Phillip Lanham, President | CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast), has been selected to participate in Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Class 44, joining a group of 55 distinguished leaders from across the state in one of Florida’s most respected leadership development programs.
Founded in 1982, Leadership Florida brings together leaders from business, government, education, nonprofit, and civic sectors to deepen their understanding of the issues shaping the state and strengthen their ability to serve their communities. Over the past four decades, the program has built a statewide network of leaders committed to collaboration, informed decision-making, and meaningful civic engagement. The Cornerstone Program is highly competitive, selecting a limited number of participants each year who demonstrate a commitment to leadership, service, and advancing Florida’s future.
“Strong leadership requires a willingness to listen, grow, and seek out new perspectives,” said Lanham. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Class 44 and gain new insights that will strengthen the way Gulf Coast continues serving alongside our communities.”
Lanham has been leading Gulf Coast since June 2023, working with the Board of Directors and staff to advance its three priority areas: Attainable Housing, Environmental Resilience, and Helping People Through Times of Crisis. During his tenure, Gulf Coast has launched a bold three-year strategy to expand its impact in partnership with donors.
Under his leadership, Gulf Coast has reached several significant milestones, including surpassing $650 million in community impact since its founding, strengthening regional systems of care, and accelerating unique donor-driven solutions to address housing affordability across the Gulf Coast region.
Lanham’s commitment to community service is unwavering. He serves on the boards of the Florida Chamber Foundation, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, and Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Steering Committee for the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative, a national advocacy organization committed to advancing community philanthropy. Phillip believes that working towards the greater good has been the hallmark of his career.
Erin Minor Named to CFLeads Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for VPs
Erin Minor, Vice President, Community Leadership, has been announced as part of the 2026-27 cohort of CFLeads’ Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for VPs. The year-long learning opportunity focuses exclusively on building skills and exchanging ideas with peers in the national community leadership space.
“Stepping outside of what we know creates space to see our work through a different lens,” said Minor. “I’m looking forward to sharing perspectives from our region, learning alongside peers across the country, and bringing new ideas back to Gulf Coast.”
Multiple Gulf Coast Staff Members Named to Regional Leadership Programs
In addition, two Gulf Coast team members have been selected to participate in regional leadership programs designed to deepen participants’ understanding of their communities, connect them with local leaders, and strengthen their ability to serve as engaged community partners. Elizabeth Welch, J.D., Director, Professional Advisor Relationships, was named to Leadership Venice’s 2026 class by the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, and Jess Blagdon, Grants and Evaluation Officer, was selected for Leadership Sarasota’s 2027 class by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
“Elizabeth and Jess bring deep knowledge, thoughtful perspectives, and a strong commitment to the communities we serve,” said Lanham. “We are proud to see them selected for these programs and to have their expertise and dedication represented among the next generation of community leaders.”
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