On Friday, February 27, 32 dynamic community leaders from across the region graduated from the Winter 2026 Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI). The group represents the 20th and largest class to date to participate in Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s (Gulf Coast’s) long-standing board development initiative.
The Institute provides interactive, high-level board governance training to new and veteran nonprofit board members to expand their understanding of governance best practices. The training is part of Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible (I3) initiative, which serves as a resource for regional nonprofits to strengthen the board governance and operational effectiveness of area nonprofits.
“This graduating class is now equipped to use a variety of practical tools, skills, and best practices within their nonprofit boards,” said Betsy Steiner, i3 Director. “We are grateful for this cohort’s commitment to both our community and serving it through exceptional board service.”
The Winter 2026 Gulf Coast Board Institute cohort consists of the following individuals and the respective organizations on which they serve as board members:
- David Abderhalden, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, City of Punta Gorda - Utilities Advisory Board
- Julie Beatty, YMCA of Southwest Florida, Englewood Area Chamber of Commerce
- Roger Blanken, CenterPlace Health
- Jennifer Bowser, Hope DeSoto Long Term Recovery Group, DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce
- Rhonda Calahan, Queens of Domestic Violence Awareness
- Asha Campbell, Jakpreneur Brunch – DeSoto
- Vikki Caradonna, Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida
- Harry Cicchetti, Project Pride SRQ
- Sarah Cloud, CenterPlace Health
- Sally Daisomont, Players Theater of Sarasota
- Jodie DeLoach, DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce; Drug Free DeSoto; DeSoto County Education Foundation
- Bruce Ensinger, Key Chorale; Sarasota Concert Association
- Heather Fugate, DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce; Tobacco Free Partnership of DeSoto County
- Justyn Hunter-Ceruti, Project Pride SRQ
- Mackenzie Jianelli, Fabulous Arts Foundation
- Mitch Lomazov, I3 consultant
- Tambria Lynn, Women in Philanthropy
- Tara Mashburn, Friends of Curious and Kind
- Kathy Mason, Senior Friendship Centers
- Darryl McCullough, Sunshine Community Compost merger
- Richard Moore, Suncoast Waterkeeper
- Nan Morgan, non-profit partner
- William Murgolo, Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
- Thomas Parker, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
- Richard Parlato, Pops Orchestra; Healing for Heros
- Patricia Raiken, Key Chorale
- Amanda Reuter, DeSoto Cares Homeless Services, Faith Mission
- Ken Richmond, Project 180
- Antonia Rolle, Project 180
- Marilyn Thompson, Girls, Inc.
- Justine Wilson, Friends of Curious and Kind
- Sara Winer, Impact100 SRQ
"The Board Institute was a truly enriching experience,” said Sara Winer, Co-President of Impact100 SRQ and GCBI Winter 2026 graduate. “It created space for thoughtful conversations, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections with others who are passionate about serving our community. I left feeling more prepared and inspired to contribute as a leader."
Applications for Gulf Coast’s Fall 2026 GCBI will open this summer. A program overview can be found at www.gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI.
The next group will participate in four training sessions in October 2026 at Gulf Coast’s Sarasota Philanthropy Center, 1549 State Street, Sarasota. Topics will include fundamentals of nonprofit board governance, becoming an ambassador for your organization, financial and legal oversight responsibilities, fundraising and resource development, and more. The training is led by certified consultants who are part of Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible nonprofit capacity-building initiative.
Participants will be selected through a competitive application process with the intent of creating a group of individuals with a variety of experiences. Gulf Coast provides all training and resources at no cost to participants in exchange for their commitment to serve as advocates for good board governance in current and future nonprofit board roles. Applicants are encouraged to be current, active board members at a nonprofit in the region, although prospective board members will also be considered. Because of strong demand for this high-quality training opportunity, applicants also must sign a commitment that they will attend all four days of training if selected.
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