Pictured: Michael Suarez (left) with Executive Publisher, Wes Roberts. Photo by Daniel Wagner, Wagner Visuals.

Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations—from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. This year, attendees were thrilled to be together as we recognized these individuals at our annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on December 10 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. In the coming weeks, we are happy to feature each of the ten honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

Today, we are recognizing Corporate Good Hero, Michael Suarez. Michael’s story represents the extraordinary power of coming full circle, transforming the life of a child into a lifelong commitment to service, leadership and community. As a young boy, he attended preschool at the historic Helen R. Payne Day Nursery, which merged with Children First in 2004 and those early years shaped his path. He was nurtured, encouraged and inspired to believe in his potential. Decades later, he now serves as Board Chair of the very agency that gave him his own “Head Start” in life—a true testament to the lasting impact of early education. Drawing upon his expertise from a distinguished 29-year career with Sarasota County Government, where he became the first African American Executive Director of Emergency Services, leading 580 employees and managing an $82 million budget, Michael’s leadership proved crucial during devastating storm seasons. Thanks to his guidance, Children First was able to respond quickly, maintain continuity of care and provide stability for families who were already facing tremendous financial and emotional hardship. Congratulations Michael!

Pictured: Michael Suarez (left) with Executive Publisher, Wes Roberts. Photo by Daniel Wagner, Wagner Visuals.