Christina Pepin, known professionally as Tina Pepin, serves as the Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation, where she leads philanthropic initiatives across Tampa Bay, Florida. As a third-generation philanthropist, she continues a legacy centered on service, accountability, and community partnership. Her work advances public safety, healthcare, education, and mental health programs, with a focus on creating measurable and lasting community impact.
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 commitment to giving to givers and supporting individuals dedicated to serving others. Tina works to preserve the mission and values established by both her father and grandfather, ensuring their philanthropic vision continues through future generations.
Over the years, the Foundation and its family have supported numerous charitable organizations throughout the Tampa Bay region. 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 contribution reflects a consistent effort to strengthen community institutions and provide meaningful support where it is most needed.
Founded in 1999, The Pepin Academies is a nonprofit, tuition-free public charter school serving third through 12th-grade students, along with a transitional job training program for 18- to 22-year-old students. Tina Pepin supports a school system that now serves more than 1,200 students and has graduated over 850 individuals. Campuses are located 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 access to social workers, mental health counselors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, sensory integration services, and speech language programs.
She served on the board of Pepin Academies for nearly three years and values the individualized learning model that promotes both academic and personal development. The environment is structured to ensure students feel supported, respected, and prepared for further education or employment.
Tina also supports the Foundation’s engagement with Pepin’s Hospitality Centre, a venue dedicated to community culture and cuisine. The space brings together local organizations and residents, strengthening relationships and encouraging collaboration across Tampa Bay.
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 focuses on eradicating heart disease through research and patient-centered care. Her involvement includes championing initiatives that improve cardiac outcomes and expand access to advanced medical treatment.
This work reflects a broader dedication to responsible healthcare investment and collaboration among medical professionals. By supporting research and patient services, the Foundation contributes to meaningful progress in cardiovascular health within the region.
Currently, Tina prioritizes public safety initiatives that emphasize mental health and resiliency. Through the Foundation, she supports law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other frontline professionals who frequently encounter traumatic situations while serving their communities.
She believes that communities are stronger when first responders receive appropriate support. Tina Pepin helped establish a program with the University of South Florida during a nursing crisis in Tampa to assist young nursing professionals. 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 enables active and retired officers to earn college credits and an applied mental health certificate.
These initiatives operate alongside additional investments in healthcare and education, all structured to create lasting and practical impact for the Tampa Bay community.
Tina Pepin is recognized for fostering collaboration among organizations and strengthening institutions that serve the public. Her leadership continues the foundational work of her family, including the establishment of Pepin Academies and the Pepin Heart Institute.
She has supported programs such as the USF Pepin Family Summer Nursing Pathway Program and expanded mental health resources for first responders. Her board service 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. She has also been honored with the Tampa Police Department's Chief's Appreciation Award, the Able Trust Champion of Opportunity, and the Suncoast PBA Civilian of the Year.
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 pitched 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 remains committed to advancing public safety, expanding access to healthcare, strengthening educational opportunities, and supporting long-term community development throughout Tampa Bay. Through steady leadership and continued service, she upholds her family’s philanthropic mission while working to create sustainable progress for future generations.