Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation announces the hiring of Kaitlyn Perez as Communications and Learning Officer who begins her duties January 2. Perez will implement the Barancik Foundation’s communications strategy, while capturing the organization’s impact and institutional learning. She will work closely with nonprofits and grantees to tell the stories of the impact created through Foundation support and collaboration. She brings the Foundation strategic communications experience, most recently serving as Community Affairs Director and Chief Spokeswoman for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Perez spearheaded public safety campaigns and strategic initiatives; drove the brand and image of Sarasota County’s largest law-enforcement agency; and responded regularly to scenes in the field to keep the public updated on news from an agency of nearly 1,000 employees. Perez earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and has completed graduate coursework through St. Leo University. She has deep community ties and serves as a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Perez lives in Sarasota with her husband, Jesse, and their two sons, Cameron and Casey.