Beth Bradburn, originally from the Chicago area, began her career in the United States Air Force in 1983. Her nine years of military service, which included deployments for Desert Storm and Desert Shield, took her to areas such as California, Turkey and Texas. Following her time in the military, she relocated to Florida, where she attended Eckerd College in St. Petersburg and established a successful career in the homebuilding sector, culminating in her most recent role as Chief Operating Officer at Homes by WestBay in the Tampa Bay area. She and her husband, Tony, made Sarasota their home after Beth left the military in 1992. Her parents were already living in the area, and her mother retired to help care for the couple’s children. “While I work in Tampa and have for over 20 years, my heart is in Sarasota,” Bradburn shares. Today, she and Tony enjoy living in Sarasota and spending time with their daughters, sons-in-law and seven grandchildren.

Bradburn and Homes by Westbay share a commitment to Resilient Retreat, a local nonprofit dedicated to aiding those affected by trauma and abuse. For several years, they have actively supported the organization through various avenues, including event sponsorship, regular attendance and dedicated volunteer days. Beth has been a vocal advocate, speaking to large audiences about Resilient Retreat’s vital mission and the critical work it performs for trauma survivors, helping professionals and first responders within the community. Because Homes by WestBay is a local company, the business has chosen to partner with local charities where it can truly make a difference within the community. “We don’t just build homes, we strive to deliver a better way of life to homebuyers in Tampa Bay. We give back monetarily to the local community with every one of our home closings,” explains Bradburn. “We chose Resilient Retreat as one of those organizations because it is special to several of our executive committee members. Most of us have experienced some type of trauma in our lives, or we are close to someone who has experienced trauma or works with trauma victims. We have seen how it affects people in their daily lives and we want to help support their healing.”

A quote by Mariska Hargitay comes to mind when Bradburn thinks of the work Resilient Retreat does: Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step. “No one heals alone, which is why organizations like Resilient Retreat are so important for the community and that is why several of our team members have spent many hours volunteering at Resilient Retreat, and why our Division Manager in Sarasota and Manatee, Dee Crescini, has been asked to join the board of the organization,” Bradburn adds. Deeply engaged in community service beyond her involvement with Resilient Retreat, Bradburn is actively involved with the Urban Land Institute and sits on the Board of Directors for A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay. This organization, which Homes by WestBay has supported since 2017, also aids trauma survivors by offering a safe, caring environment for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. A key goal is to keep siblings together. Additionally, Bradburn contributes to the work of several other local nonprofits.

“My Christian faith tells me that the source of our strength and the ability to give back comes from the Lord. He is the one who provides all we need; therefore, everything we have is a gift that deserves to be shared. Giving back is just one way to share those gifts,” says Bradburn.

While she is honored and blessed to be recognized, Bradburn knows that without the support of Homes by WestBay, she would not be in the position she is today to be able to give back as generously as she and her husband have done over the years. She is hopeful that her actions and recognition serve as an inspiration for others to share their time, talents and treasures and says, “The needs are great in our community and we need Good Heroes!” Bradburn’s advice for those interested in philanthropy is to first understand their own passion and the specific difference they or their organization aims to make. They should then seek out organizations whose values align with their own. She emphasizes that it is acceptable to “start small,” as involvement takes time and needs to be integrated into an organization’s culture. With focus and dedication, philanthropic efforts can develop organically over time. Bradburn notes, “You would be amazed at the good things you can do with that mindset.” Maya Angelou once said, You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. “I firmly believe this to be true,” says Bradburn. “I hope my actions reflect this sentiment.”  SRQ Beth Bradburn was honored as a Good Hero by SRQ Magazine in December, 2025.