September Member Spotlight

"I am the chairman of the Community Foundations of Florida, a member network of FPN that represents 25 community foundations leading philanthropy throughout the state. I got involved with CFF in 2004 prior to FPN’s formation and have stayed connected over the years to learn about important matters related to philanthropy in our state and to build relationships with other leaders working to make Florida better."

"The Florida philanthropic community is made up of veteran leaders and newcomers who seem to embrace the rapid changes taking place within our state while respecting our heritage. Its fun to work together with colleagues who hold Florida classics like “A Land Remembered” or “The Everglades: River of Grass” in high regard, while also “nerding out” about subjects where Florida is leading into the future like agriculture technology, climate solutions, and outer space . . . to name a few."

"I have been impressed by the strong network of diverse partners working to make the Florida Wildlife Corridor a permanent part of Florida’s natural landscape.  While our young, relatively small community foundation’s environmental grantmaking portfolio is mostly focused on local coastal conservation and improving the Indian River Lagoon, I believe efforts to make the Florida Wildlife Corridor a reality is an investment that can pay dividends in perpetuity."

"As a community foundation serving a coastal resort and agricultural community with a seasonal population, keeping donors engaged in making long-term philanthropic investments is hard work.  Our “super power” comes from the innovative tools and resources we have developed to collect and share data and information about local community needs that help our clients to stay on top of the issues and practice more effective philanthropy.  Everybody says they want to see results from their giving, but our clients have confidence because we help them to prove it."

"In life, it is time at the beach or in the ocean, watching or riding waves with my family.  At work, my colleagues and I are “all in,” but when the surf is up, we all take time for a “board meeting.”