Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. (SMHF) announced that Mason Ayres, CFRE, CFP has been named president of the organization to lead the foundation's fundraising programs.

"We expect that Mason Ayres will be a very dynamic person who will work tirelessly to move the Healthcare Foundation forward and keep it evolving along with the growth of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital and our community," says Jim Syprett, chair of the foundation board of trustees.

Prior to joining SMHF, Ayres was the executive director of NCH Healthcare Foundation. His previous experience includes director of planned giving for Ave Maria University as well as an extensive career in the travel/hospitality industry with companies such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando. He is a member of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served as president of both the Greater Naples Planned Giving Council and the Estate Planning Council of Naples.

"My experience at Naples Community Hospital (NCH) makes me keenly aware of how important a strong and vibrant health care system is to the overall community," says Ayres.