on advancing public safety, healthcare, education, and mental health initiatives that create sustainable community impact. Through thoughtful collaboration and responsible stewardship, she supports programs that strengthen local institutions and serve families across the region.

Tina continues to be guided by the example of her grandfather, who was allowed to attend college by a family he once served. That experience shaped his lifelong commitment to giving to givers. She works to uphold the mission embraced by both her father and grandfather, ensuring that their dedication to service continues to shape the Foundation’s direction.

Over the years, she and her family have supported numerous charitable organizations throughout Tampa Bay. 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 others. These partnerships reflect a steady investment in first responder support, youth development, healthcare access, and collaborative community initiatives.

Tina Pepin has also played an active role in supporting The Pepin Academies, founded in 1999 as a non-profit, tuition-free public charter school serving third through 12th-grade students, as well as a transitional job training program for 18- to 22-year-old students. Nearly three decades later, the academies serve more than 1,200 students and over 850 graduates across campuses in Tampa, Riverview, and New Port Richey.

She served on the board of Pepin Academies for nearly three years and values the individualized learning model that encourages both academic success and personal development. The school environment fosters a sense of belonging and prepares students for continued education and career opportunities. The Foundation also contributes to community engagement through Pepin’s Hospitality Centre, which provides space for culture and cuisine in Tampa Bay.

Tina actively supports the mission of the Pepin Heart Institute as part of the Foundation’s longstanding healthcare commitment. Established in 1986 by Tom and Arthur Pepin, the Institute focuses on research and patient-centered cardiac care to eradicate heart disease.

Public safety remains a primary priority within the Foundation’s work. Mental health and resiliency programs are designed to assist law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other front-line professionals who regularly encounter traumatic events.

Tina Pepin believes that communities are stronger when those who serve are supported. During a nursing crisis in Tampa, the Foundation partnered with the University of South Florida to support young nursing professionals. It partners with the Tampa Police Department to strengthen resiliency, officer wellness, and mental health programming. It proudly partners with Sun Coast PBA President Jonathan Vazquez and Executive Director & General Counsel Sasha Lohn, Esq., to launch a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind college certificate program in law enforcement mental health for active and retired officers.

Christina Pepin continues to promote collaboration among healthcare leaders, educators, and public safety professionals across Tampa Bay. She has supported initiatives such as the USF Pepin Family Summer Nursing Pathway Program and the expansion of mental health resources for first responders. A 2021 graduate of Belmont University, Jack C. Massey College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration BBA, she also participated in the Winterline Global Education program, pitching a business venture at MIT in Boston, and studying management and international business in the United States and Asia.