Pictured: Senior Friendship Centers President/CEO Erin McLeod giving a thank you speech to the crowd. Photo courtesy of SFC.

Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) President/CEO Erin McLeod received the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of service to the community. This prestigious accolade, part of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program, recognizes individuals whose lifelong efforts have made a significant impact. Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert also honored McLeod by proclaiming August 14 as “Erin McLeod’s Day.” The ceremony took place at SFC’s Sarasota campus. McLeod's work is particularly crucial given that approximately 30% of Southwest Florida's population is 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey. Under her leadership, Senior Friendship Centers has become a cornerstone of support, providing essential services and programs that promote wellness, connection, enrichment and joy throughout the aging journey. Over 150 attendees, including state, regional, and local leaders, came celebrated McLeod’s 20 years of dedication. The event featured speeches from notable figures including Dr. Jennifer M. Pilate, Certifying Agent for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Program; Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert; Heather Kasten, President/CEO of the Sarasota Chamber; Kathy Silverberg, Vice Chair of the SFC Board of Directors and former publisher of the Herald-Tribune; and Dr. Felton Pilate, Grammy Award winner and President of United Spirits Media Group, and our own Chief Development Officer, Declan Sheehy. The evening culminated in a heartfelt champagne toast led by Silverberg, acknowledging McLeod’s profound impact on the community.

Pictured: Senior Friendship Centers President/CEO Erin McLeod giving a thank you speech to the crowd. Photo courtesy of SFC.