Community Foundation of Sarasota County Expands Talent with Staff Promotions, Appointments, National Fellowship

Categories: Leadership,

SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has announced the promotion of a longstanding staff member, appointment of a seasoned development professional, and the acceptance of a Vice President into a prestigious national fellowship.

“We’re thrilled to recognize our longstanding colleagues who have contributed so much to the betterment of our community, and welcome new colleagues as they begin their career with us,” says Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Our staff cares deeply and remains committed as ever to ensuring everyone who lives here can realize their full potential and thrive. I count myself grateful for being able to work each day alongside such extraordinary colleagues.”

Representing the state of Florida, Ranata Reeder, Vice President of Knowledge and Equity, has joined the 2021-2022 class of the Hull Fellows Leadership Program, a philanthropic leadership development program of Philanthropy Southeast. Throughout the year, Reeder alongside 21 other philanthropic leaders from across the southeastern United States will explore the evolution of philanthropy in the South, emerging trends and best practices, and the challenges facing foundations today. More than 300 individuals have graduated from the program since its inception, with dozens now serving as CEOs and senior executives throughout the region.

Julie Avins has assumed the role of Director of Accounting. Since joining the Community Foundation as Senior Accountant in 2015, Avins has continually expanded her leadership in the day-to-day operations of the finance department from analyzing investment accounts to supervising two staff accountants to overseeing the processing of gifts at all levels. During her tenure, the foundation’s assets have grown from $274 million to $520 million.

Newly appointed as Philanthropic Advisor, Laurie Scott will work closely with donors throughout our community to help them achieve their philanthropic goals through charitable investments. Scott joins the Community Foundation with more than 30 years as a development professional with experiences in the United States, Japan, and New Zealand. She has held development roles at the University of South Florida, The Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, the Medical University of South Carolina, and University of Auckland. Scott will work alongside Jay Young, Vice President of Philanthropy, to further cultivate donor relations and inspire philanthropic giving.

For more than 40 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been key to unlocking possibilities for everyone who calls our area home. Founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council, the Community Foundation has grown one donor at a time to become the second largest community foundation in the state of Florida, managing more than 1,570 funds and granting more than $350 million to area nonprofit organizations serving our community.

PHOTO I.D. (from left to right): Ranata Reeder, Julie Avins, and Laurie Scott.

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About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County:The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of $520 million in more than 1,570 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $27.5 million dollars last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant more than $350 million to area nonprofit organizations to our community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000.