Teri Hansen says even a week ago she wasn’t expecting to leave her post at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation for a new job. But a pair of donors looking to vastly expand their own family foundation offered her a chance to good to refuse. Starting in July, Hansen will serve as president and CEO of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation. “Gulf Coast is at a strong point right now,” she said, “and the opportunity to work for the Barancik Foundation to help create their legacy during their lifetime is something special.” 

Hansen, who has led Gulf Coast since 2002, will stick out the fiscal year with her current employer and vowed to assist in any transition to new leadership. During her time at Gulf Coast, the foundation has grown to be a key economic player in the region, launching such projects as Gulf Coast Gives, BIG!, and most recently the Innovation Challenge. But she said her greatest achievement is pulling together a solid staff at the foundation, one capable of keeping the organization moving forward.

A search for Hansen’s replacement will look both internally and outside the organization, though final details on a process won’t be decided upon until a board meeting on Wednesday. As for her new job, she said the Barancik Foundation is one that will also contribute in the region for years to come. Barancik right now has an endowment $100 million, and Charles and Margery Barancik themselves plan to put another $100 million in three years from now. Upon Charles Barancik’s eventual passing, the organization will be willed more, and could have around $500 million with which to build. “Margie and I feel that our foundation should be run by an experienced philanthropic professional who can carry on our legacy," Charles Barancik said. “Teri Hansen is the most qualified person to perform this function."

Hansen said the organization will, as a part of its mission, give local grants, and will still be involved in partnerships with Gulf Coast. The Baranciks in the past have contributed to such efforts as StemSmart classrooms for Sarasota County public schools, and plan on working closely with community partners. “This is the best of both worlds for me,” Hansen said. “I still get to work with my colleagues through Gulf Coast initiations and get work for the Baranciks, a wonderful couple that is so generous to this community."