At Gulf Coast, Brand Strategy is about turning insight into clarity. Our work focuses on shaping how our mission is expressed and understood across channels and audiences. By aligning messaging and perspective, we help ensure our communications are intentional, consistent, and meaningful — supporting a stronger, more resilient future for the region we serve.
Meet the Brand Strategy + Culture team and learn more about their roles:
Kelly Carlstein
Vice President of Strategy + Culture
Kelly Carlstein is the strategic anchor for Gulf Coast. She leads the organization’s strategic plan and continuous improvement efforts, helping translate vision into action across the Foundation. She also aligns communications, marketing, public relations, and facilities experiences with Gulf Coast’s mission, ensuring a strong internal culture and a consistent, mission‑driven brand across every touchpoint.
Stacy Van Buren, SHRM-SCP
Human Resources Business Partner
Stacy Van Buren guides HR strategies for Gulf Coast. Every day, she connects organizational values to the employee experience – from strengthening workplace practices to supporting the growth and well-being of staff – to help shape an environment where people feel supported in their roles and beyond.
Kelly Borgia
Director of Brand Engagement
Kelly Borgia acts as a connector of ideas, partnerships, and impact for Gulf Coast. She works across teams to guide audience-centered storytelling and create experiences that engage all Gulf Coast audiences.
Alyssa Barnsley
Senior Associate of Brand Strategy
Alyssa Barnsley drives Gulf Coast’s visual identity and audience engagement strategies. Her work shapes how the organization shows up visually across digital channels and print materials, strengthening brand presence through clear, mission-driven communications that connects with audiences.
Alyssa Holcomb
Brand Engagement Associate
Alyssa Holcomb brings Gulf Coast’s brand strategy to life through strategic communications, public relations, and social media. She turns stories of donor and partner impact into clear, engaging content that helps audiences better understand the Foundation’s work.
Ann Karwoski
Office + Events Coordinator
Ann Karwoski serves as the administrative backbone for the Sarasota Philanthropy Center. She supports i3 services and daily operations by coordinating details, improving processes, and ensuring accuracy – helping create a thoughtful, seamless experience for all.
Lisa Ann Sherman
Office Assistant
Lisa Ann Sherman helps ensure a smooth, welcoming experience at Gulf Coast’s Venice Headquarters. She plays a key role in the day-to-day operations that keep the space running smoothly and ensures people feel cared for from the moment they arrive.
From shaping strategy and communications to supporting people, culture, and everyday experiences, every effort of the Brand Strategy + Culture team is rooted in collaboration and care. The team works across and alongside every Gulf Coast department to guide messaging, strengthen culture, and ensure each interaction with the Gulf Coast brand feels thoughtful and consistent. Together, this work helps create an environment where people feel connected, supported, and confident in the mission — so Gulf Coast can continue doing its best work for the region we serve.
One team. Many perspectives. All focused on our community.
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