United Way Suncoast has announced its Sarasota area board of directors for 2017, including three new members: Dr. Todd Bowden, superintendent for Sarasota County Schools; David Ford-Coates, vice president at BB&T Bank; and Susan Wetzel of Johnson & Johnson North America. All board members are heavily involved with advancing United Way Suncoast’s strategic plan and its goal to break the cycle of generational poverty through educational programs that give children the skills to succeed, and helping adults achieve long-term financial stability so they can support themselves and their families. Returning to the board and joining Bowden, Ford-Coates and Wetzel are Board Chair Dr. Judy Shank of the Toqueville Society, Secretary Jessica Blume of Deloitte LLP, Marlon Brown from Sarasota city government, Rae Dowling of Florida Power & Light Company, Tom Harmer of the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners, Kimberly Hopper of Regions Bank Sarasota, Michael Kot of Public Super Markets, Robert Lane of Kerkering Barberio, Richard Rueger of FCCI Insurance Group, Karen Rushing of the circuit court, CYD STAR Student Isabella Stepanek and E. Keith DuBose of Matthews, Eastmoore, Hardy, Crauwels & Garcia.

United Way Suncoast