The Gulf Coast region has long been defined by its generosity. From donors and volunteers to the nonprofit organizations that shape daily life, philanthropy here is more than a value— it is a shared way of being. Today, that spirit of generosity continues to thrive as our community welcomes two visionary leaders who will help guide it forward: Dr. John Brothers, President and CEO of Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation (Barancik), and Jessica Muroff, President and CEO of Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC).

Each of these leaders brings a remarkable blend of experience, empathy, and purpose to their work. Dr. Brothers becomes only the second CEO in the Barancik Foundation’s history, following the extraordinary legacy of Teri Hansen. Jessica Muroff joins as the third CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, carrying forward an organization that has served as a cornerstone of local philanthropy for more than four decades. I am proud to welcome John and Jessica as partners in our ongoing work to strengthen the community through collaboration and shared purpose.

Our region’s progress has always been built on strong partnerships. The boards and search committees who identified these leaders deserve tremendous credit for their vision in choosing individuals who not only bring exceptional skills but who also share a deep commitment to collaboration.

In a recent interview, John reflected, “Philanthropy brings people together, donors, families, board members, communities.” That spirit of connection is what makes our region so extraordinary. It reminds us that the most meaningful change does not come from a single organization but from the collective energy of people working toward shared goals.

Jessica’s leadership reflects that same spirit. At United Way Suncoast, she cultivated a culture of collaboration and creativity, empowering her team and strengthening the organization from within. Her commitment to balance, growth, and community well-being illustrates the kind of people-centered leadership that fortifies not only her organization but the entire social fabric around it. Over the years, she has also been a trusted partner to Gulf Coast, Barancik, and CFSC, joining forces on disaster recovery efforts and championing resources that help nonprofits better serve our region.

As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism. With strong, collaborative leadership across our foundations, we are poised to deepen our collective impact. By listening first—to our donors, nonprofit partners, and residents who love this community deeply—we will continue to build a culture of shared learning, creativity, and trust that honors the legacies we inherit while shaping a vibrant future together.

Philanthropy, after all, is not about any one of us. It is about all of us working together for the place we call home.

Phillip Lanham is the President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. 

November is a month of gratitude highlighted by Thanksgiving. While it is easy to be critical of government, we believe it is important to also highlight the good things happening here and with government.

We live in a great place; our problems here are a result of the positive things happening in this community. Affordable housing and traffic congestion problems are a result of people moving here and wanting to move here. We are thankful for our law enforcement officers in our cities, county, and schools who do an excellent job keeping us safe. We know that when traffic is our biggest law enforcement complaint, that violent crime is low and people feel safe.

We are thankful to our voters for the conservation of our lands in Sarasota County. While our affordable housing problem lies in the lack of inventory and the cost of land, the fact that the county has one-third of its property owned by the government, much of it due to conservation, means generations will have natural lands to enjoy. This year marks the 25-year anniversary of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, and 42,000 acres of land have been protected through land purchases and conservation easements under that program.

We are grateful for overall responsible fiscal management, even in light of the 2022 hurricane and the multiple hurricanes of 2024. The county's outstanding general obligation rating is 'AAA' and the county's Issuer Default Rating is 'AAA,' representing the lowest expectation of default risk according to Fitch. We have a 'Stable' rating outlook in spite of what we have faced from mother nature, painting an overall picture of financial health for the county.

We appreciate the elected local commissioners for their time-consuming service and dedication—commissioners who return calls after hours, who go to public events early in the morning and late at night, who endure some of the uncivil public vitriol by those who disagree with their decisions. For the most part, they make decisions they believe in, knowing that any decision will upset half the people affected.

We are grateful for the government employees who make our community work, who respond to concerns about maintenance and repairs, and are there when we have medical emergencies. These are the people that teach our kids, who oversee summer camps and recreation, who make sure our beaches are clean and rescue us when we need it. They give us access to water—to drink, use, and play on. They plan our future infrastructure and try to beautify our county.

There is a lot to be grateful for in this county, and our assets far outweigh the problems, many of which are created by our successes. As we gather around tables this Thanksgiving, let us remember that a thriving community is built not just by leaders and policies, but by every person who chooses to see the good, contribute to solutions, and appreciate the dedicated individuals working to make Sarasota County a better place for all of us.

Christine Robinson, Executive Director of The Argus Foundation. 

At SCF, we believe in meeting you where you are. In our science programs, that means creating a space where curiosity leads to discovery, and where you’re not just a student but a scientist in the making. The college offers vibrant pathways into the biological, chemical, and physical sciences, open to lifelong learners, future researchers, and anyone who wonders how the natural world works. Our motto “At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re Everyone’s College.” truly comes to life here.

Students can explore programs including the Biotechnology associate in science and the Biotechnology specialist certificate. The Biotechnology AS is described as “the applied science of the 21st century,” preparing students for roles in biomedical research, commercial biotech labs, and other applied biology fields. Likewise, the Specialist Certificate “prepares students for technician roles in research labs or industrial settings,” and its coursework flows directly into the AS program.

What makes these programs stand out is the hands-on, research-driven experience. From molecular isolation and sequencing techniques to cell culture, bioinformatics, and internships, SCF students gain real laboratory skills from day one. The department’s vision is “to promote scientific literacy and excellence in science learning by offering progressive programs using current technologies and procedures that foster critical thinking and engage students through active learning.”

Andrew R. Swanson, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences, emphasizes that students aren’t just learning science, they’re doing science. They isolate DNA, amplify genes, culture cells, ask questions, and find answers. His approach reflects a deep commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world applications and to empowering students with both knowledge and confidence.

Students often describe their time in the biotech lab as eye-opening and transformative. Many arrive with curiosity about how living systems work and discover, through hands-on experience, that they are capable of far more than they imagined. The Specialist Certificate is frequently noted for building confidence through practical skill development and preparing students to step into laboratory environments with a sense of readiness and familiarity. These experiences highlight the supportive, community-focused culture that helps learners grow academically and personally.

Beyond the labs, what truly defines this area of study is the culture: faculty who care, classrooms that welcome, and pathways that adapt. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, changing careers, or returning to learning for the joy of it, SCF offers a place to grow. Here, science is more than a subject, it’s a shared journey of curiosity, creativity, and discovery.

To explore more about these programs and the people who bring science to life, visit SCF.edu

Tommy Gregory, J.D. is the President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. 

Pictured: Professor Swanson with SCF students. Photo courtesy of SCF.